Ten Common Misconceptions About Best Infant Seat That Aren't Always True

best car seat newborn uk Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats conform to the federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will love, including extra padding, a cushioned inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no Rethreading.

We looked at factors such as weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and price when selecting our top choices. Find out what infant car seat is best for your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. Certain seats have additional features above and beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated, strap-holding sides, and much more. The more features a car seat comes with, the better, according to experts I spoke to.

The more intuitive a car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This will reduce the risk of injury to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially true for the infant car seat, as it's designed for an extremely short time. Choose a model that's easy to install with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help keep the seat level. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.

Other premium features that some car seat manufacturers offer are the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. These are fantastic, but don't forget that the safety of your car seat is just as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant's car seat and learn more about the car's safety features.

When you're choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll probably only be in a position to use it for about two years before your child is old enough to move to an convertible car seat. This is why some families choose to leave out the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher height and weight limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test out several models in person prior to making a decision on one. You can then make sure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits inside your car and also has useful features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's crucial to ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Ease of Use

Whether you'll be using the seat in one vehicle or moving it between several, you want an infant car seat that is simple to set up and remove from the base. Look for clearly labeled instructions for installation and an operation that is seamless. Also consider how easy it is to alter the car seat as your baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

Some infant car seat best seats include the load leg. This brace that provides support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle and provides extra stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older car, because the risk of suffering a head injury is greater if the child is too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium and can improve infant car seat user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bar, which help keep the seat from rebounding in the event of a crash. The latter has been proven to reduce the risk of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a number of top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has earned an outstanding rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions, plus an extendable canopy that secures with magnets for full coverage.

Another thing to look out for is an infant seat that is able to be set up with just 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 each time to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for instance are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that is built into the seat's bottom which makes them fast and simple to install. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds), and it converts into an 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

It is essential that your child is comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long period of time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, a plush fabric that is comfortable against their tummy and back and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, consider a seat that is easy to adjust as your child grows.

While a seat that has lots of features might cost more however, they are also more convenient 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 we evaluate infant car seats. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, since the weight or size of the seat can strain your biceps as you transport it into and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.

A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash, is an alternative. It's usually found in expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this safety feature.

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll want to ensure the seat will remain safe for your child when they reach their highest growth stage usually at around the age of two or three. You should also consider a convertible infant car seats that swivel car seat that converts to a toddler seat. This will allow you a little more flexibility when you drive and is perfect for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona that combines an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's a great choice for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school via public transport. It's also simple to set up. Our expert testers appreciated its user-friendlyness with the one-handed latching system and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers reported that the seat is incredibly compact, which is important for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical, which is a big advantage for parents concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows the best infant car seats include convenience features to help parents get into and out with a minimum of hassle. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to simplify cleaning) and whether it has a canopy. This is useful both in the car and on the stroller.

One feature that might seem like a small thing, but could save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that will let you know whether it's been put in place correctly. This line is on the base's side and should be in line with the ground after you've completed. This is particularly useful when you're going to be changing the car seat frequently or when your child will be traveling with you and you'll need to set it up in taxis or Ubers.

Another useful feature is the ability to connect an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, making it easier to transport your baby's child from the car to the store or out for errands without the need to carry the separate baby carrier. This is a life-changing feature for parents who are looking to get back to normal after a long trip or commute with a child.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat with more weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it doesn't mean all seats are made to be equal. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that support the base of a car seat to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of head injuries from crashes. Other extras, such as a no-rethread harness and an extended canopy, can help create a more relaxing ride for baby and help you be a happier and more secure parent.