Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats conform to the federal safety standards, some are more than others. From extra padding to baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no needing to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will love.

In deciding which of our top rated infant car seats choices, we looked at factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, features and price. Find out the best infant seat (Morphomics`s blog) for you and your family by reading on.

Safety

Every cheap infant car seats car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. Some seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. These include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that hold the straps, and more. The more features a car seat comes with, the better, according to experts I spoke with.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be, the more likely parents are to use it properly, which can reduce the risk of injury to their child in an accident. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are meant to be used for a limited time. Look for a model with bubble indicators and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easy to adjust the seat. Also, make sure the base is easy to click in and out of the car.

Other premium features that some car seat makers offer include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are wonderful the safety of a car seat is only as good as the car in which you drive. You can find tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant's car seat and learn more about the vehicle's safety features.

When selecting an infant seat, remember that you'll only be able use it for a period of about two years before your child is old enough to move to a convertible seat. Some families skip the infant seat altogether and opt for a convertible car with a higher weight and height limit. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your car and try out a variety of models before choosing one. You can then make sure the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car and has useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. And, don't forget to check for recalls before making a purchase. It's vital to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Ease of Use

If you're planning to use the seat in a single car 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 as well as a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also, think about how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats come with is a load leg, which acts as a brace between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor to provide extra stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you are driving an older vehicle because the risk of sustaining a head injury is higher when the child is too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bar, which will prevent the seat from rebounding during an accident. The latter has been shown by research to decrease the risk of head injuries by as much as 43%. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great option for those on a limited budget who want a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a number of premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has been awarded an exemplary rating from child-passenger 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 to provide full coverage.

A seat that is easily installed using only a lapbelt, and without the requirement for a base is another option. This is a good option for parents who are planning to use Uber or taxi rides since it doesn't require them to return to the car every time to replace a seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its counterpart TRIV travel system feature a rigid LATCH system that's built right into the bottom of the seat which makes it fast and easy to put in any vehicle. It can also be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward facing infant car seat-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

It's important that your baby feels comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're in the seat for a long period of time. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, a plush fabric that feels cozy against their tummy and back and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child gets older.

A seat that has many unique features is often more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. This is why we take into consideration factors like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight since a heavy or bulky seat can add stress to your biceps while you carry it into 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 alternative. This additional safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats however there are a few affordable models that include it.

Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat will still be safe for your child after they reach their maximum growth spurt usually between the ages of two and three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be transformed into a toddler's seat. This will allow you more flexibility in your vehicle and is perfect for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona that incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller in one. It's ideal for parents who are constantly in motion, especially those who use public transportation to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to install, and our expert testers praised the ease of using the one-handed latch system and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted how small the seat is it is essential for those with limited trunk space. Additionally, it's free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major advantage for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.

Convenience

The best car seats for newborns uk infant car seats are easy to use. From buckles that are smooth 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 to help parents get in and out with a minimum of hassle. Other important things to consider are whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it has a canopy, which is useful in the car and also attached to the stroller.

One feature that might not seem like a big thing, but could save you a lot of headache is an indicator on the base that lets you know that it's been properly installed. 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 between vehicles frequently, or if you plan to travel with your baby and require the seat in Ubers or taxis.

Another benefit is the ability to attach an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the store or out on errands, without the need to carry the separate baby carrier. This is an essential feature for parents trying for a way to return to normal following a long journey or a long commute with a child.

If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat that has an increased weight and height limit than the one 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, it doesn't mean all seats are made to be equal. Certain seats come with additional features, like load legs that brace the seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injuries in crashes. Certain additional features can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, and you as a parent are happier and more secure.