Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats have to meet federal safety standards. However some seats go above and beyond. From extra padding to a padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no having to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will appreciate.
We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base), stroller connectivity, special features and price when selecting our top choices. Find out which infant seat is right for your family by reading on.
Safety
Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats have extra features that go above the minimum standards. These include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that can hold straps, and more. The more features a car seat is equipped with, the better, according to experts I spoke to.
The more intuitive a car seat, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This will reduce their child’s risk of injury during an accident. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are intended to be used for a brief period of time. Look for a model with an indicator that bubbles and an adjustable foot with a spring to make it easy to adjust the seat. Also, make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the car.
Other top features that some car seat makers offer include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. These are wonderful but remember that the safety of your car seat is only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. There are tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant's car seat and find out more about the safety features.
When selecting an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able to use it for around two years before your child is old enough to switch to convertible car seats. This is why some families choose to not use an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher height and weight limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your car and try out a variety of models in person prior to committing to one. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit inside your car, and has convenient features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Make sure newborn car seat www.pushchairsandprams.uk look for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's the most crucial aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.
Easy to Use
You want a car seat for your baby that is simple to attach and remove from the base whether you intend to use it in one vehicle or move it between several. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as a mechanism that works seamlessly. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the high-quality materials used.
One of the best features that infant seats include is a load leg, which acts as a brace between the seat's base and the vehicle floor to offer extra stability in the event of a crash. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older vehicle, since the likelihood of sustaining a head injury is higher when the child is too close to the floor.
Other features that are premium and can enhance the user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bars, which help keep the seat from bouncing back in a crash. This has been proven to lower the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat that has a few key premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has received an outstanding rating from child-passenger safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline settings, as well as an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets to ensure complete coverage.
Another thing to look for is the type of seat that is able to be set up by the lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. This is ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need the return trip to the car to put in a different seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its corresponding TRIV travel system have an extremely rigid LATCH system built right into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to install in any car. It can also be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to a highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). This is a great option if you're on a budget.
Comfort
When your baby is stuck in the car seat for extended periods of time, it's essential that they are comfortable. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded, plush fabric to feel comfortable against their stomach or back, and a growing headrest. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can alter as your child grows.
While a seat with many special features might cost more but they're also generally easier to use. This is why we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight since a heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps when you're carrying it into and out of your car or moving between cars.
A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash--is an alternative. This safety feature is usually found in expensive seats however there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.
Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll want to make sure that the seat is safe for your child when they reach their peak growth rate usually between the ages of two and three. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be transformed into a toddler's car seat. This gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who frequently change cars or travel.
Our test subjects loved the Doona that combines an infant car seat and stroller into one unit. It's a great option for parents who are constantly moving around, particularly those who take public transport to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to put in and our experts who tested it were impressed with the ease of use of the latch that is one-handed and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted that the seat is small, which is important for those with limited trunk room. It's also free of harmful chemicals which is a major bonus for those who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.
Convenience
The best infant seats have features that make it easy to use. The most comfortable infant car seats come with features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important features to consider are whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy that can be handy both inside the car and attached to a stroller.
One feature that might seem like a small difference but can save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that lets you know that it's been properly installed. The line should be parallel to the ground and is situated on the base. This is especially helpful if you are going to be changing the car seat frequently, or if your baby will be traveling with you and you have to set it up in Ubers or taxis.
Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to connect an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat making it easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the grocery store or on errands without having to wrestle with a separate carrier. This could be a huge advantage for parents with newborns who want to return to their routine after an extended commute or a trip with a newborn.
If your baby is likely to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat with more weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat for longer.
All car seats sold in America must meet federal safety standards however that doesn't mean that they're all equal. Some come with features that go beyond, including load legs that brace the car seat's base for additional stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other features, such as the no-rethread harness or an extendable canopy, could also make for an easier ride for your baby and allow you become a more relaxed and more secure parent.
