The Secret Life Of Best Infant Seat

Best Infant Seat Features While all infant seats conform to federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will appreciate, including extra padding, a padded inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no rethreading. When selecting our top picks, we took into consideration factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, features and price. Check out the following article to determine 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. However, some seats have extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. These can include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that support the straps and more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a seat comes with, the are more efficient. The more user-friendly a car seat is, 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 especially true for an infant car seat since it's only designed to last for a short period of time. Look for a model that's simple to install and has an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat level. Make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle. Other top features that some car seat makers offer include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. These are fantastic but remember that the safety of your car seat is still only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for tips on how to properly secure your infant's seat and to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features. When selecting an infant seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able to use it for a period of about two years before your child is ready to transition to an convertible seat. This is why some families choose to not use an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which has higher height and weight limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your car and try a few models in person prior to making a decision on one. Then, you can make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car, and comes with handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Also, make sure to check for recalls before making an purchase. It's the most important aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road. Ease of Use You're looking for a car seat for your infant that is easy to attach and remove from the base regardless of whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or shift it between several. Look for clearly labeled installation guides as well as an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the high-quality materials used. One of the best features that infant seats have is a load leg, which serves as an extra brace between the seat's base and vehicle floor to offer additional stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older car, because the chance of sustaining a head injury is higher if the child is seated too close to the floor. Other top features that enhance the user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bars, which help keep the seat from bouncing back in an accident. The latter has been proven by research to decrease the chance of head injuries by up to 43 percent. “If you're on a limited budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seats with several key features that are premium, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax,” says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has earned an outstanding rating from child-passenger safety technicians and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets to ensure complete coverage. Another thing to look out for is an infant seat that can be put in by the lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. This is a good option for parents who intend to take Uber or taxi rides, as it eliminates the need to get back in the car every time to replace a seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the equivalent TRIV travel system come with an extremely rigid LATCH system built right into the seat's bottom 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 be converted to an highback booster or a belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). infant car seat uk www.pushchairsandprams.uk 's an excellent choice for families on a tight budget. Comfort When your baby is in car seats for long periods of time, it's crucial that they feel safe. This means padded straps on their shoulders, a plush fabric that is soft against their back and tummy and a headrest that expands with them to support their growing body. Also, consider a seat you can easily adjust as your child gets older. While a car seat with a lot of special features may cost more but they're also generally easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies, we consider things like a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and a no rethread harness. We also take into consideration the weight and dimensions of the seat, because the weight or size of the seat could strain your biceps when you move 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 found in expensive seats, however, there are a few affordable models that come with it. Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. This typically occurs around age two or 3. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be converted into a toddler seat. This will allow you a little more flexibility when you drive and is great for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel. Our test participants were impressed with the Doona that combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller into one package. It's a great option for parents who are always moving around, particularly those who take public transport to commute to work or go to school. It's also simple to set up, and our expert testers were impressed with the ease of use of the one-handed latch system and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers reported that the seat is compact, which is important for those with limited trunk room. Plus, it's free of harmful chemicals, which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's health and the environment. Convenience The most effective infant car seats are easy to use. The most comfortable infant car seats are equipped with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get in 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 has a canopy, which can be handy both inside the car and also attached to the stroller. A feature on the base can save you much time and headaches. It lets you know if it has been installed correctly. This line is on the base's side and should be in line with the ground after you've completed. This is especially useful in the event that you will change the car seat frequently, or the baby will be traveling with you and you need to install it in taxis or Ubers. Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to attach a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping bundle of joy from the car to the store or on errands without having to wrestle with the separate baby carrier. This could be a game changer for new parents looking to return to their routine after an exhausting commute or outing with a newborn. If you expect your baby to grow quickly, choose a car seat for infants with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer. While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that does not mean that all car seats are created equal. Some seats have extra features, like load legs that support the seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of head injuries during crashes. Other features, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, could also make for an easier ride for your baby and allow you to be a happier and more secure parent.