best infant seat (relevant web page) Features

All infant seats have to meet federal safety standards. However some go above. From extra padding to a cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will appreciate.

When deciding on our top picks, we considered factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, special features and price. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Certain seats have additional features that go beyond the minimum standards. They could include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps, and more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a seat has, they better.

The more intuitive a car seat, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This can reduce the risk of injury to their child in a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are intended to be used for a brief period of time. Find a seat with a bubble indicator and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easy to level the seat. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.

Other top features that some car seat makers offer include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. Remember that even though these features are wonderful, a car seat's safety is only as good as the vehicle in which you drive. Take a look at the car's owner's manual to learn how to secure your infant seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When you're choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll likely only be in a position to use it for about 2 years until your child is old enough to switch to convertible car seats. This is why some families choose to leave out the infant car seat for newborn seat and go straight to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher height and weight limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try different models before settling. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your car, and comes with useful features like 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 crucial aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Simple to Use

If you're using the seat in one car or transferring it between 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 a mechanism that works seamlessly. Consider how easy it would 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 come with is a load leg which serves as a brace between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor to provide extra stability in the event of a crash. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older vehicle, since the likelihood of sustaining a head injury is higher when the child is too close to the floor.

Other premium features can improve the baby car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown by studies to reduce the risk of head injuries by as much as 43%. "If you're on a budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat with several key features that are premium I would recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has received an outstanding rating from child safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, plus an extendable canopy that secures with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

Another thing to look out for is the type of seat that can be installed by a lap belt and does not require the base. This is ideal for parents who plan to take Uber or taxi rides, since it doesn't require them to return to the car each time to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel infant car seat systems for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH built into the bottom of their seats making them easy and easy to install. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and can be converted into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. It's a great option for families with a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in the car seat for extended periods of time, it's essential that they feel safe. This includes padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels snug against their stomachs or back and a growing headrest. Choose a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow and.

While a seat that has lots of features might cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. When evaluating infant car seat, we consider aspects like a single-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors and no rethread harness. We also consider dimensions and weight since an overly heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps as you carry it in and out of your car or moving 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. It's typically found in more expensive seats, but we've seen a couple of budget-friendly options that have this additional safety feature.

Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll need to make sure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. 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 gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who frequently change cars or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona that combines a car seat for an infant car seat for travel and a stroller all in one package. It's ideal for parents who are always moving around, particularly those who take public transportation to commute to work or go to school. It's also easy to put in and our experts who tested it were impressed with the ease of use of the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers reported that the seat is small, which is important for those with a limited trunk room. It's also free of flame retardant chemical which is a huge bonus for parents who are concerned with their baby's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are easy to use. The best infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Consider whether the seat can be washed by a machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is helpful in the car as well as on the stroller.

A feature on the base can save lots of time and headaches. It shows you when it has been installed correctly. This line should be parallel to the ground and should be situated on the base. This is especially useful if you are going to be changing the car seat frequently or the baby will be traveling with you and you'll need to set it up in Ubers or taxis.

Another benefit is the ability to attach a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat, making it easier to transport your baby's child from the car to the supermarket or out for errands without having to lug around the separate baby carrier. This is a life-changing feature for parents trying for a way to return to normal after a lengthy trip or a commute with a baby.

If you anticipate your child to grow rapidly opt for a car seat designed for infants with a higher weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in America must meet the safety standards of the federal government However, that doesn't mean they are all created equal. Some seats have extra features, like load legs that brace the seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the chance of head injuries during crashes. A few additional features can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent happier and more confident.