3 Ways In Which The Best Infant Seat Can Affect Your Life
Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, a few are more than others. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will love, including extra padding, a cushioned inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no Rethreading.
When selecting our top picks, we considered factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, extra features and price. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading.
Safety
Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. Some seats offer extra features above and beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated, strap-holding sides, and more. The more features a car seat is equipped with the better, according the experts I spoke to.
The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This will reduce the chance of injuries to their child during the event of a crash. This is particularly important for an infant seat, since it's only designed for an extremely short time. Choose a model that has a bubble indicator and an adjustable foot with a spring to make it easy to adjust the seat. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click into and out of the car.
Other premium features that some car seat makers offer include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are great, a car seat's safety is only as good as the car that you use to drive. There are tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your infant car seat and learn more about the safety features.
When selecting an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll likely only be able to use it for approximately 2 years until your child is ready to move to convertible car seats. This is why some families choose to not use the infant car seat and go directly to a convertible seat, which has greater weight and height limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and test out several models before making a decision on one. Then, you can make sure the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your car and includes handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. And, don't forget to verify recalls prior making the purchase. It's the most important factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.
Simple to Use
Whether you'll be using the seat in a single car or moving it between several, you want an infant car seat that is easy to install and detach from the base. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also, consider how it is simple to adjust the car seat as baby grows and the quality of the materials used.
Some infant seats have the load leg. This brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the floor of the vehicle that provides additional security in the event of an accident. This is a crucial feature if you drive an older car, as the risk of sustaining head injuries in a crash is higher when an infant is seated close to the ground, according to research by Consumer Reports.
Other features that are premium can enhance the experience of infants in car seats. These include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from spinning in the event of a crash. This has been proven to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a tight 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 awarded an outstanding rating by child-passenger safety experts. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extendable canopy with magnets that ensure full coverage.
Another thing to look for is an infant seat that can be installed using the lap belt, and doesn't require the use of the base. That's ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require the return trip to the car to put in a different seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its corresponding TRIV travel system have a sturdy LATCH system that's integrated into the bottom of the seat making it quick and easy to put in any car. It also can be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into the highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). This is a great choice if you're on a budget.
Comfort
It's important that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, especially if they are there for a long period of time. This means padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel comfortable against their stomach or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, look for a seat you can easily alter as your child grows.
While a seat with many special features may cost more but they're also generally easier to use. That's why we look at 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 the dimensions and weight, as the weight or bulk of a seat could put stress on your biceps while you carry it in and out of your car, or in 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 safety feature is usually found in expensive seats, but there are some affordable models that include it.
The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll need to make sure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. This usually happens around age two or 3. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be converted into a toddler seat. This gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families who often 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 a great option for parents who are always moving around, particularly those who take public transportation to commute to work or to school. infant car seat cheap 's also easy to set up. Our expert testers have praised its simplicity of use, including the one-handed latching system as well as the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also remarked how the seat is compact it is essential for those with a limited trunk space. Plus, it's free of harmful chemicals, which is a huge bonus for those who are concerned about their child's health and the environment.
Convenience
The most effective infant car seats are easy to use. The best infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it has a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on the stroller.
One thing that might seem like a small deal but can save you a lot of trouble is an indicator on the base that lets you know whether it's been put in place correctly. The line should be parallel to ground and should be situated on the base. This is especially helpful in the event that you will be changing the car seat frequently or the baby will be traveling with you and you have to connect it to taxis or Ubers.
Another useful feature is the ability to attach a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat, making it easier to transport your baby's child from the car to the grocery store or out for errands without having to lug around an additional carrier. This can be a huge advantage for new parents looking to get back to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with a newborn.
If you anticipate your baby to grow quickly, choose a car seat designed for infants with a higher weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.
All car seats sold in America must meet federal safety standards, but that does not mean they are all created equal. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that support a car seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of sustaining head injuries from crashes. Some extras can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, and make you as a parent feel more comfortable and more secure.