Best Car Seats For Newborns Uk Infant Seat Features
All infant seats have to meet federal safety standards. However some go above. From extra padding to a cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no rethreading, our best car seat for newborn uk of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate.
When selecting our top rated baby car seats picks, we took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features and price. Check out the following article to determine which portable infant car seat seat may be the best fit for your family.
Safety
All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats offer extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in, strap-holding sides, and much more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a chair comes with, the better.
The more intuitive the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This can reduce the risk of injury to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are intended to be used for a short time. Look for a model with a bubble indicator and an adjustable foot with a spring to make it easier to adjust the seat. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.
Other features that top-quality car seat manufacturers provide include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. Remember that even though these features are great, a car seat’s safety is only dependent on the vehicle in which you drive. Check out the car’s owner’s manual for tips on how to secure your infant seat and to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.
When you are choosing an infant car seat, be aware that you’ll only be able to use it for approximately 2 years before your child is ready to move to an convertible seat. This is the reason why some families decide to leave out the infant car seats by age seat and go straight to a convertible car seat, which has higher height and weight limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, be sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your car and test several models before settling. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits well in your car and includes convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It’s the most important aspect to ensure your child’s safety on the road.
Ease of Use
Whether you’ll be using the seat in a single car or moving it between several, you want an infant car seat that is simple to set up and remove from the base. You should look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth mechanism. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials used.
A premium feature that some infant seats have is a load leg, that acts as a brace between the base of the seat and the car’s floor, providing additional stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older vehicle, because the risk of a head injury is greater if the child is too close to the floor.
Other high-end features can enhance the baby car seat experience. These include a non rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that can help stop the seat from bouncing in a crash. This has been proven by research to decrease the risk of head injuries by as much as 43%. “If you’re on a tight budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat that has several key features that are premium, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax,” says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat received an excellent rating by experts in child safety. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy with magnets that ensure full coverage.
A seat that can be easily installed with lapbelts and does not require the necessity of a base is another option. This is ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn’t need an extra trip back and forth to the car to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for instance include a strong LATCH that’s built into the bottom of their seats making them easy and easy to put in. It can also be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to the highback booster or belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). This is a great option when you’re on a tight budget.
Comfort
It’s important that your baby is comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they’re there for a long period of time. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, plush material that feels cozy against their back and tummy and a headrest that expands with them to support their growing body. Look for a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow and.
While a car seat with many special features may cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. This is why we consider aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight, since an overly heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps as you carry it into and out of your car or moving between cars.
A seat with a load leg — a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash, is an alternative. This additional safety feature is usually available in high-end seats, but there are some affordable models that come with it.
The weight and height limits are also crucial. You’ll want to make sure that the seat will remain safe for your child when they reach their peak growth stage typically between the ages of two and three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be transformed into a toddler’s car seat. This option gives you more flexibility in your car and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our testers loved the Doona, which combines an infant car seat and stroller in one. It’s the perfect pick for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school via public transport. It’s also simple to install. Our expert testers appreciated its user-friendlyness and its one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also noted how small the seat is and is an essential for those with a limited trunk space. Additionally, it’s free of harmful chemicals which is a major bonus for those who are concerned about their baby’s health and environment.
Convenience
The best infant seats have features that make them easy to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows, the top infant car seat cheap car seats have convenience features that help parents get in and out with a minimal amount of effort. Check if the seat is able to be cleaned by machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is helpful both in the car and on the stroller.
One thing that may not be a big deal but can save you a lot of hassle is a meter on the base that informs you whether it’s been put in place correctly. The line should be parallel to the ground and is located on the base. It’s especially useful in the event that you’ll be changing the car seat often, or if you are planning to travel with your baby and you’ll need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.
Another benefit is the ability to connect an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the store or out for errands without having to wrestle with an additional carrier. This can be a huge advantage for new parents looking to get back to their day after an exhausting commute or outing with a newborn.
If you anticipate your child to grow rapidly, choose the car seat for babies with a higher weight or 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, that doesn’t mean that all seats are created equally. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that support a car seat’s base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of head injuries in crashes. Certain accessories can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, and make you as a parent are happier and more confident.