best infant seat (what is it worth) Features
All infant car seats that swivel seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some go beyond. Our best car seat infant of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate with additional padding, a padded inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no need for rethreading.
When deciding on our top picks, we considered factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features and prices. Find out the best infant car seats on sale seat for you and your family by reading.
Safety
All infant car seats sold in the United States must be in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government. Certain seats have additional features above and beyond the minimum standards. These can include load legs and 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 properly. This will reduce their child’s risk of injury in a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are designed to be used for a brief time. Look for a model that’s simple to install and has an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to help get the seat in a perfect position. Make sure that the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.
Certain car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips that carry the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are wonderful, a car seat’s safety is only as good as the vehicle in which you drive. There are tips in the owner’s guide on how to secure your child’s car seat and find out more about the safety features.
When choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you’ll only be able to use it for about two years before your child is old enough to move to convertible car seats. Some families skip the infant car seat completely and choose to purchase convertible cars that has a higher weight and height limits. When you are buying an infant car seat best car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test various models before settling. Then, you can make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your car, and comes with handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Also, make sure to check for recalls before making a purchase. It’s the most critical factor in ensuring your baby’s safety on the road.
Ease of Use
You’re looking for a car seat for your baby that is simple to attach and remove from the base, whether you intend to use it in a single vehicle or shift it between multiple. Find clearly labeled installation guides and an operation that is seamless. Also, consider how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.
A great feature that many infant seats have is a load leg, which acts as a brace between the seat’s base and the vehicle floor to offer additional stability in the event of a crash. Consumer Reports research shows that it’s particularly important if have an older vehicle, because the chance of a head injury is higher if the child is too close to the floor.
Other top features that enhance the user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bars, which can prevent the seat from rebounding during the event of a crash. The latter has been proven by research to decrease the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. “If you’re on a budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seats with a few key premium features I would recommend the Evenflo LiteMax,” says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an exemplary rating by experts in child safety. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure complete coverage.
A seat that can be easily installed using only a lapbelt, and without the necessity of the base is an alternative. This is a great option for parents who are planning to take Uber or taxi rides, because it eliminates the need to return to the car each time to replace a seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its equivalent TRIV travel system come with an extremely rigid LATCH system integrated into the seat’s bottom which makes it fast and easy to install in any car. It can also be used rear facing infant car seat-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds), and it converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. This is a great option when you’re on a tight budget.
Comfort
It is essential that your child feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they’re in the seat for a long time. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, plush fabric 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 adjust as your child grows.
While a car seat with lots of features may cost more but they’re also generally easier to use. This is why we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, since the weight or size of the seat can put stress on your biceps as you transport it in and out of your vehicle, or even between vehicles.
A seat with a load leg – a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash–is an alternative. It’s usually found in more expensive seats but we’ve seen couple of budget-friendly options that have this additional safety feature.
The limits on height and weight are also important. You’ll want to make sure that the seat is safe for your child after they reach their maximum growth stage typically at around the age of two or three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be transformed into a toddler’s seat. This gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who often change vehicles or travel.
Our test participants were impressed with the Doona that combines car seats for an infant and a stroller in one piece. It’s a great option for parents who are always moving around, particularly those who use public transportation to commute to work or go to school. It is also easy to set up. Our expert testers praised its ease of use, including the one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also 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 easy to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows the top infant car seats come with convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with a minimum of hassle. Other important things to consider is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it has a canopy, which can be useful both inside the car and also attached to the stroller.
One thing that might not seem like a big thing, but could save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that lets you know whether it’s been put in place correctly. This line is located on the base’s side and should be in line with the ground once you’ve finished. It’s especially useful in the event that you’ll be changing the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if plan to travel with your child and require the seat in taxis or Ubers.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it simple to transport your sleeping bundle to the supermarket, or to run errands. You don’t need to carry an additional carrier. This is a life-changing option for parents trying for a way to return to normal after a lengthy trip or a commute with a baby.
If you are expecting your child to grow rapidly opt for a car seat for babies with a higher weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.
All car seats sold in America must meet the safety standards of the federal government however that doesn’t mean they are all created in the same way. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that support a car seat’s base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Some accessories can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.