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Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, a few are more than others. From extra padding to cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no having to rethread our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will appreciate.

In deciding which of our top choices, we looked at factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, features, and price. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. Certain seats have additional features above and beyond the minimum requirements. They could include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that support the straps and more. According to the experts I spoke to the more features a chair includes, the are more efficient.

The more intuitive the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This will reduce the risk of injury to their child during the event of a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are designed to be used for a limited period of time. Find a seat that is simple to install and has a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat perfectly level. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.

Other top features that some car seat manufacturers provide include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are fantastic but the safety of your car seat is only as good as the vehicle in which you drive. Go through the owner's manual to learn how to properly secure your infant's seat and to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.

When choosing an infant seat, remember that you'll only be able to use it for a period of about two years before your child is ready to move to an convertible seat. Some families skip the infant seat entirely and choose to purchase a convertible car that has a higher weight and height limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your car and try out a variety of models in person before making a decision on one. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your car and includes convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.

Ease of Use

If you're planning to use the seat in a single car or transferring it between many, you need an infant car seat that is simple to install and detach from the base. Look for clearly labeled instructions for installation and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the high-quality materials that are used.

One of the best features that infant seats come with is a load leg that acts as a brace between the seat's base and car's floor, providing extra stability in the event of a crash. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if are driving an older vehicle because the risk of sustaining a head injury is greater if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the user experience include a harness that is not rethread and anti-rebound bar, which will prevent the seat from rebounding during the event of a crash. The latter has been shown to decrease the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a great choice for those on a tight budget who want an ARC-certified car seat and has a few premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat was given an outstanding rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure full coverage.

Another thing to look for is the type of seat that can be installed with just the lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. This is ideal for parents who are planning to use Uber or taxi rides since it doesn't require them to go back to the car every time to put in a new seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its corresponding TRIV travel system have a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to put in any vehicle. It also can be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward facing infant car seat-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to a highback booster or backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). This is an excellent option for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

If your child is in the car seat for long periods of time, it's crucial that they feel comfortable. This means padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel snug against their stomachs or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, look for a seat that is easy to adjust as your child grows.

A seat that has many unique features is often more expensive but also easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we take into consideration things like a one-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors and harness that doesn't rethread. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, because an extremely heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps as you carry it to and from 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 another good infant car seats choice. This 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 need to make sure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. It usually occurs around the age of 2 or 3. It's also worth considering convertible infant car seats that converts to a toddler seat. This option will give you a little more flexibility in your car and is great for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona which is a combination of a car seat for an infant and a stroller into one unit. It's the perfect pick for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It is also easy to set up. Our expert testers praised its ease of use and its one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers noted that the seat is small and lightweight, which is essential for those with limited trunk space. 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 best infant seats have features that make them easy to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows, the best infant car seats have convenience features that allow parents to get in and out with a minimum of fuss. Other important features to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to help with cleaning) and if it features a canopy, which is useful in the car and attached to the stroller.

A feature on the base can save you lots of time and headaches. It shows you when it's been put in place correctly. The line should be parallel to the ground and should be situated on the base. This is particularly useful when you're going to change the car seat often or the baby will be traveling with you and you need to set it up 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 store or to run errands. It's not necessary to carry the hassle of a separate car seat. This can be a life-changing option for parents looking to return to normal after a lengthy journey or a long 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 the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat in use longer.

While all car seats by age seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean all seats are made to be equal. Certain models have features that go above and beyond, such as load legs that support the base of the car seat to provide added stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injury in crashes. Other features, like a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, could also provide an easier ride for baby and help you become a more relaxed and more confident parent.