best car seat newborn uk Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats conform to federal safety standards, a few exceed the federal safety standards. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love with additional padding, a padded inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no rethreading.
We considered factors like weight (without base), stroller connectivity, special features and prices when selecting our top picks. Find out the best infant seat (why not try here) for your family by reading on.
Safety
All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. But some of the seats have extra features that are beyond the minimum requirements. These include load legs and 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, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This will lower the chance of injuries to their child in a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are designed to be used for a short period of time. Look for a model with bubble indicators and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easy to set the seat. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.
Other premium features that some car seat manufacturers provide include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are great but the safety of your car seat is only as good as the car in which you drive. You can find helpful tips in the owner’s manual on how to secure your infant car seat and learn more about the safety features.
When choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you’ll probably only be in a position to use it for approximately 2 years, until your child is old enough to move to a convertible car seat. This is the reason why some families decide to skip the infant car seat and go directly to a convertible seat, which has higher weight and height limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your car and test different models before making a decision. You can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your car and also has useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. It’s the most critical factor in ensuring your baby’s safety on the road.
Ease of Use
Whether you’ll be using the seat in one vehicle or moving it among several, you’ll need an infant car seat that is easy to install and detach from the base. You should look for clear instructions on installation and a simple mechanism. Also, consider how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows and the quality of the materials used.
Some infant seats include a load leg. It’s a brace that provides support between the seat base and the vehicle’s floor, providing extra stability in the event of an accident. It’s a vital feature to have if you own an older vehicle, as the risk of injury to the head in a crash is higher when an infant is seated close to the floor, according to research by Consumer Reports.
Other premium features that can enhance the user experience include a harness that is not rethread and anti-rebound bars, which will prevent the seat from rebounding 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 with some of the most important premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX,” says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an exemplary rating by safety experts for children. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extended canopy that has magnets to ensure full coverage.
Another thing to look out for is the type of seat that can be installed with just the lap belt and does not require the base. This is ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides, and doesn’t require a journey back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example, have a rigid LATCH built into the bottom of their seats, making them quick and easy to install. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and also converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great option if you’re on a budget.
Comfort
It’s crucial that your baby feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly if they are there for a long time. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, plush fabric that feels cozy against their back and stomach and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Also, look for a seat you can easily adjust as your child grows.
While a seat that has many special features might cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. When evaluating infant car seat, we consider factors such as a one-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors and no rethread harness. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight, since a heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps when you’re carrying it in and out of your car, or in between cars.
Another good choice is a seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature which assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. This additional safety feature is usually only 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 need to ensure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. It usually occurs around age two or 3. It’s also worth looking at convertible infant car seats that converts into an adult seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families who often change vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which combines car seats for an infant and a stroller all in one package. It’s ideal for parents who are always in motion, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or to school. It’s also easy to set up. Our testers who were experts in the field have praised its simplicity of use and its one-handed latching system as well as the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also commented on how the seat is compact, which is a must for those with limited trunk space. Plus, it’s free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby’s health and environment.
Convenience
The best infant Maxi-Cosi Pearl Smart i-Size Car Seat – Black seats come with features that make it simple to use. The best infant car seats come with features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Check if the seat is able to be washed by a machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on the stroller.
One thing that might not seem like a big difference but can save you a lot of headache is an indicator on the base that will let you know when it’s been installed correctly. The line should be parallel to the ground and is situated on the base. This is particularly useful in the event that you will be changing the car seat frequently or if your baby will be traveling with you and you need to install it in Ubers or taxis.
Another benefit is the ability to connect a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat, making it easier to transport your baby’s infant from the car to the grocery store or out for errands without the need to carry the separate baby carrier. This can be an essential feature for parents looking to return to normal after a lengthy journey or a long commute with a baby.
If you are expecting 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 can keep the car seat in use longer.
While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it doesn’t mean all seats are made equally. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that brace a car seat’s base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of head injuries during crashes. Some extras can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, and make you as a parent are happier and more secure.