You'll Never Guess This Best Infant Seat's Tricks

Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some go beyond. From extra padding to a baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love.

We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and prices when deciding on our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading on.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. However, some seats come with additional features that are beyond the minimum requirements. They could include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that can hold straps and more. The more features a car seat has the better, according the experts I spoke to.

The more intuitive a car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This can reduce the chance of injuries to their child in an accident. This is especially true for infant seats, which are meant to be used for a brief duration. Choose a model that has bubble indicators and an incline foot that is spring loaded for making it easy to level the seat. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

Other premium features that some 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 newborn insert seat is just as secure as the car you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual for advice on how to properly secure your infant seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When selecting an good infant car seats car seat, bear in mind that you'll probably only be able to use it for around 2 years until your child is ready to switch to an convertible car seat. Some families opt to not use the infant seat entirely and opt for a convertible car with a higher weight and height limit. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test different models before settling. Then, you can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits well in your car and has convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Also, make sure to check for recalls before making an purchase. It's essential to ensure the safety of your child on the road.

User-Friendliness

If you're planning to use the seat in one vehicle or moving it among many, you need an infant car seat that is easy to put in and remove from the base. Look for clearly labeled installation guides and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also, think about how it is easy to alter the car seat as your baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

One of the best car seat infant features that infant seats include is a load leg which serves as an extra brace between the seat's base and vehicle's floor to provide extra stability in the event of collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older vehicle, since the likelihood of suffering a head injury is higher if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other premium features can improve the baby car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar to stop the seat from bouncing during a crash. The latter has been proven to decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a great choice for those on a limited budget and looking for an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a number of top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has been awarded an excellent rating from child-passenger safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline settings, as well as an extendable canopy that secures with magnets to provide full coverage.

A seat that is easily installed using only lapbelts and does not require the need for an additional base is a different option. This is ideal for parents who are planning to take Uber or taxi rides because it eliminates the need to return to the car each time to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for instance include a strong LATCH that's built into the seat's bottom, making them quick and easy to install. It can also be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to the highback booster or backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). This is a great option when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's crucial that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, particularly if they are there for a long time. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded, plush fabric to feel snug against their stomachs or back, and a growing headrest. Find a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow as well.

While a seat that has many special features may cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. That's why we look at factors like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also consider the weight and dimensions of the seat, since an extremely heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps when you transport it to and from your vehicle or between vehicles.

A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash--is an alternative. This extra safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats but there are some affordable models that come with it.

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll need to make sure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. It usually occurs around age two or 3. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat that converts into a toddler seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is ideal for families who frequently change cars or travel.

Our test participants were impressed with the Doona which combines a car seat for an infant carrier seat and a stroller in one package. It's the ideal choice for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school via public transportation. It's also easy to set up. Our expert testers praised its ease of use and its one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted how the seat is compact it is essential for those who have a small trunk space. Plus, it's free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make them easy to use. From buckles that are soft 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 in and out with a minimum of fuss. Check if the seat is able to be machine washed (to simplify cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is useful both in the car and on a stroller.

A feature on the base can save you much time and headaches. It will let you know when it has been installed correctly. The line should be parallel to the ground and should be situated on the base. This is particularly useful in the event that you will change the car seat often or if your baby seat will be traveling with you and you need to connect it to taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it easier to take your baby to the supermarket or to run errands. You don't need to worry about the hassle of a separate car seat. This can be a game changer for parents with newborns who want to get back to their routine after an extended commute or a trip with a baby.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, select a car seat for infants that has more weight and height limit than the one 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, that doesn't mean all seats are made equal. Some come with features that go beyond, like load legs that support the base of the car seat for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other extras, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extended canopy, can also make for a more relaxing ride for baby and help you to be a happier and more secure parent.