best car seats newborn Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some go above. From extra padding to baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will love.

We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features, and price when choosing our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading on.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must be in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in strap-holding sides, and more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a chair comes with, the better.

The more intuitive the car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This will reduce the risk of injury to their child during an accident. This is especially important with an infant car seat since it's designed for a short period of time. Look for a model that's easy to install with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat perfectly level. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.

Other top features that some car seat manufacturers offer are the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. Remember that even though these features are fantastic the safety of a car seat is only dependent on the vehicle that you use to drive. Check out the car's owner's manual to learn how to secure your infant's seat and to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, be aware that you'll only be able use it for approximately 2 years before your child is ready to transition to an convertible seat. Some families skip the infant seat altogether and choose to purchase convertible cars that has a higher weight and height limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try several models before settling. You can then make sure the seat is suitable for your child, fits well 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 the most important aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Ease of Use

You're looking for a car seats for your infant that is easy to connect and take off from the base, whether you intend to use it in one vehicle or shift it between multiple. Look for clearly labeled installation guides and an operation that is seamless. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the high-quality materials used.

Some infant seats have a load leg. This brace that provides support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle that provides additional stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if are driving an older vehicle because the chance of suffering a head injury is greater if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium can enhance the baby car seat experience. They include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from spinning in a crash. This has been proven by studies to reduce the chance of head injuries by up to 43%. "If you're on a tight budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat that has a few key premium features I would recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was awarded an exemplary rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extended canopy that has magnets that ensure full coverage.

Another thing to look for is an infant seat that can be installed using a lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. This is ideal for parents who intend to use Uber or taxi rides, since it doesn't require them to go back to the car each time to install a new seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its equivalent TRIV travel system come with a rigid LATCH system that's integrated into the seat's bottom which makes it fast and easy to install in any vehicle. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds) or 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. This is a great option if you're on a budget.

Comfort

If your child is in a car seat for long periods of time, it's important they feel safe. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, plush material that is soft against their back and stomach and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Look for an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow, as well.

A seat that has many unique features is often more expensive but also easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we look at factors such as a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors and no rethread harness. We also look at the weight and size of the seat, because a heavy or large seat can strain your biceps while 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 choice. It's usually found in more expensive seats but we've seen few budget-friendly choices that have this safety feature.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat will still be safe for your child after they reach their highest growth rate, which is usually between the ages of two and three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be converted into a toddler's seat. This option will give you more flexibility in your vehicle and is great for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our test participants were impressed with the Doona that combines the car seat of an infant and a stroller into one package. It's the perfect pick for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school on public transport. It is also easy to set up. Our experts who tested it praised its ease of use and its 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 with limited trunk space. Plus, it's free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge bonus for those who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows the best infant car seats have convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with minimum of hassle. Other important things to consider is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleaning easier) and if it has a canopy, which is handy both inside the car seats newborn and also attached to the stroller.

One thing that may seem like a small difference but can save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that informs you when it's been installed correctly. This line is on the base's side and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. This is particularly useful in the event that you will be changing the car seat frequently, or the baby will be traveling with you and you'll need to connect it to taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it easy to take your baby to the store or to run the errands. You don't need to carry the hassle of a separate car seat. This could be a life-changing option for parents who are looking for a way to return to normal after a long trip or commute with a baby.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat that has an increased weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in America must conform to federal safety standards, but that does not mean that they're all equal. Certain seats come with additional features, like load legs that support the seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of sustaining head injuries from crashes. Other extras, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, could also make for a more relaxing ride for your baby and allow you become a more relaxed, more confident parent.