Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats conform to federal safety standards, a few go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will love, including extra padding, a cushioned inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no Rethreading.
In deciding which of infant car seats best , we looked at factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, special features and price. Find out what infant car seat is best for you and your family by reading on.
Safety
Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. Some seats offer extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. They could include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that support the straps and more. The more features a car seat comes with the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.
The more intuitive a car seat, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This can reduce the chance of injuries to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially true for infant seats, which are only designed to be used for a short 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. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.
Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features such as the no-rethread strap as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. These are great, but don't forget that a safe car seat is only as secure as the car you're driving in. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for advice on how to secure your infant seat and to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.
When selecting an infant seat, remember that you'll only be able to use it for a period of about two years before your child is able to move to the convertible seat. Some families skip the infant seat altogether and choose to purchase convertible cars that has an increased weight and height limit. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before making a decision. You can then make sure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits inside your car, and has convenient features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. And, don't forget to look for recalls prior to making the purchase. It's the most critical aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.
Easy to Use
If you're planning to use the seat in one vehicle or moving it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to install and detach from the base. It is important to look for clear instructions on installation and a simple mechanism. Also, think about how it is simple to adjust the car seat as baby grows and the quality of the materials used.
A great feature that many infant seats have is a load leg, which serves as a brace between the seat's base and vehicle's floor to provide extra stability in the event of collision. It's an especially important feature if you drive an older car, as the risk of sustaining head injuries in a crash is higher when a child is sitting close to the ground, as per research by Consumer Reports.
Other premium features can improve the experience of infants in car seats. These include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that can help stop the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been proven to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great choice for those on a tight budget who want a car seat that is ARC-certified and has a few premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat was awarded an exemplary rating by experts in child safety. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extended canopy that has magnets that ensure full coverage.
A seat that can be easily installed with just lapbelts and does not require the necessity of a base is another option. That's ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require the journey back and forth to the car to install a new seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its corresponding TRIV travel system have a rigid LATCH system that's built right into the bottom of the seat making it quick and easy to put in any car. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great option if you're on a budget.
Comfort
It's important that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, especially if they are there for a long period of time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, a plush fabric that feels cozy against their back and tummy and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Find a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow, as well.
While a seat with lots of features may cost more but they're also generally easier to use. This is why we consider things like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also look at the weight and dimensions of the seat, because a heavy or large seat could strain your biceps as you transport it into and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.
Another option is a seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature that helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's typically found in more expensive seats but we've seen few budget-friendly options that include this extra safety measure.
Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. This usually happens at around the age of two or three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be converted into a toddler's car seat. This option will give you a bit more flexibility in your vehicle and is great for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects loved the Doona, which is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller into one unit. It's a great choice for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school via public transportation. It's also simple to set up, and our expert 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 incredibly compact and lightweight, which is essential for those with limited trunk space. Additionally, it's free of harmful chemicals, which is a huge advantage for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.
Convenience
The best infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows, the best infant car seats come with convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with minimum of fuss. Check if the seat is able to be cleaned by machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on the stroller.
One thing that may seem like a small difference but can save you a lot of headache is an indicator on the base that lets you know when it's been installed correctly. The line is located on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground when you're done. It's particularly useful in the event that you'll be changing the car seat often, or if you plan to travel with your baby and require the seat in Ubers or taxis.
Another benefit is the ability to attach an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping infant from the car to the grocery store or on errands without the need to carry an additional carrier. This could be a great advantage for new parents looking to return to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with a newborn.
If you expect your baby to grow quickly pick the car seat for infants that have a greater weight or 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 that all seats are created to be equal. Some have premium features that go above and beyond, such as load legs that brace the car seat's base for additional stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injury in crashes. Other features, such as a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, can also make for a more comfortable ride for baby and help you become a more relaxed and more confident parent.