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20 Things That Only The Most Devoted Best Infant Seat Fans Know
Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats have to meet federal safety standards. However, some go beyond. From extra padding to a cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no rethreading, our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will love.

We looked at factors such as weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features, and price when selecting our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading on.

Safety


Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats have extra features that are 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 is equipped with, the better, according to experts I spoke to.

The more intuitive the car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This will lower their child’s risk of injury during the event of a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are intended to be used for a brief duration. Look for a model with an indicator that bubbles and an adjustable foot with a spring to make it easy to adjust the seat. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.

Other features that top-quality car seat makers offer include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. These are wonderful however, don't forget that the safety of your car seat is just as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your child's car seat, and also learn more about the safety features.

When you're choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll only be in a position to use it for around two years before your child is old enough to move to convertible car seats. That's why some families opt to skip an infant seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which has higher weight and height limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before settling on one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your car, and comes with convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Don't forget to check for recalls before making an purchase. It's essential to ensure the safety of your child on the road.

Easy of Use

If you're using the seat in a single car or moving it between many, you need an infant car seat that is simple to set up and remove from the base. You should look for clear installation instructions and a smooth mechanism. Also consider how it is simple to alter the car seat as your baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats have a load leg. It's a brace that provides support between the seat base and the floor of the vehicle that provides additional stability in case of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you are driving an older vehicle since the likelihood of a head injury is greater if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other top features that enhance the user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bars, which can prevent the seat from rebounding during the event of a crash. The latter has been proven to decrease the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a limited budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat with a few key premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has been awarded an outstanding rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions, plus an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets for full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with a lapbelt, and without the necessity of a base is another option. This is ideal for parents who plan to use Uber or taxi rides as it eliminates the need to get back in the car every time to install a new seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its equivalent TRIV travel system come with an extremely rigid LATCH system integrated into the bottom of the seat, making it quick and easy to put in any car. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds), and it converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. It's a great option for families with a tight budget.

Comfort

If your child is in a car seat for a long period of time, it's crucial that they feel safe. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that feels cozy against their back and stomach and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, consider a seat that is easy to alter as your child grows.

A seat that has many unique features is usually more expensive, but is also easier to use. This is why we take into consideration things like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also take note of dimensions and weight since a heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps when you're carrying it in and out of your car or moving between cars.

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. This additional safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats but there are some affordable models that include it.

The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll want to ensure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens around age two or 3. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat that converts to an adult seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families that frequently change cars or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona, which is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller into one unit. It's the ideal choice for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school by public transport. It's also simple to install. Our experts who tested it have praised its simplicity of use with the one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers noted that the seat is small which is crucial for those with a limited trunk room. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical which is a major advantage for parents concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are simple to use. The most comfortable infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easier for parents to get in and out of the seat. Consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to make cleaning easier) and whether it has a canopy. This is useful both in the car and on the stroller.

A feature on the base can save lots of time and headaches. It shows you when it's been properly installed. The line should be parallel to ground and should be situated on the base. It's especially useful if you're going to be changing the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if you plan to travel with your child and require the seat in Ubers or taxis.

Another feature that is beneficial is the possibility of attaching an appropriate 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 on errands without having to wrestle with a separate carrier. This could be a life-changing feature for parents looking for a way to return to normal after a long journey or a long commute with a baby.

If car seat newborn are expecting your baby to grow quickly opt for the car seat for infants that have a greater weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in the United States must comply with federal safety regulations however that doesn't mean that they are all equal. Some come with features that go above and beyond, such as load legs that anchor the base of the car seat for added stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Certain additional features can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent happier and more confident.

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