Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats meet the federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. From extra padding to cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no needing to rethread our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate.
We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features, and price when selecting our top picks. Find out which infant seat may be right for your family.
Safety
All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. Some seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in, strap-holding sides, and more. The more features a car seat has the better, according the experts I spoke with.
The more user-friendly a car seat is and the more likely parents are to use it correctly and decrease the chance of injuries to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are only designed to be used for a limited period of time. Choose a model that's easy to install, with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help get the seat in a perfect position. Make sure that the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.
Other premium features that some car seat manufacturers provide include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are fantastic, a car seat's safety is only as good as the vehicle that you use to drive. Take a look at the car's owner's manual to learn how to ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.
When selecting an infant car seat, be aware that you'll only be able to use it for approximately 2 years before your child is old enough to move to the convertible seat. That's why some families opt to not use an infant seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has higher height and weight limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try several models before making a decision. Then, you can make sure the seat is suitable for your child, fits well in your car and has handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's the most important aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.
Easy of Use
You're looking for a car seat for your infant that is easy to connect and remove from the base regardless of whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or shift it between multiple. Look for clearly labeled instructions for installation and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also, consider how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.
Some infant seats include the load leg. It's a brace that provides support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle, providing extra security in the event of a collision. It's an especially important feature if you drive an older vehicle, since the risk of injury to the head in a crash is greater when an infant is sitting close to the ground, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.
Other top features that improve infant car seat user experience include a harness that is not rethread and anti-rebound bar, which help keep the seat from rebounding in an accident. This has been proven to reduce the risk of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget and looking for a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a few premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat received an outstanding rating by safety experts for children. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure complete coverage.
Another thing to look for is an infant seat that is able to be set up with just the lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. This is ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require an extra return trip to the car to put in a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example, have a rigid LATCH that is built into the bottom of their seats making them easy and simple to install. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. It's a great choice for families on a tight budget.
Comfort
It's crucial that your baby feels comfortable in the car seat, especially if they are there for a long period of time. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that is comfortable against their back and stomach and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Look for an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow and.
A seat with many special features is usually more expensive, but is also easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we look at aspects like a single-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors, and harness that doesn't rethread. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight, since a heavy or bulky seat could strain 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 assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash is another good choice. It's usually found in more expensive seats however we've seen a couple of budget-friendly options that have this extra safety measure.
Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. It usually occurs at around the age of two or three. It's also worth looking at convertible infant car seats that converts to an adult seat. This option will give you a bit more flexibility in your car and is ideal for families who often switch vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects loved the Doona, which incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller into one unit. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school via public transportation. It's also simple to install. Our experts who tested it have praised its simplicity of use and its one-handed latching system and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also noted how small the seat is, which is a must for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major advantage for parents concerned with their baby's environment and health.
Convenience
The best infant seats have features that make it simple to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically move up as your child grows the top infant car seats include convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with a minimal amount of effort. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be washed by a machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is useful in the car as well as on a stroller.
One thing that might seem like a small deal but can save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that informs you that it's been properly installed. This line is on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground when you're done. It's especially useful in the event that you'll be changing the car seat between vehicles often, or if you intend to travel with your baby and need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. Pushchairs & Prams makes it easy to transport your sleeping bundle to the supermarket, or to run the errands. It's not necessary to worry about a separate carrier. This can be a huge advantage for new parents who want to get back to their day after an exhausting commute or outing with a baby.
If you anticipate your child to grow rapidly pick a car seat for infants with a higher weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat in use for longer.
While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean that all seats are made to be equal. Certain models have features that go above and beyond, such as load legs that anchor the car seat's base for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of injury to the head in crashes. Other features, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, could also provide a more relaxing ride for your child and help you to be a happier, more confident parent.
