Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some go beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will love, including extra padding, a cushioned inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no Rethreading.

In deciding which of our top choices, we looked at factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, features, and price. Check out the following article to determine which infant seat may be suitable for your family.

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. But some of the seats come with additional features that go beyond the minimum standards. They could include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that can hold straps, and more. The more features a car seat has the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.

The more user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely parents are to use it in a safe manner and decrease the chance of injuries to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially true for an infant car seat since it's only designed to last for only a brief period of time. Find a seat that is easy to install with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help get the seat perfectly level. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.

Other features that top-quality car seat manufacturers provide include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. These are fantastic however, don't forget that a safe car seat is only as secure as the car seat inserts for newborns you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual for advice on how to properly secure your infant's seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When selecting an infant seat, keep in mind that you will only be able use it for approximately 2 years before your child is ready to transition to a convertible seat. This is why some families choose to not use an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which has greater weight and height limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your vehicle and try several models before settling. You can then make sure the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your car and has useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's vital to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Ease of Use

Whether you'll be using the seat in one car or moving it among several, you want an infant car seat that is simple to install and detach from the base. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as an operation that is seamless. Also, think about how easy it is to alter the car seat as your baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

One of the best car seats for newborns uk features that infant seats have is a load leg which serves as a brace between the seat's base and vehicle floor to offer extra stability in the event of collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older car, because the risk of a head injury is greater if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium can enhance the experience of infants in car seats. These include a non rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. This has been proven by research to reduce the chance of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat that has a few key premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has received an outstanding rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions and an extended canopy that is secured with magnets to provide full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with lapbelts and does not require the necessity of a base is another option. This is a great option for parents who are planning to take Uber or taxi rides, as it eliminates the need to go back to the car each time to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for instance are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that's built into the bottom of their seats making them easy and easy to put in. It can also be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to an highback booster or a belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). This is a great option if you're on a budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child is comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long time. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded as well as soft fabrics that feel cozy against their tummy or back, and a growing headrest. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child grows.

While a seat that has many special features might cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. When evaluating infant car seat we look at aspects like a single-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn't rethread. We also take note of dimensions and weight, since the weight or bulk of a seat could put stress on your biceps when you're carrying it in and out of your car or moving between cars.

Another option is a seat with a load-leg, a safety feature which helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's typically found in more expensive seats, but we've seen a couple of budget-friendly options that have this safety feature.

The limits on height and weight are also important. You'll want to ensure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. This typically occurs around the age of 2 or 3. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be converted into a toddler's seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona that is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller into one unit. It's ideal for parents who are always moving around, particularly those who take public transportation to commute to work or go to school. It's also easy to install. Our testers who were experts in the field have praised its simplicity of use with the one-handed latching system as well as the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also commented on how compact the seat is it is essential for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major advantage for parents concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The best car seats for infants infant car seats that swivel seats have features that make them easy to use. The best car seat newborn uk infant car seats come with features that make it easier for parents to get in and out of the seat. Consider whether the seat can be washed by a machine (to facilitate cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on a stroller.

One thing that may not be a big thing, but could save you a lot of hassle is a meter on the base that lets you know that it's been properly installed. This line is located on the base's side and should be in line with the ground when you're done. This is especially useful in the event that you will be changing the car seat frequently or if your baby car seat will be traveling with you and you'll need to set it up in Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it easy to carry your baby to the grocery store or for running errands. It's not necessary to carry an additional carrier. This can be a life-changing option for parents trying to return to normal after a long trip or a commute with a baby.

If you are expecting your child to grow rapidly pick a car seat designed for babies with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat in use for longer.

All car seats sold in America must meet the safety standards of the federal government, but that does not mean that they are all equal. Certain seats come with additional features, like load legs that brace a car seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other features, such as the no-rethread harness or an extendable canopy, can help create a more comfortable ride for your baby and allow you become a more relaxed and more secure parent.