Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats conform to federal safety standards, some are more than others. From extra padding to a cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no having to rethread the seat, our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will love.

When selecting our top picks, we considered factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, features and price. Find out the Best Infant Seat (Scsm11.Godohosting.Com) for your family by reading on.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats have extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in strap-holding sides, and so on. The more features a car seat has the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke with.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be, the more likely parents will be to use it correctly and reduce the chance of injuries to their child in a crash. This is especially true for an infant car seat since it's designed for a short period of time. Find a seat that is simple to install and has a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to ensure that the seat in a perfect position. Make sure the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

Other premium features that some car seat manufacturers provide include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. These are wonderful but remember that a safe car seat still only as secure as the car you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual for advice on how to secure your infant's seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll probably only be in a position to use it for approximately 2 years, until your child is old enough to switch to convertible car seats. Some families opt to not use the infant car seat completely and opt for a convertible car that has greater weight and height limit. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and test out several models in person before committing to one. You can then ensure that the seat is safe for your child, is a good fit inside your car, and has convenient features like converting to a stroller. And, don't forget to check for recalls before making an purchase. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.

Simple to Use

You want a car seat for your baby car seat that is easy to attach and take off from the base, whether you intend to use it in just one vehicle or move it between multiple. Look for clear installation instructions and a smooth mechanism. Also, consider how it is easy to alter the car seat as your baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats come with the load leg. This is a brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the floor of the vehicle that provides additional stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older vehicle, because the chance of sustaining a head injury is greater if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other top features that enhance the user experience include a harness with no-rethread and an anti-rebound bar that can prevent the seat from rebounding in a crash. The latter has been shown by studies to reduce the risk for head injuries by as much as 43%. "If you're on a budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seats with some of the most important premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has earned an excellent rating from child-passenger safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline settings, as well as an extendable canopy that secures with magnets for full coverage.

A seat that is easily installed with a lapbelt, and without the necessity of the base is an alternative. This is ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require a trip back and forth to the car to install a new seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its counterpart TRIV travel system feature a rigid LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom, making it quick and easy to put in any car. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. It's an excellent choice for families with a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in the car seat for extended periods of time, it's important they feel comfortable. This includes padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel snug against their stomachs or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can alter as your child grows.

While a car seat with a lot of special features may be more expensive however, they are also more convenient to use. When evaluating infant car seat we take into consideration factors such as a one-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors, and harness that doesn't rethread. We also consider dimensions and weight since an overly heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps when you're carrying it in and out of your car, or in between cars.

A seat with a load leg--a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash is an additional option. This extra safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats, however there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens around age two or 3. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be transformed into a toddler's car seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is ideal for families who often change cars or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona which is a combination of the car seat of an infant and a stroller all in one package. It's a great choice for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school on public transport. It's also simple to install. Our experts who tested it have praised its simplicity of use, including the one-handed latching system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted how compact the seat is, which is a must for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.

Convenience

The best car seats newborn infant car seats are simple to use. The best infant car seats come with features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important features to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to help with cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy, which can be handy both inside the car as well as attached to the stroller.

One feature that might seem like a small thing, but could save you a lot of headache is an indicator on the base that will let you know when it's been installed correctly. The line should be parallel to ground and is located on the base. This is especially useful if you are going to be changing the car seat often or the baby will be traveling with you and you'll need to set it up in Ubers or taxis.

Another useful feature is the ability to connect a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat making it easier to transport your lightweight baby car seat's child from the car to the supermarket or out for errands without having to wrestle with an additional carrier. This can be a game changer for new parents looking to return to their day after a long commute or outing with their newborn.

If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose a car seat for infants that has more weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean all seats are created equal. Some have premium features that go above and beyond, including load legs that anchor the base of the car seat to provide added stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injury in crashes. Other extras, such as a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, could help create a more relaxing ride for your child and help you be a happier and more secure parent.