5 Clarifications On Best Infant Seat

Best Infant Seat Features All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some go above. From extra padding to cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will appreciate. We considered factors like weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features, and price when choosing our top choices. Read on to see which infant seat is right for your family. Safety Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Certain seats have additional features that are above and beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in, strap-holding sides, and more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a chair comes with, the are more efficient. The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This can reduce the chance of injuries to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially important with an infant seat, since it's only designed to last for a short period of time. Choose a model that has bubble indicators and an incline foot that is spring loaded 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 premium features such as the no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. These are wonderful, but don't forget that a safe car seat only as secure as the car you're driving in. Go through the owner's manual for tips on how to properly secure your infant seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features. When choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll only be in a position to use it for about 2 years until your child is ready to transition to a convertible car seat. Some families choose to skip the infant car seat completely and opt for convertible cars with a higher weight and height limits. When infant car seat uk are buying an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before making a decision. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for the child, fits in your car and also has useful features such as converting it to a stroller. And, don't forget to look for recalls prior to making a purchase. It's the most important factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road. Ease of Use You're looking for a car seats for your infant that is easy to attach and remove from the base whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or transfer it between several. It is important to look for clear installation instructions and a smooth mechanism. Also consider how easy it is to alter the car seat as your baby grows and the quality of the materials used. Some infant seats include a load leg. This is a brace that serves as a support between the seat base and the floor of the vehicle, providing extra security in the event of an accident. It's an especially important feature if you drive an older vehicle, since the risk of head injury during a crash is much higher when a baby is sitting close to the ground, as per research conducted by Consumer Reports. Other features that are premium can enhance the infant car seat experience. They include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from bouncing during a crash. This has been proven by studies to reduce the risk for head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a great option for those on a tight budget who want an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a number of high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has received an outstanding rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, and an extended canopy that is secured with magnets for full coverage. A seat that is easily installed using only lapbelts and does not require the requirement for an additional base is a different option. This is a good option for parents who are planning to use Uber or taxi rides because it eliminates the need to return to the car every time to replace a seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH built into the bottom of their seats which makes them fast and easy to install. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. This is an excellent option when you're on a tight budget. Comfort It is essential that your child is comfortable in their car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that feels cozy against their tummy and back and a headrest that expands with them to support their growing body. Also, consider a seat you can easily alter as your child grows. While a seat that has many special features might cost more, they're also often easier to use. That's why we look at aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, as an extremely heavy or bulky seat can strain your biceps as you transport it to and from your vehicle or between vehicles. 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 extra safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats but there are some affordable models that include it. The weight and height limits are also important. You'll want to ensure the seat will remain safe for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt usually between the ages of two and three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be converted into a toddler seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families that frequently change vehicles or travel. Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller into one piece. It's ideal for parents who are always in motion, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to put in. Our experts who tested it praised its ease of use with the one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers reported that the seat is compact, which is important for those with limited trunk space. Plus, 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 infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows the best infant car seats include convenience features that help parents get in and out with a minimal amount of effort. Other important things to look at is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to help with cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy that can be useful in the car as well as attached to a stroller. A feature on the base could save you lots of time and headaches. It shows you when it's been put in place correctly. The line should be parallel to ground and should be situated on the base. It's particularly useful in the event that you'll be changing the car seat often, or if you intend to travel with your child and you'll need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis. Another benefit is the ability to attach an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat making it easier to transport your baby's infant from the car to the supermarket or out on errands, without the need to carry the separate baby carrier. This can be a game changer for new parents who want to get back to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with a newborn. If your baby is expected to grow quickly, you should choose a car seat for infants that has more weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time. While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it doesn't mean all seats are created to be equal. Some have premium features that go beyond, like load legs that support the base of the car seat for additional stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injury in crashes. Other features, like the no-rethread harness or an extendable canopy, could also make for an easier ride for your baby and allow you be a happier, more confident parent.