Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats have to meet federal safety standards. However some seats go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate with extra padding, a cushioned inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no rethreading.
In deciding which of our top choices, we looked at factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, features and price. Find out the best infant car seats on sale seat for your family by reading on.
Safety
Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. However, some seats come with additional features that go beyond the minimum standards. These include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that support the straps and more. The more features a car seat comes with, the better, according the experts I spoke with.
The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This will reduce the risk of injury to their child in the event of a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are only intended to be used for a brief time. Choose a model that’s simple to install and has a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help get the seat perfectly level. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.
Some car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a strap that doesn’t need to be rethread, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are fantastic the safety of a car seat is only as good as the car in which you drive. Check out the car’s owner’s manual for advice on how to ensure the safety of your infant’s seat as well as to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.
When choosing an infant car seat, be aware that you’ll only be able use it for a period of about two years before your child is able to transition to the convertible seat. This is why some families choose to skip an infant seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher height and weight limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your car and try a few models before making a decision on one. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits well in your car, and comes with convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Don’t forget to look for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It’s vital to ensure your child’s safety on the road.
Simple to Use
You’re looking for a car seat for your baby that is simple to attach and remove from the base, whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or shift it between multiple. Look for clear installation instructions and a smooth mechanism. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the high-quality materials that are used.
Some infant seats include a load leg. This is a brace that acts as a support between the seat’s base and the floor of your vehicle and provides extra security in the event of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it’s particularly important if have an older vehicle, because the risk of a head injury is higher when the child is too close to the floor.
Other high-end features can enhance the experience of infants in car seats. These include a non rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar to stop the seat from bouncing in a crash. The latter has been proven to decrease the risk of head injury by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a fantastic choice for those on a limited budget and looking for an ARC-certified car seat and has a few high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist’s gear editor, suggests it. The seat was awarded an exemplary rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure full coverage.
A seat that can be easily installed using only a lapbelt and without the necessity of a base is another option. That’s ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides, and doesn’t require a return trip to the car to install a different 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 simple to install in any car. It can also be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to an highback booster or a backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). This is a great choice when you’re on a tight budget.
Comfort
It’s crucial that your baby is comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they’re there for a long time. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that is soft against their back and stomach and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Find a seat that is easy to adjust as they get bigger, as well.
A car seat with a variety of features is often more expensive but also easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we look at factors such as a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors and no rethread harness. We also look at the weight and dimensions of the seat, since the weight or size of the seat could strain your biceps while you transport it to and from your vehicle or between vehicles.
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 only found in expensive seats however, there are a few affordable models that include it.
The weight and height limits are also crucial. You’ll want to ensure the seat will still be safe for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt typically at around the age of two or three. You should also consider convertible infant car seats that can be converted into a toddler seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families who frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our testers were impressed with the Doona which combines the car seat of an cheap infant car seats and a stroller all in one piece. It’s the perfect pick for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school by public transport. It’s also simple to set up and our experts who tested it praised the ease of using the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also commented on how compact the seat is it is essential for those with limited trunk space. Plus, it’s free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge bonus for those who are concerned about their child’s health and the environment.
Convenience
The best infant car seats come with features that make them easy to use. The best infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important things to consider is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it features a canopy that can be useful both inside the car and attached to a stroller.
One thing that might not seem like a big deal but can save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that will let you know when it’s been installed correctly. The line is located on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground once you’ve finished. This is particularly useful in the event that you will change the car seat frequently, or when your child will be traveling with you and you’ll need to install it in taxis or Ubers.
Another benefit is the ability to attach a compatible stroller directly to the cheap infant car seats car seat, which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the store or out on errands, without having to lug around the separate baby carrier. This could be a game changer for new parents who want to return to their normal routine after an exhausting commute or outing with their newborn.
If you are expecting your child to grow rapidly opt for a car seat for babies with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.
All car seats sold in America must conform to federal safety standards However, that doesn’t mean that they are all in the same way. Some have premium features that go beyond, such as load legs that support the base of the car seat to provide additional stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of injury to the head in crashes. Other features, such as a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, can also provide a more relaxing ride for your child and help you be a happier and more secure parent.