epochbrain6

Best Infant Seat Features All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some go beyond. From extra padding to cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no needing to rethread our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will love. We considered factors like weight (without base), stroller connectivity, special features and prices when choosing our top picks. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading. Safety All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. But some of the seats come with additional features that are beyond the minimum requirements. These can include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that can hold straps, and more. The more features a car seat is equipped with the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to. The more user-friendly a car seat can be and the more likely parents will be to use it properly, which can reduce the chance of injuries to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially true for infant seats, which are only intended to be used for a brief duration. Choose a model that's easy to install with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help get the seat perfectly level. Also, make sure the base is easy to click in and out of the car. Certain car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a strap that doesn't need to be rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. These are great however, don't forget that a safe car seat still only as secure as the car you're driving in. There are tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your infant's car seat, and also learn more about the safety features. When choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll likely only be in a position to use it for approximately 2 years until your child is ready to switch to an convertible car seat. Some families skip the infant seat altogether and opt for a convertible car, which has an increased weight and height limit. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your car and try out a variety of models in person before committing to one. Then, you can make sure 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. Also, make sure to check for recalls before making a purchase. It's the most crucial aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road. Easy of Use You're looking for a car seat for your baby that is easy to attach and take off from the base, regardless of whether you plan to use it in just one vehicle or shift it between several. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also, consider how it is easy to alter the car seat as your baby grows and the quality of the materials used. One of the best features that infant seats have is a load leg, that acts as an extra brace between the seat's base and vehicle's floor to provide extra stability in the event of collision. It's a vital feature for those who drive an older car, as the risk of head injury in a crash is higher when an infant is sitting close to the floor, according to research by Consumer Reports. Other features that are premium can enhance the infant car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from spinning during a crash. The latter has been proven by research to reduce the risk for head injuries by up to 43%. “If you're on a tight budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seat with some of the most important premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax,” says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has received an excellent rating from child 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. infant car seat swivel Pushchairs And Prams to look for is an infant seat that is able to be set up with just the lap belt, and does not require the base. This is ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require an extra trip back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its equivalent TRIV travel system come with a sturdy LATCH system that's integrated into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to install in any vehicle. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and can be converted into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great choice for those on a tight budget. Comfort It's crucial that your baby is comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're in the seat for a long period of time. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that feels cozy against their tummy and back and a headrest that expands with them to support their growing body. Also, look for a seat that is easy to alter as your child grows. While a seat that has many special features might cost more but they're also generally easier to use. This is why we take into consideration factors like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also consider dimensions and weight since the weight or bulk of a seat could strain your biceps as you carry it into and out of your car or between cars. Another option is a car seat with a load-leg, a safety feature which aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this safety feature. Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat will still be safe for your child when they reach their peak growth rate, which is usually around age two or three. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be transformed into a toddler's car seat. This option gives you a little more flexibility when you drive and is perfect for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel. Our test participants were impressed with the Doona that combines the car seat of an infant and a stroller all in one piece. It's ideal for parents who are always moving around, particularly those who use public transport to commute to work or to school. It's also simple to set up, and our expert testers were impressed with the ease of use of the latch that is one-handed and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted that the seat is incredibly compact which is crucial for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a huge advantage for parents concerned with their baby's environment and health. Convenience The best infant seats have features that make them easy to use. The best infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easier for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important features to consider are whether the seat is machine washable (to help with cleaning) and if it features a canopy, which is useful in the car and attached to the stroller. A feature on the base could save you a great deal of time and headaches. It lets you know if it's been properly installed. This line is on the base's side and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. This is especially helpful if you are going to be changing the car seat frequently or the baby will be traveling with you and you'll need to connect it to taxis or Ubers. Another benefit is the ability to attach an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the supermarket or on errands without the need to carry an additional carrier. This can be a huge advantage for new parents looking to get back to their routine after an exhausting commute or outing with their newborn. If your baby is likely to grow quickly, you should choose a car seat for infants that has more weight and height limit than that 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, it does not mean that all car seats are created to be equal. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that support the seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of sustaining head injuries during crashes. A few additional features can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, and you as a parent are happier and more confident.