best car seats for newborns uk Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats conform to federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love such as extra padding, a padded inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no Rethreading.

When selecting our top choices, we looked at factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, extra features, and price. Find out what infant car seat is best car seats for newborns uk for you and your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Certain seats have additional features that are above and beyond the minimum standards. These include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps and more. The more features a car seat has, the better, according to experts I spoke with.

The more intuitive a car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This will reduce their child’s risk of injury in an accident. This is especially important with the infant car seat (find more info), as it's only designed to last for only a brief period of time. Find a seat that is easy to install with an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to help get the seat in a perfect position. Make sure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.

Other premium features that some car seat makers offer include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. These are wonderful but remember that the safety of your car seat is only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. You can find tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant's car seat and learn more about the safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll only be able to use it for approximately 2 years, until your child is ready to switch to a convertible car seat. That's why some families opt to skip the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible car seat, which has greater weight and height limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try out a variety of models before making a decision on one. You can then make sure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits in your car, and has convenient features like converting to a stroller. And, don't forget to check for recalls before making an purchase. It's the most crucial aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.

User-Friendliness

If you're planning to use the seat in a single car or transferring it between several, you want an infant car seat that is easy to install and detach from the base. You should look for clear installation instructions and a smooth mechanism. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the quality materials used.

Some infant seats come with the load leg. This brace that acts as a support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle, providing extra 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 higher if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other top features that improve infant car seat user experience include a no-rethread harness and an anti-rebound bar that will prevent the seat from rebounding in a crash. The latter has been proven to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seats with some of the most important premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has been awarded 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.

A seat that can be easily installed with just lapbelts and does not require the necessity of the base is an alternative. This is a great option for parents who are planning to take Uber or taxi rides, because it eliminates the need to get back in the car every time to replace a seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its corresponding TRIV travel infant car seat system have a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the bottom of the seat, making it quick and easy to install in any vehicle. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds), 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. This is a great choice when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly if they are there for a long period of time. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded, plush fabric to feel comfortable against their stomach or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Find an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they get bigger, as well.

While a seat with many special features might 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 non-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also consider the weight and dimensions of the seat, because a heavy or large seat can put stress on your biceps when you carry it into and out of your vehicle or in between vehicles.

Another good choice is a seat that has the load-leg, a security feature that aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in more expensive seats but we've seen couple of budget-friendly options that have this additional safety feature.

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll want to ensure the seat will still be suitable for your child once they reach their peak growth rate usually around age two or three. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat that can be converted into an adult seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is ideal for families who frequently change cars or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona that combines an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's perfect for parents who are always in motion, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or go to school. It's also simple to put in. Our experts who tested it appreciated its user-friendlyness with the one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers noted that the seat is incredibly compact, which is important for those with a limited trunk room. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a huge bonus for parents who are concerned with their baby's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically move up as your child grows the top infant car seats come with convenience features that allow parents to get in and out with a minimum of hassle. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy. This is helpful in the car as well as on the stroller.

One feature that might not be a big deal but can save you a lot of headache is a meter on the base that will let you know that it's been properly installed. This line is located on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground when you're done. It's particularly useful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat between vehicles often, or if you are planning to travel infant car seat with your baby and you'll need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.

Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to connect an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, making it easier to carry your sleeping infant from the car to the grocery store or out for errands without having to wrestle with a separate carrier. This could be a great advantage for parents with newborns who want to get back to their routine after an exhausting commute or outing with their newborn.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat with a higher weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.

All car seats sold in America must meet the safety standards of the federal government, but that does not mean they are all created equal. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that brace the seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the chance of head injuries during crashes. Other features, like the no-rethread harness or an extended canopy, can also provide an easier ride for your child and help you become a more relaxed and more secure parent.