Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, a few are more than others. From extra padding to a baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no rethreading, our best infant car seat of the Bump winner offers many features parents will appreciate.

We considered factors like weight (without base), stroller connectivity, special features and prices when selecting our top choices. Find out the best car seat newborn uk infant seat for you and your family by reading on.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must be in compliance with federal safety standards. However, some seats come with additional features that are beyond the minimum standards. These can 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 better.

The more comfortable a car seat is for users, the more likely parents are to use it in a safe manner, which can reduce their child's risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is especially true for infant seats, which are only designed to be used for a short duration. 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 in a perfect position. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.

Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features, such as a strap that doesn't need to be rethread and magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. These are wonderful, but don't forget that the safety of your car seat is just as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for advice on how to properly secure your infant's seat and to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, be aware that you will only be able to use it for a period of about two years before your child is old enough to transition to a convertible seat. That's why some families opt to leave out an infant car seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has greater weight and height limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test several models before settling on one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your car and includes handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Also, make sure to check for recalls before making an purchase. It's the most crucial aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Simple to Use

If you're using the seat in one vehicle or transferring it between many, you need an infant car seat that is easy to put in 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 quality materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats have is a load leg which serves as a brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle's floor to provide additional stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if are driving an older vehicle since the likelihood of suffering a head injury is greater if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other top features that enhance the infant car seat user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bars, which can prevent the seat from rebounding during the event of a crash. This has been proven to reduce the risk of head injury by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a limited budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat that has a few key premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an outstanding rating by experts in child safety. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extendable canopy with magnets that ensure full coverage.

A seat that is easily installed with lapbelts and does not require the need for an additional base is a different option. This is ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require a trip back and forth to the car to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example include a strong LATCH built into the bottom of their seats making them easy and simple to install. It can also be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into an highback booster or a belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's an excellent choice for families with a limited budget.

Comfort

When your baby is stuck in a car seat for extended periods of time, it's important they feel safe. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, a plush fabric that is soft against their tummy and back and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Look for an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow, and.

A seat that has many unique features is often more expensive but also easier to use. That's why we look at aspects like a single-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also take note of the dimensions and weight, as the weight or bulk of a seat could strain your biceps as you carry it into and out of your car or 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 usually found in more expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly choices that have this extra safety measure.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat will remain safe for your child when they reach their peak growth spurt typically at around the age of two or three. You should also consider convertible infant car seats that can be converted into an adult seat. This option will give you a bit more flexibility in your car and is perfect for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona that is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller into one unit. It's a great choice for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It is also easy to put in. Our testers who were experts in the field have praised its simplicity of use, including the one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also remarked how the seat is compact and is an essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's health and environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seat cheap car seats are easy to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows the top infant car seats have convenience features to help parents get into and out with a minimum of fuss. Other important features to consider is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy that can be useful both inside the car as well as attached to the stroller.

A feature on the base can save a great deal of time and headaches. It lets you know if it's been put in place correctly. This line should be parallel to the ground and is located on the base. It's especially useful when you'll be changing the car seat frequently, or if intend to travel with your child and require the seat in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat for travel car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it simple to carry your baby to the store or to run the errands. It's not necessary to worry about an additional carrier. This can be a great advantage for new parents looking to return to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with a newborn.

If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat with a higher weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean that all seats are made equally. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that support the seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the chance of head injuries from crashes. Other features, like a no-rethread harness and an extended canopy, can also make for an easier ride for your child and help you become a more relaxed, more confident parent.