You'll Never Guess This Best Infant Seat's Tricks

Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However, some go beyond. Our best car seats newborn of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love with extra padding, a padded 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 car seats for newborns infant seat for your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in strap-holding sides, and so on. According to the experts I spoke to, the more features a chair includes, the better.

The more intuitive a car seat is, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This can reduce the risk of injury to their child in an accident. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are only designed to be used for a short time. Choose a model that has a bubble indicator and an adjustable foot with a spring for making it easy to level the seat. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click in and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers provide high-end features like the no-rethread strap as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are great but the safety of your car seat is only dependent on the vehicle that you use to drive. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for advice on how to properly 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, keep in mind that you'll only be allowed to use it for around 2 years until your child is ready to transition to an convertible car seat. Some families skip the infant seat entirely and opt for a convertible car with a higher weight and height limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try different models before settling. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable 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 an purchase. It's essential to ensure the safety of your child on the road.

Easy to Use

If you're planning to use the seat in one car or moving it between several, you want an rotating infant car seat car seat that is simple to put in and remove from the base. You should look for clear installation instructions and a simple mechanism. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the quality materials used.

A great feature that many infant seats include is a load leg that acts as a brace between the base of the seat and the car's floor, providing extra stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if are driving an older vehicle because the chance of suffering a head injury is higher when the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium and can improve infant car seat user experience include a no-rethread harness and an anti-rebound bar that help keep the seat from bouncing back in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown to lower the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great choice for those on a limited budget and looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has received an exemplary rating from child-passenger safety technicians and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, plus an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

Another thing to look for is a seat that is able to be set up by a lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. This is ideal for parents who plan to use Uber or taxi rides, since it doesn't require them to return to the car every time to install a new seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its counterpart TRIV travel system feature a rigid LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to install in any car. It can also be used rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and can be converted into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great choice for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

If your child is in a car seat for a long period of time, it's important they feel comfortable. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded and soft fabric that feels comfortable against their stomach or back and a growing headrest. Choose an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow as well.

A car seat with a variety of features is usually more expensive but also easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors and harness that doesn't rethread. 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 into and out of your car or moving between cars.

A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash, is an additional option. This safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats, however, there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll want to ensure the seat will remain suitable for your child once they reach their peak growth stage usually around age two or three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be transformed into a toddler's car seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families who frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which combines car seats for an infant and a stroller all in one unit. It's a great option for parents who are always in motion, especially those who use public transport to commute to work or go to school. It's also easy to put in and our testers praised the ease of using the latch that is one-handed and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also commented on how compact the seat is it is essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. The most effective infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on a stroller.

One thing that might seem like a small difference but can save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that will let you know that it's been properly installed. The line is located on the base's side and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. It's particularly useful if you're going to be switching the car seat between vehicles often, or if you are planning to travel with your baby and need to install 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 infant from the car to the grocery store or out on errands, without having to lug around an additional carrier. This could be a life-changing option for parents trying to get back to normal following a long trip or a commute with a baby.

If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat with an increased weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat newborn seat for a longer period of time.

All car seats sold in the United States must comply with the safety standards of the federal government, but that does not mean they are all created in the same way. Some come with features that go beyond, like load legs that anchor the base of the car seat to provide extra stability, and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. Other extras, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, could also provide a more relaxing ride for your baby and allow you become a more relaxed and more confident parent.