You ll Be Unable To Guess Best Infant Seat s Benefits
Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats conform to federal safety standards, a few exceed the federal safety standards. From extra padding to baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without rethreading our best car seat infant of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will appreciate.
In deciding which of our top rated baby car seats picks, we considered factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, extra features and price. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading on.
Safety
Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats have extra features that go above the minimum standards. They could include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps and more. According to the experts I spoke with the more features a chair includes, the are more efficient.
The more intuitive a car seat is, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This will lower their child’s risk of injury in an accident. This is especially true for infant seats, which are only designed to be used for a brief duration. Look for a model with bubble indicators and an adjustable foot with a spring to make it easy to adjust the seat. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.
Some car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a strap that doesn't need to be rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. Remember that even though these features are wonderful but the safety of your car seat is only as good as the car that you use to drive. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for tips on how to secure your infant's seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.
When selecting an infant seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able use it for approximately 2 years before your child is able to transition to a convertible seat. Some families skip the infant seat altogether and choose to purchase a convertible car that has greater weight and height limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test different models before settling on one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits well in your car, and comes with handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's vital to ensure the safety of your child on the road.
Simple to Use
You're looking for a car seats for your baby that is simple to attach and take off from the base, whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or transfer it between several. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the quality materials used.
Some infant seats come with the load leg. It's a brace that serves as a support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle, providing extra security in the event of an accident. It's an especially important feature if you drive an older car, as the risk of sustaining head injuries during a crash is much higher when a baby is seated near to the ground, as per research by Consumer Reports.
Other high-end features can enhance the baby car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from spinning in a crash. The latter has been shown by research to decrease the risk for head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seats with some of the most important premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an exemplary rating by safety experts for children. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure complete coverage.
A seat that is easily installed with just a lapbelt and without the requirement for the base is an alternative. This is ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need an extra return trip to the car seat inserts for newborns to put in a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example, have a rigid LATCH that's built into the bottom of their seats which makes them fast and easy to install. It can also be used rear facing infant car seat-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds), and it converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. It's an excellent choice for families with a limited budget.
Comfort
It's important that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, especially when they're there for a long time. This means padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel comfortable against their stomach or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Find an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow as well.
While a car seat with a lot of special features may cost more but they're also generally easier to use. That's why we look at things like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight since an overly heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps while you carry it into and out of your car or between cars.
A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash is another good choice. This extra safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats however there are a few affordable models that include it.
Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. This usually happens around the age of 2 or 3. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat that can be converted into a toddler seat. This will allow you more flexibility in your car and is great for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.
Our testers loved the Doona that incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller in one. It's ideal for parents who are always on the move, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to install. Our experts who tested it have praised its simplicity of use and its one-handed latching system as well as the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted that the seat is incredibly compact which is crucial for those with a limited trunk room. Plus, it's free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.
Convenience
The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically move up as your child grows the best car seats for newborns infant car seats come with convenience features that help parents get in and out with a minimal amount of effort. Other important things to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy, which can be handy both inside the car as well as attached to the stroller.
One feature that might not seem like a big difference but can save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that informs you that it's been properly installed. The line should be parallel to the ground and is situated on the base. This is particularly useful in the event that you will be changing the car seat frequently, or the baby will be traveling with you and you have to connect it to Ubers or taxis.
Another useful feature is the ability to connect a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat making it easier to transport your baby's child from the car to the store or out on errands, without the need to carry a separate carrier. This could be a great advantage for new parents who want to get back to their day after a long commute or outing with a newborn.
If you are expecting your baby to grow quickly opt for a car seat designed for babies with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat for longer.
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. Certain seats come with additional features, such as load legs that brace the seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of head injuries during crashes. Other extras, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extended canopy, can help create a more comfortable ride for your child and help you to be a happier, more confident parent.
