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10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Best Infant Seat
Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However some seats go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate, including additional padding, a padded inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no need for rethreading.

We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base), stroller connectivity, special features and price when choosing our top picks. Find out which infant seat is the best fit for your family.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must be in compliance with federal safety standards. Some seats come with extra features above and beyond the minimum standards. They could include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that support the straps and more. According to the experts I spoke to the more features a chair has, they better.

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 in the event of a crash. This is particularly important for an infant car seat since it's designed for an extremely short time. Choose a model that's simple to install and has an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to help get the seat level. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as the no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for the seat. These are fantastic however, don't forget that a safe car seat only as secure as the car you're driving in. You can find helpful tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your infant car seat, and also learn more about the safety features.

When choosing an infant seat, remember that you'll only be able use it for approximately 2 years before your child is ready to transition to a convertible seat. That's why some families opt to skip an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher height and weight limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try several models before settling on one. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits in your car and also has useful features such as converting it to a stroller. And, don't forget to verify recalls prior making a purchase. It's vital to ensure the safety of your child on the road.

Easy of Use

Whether you'll be using the seat in one vehicle or transferring it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is simple to put in and remove from the base. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as an operation that is seamless. Also consider how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats have the load leg. It's a brace that serves as a support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle, providing extra security in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you are driving an older vehicle because the chance of sustaining a head injury is higher when the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other premium features can improve the baby car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from bouncing in a crash. The latter has been shown by research to reduce the chance of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat that has a few key premium features I would recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an outstanding rating by safety experts for children. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

A seat that is easily installed with a lapbelt, and without the necessity of the base is an alternative. That's ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need an extra journey back and forth to the car to install a different seat. For example 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 vehicle. It also can be used 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). It's a great option for families with a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child is comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're in the seat for a long period of time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that feels cozy 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 grow, and.

A seat with many special features is often more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. That's why we look at things like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, because a heavy or large seat can put stress on your biceps when you carry it into and out of 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 alternative. It's usually found in more expensive seats, but we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this additional safety feature.

The limits on height and weight are also important. You'll want to make sure that the seat will remain suitable for your child once they reach their maximum growth stage typically around age two or three. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat that converts into an adult car seat. This gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families that frequently change cars or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona, which incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller into one. It's a great option for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who use public transport to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to install and our testers praised the ease of using the latch that is one-handed and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also commented on how compact the seat is, which is a must 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 environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seats come with features that make it easy to use. The most comfortable infant car seats come with features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important features to consider is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy, which is useful both inside the car as well as attached to a stroller.

One feature that might seem like a small 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. This line is located on the base's side and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. This is especially helpful in the event that you will change the car seat often or if your baby will be traveling with you and you'll need to set it up in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it simple to take your baby to the store or to run errands. It's not necessary to carry a separate carrier. This could be a game changer for parents with newborns who want to get back to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with a baby.

If infant car seat that swivels expect your baby to grow quickly, choose the car seat for infants with a higher weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat in use for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean that all seats are created equal. Some have premium features that go above and beyond, such as load legs that brace the base of the car seat to provide extra stability, and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of injury to the head in crashes. Some additional features can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent feel more comfortable and more secure.