Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will appreciate such as additional padding, a padded inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no rethreading.

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

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Certain seats have additional features above and beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in strap-holding sides, and much more. The more features a car seat has the better, according the experts I spoke with.

The more intuitive a car seat is, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This can reduce the risk of injury to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially important with an infant seat, since it's only designed for an extremely short time. Choose a model that has an indicator that bubbles and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easier to adjust the seat. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features such as the no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips that carry the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are wonderful the safety of a car seat is only dependent on the vehicle in which you drive. Go through the owner's manual for tips on how to secure your infant's seat and to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.

When choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll probably only be in a position to use it for around 2 years until your child is ready to switch to an convertible car seat. This is the reason why some families decide to skip an infant seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which has higher height and weight limits. When buying an infant car seat in front seat car seat, be sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your vehicle and try different models before settling. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits inside your car and also has useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Also, make sure to check for recalls before making an purchase. It's the most important aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

User-Friendliness

You're looking for a car seats for your baby that is simple to attach and remove from the base, whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or transfer it between several. Find clearly labeled installation guides and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also consider how easy it is to alter the car seat as your baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats include is a load leg, that acts as a brace between the seat's base and vehicle floor to offer additional stability in the event of an accident. It's an especially important feature if you drive an older vehicle, since the risk of head injury in a crash is greater when an infant is seated close to the ground, as per research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other top features that enhance the user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bar, which help keep the seat from bouncing back in an accident. The latter has been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a fantastic choice for those on a limited budget and looking for an ARC-certified car seat and has a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has been awarded an excellent rating from child safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline settings, plus an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets for full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with a lapbelt and without the need for a base is another option. That's ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require an extra return trip to the car to put in a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for instance are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that's built into the bottom of their seats, making them quick and easy to install. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children weighing 4-40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and also converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. This is an excellent option for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child is comfortable in their car seat, especially when they're there for a long period of time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, a plush fabric that is comfortable against their back and stomach and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can alter as your child grows.

While a seat that has a lot of special features may be more expensive but they're also generally easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants, we consider aspects like a single-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn't rethread. We also look at the weight and dimensions of the seat, as an extremely heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps while you carry it in and out of your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash, is an additional option. It's typically found in more expensive seats but we've seen couple of budget-friendly options that have this additional safety feature.

Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll need to make sure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. It usually occurs at around the age of two or three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be transformed into a toddler's car seat. This will allow you a little more flexibility in your vehicle and is perfect for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona that combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller all in one package. It's a great option for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to put in. Our experts who tested it appreciated its user-friendlyness and its one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also commented on how small the seat is and is an essential for those who have a small trunk space. Additionally, it's free of harmful chemicals which is a major bonus for those who are concerned about their child's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best car seats for infants infant car seats are easy 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 best car seats infant car seats have convenience features to help parents get into and out with minimum of fuss. Check if the seat is able to be machine washed (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on the stroller.

One feature that might seem like a small thing, but could save you a lot of headache is an indicator on the base that lets you know when it's been installed correctly. The line is located on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground when you're done. This is especially useful when you're going to change the car seat frequently or if your baby will be traveling with you and you'll need to install it in taxis or Ubers.

Another useful feature is the ability to attach an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the grocery store or out for errands without having to wrestle with an additional carrier. This could be a huge advantage for parents with newborns who want to get back to their day after a long commute or outing with their newborn car seat insert.

If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat that has more weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.

All car seats sold in America must meet federal safety standards, but that does not mean they are all created in the same way. Certain seats come with additional features, such as load legs that brace a car seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injuries from crashes. Other features, such as a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, can also provide a more relaxing ride for your child and help you to be a happier and more confident parent.