You ll Never Guess This Best Infant Seat s Benefits

Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet 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 offers many features parents will appreciate.

We considered factors like weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and prices when deciding on our top picks. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must be in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government. But some of the seats have extra features that are beyond the minimum standards. These include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that hold the straps, and more. The more features a car seat is equipped with, the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.

The more intuitive the newborn car seat insert seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This will reduce the chance of injuries to their child during the event of a crash. This is especially true for an infant seat, since it's only designed for an extremely short time. Look for a model with bubble indicators and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easy to set the seat. Make sure that the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.

Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as the no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. These are wonderful however, don't forget that a safe car seat is still only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. You can find tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your infant's car seat and find out more about the car's safety features.

When choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll likely only be able to use it for approximately 2 years until your child is old enough to transition to convertible car seats. This is the reason why some families decide to leave out an infant seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has greater weight and height limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and try a few models in person prior to committing to one. You can then make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your car and includes useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's crucial to ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Simple to Use

You want a car seat for your infant that is easy to attach and remove from the base regardless of whether you plan to use it in just one vehicle or shift it between multiple. You should look for clear installation instructions and a smooth operation. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the high-quality materials used.

Some infant seats have a load leg. This brace that provides support between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor, providing extra security in the event of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you are driving an older vehicle because the chance of suffering a head injury is higher when the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other premium features can improve the infant car seat experience. They include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from bouncing during a crash. The latter has been shown to decrease the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a great choice for those on a limited budget looking for an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a number of premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has earned an exemplary rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline settings, and an extended canopy that can be secured by magnets to ensure complete coverage.

A seat that is easily installed with a lapbelt, and without the necessity of the base is an alternative. This is a great option for parents who are planning to take Uber or taxi rides as it eliminates the need to get back in the car every time to install a new seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the corresponding TRIV travel system have a sturdy LATCH system that's integrated into the bottom of the seat, making it quick and easy to put in any vehicle. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds), forward facing infant car seat-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also converts into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great choice when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child is comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're in the seat for a long period of time. This includes padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel cozy against their tummy or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, look for a seat that is easy to 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 we evaluate a car seat for infants we look at factors such as a one-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no rethread harness. We also take into consideration the weight and size of the seat, since a heavy or large seat could strain your biceps while you transport it in and out of your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

Another option is a seat that has a load-leg, a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this safety feature.

The limits on height and weight are also important. You'll need to make sure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens at around the age of two or three. You should also consider convertible infant car seats that converts into an adult seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families that frequently change cars or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller into one unit. It's a great option for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to set up. Our experts who tested it appreciated its user-friendlyness with the one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers reported that the seat is small, which is important for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemical, which is a big advantage for parents concerned with their baby's environment and health.

Convenience

The best car seats for newborns infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows, the top infant car seats have convenience features that allow parents to get in and out with a minimum of hassle. Consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to simplify cleaning) and whether it has a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on a stroller.

A feature on the base could save you much time and headaches. It lets you know if it has been installed correctly. This line is located 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 often, or if you are planning to travel with your child 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. This makes it simple to carry your baby to the store or for running errands. It's not necessary to carry an additional carrier. This can be an essential feature for parents trying for a way to return to normal after a lengthy trip or commute with a baby.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat that has more weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it does not mean that all car seats are made equally. Some have premium features that go beyond, such as load legs that anchor the car seat's base for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of injury to the head in crashes. Other features, like the no-rethread harness or an extended canopy, can help create a more comfortable ride for baby and help you become a more relaxed and more secure parent.