best infant seat (check out this site) Features
While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. Our best car seat for newborn uk of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will love such as extra padding, a cushioned inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no Rethreading.
In deciding which of our top picks, we took into consideration factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, features and price. 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. Some seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated, strap-holding sides, and much more. According to the experts I spoke to, the more features a seat has, they are more efficient.
The more intuitive a car seat for newborn seat, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This can reduce their child’s risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is particularly important for the infant car seat, as it’s designed for an extremely short time. Choose a model that has bubble indicators and an incline foot that is spring loaded for making it easy to adjust the seat. Make sure that the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.
Certain car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as the no-rethread strap as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. These are fantastic, but don’t forget that the safety of your car seat inserts for newborns seat is only as secure as the vehicle you’re driving in. Go through the owner’s manual to learn how to ensure the safety of your infant’s seat as well as to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.
When selecting an infant car seat, keep in mind that you’ll probably only be in a position to use it for around 2 years, until your child is ready to transition to a convertible car seat. This is why some families choose to leave out an infant seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has higher height and weight limits. When buying an infant car seat, be sure you consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try different models before settling on one. You can ensure that the seat is suitable for the child, fits inside your car, and has convenient features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product before you buy it. It’s the most critical factor in ensuring your baby’s safety on the road.
Easy of Use
You’re looking for a car seat for your baby that is easy to connect and take off from the base, whether you plan to use it in just one vehicle or transfer it between several. You should look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth operation. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the high-quality materials that are 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 stability in case of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older car, because the chance of sustaining a head injury is higher if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.
Other premium features can improve the baby car seat experience. These include a non rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that helps stop the seat from bouncing in a crash. The latter has been shown by research to decrease the chance of head injuries by as much as 43%. The Evenflo LiteMax is a great choice for those on a tight budget and looking for a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a few high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist’s gear editor, suggests it. The seat received an exemplary rating by safety experts for children. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extended canopy that has magnets to ensure complete coverage.
Another thing to look for is the type of seat that is able to be set up using a lap belt and does not require the base. This is a good option for parents who plan to take Uber or taxi rides since it doesn’t require them to return to the car each time to put in a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example include a strong LATCH that is built into the seat’s bottom, making them quick 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 with a backless design (40-120 pounds). This is an excellent option for those on a tight budget.
Comfort
When your baby is in a car seat for a long period of time, it’s essential that they feel comfortable. This includes padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel snug against their stomachs or back and a growing headrest. Also, consider a seat you can easily adjust as your child gets older.
A seat with many special features can be more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. This is why we take into consideration 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, since an extremely heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps when you move it into and out of your vehicle or in between vehicles.
Another option is a seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature which aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. It’s typically found in more expensive seats however we’ve seen a few budget-friendly choices that have this additional safety feature.
Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You’ll need to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. This typically occurs around the age of 2 or 3. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be transformed into a toddler’s seat. This option gives you a bit more flexibility in your car and is great for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.
Our testers loved the Doona that is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller in one. It’s ideal for parents who are constantly in motion, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or go to school. It is also easy to install. Our experts who tested it appreciated its user-friendlyness with the one-handed latching system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers noted that the seat is incredibly compact, which is important for those with limited trunk space. It’s also free of any flame retardant chemical which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned with their baby’s environment and health.
Convenience
The best infant car seats are simple to use. The best infant car seats best car seats are equipped with features that make it easier for parents to get in and out of the seat. Check if the seat is able to be washed by a machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is useful in the car as well as on a stroller.
One thing that may not be a big difference but can save you a lot of trouble is an indicator on the base that will let you know that it’s been properly installed. This line should be parallel to the ground and should be located on the base. This is especially useful if you are going to change the car seat often or when your child will be traveling with you and you have to install it in taxis or Ubers.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it easier to transport your sleeping bundle to the store or to run the errands. You don’t have to struggle with a separate carrier. This could be a life-changing feature for parents trying to return to normal following a long trip or commute with a child.
If your baby is expected to grow quickly, you should choose a car seat for infants that has an increased weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat in use longer.
All car seats sold in America must meet the safety standards of the federal government, but that does not mean that they are all in the same way. Some come with 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 reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. A few extras can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, and you as a parent feel more comfortable and more secure.