You'll Never Be Able To Figure Out This Best Infant Seat's Benefits

Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats have to meet federal safety standards. However, some go beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love such as extra padding, a cushioned inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no need for rethreading.

We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base), stroller connectivity, special features and price when selecting our top picks. Find out the best infant seat for 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 that go beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in, strap-holding sides, and more. According to the experts I spoke to, the more features a seat comes with, the better.

The more intuitive a car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This will reduce the chance of injuries to their child during the event of a crash. This is especially true for the infant car seat, as it's only designed for an extremely short time. Choose a model that has an indicator that bubbles and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easier to set the seat. Make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as the no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. Remember that even though these features are great, a car seat's safety is only dependent on the vehicle in which you drive. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for advice on how to properly secure your infant seat and to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.

When you are choosing an infant seat, remember that you will only be able to use it for approximately 2 years before your child is old enough to move to an convertible seat. This is why some families choose to not use an infant car seat best seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which has greater height and weight limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your car and test several models before settling on one. Then, you can make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your car and has useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. It's vital to ensure the safety of your child on the road.

Easy of Use

If you're planning to use the seat in a single car or moving it among several, you want an infant car seat that is simple to install and detach from the base. Look for clear installation instructions and a smooth operation. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the high-quality materials used.

Some infant seats come with the load leg. This is a brace that provides support between the seat base and the floor of the vehicle that provides additional stability in case of a collision. It's an especially important feature if you drive an older vehicle, as the risk of injury to the head in a crash is higher when a baby is sitting close to the ground, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features can improve the infant car seat experience. These include a non rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from spinning in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown by research to reduce the risk for head injuries by as much as 43%. The Evenflo LiteMax is a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget looking for an ARC-certified car seat and has a few high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has been awarded an excellent rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets for full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with a lapbelt, and without the requirement for the base is an alternative. This is ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require the return trip to the car to install a new seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the counterpart TRIV travel system feature a rigid LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom, making it quick and easy to put in any vehicle. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and also converts into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. It's an excellent choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child feels comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're there for a long period of time. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, plush fabric that is soft against their back and tummy and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, consider a seat you can easily adjust as your child gets older.

A seat with many special features can be more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants, we consider factors such as a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors, and a no rethread harness. We also consider dimensions and weight since an overly heavy or bulky seat can add stress to your biceps while you carry it in and out of your car or between cars.

A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash, is an additional option. This safety feature is usually only available in high-end seats, however, there are a few affordable models that include it.

Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. This typically occurs at around the age of two or three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be converted into a toddler's car seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is ideal for families who frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller in one. It's a great choice for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It is also easy to set up. Our testers who were experts in the field have praised its simplicity of use, including the one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also noted how the seat is compact it is essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their child'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 move up as your child grows the top infant car seats have convenience features to help parents get in and out with a minimal amount of effort. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on a stroller.

A feature on the base could save you much time and headaches. It shows you when it has been installed correctly. This line should be parallel to the ground and is located on the base. This is especially helpful if you are going to change the car seat frequently or if your baby will be traveling with you and you'll need to set it up in taxis or Ubers.

Another useful feature is the ability to attach an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it much easier to transport your baby's child from the car to the supermarket or out on errands, without the need to carry a separate carrier. This could be a huge advantage for new parents who want to get back to their routine after an extended commute or a trip with a baby.

If you anticipate your child to grow rapidly opt for a car seat for babies with a higher weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat in use longer.

All car seats sold in the United States must comply with the safety standards of the federal government However, that doesn't mean they are all created to be the same. Certain models have features that go beyond, including load legs that anchor the base of the car seat for added stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of injury to the head in crashes. Other features, such as the no-rethread harness or an extended canopy, can help create an easier ride for your child and help you become a more relaxed and more secure parent.