Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats conform to federal safety standards, a few go above and beyond. From extra padding to baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread the seat, our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will love.
We looked at factors such as weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and price when deciding on our top picks. Read on to see which infant car seat is suitable for your family.
Safety
All car seats for infants sold in the United States must be in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats offer 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 the experts I spoke with.
The more user-friendly a car seat is and the more likely parents are to use it properly, which can reduce their child's risk of injury in an accident. This is particularly important for an infant seat, since it's designed for a short period of time. Look for a model that's simple to install and has a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help get the seat level. Make sure that 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 to carry the seat. These are fantastic however, don't forget that the safety of your car seat is only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your child's car seat, and also learn more about the car's safety features.
When you're choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll only be in a position to use it for around 2 years, until your child is old enough to switch to a convertible car seat. Some families opt to not use the infant seat entirely and opt for a convertible car with greater weight and height limit. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to take into account the dimensions of your car and test out several models before committing to one. You can then make sure that the seat is comfortable for the child, fits in your car and comes with useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's essential to ensure the safety of your child on the road.
Easy of Use
If you're planning to use the seat in one vehicle or moving it between several, you want an infant car seat that is easy to install and detach from the base. You should look for clear instructions on installation and a simple mechanism. Also consider how it is simple to alter the car seat as your baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.
A great feature that many infant seats come with is a load leg, which acts as a brace between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor to provide extra stability in the event of an accident. It's an especially important feature for those who drive an older car, as the risk of sustaining head injuries in a crash is higher when a baby is seated close to the floor, according to research by Consumer Reports.
Other features that are premium can enhance the experience of infants in car seats. These include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from spinning in the event of a crash. rotating infant car seat has been proven by studies to reduce the risk for head injuries by as much as 43%. "If you're on a tight budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat with a few key premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has earned an outstanding rating from child-passenger safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions, plus an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets to ensure complete coverage.
A seat that can be easily installed using only a lapbelt and without the need for the base is an alternative. That's ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require the trip back and forth to the car to install a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for instance are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that is built into the seat's bottom 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 can be converted to a highback booster or belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). This is a great option if you're on a budget.
Comfort
It's crucial that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, especially when they're there for a long time. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, plush material that feels cozy against their back and stomach and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, consider a seat that is easy to adjust as your child grows.
A seat with many special features is often more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. When evaluating infant car seat we look at factors such as a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors, and no rethread harness. We also look at the weight and dimensions of the seat, since an extremely heavy or bulky seat can strain your biceps when you transport it in and out of your vehicle, or even 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. It's usually found in expensive seats but we've seen couple of budget-friendly options that have this extra safety measure.
The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll need to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. This typically occurs at around the age of two or three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be converted into a toddler's car seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families who often change vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects loved the Doona that incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller into one. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school by public transport. It's also easy to install and our experts who tested it were impressed with the ease of use of the latch with one hand and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also remarked how the seat is compact, which is a must for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical which is a huge advantage for parents concerned with their baby's environment and health.
Convenience
The most effective infant car seats are simple 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 best infant car seats have convenience features that help parents get into and out with minimum of fuss. Consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to facilitate 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 a great deal of time and headaches. It lets you know if it's been put in place correctly. This line is on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground after you've completed. This is especially useful when you're going to be changing the car seat often or the baby will be traveling with you and you need to set it up in Ubers or taxis.
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 grocery store or to run around. It's not necessary to worry about the hassle of a separate car seat. This could be a life-changing option for parents looking to return to normal after a lengthy trip or a commute with a child.
If your baby is likely to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat that has an increased 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, it doesn't mean that all seats are made equally. Some come with features that go beyond, like load legs that brace the base of the car seat to provide extra stability, and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of injury to the head in crashes. Other features, like a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, can help create a more comfortable ride for your baby and allow you to be a happier and more secure parent.