best infant carrier car seat Infant Seat Features
All infant seats have to meet federal safety standards. However some seats go above and beyond. From extra padding to cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without rethreading, our best car seats for infants of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will love.
We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features, and price when choosing our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading.
Safety
Every infant car seats cheap car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. But some of the seats come with additional features that go beyond the minimum requirements. They could include load legs as well as 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 user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This will lower their child’s risk of injury during the event of a crash. This is especially important with an infant car seat since it’s only designed for only a brief period of time. Find a seat that is easy to install with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat level. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.
Certain 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 that carry the seat. These are fantastic, but don’t forget that a safe car seat is just as secure as the car you’re driving in. Take a look at the car’s owner’s manual to learn how to properly secure your infant seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.
When selecting an infant car seat, be aware that you will only be able to use it for about 2 years before your child is able to transition to the convertible seat. Some families opt to not use the infant seat altogether and choose to purchase convertible cars, which has greater weight and height limit. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try several models before making a decision. You can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your car and also has useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Don’t forget to look for recalls on the product before you buy it. It’s essential to ensure the safety of your child on the road.
Easy of Use
Whether you’ll be using the seat in one vehicle or moving it among many, you need an infant car seat that is simple to set up and remove from the base. Look for clearly labeled installation guides and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials that are used.
One of the best features that infant seats include is a load leg, which serves as a brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle floor to offer additional stability in the event of collision. It’s a vital feature to have if you own an older vehicle, as the risk of sustaining head injuries in a crash is higher when an infant is seated close to the ground, as per research conducted by Consumer Reports.
Other features that are premium and can enhance the infant car seat user experience include a harness that is not rethread and an anti-rebound bar that can prevent the seat from rebounding during the event of a crash. This has been proven by studies to reduce the risk of head injuries by as much as 43%. The Evenflo’s LiteMax DLX is a great option for those with a tight budget and looking for an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a number of high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist’s gear editor, recommends it. The seat has been awarded an outstanding rating from child-passenger safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions, and an extended canopy that is secured with magnets to ensure complete coverage.
A seat that can be easily installed with just lapbelts and does not require the necessity of an additional base is a different option. That’s ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn’t require the return trip to the car to install a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for instance, have a rigid LATCH that’s built into the bottom of their seats which makes them fast and simple to install. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds), forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and also converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. It’s a great option for families with a limited budget.
Comfort
It’s important that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, particularly if they are there for a long time. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, plush material that is comfortable against their back and stomach and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, look for a seat you can easily alter as your child grows.
A seat that has many unique features is often more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we look at aspects like a single-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and harness that doesn’t rethread. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, since an extremely heavy or bulky seat can strain your biceps when you move it into 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 more expensive seats, but we’ve seen a few budget-friendly options that include this additional safety feature.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You’ll want to ensure the seat is safe for your child after they reach their highest growth stage usually around age two or three. It’s also worth looking at convertible infant car seats that can be converted into a toddler seat. This gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families that frequently change cars or travel.
Our test subjects loved the Doona, which combines an infant car seat and stroller into one. It’s the perfect pick for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school on public transport. It’s also simple to set up and our testers praised the ease of using the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also remarked how the seat is compact and is an essential for those with limited trunk space. It’s also free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a big bonus for parents who are concerned about their child’s environment and health.
Convenience
The best infant seats have features that make it easy to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows the top infant car seats come with convenience features that help parents get into and out with minimal amount of effort. Other important aspects to consider are whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it features a canopy that can be useful in the car and attached to 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 informs you when it’s been installed correctly. This line is on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground after you’ve completed. This is especially useful when you’re going to be changing the car seat often or if your baby will be traveling with you and you’ll need to set it up in Ubers or taxis.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it easy to take your lightweight baby car seat to the store, or to run around. You don’t need to carry an additional carrier. This could be a life-changing feature for parents looking to return to normal after a lengthy trip or a commute with a baby.
If your baby is expected to grow quickly, select a car seat for infants that has more weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.
All car seats sold in America must meet federal safety regulations, but that does not mean they are all created to be the same. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that brace a car seat’s base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of head injuries from crashes. Other features, like a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, could help create a more comfortable ride for baby and help you to be a happier and more confident parent.