Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats conform to federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. From extra padding to a padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no having to rethread the seat, our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will love.

In deciding which of our top picks, we took into consideration factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features and price. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat best car seat available on the market must meet federal safety standards. Some seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. They could include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that hold the straps and more. The more features a car seat has the better, according to experts I spoke with.

The more intuitive a car seat is, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This can reduce the chance of injuries to their child during the event of a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are only meant to be used for a brief duration. Find a seat that is easy to install with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat level. Make sure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.

Other features that top-quality car seat manufacturers provide include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. These are fantastic, but don't forget that the safety of your car seat is still only as secure as the car you're driving in. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for tips on how to secure your infant's seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When 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 transition to a convertible seat. That's why some families opt to not use an infant seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which has higher weight and height limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and test out several models in person prior to making a decision on one. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for the child, fits in your vehicle and also has useful features like converting to a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. It's the most critical aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.

User-Friendliness

You want a car seat for your infant that is simple to attach and remove from the base whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or shift it between multiple. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Also, think about how easy it is to alter the car seat as your baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

One of the best car seat newborn uk features that infant seats include is a load leg which serves as a 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 is particularly important if you are driving an older vehicle because the risk of a head injury is greater if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other top features that improve infant car seat best car seat user experience include a no-rethread harness and an anti-rebound bar that can prevent the seat from bouncing back in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown to lower the chance of sustaining head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat with a few key premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has earned an exemplary rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions plus an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets to provide full coverage.

Another thing to look out for is the type of seat that can be installed by a 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 require an extra trip back and forth to the car to install a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for instance, have a rigid LATCH that is built into the seat's bottom making them easy and simple to install. It also can be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into an highback booster or a belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). This is an excellent option when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is stuck in car seats for extended periods of time, it's essential that they feel safe. This includes padded shoulder straps as well as soft fabrics that feel comfortable against their stomach or back and a growing headrest. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child grows.

A seat with many special features is usually more expensive but also easier to use. This is why we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also look at the weight and dimensions of the seat, since a heavy or large seat can put stress on your biceps as you move it to and from your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

Another good choice is a seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature that helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. This extra safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats but there are some affordable models that include it.

The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll want to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. It usually occurs around the age of 2 or 3. It's also worth considering convertible infant car seats that converts into an adult car seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families who frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona, which combines an infant car seat and stroller into one. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school on public transportation. It's also easy to install, and our expert testers were impressed with the ease of use of the one-handed latch system and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted that the seat is compact which is crucial for those with a limited trunk room. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a huge advantage for parents concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.

Convenience

The best infant car seats come with features that make it easy to use. The most comfortable infant car seats come with features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important things to look at is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to help with cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy, which is handy both inside the car and also attached to a stroller.

One thing that might not seem like a big thing, but could save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that will let you know whether it's been put in place correctly. This line should be parallel to ground and is located on the base. It's especially useful when you'll be switching the car seat between vehicles often, or if you intend to travel with your baby seat and require the seat in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easier to carry your baby seat to the supermarket or for running the errands. You don't have to worry about a separate carrier. This could be a huge advantage for parents with newborns who want to get back to their day after an extended commute or a trip with a newborn.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, select an infant car seat with a higher weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat in use 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 equally. Some seats have extra features, like load legs that support the base of a car seat to increase stability and anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of head injuries during crashes. A few extras can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent are happier and more secure.