Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, a few are more than others. From extra padding to a baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without needing to rethread the seat, our best car seats infant of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will love.

We looked at factors such as weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features, and price when choosing our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated, strap-holding sides, and so on. The more features a car seat is equipped with the better, according to experts I spoke to.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be and the more likely parents will be to use it properly and reduce their child's risk of injury in an accident. This is especially true for infant seats, which are designed to be used for a limited time. Find a seat that is easy to install, with an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat in a perfect position. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.

Other premium features that some car seat manufacturers provide include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. These are great however, don't forget that a safe car seat still only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. There are tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant's car seat and find out more about the car's safety features.

When selecting an infant seat, remember that you'll only be able to use it for about 2 years before your child is ready to move to a convertible seat. Some families opt to not use the infant seat entirely and choose to purchase convertible cars with greater weight and height limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your car and try a few models in person prior to choosing one. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits well in your car and has useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.

User-Friendliness

You're looking for a car seat for your baby that is easy to connect and remove from the base whether you intend to use it in one vehicle or shift it between several. You should look for clear installation instructions and a simple mechanism. Also consider how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

One of the best features that infant seats include is a load leg which acts as an extra brace between the seat's base and vehicle's floor to provide additional stability in the event of collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older car, because the chance of suffering a head injury is greater if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other high-end features can enhance the infant car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that helps stop the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been proven by studies to reduce the chance of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those with a tight budget and looking for an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a number of high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has been awarded an exemplary rating from safety experts for children and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions and an extended canopy that is secured with magnets for full coverage.

Another thing to look for is an infant seat that can be put in with just a lap belt and does not require the base. That's ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require the journey back and forth to the car to install a different seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its counterpart TRIV travel system feature an extremely rigid LATCH system built right into the bottom of the seat making it quick and easy to put in any car. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward facing infant car seat-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and can be converted into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. This is an excellent option for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

If your child is in the car seat for a long period of time, it's crucial that they are comfortable. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that feels cozy against their tummy and back and a headrest that expands with them to support their growing body. Also, look for a seat you can easily alter as your child grows.

While a seat with many special features might cost more, they're also often easier to use. This is why we consider things like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight, since an overly heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps while you carry it into and out of your car, or in between cars.

A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash, is another good choice. It's usually found in expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly choices that have this extra safety measure.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat will still be safe for your child after they reach their peak growth rate typically at around the age of two or three. It's also worth considering convertible infant car seats that converts into an adult seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who frequently change cars or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona, which incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller in one. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school via public transportation. It's also simple to set up and our experts who tested it appreciated the ease of using the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers reported that the seat is incredibly compact, which is important for those who have a small trunk room. It's also free of flame retardant chemical which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are easy to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically move up as your child grows the best infant car seats have convenience features that help parents get in and out with a minimal amount of effort. Other important features to consider is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to help with cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy that can be handy both inside the car and attached to a stroller.

One feature that might not seem like a big thing, but could save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that informs you that it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to ground and should be located on the base. It's especially useful when you'll be changing the car seat often, or if you plan to travel with your baby and need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.

Another benefit is the possibility of attaching an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it easier to transport your baby's bundle of joy from the car to the store or out for errands without having to wrestle with an additional carrier. This can be a game changer for new parents looking to return to their routine after an extended commute or a trip with a newborn.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat that has an increased weight and 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, it does not mean that all car seats are made equal. Certain seats come with additional features, like load legs that brace the base of a car seat to increase stability and anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of sustaining head injuries during crashes. Other features, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, could also make for a more relaxing ride for your baby and allow you become a more relaxed, more confident parent.