Five Things You Didn't Know About Best Infant Seat
Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. From extra padding to padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will love.
We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and prices when deciding on our top picks. Read on to see which infant seat is the best fit for your family.
Safety
Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. infant car seat swivel come with extra features that are above and beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in strap-holding sides, and more. The more features a car seat is equipped with, the better, according to experts I spoke with.
The more intuitive a car seat is, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This will lower the chance of injuries to their child in a crash. This is particularly important for an infant seat, since it's only designed for only a brief period of time. Look for a model with a bubble indicator and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easy to adjust the seat. Make sure that the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.
Other features that top-quality car seat manufacturers offer are a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. These are fantastic but remember that a safe car seat just as secure as the car you're driving in. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for tips on how to secure your infant's seat and to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.
When selecting an infant seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able use it for a period of about two years before your child is old enough to transition to an convertible seat. Some families choose to skip the infant car seat completely and choose to purchase a convertible car, which has an increased weight and height limits. When buying an infant car seat, be sure you consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try several models before making a decision. You can then make sure the seat is suitable for your child, fits well in your car, and comes with convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's the most important factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.
Simple to Use
Whether you'll be using the seat in one vehicle or moving it between several, you want an infant car seat that is simple to set up and remove from the base. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also consider how it is simple to adjust the car seat as baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.
A premium feature that some infant seats have is a load leg that acts as a brace between the seat's base and the car's floor, providing additional stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older vehicle, because the chance of sustaining a head injury is higher when the infant is sitting too close to the floor.
Other top features that enhance the user experience include a harness that is not rethread and anti-rebound bars, which help keep the seat from rebounding in an accident. The latter has been shown to lower the risk of head injuries by up to 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 LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat received an excellent rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure full coverage.
A seat that is easily installed with just a lapbelt and without the need for a base is another option. This is a good option for parents who plan to take Uber or taxi rides since it doesn't require them to go back to the car each time to put in a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that's built into the bottom of their seats, making them quick and easy to put in. It can also be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into a highback booster or backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). It's a great option for families on a tight budget.
Comfort
If your child is in the car seat for a long period of time, it's important they feel comfortable. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded as well as soft fabrics that feel comfortable against their stomach or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Choose a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow, as well.
While a car seat with many special features might cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we look at factors such as a one-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn't rethread. We also look at the weight and size of the seat, because the weight or size of the seat could strain your biceps when you carry it in and out of your vehicle, or even between vehicles.
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 expensive seats, but we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this safety feature.
The weight and height limits are also crucial. 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's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat that converts into an adult seat. This option will give you a bit more flexibility in your car and is great for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which is a combination of car seats for an infant and a stroller in one unit. It's a great option for parents who are constantly moving around, particularly those who use public transport to commute to work or go to school. It's also simple to set up and our testers praised the ease of using the latch with one hand and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers reported that the seat is small which is crucial for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemical which is a huge advantage for parents concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience
The best infant car seats are easy to use. The most comfortable infant car seats are equipped with features that make it easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important things to consider is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it has a canopy, which can be useful in the car and also attached to the stroller.
One feature that might not seem like a big deal but can save you a lot of trouble is an indicator on the base that will let you know when it's been installed correctly. This line should be parallel to ground and is situated on the base. It's especially useful if you're going to be changing the car seat often, or if you plan to travel with your baby and you'll need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it simple to take your baby to the store or to run around. You don't have to worry about the hassle of a separate car seat. This could be a huge advantage for new parents who want to get back to their routine after an exhausting commute or outing with a newborn.
If your baby is likely to grow rapidly, choose a car seat for infants that has an increased weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.
All car seats sold in America must meet federal safety regulations However, that doesn't mean that they are all equal. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that support the seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injuries during crashes. Certain accessories can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent feel more comfortable and more secure.