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Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats conform to federal safety standards, a few exceed the federal safety standards. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will love, including extra padding, a padded inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no Rethreading.

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

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet federal safety standards. Some seats offer extra features that are above and beyond the minimum standards. These can include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps, and more. The more features a car seat comes with, the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be, the more likely parents will be to use it in a safe manner and decrease the chance of injuries to their child in an accident. This is especially important for infant car seat cheap seats, which are meant to be used for a brief duration. Choose a model that's simple to install and has a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help keep the seat level. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.

Other premium features that some car seat manufacturers offer are an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. These are great however, don't forget that the safety of your car seat is only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Go through the owner's manual to learn how to properly ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.

When choosing an infant seat, keep in mind that you will only be able use it for about 2 years before your child is old enough to transition to a convertible seat. Some families choose to skip the infant seat entirely and choose to purchase convertible cars with a higher weight and height limit. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try several models before settling. Then, you can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits well in your car, and comes with useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. And, don't forget to verify recalls prior making an purchase. It's vital to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

You want a car seat for your baby that is easy to attach and remove from the base whether you intend to use it in a single vehicle or shift it between several. Find 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 quality materials used.

Some infant seats include the load leg. This is a brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor and provides extra stability in case of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you are driving an older vehicle because the chance of sustaining a head injury is higher when the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other premium features can improve the infant car seat experience. These include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that helps keep the seat from spinning during a crash. This has been proven by research to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 43%. "If you're on a limited budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seats with several key features that are premium I would recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an outstanding rating by safety experts for children. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extended canopy that has magnets to ensure complete coverage.

A seat that is easily installed with just lapbelts and does not require the requirement for a base is another option. This is a good option for parents who are planning to take Uber or taxi rides, because it eliminates the need to return to the car every time to replace a seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its counterpart TRIV travel system feature an extremely rigid LATCH system built right into the bottom of the seat making it quick and easy to install in any vehicle. It can also be used with a rear facing infant car seat-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and also converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. It's a great choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby car seat is in a car seat for a long period of time, it's crucial that they feel safe. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded and soft fabric that feels cozy against their tummy or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Choose a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow and.

A seat with many special features is usually more expensive but also easier 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 the weight and size of the seat, as an extremely heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps when you carry it into and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.

Another option is a car seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature which aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. This additional safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats however, there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat will remain safe for your child after they reach their maximum growth stage, which is usually at around the age of two or three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be transformed into a toddler's seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona that incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller in one. It's the ideal choice for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school via public transport. It is also easy to set up. Our testers who were experts in the field praised its ease of use with the one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also noted that the seat is incredibly compact and lightweight, which is essential for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemical, which is a big benefit for parents who are concerned with their baby's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make them easy to use. From buckles that are easy 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 into and out with a minimum of hassle. Other important aspects to consider is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it features a canopy that can be useful in the car and also attached to the stroller.

One thing that might not seem like a big thing, but could save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that will let you know that it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to ground and should be located on the base. It's especially useful if you're going to be changing the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if you intend to travel with your baby and require the seat in taxis or Ubers.

Another useful feature is the possibility of attaching a compatible 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 having to lug around a separate carrier. This is a life-changing option for parents trying for a way to return to normal following a long trip or commute with a child.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, select an infant car seat that has a higher weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat in use longer.

All car seats sold in the United States must comply with federal safety standards However, that doesn't mean they are all created equal. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that support the seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injuries from crashes. Certain additional features can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, and you as a parent are happier and more secure.