best car seats for newborns infant seat, Click Link, Features

While all rotating infant car seat seats comply with federal safety standards, a few are more than others. From extra padding to a cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without needing to rethread the seat, our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will appreciate.

When selecting our top choices, we looked at factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features, and price. Find out the best infant carrier car seat infant seat for you and your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats have extra features that are 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 with the more features a chair has, they are more efficient.

The more intuitive a car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This will lower the risk of injury to their child during a crash. This is especially important for infant car seat newborn seats, which are only designed to be used for a brief time. Look for a model with bubble indicators and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easier to adjust the seat. Make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.

Some 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 for the seat. These are great but remember that a safe car seat still only as secure as the car you're driving in. You can find tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant's car seat and find out more about the 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 approximately 2 years until your child is old enough to switch to an convertible car seat. This is the reason why some families decide to skip an infant car seats on sale car seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has higher weight and height limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your car and test various models before settling on one. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits well in your car, and comes with useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's essential to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Ease of Use

You're looking for a car seats for your infant that is easy to connect and take off from the base, regardless of whether you plan to use it in just one vehicle or transfer it between multiple. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and an operation that is seamless. Also, consider how it is simple to adjust the car seat as baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

A great feature that many infant seats include 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 a crash. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older car, since the likelihood of sustaining a head injury is greater if the child is too close to the floor.

Other top features that enhance the user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bars, which will prevent the seat from rebounding during the event of a crash. The latter has been shown by studies to reduce the chance of head injuries by as much as 43%. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great option for those on a limited budget looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and has a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has received an outstanding rating from safety experts for children 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 for is a seat that can be installed with just the lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. This is ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need an extra trip back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that's built into the bottom of their seats making them easy and simple to install. It can also be used rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds), and it converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. It's an excellent choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's crucial that your baby is comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're there for a long time. This means padded straps on their shoulders, a plush fabric that is soft against their tummy and back and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Look for a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow as well.

While a seat with a lot of special features might cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. This is why we consider factors like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also take into consideration the weight and dimensions of the seat, since an extremely heavy or bulky seat can strain your biceps while you move it to and from your vehicle or in between vehicles.

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

The weight and height limits are also important. You'll want to make sure that the seat will still be safe for your child when they reach their maximum growth rate, which is usually around age two or three. You should also consider a convertible infant car seat that converts into an adult car seat. This will allow you a bit more flexibility in your vehicle and is perfect for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona that combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller all in one piece. It's perfect for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or to school. It's also simple to set up. Our testers who were experts in the field have praised its simplicity of use with the one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also remarked how compact the seat is, which is a must for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge advantage 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 into and out of the seat. Other important things to consider is whether the seat is machine washable (to help with cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy that can be useful in the car and also attached to the stroller.

A feature on the base can save a great deal of time and headaches. It will let you know when it's been properly installed. This line is on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. It's especially useful if you're going to be changing the car seat frequently, or if you are planning to travel with your child and require the seat in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it easy to transport your sleeping bundle to the store or to run the errands. It's not necessary to worry about the hassle of a separate car seat. This could be a huge advantage for new parents looking to return to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with a baby.

If you expect your child to grow rapidly opt for a car seat designed for babies with a higher weight or height limit than 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 that all seats are created equal. Certain seats come with additional features, like load legs that brace a car seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other features, like the no-rethread harness or an extendable canopy, could also make for a more comfortable ride for your child and help you become a more relaxed and more secure parent.