You ll Never Guess This Best Infant Seat s Secrets
best car seat Infant Seat Features
All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However, some go beyond. From extra padding to a baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread, our best infant seat of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love.
In deciding which of our top choices, we looked at factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, special features and price. Find out the best infant car seats uk seat - find out here - for your family by reading on.
Safety
Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats have extra features that are beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in strap-holding sides, and much more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a seat comes with, the better.
The more user-friendly a car seat can be it, the more likely parents will be to use it correctly, which can reduce the chance of injuries to their child in an accident. This is especially important for infant seats, which are designed to be used for a short duration. Look for a model that's easy to install, with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help keep the seat in a perfect position. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.
Certain car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as a strap that doesn't need to be rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. These are great, but don't forget that a safe car seat is only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. You can find helpful tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your infant car seat and learn more about the car's safety features.
When you're choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll probably only be in a position to use it for about 2 years until your child is ready to switch to an convertible car seat. Some families skip the infant seat altogether and opt for a convertible car with a higher weight and height limit. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your car and try out a variety of models in person before choosing one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your car, and comes with convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's essential to ensure the safety of your child on the road.
Easy to Use
Whether you'll be using the seat in one car or transferring it between several, you want an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. Look for clear installation instructions and a smooth operation. Also, consider how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.
Some infant seats have a load leg. This is a brace that acts as a support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle that provides additional security in the event of an accident. This is a crucial feature if you drive an older vehicle, since the risk of head injury during a crash is much higher when a child is seated near to the ground, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.
Other premium features that can enhance the infant car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and an anti-rebound bar that can prevent the seat from rebounding during an accident. The latter has been proven by research to decrease the risk of head injuries by up to 43%. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget looking for an ARC-certified car seat and has a few premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat received an outstanding rating by safety experts for children. 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 out for is an infant seat that can be put in using a lap belt and does not require the base. This is ideal for parents who intend to use Uber or taxi rides as it eliminates the need to get back in the car each time to put in a new seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its corresponding TRIV travel system have an extremely rigid LATCH system built right into the bottom of the seat which makes it fast and easy to install in any car. It also can be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to the highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's a great option for families on a tight budget.
Comfort
When your baby is in car seats for a long period of time, it's important they are comfortable. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that is soft against their back and stomach and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Look for a seat that is easy to adjust as they get bigger, as well.
A car seat with a variety of features can be more expensive but also easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we look at things like a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors and harness that doesn't rethread. We also take note of dimensions and weight, since the weight or bulk of a seat could strain your biceps as you carry it in and out of your car, or in 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 an alternative. This safety feature is usually only available in high-end seats, however, there are a few affordable models that include it.
The weight and height limits are also important. You'll want to ensure the seat will remain safe for your child when they reach their peak growth spurt usually around age two or three. You should also consider a convertible infant car seat travel car seat that converts to an adult car seat. This option will give you a bit more flexibility in your vehicle and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects loved the Doona, which is a combination of an infant car seat rear facing car seat and stroller into one unit. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school via public transport. It's also easy to put in and our testers appreciated the ease of using the one-handed latch system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted that the seat is small, which is important for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical, which is a big bonus for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.
Convenience
The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. The most comfortable infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important aspects to consider is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy, which is useful in the car and also attached to a stroller.
A feature on the base can save lots of time and headaches. It lets you know if it has been installed correctly. This line should be parallel to ground and should be situated on the base. It can be particularly helpful if you're going to be changing the car seat frequently, or if plan to travel with your baby and need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.
Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to connect a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping bundle of joy from the car to the store or out for errands without having to lug around the separate baby carrier. This can be a huge advantage for new parents looking to get back to their day after an extended commute or a trip with their newborn.
If you are expecting your child to grow rapidly opt for a car seat designed for infants that have a greater weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. You can use 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. Certain seats come with additional features, like load legs that brace a car seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injuries during crashes. Other extras, such as the no-rethread harness or an extended canopy, can also provide a more comfortable ride for baby and help you become a more relaxed and more confident parent.