Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with the federal safety standards, some are more than others. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will love with extra padding, a cushioned inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no need for rethreading.

We considered factors like weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and price when choosing our top picks. Find out the best car seat infant infant seat for you and your family by reading.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Certain seats have additional features that are above and beyond the minimum requirements. They could include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps, and more. According to the experts I spoke to the more features a seat includes, the better.

The more intuitive a car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This will lower their child’s risk of injury during a crash. This is especially true for infant seats, which are designed to be used for a brief period of time. Choose a model that has a bubble indicator and an incline foot that is spring loaded for making it easy to set the seat. Make sure that the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as the no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are fantastic but the safety of your car seats newborn seat is only as good as the vehicle in which you drive. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your child's car seat and learn more about the 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 a convertible seat. This is why some families choose to skip an infant seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which has greater weight and height limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat newborn car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your car and try out a variety of models before making a decision on one. Then, you can make sure the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car and includes useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. It's the most important aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

You want a car seat for your baby that is easy to attach and remove from the base, whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or shift it between multiple. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Also consider how it is easy to alter the car seat as your baby grows. Also, consider 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 car's floor, providing extra stability in the event of an accident. It's a vital feature to have if you own an older vehicle, since the risk of sustaining head injuries in a crash is greater when a baby is seated close to the floor, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features that can enhance the infant car seat user experience include a no-rethread harness and an anti-rebound bar that will prevent the seat from bouncing back in the event of a crash. This has been proven to decrease the risk of head injury by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget who want an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a number of high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has been awarded an outstanding rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions plus an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets for full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed using only lapbelts and does not require the need for a base is another option. This is ideal for parents who are planning to use Uber or taxi rides since it doesn't require them to get back in the car every time to put in a new seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the equivalent TRIV travel system come with a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom, making it quick and easy to put in any vehicle. It also can be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into the highback booster or belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). This is a great option for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is stuck in car seats for extended periods of time, it's important they are comfortable. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, plush fabric that is soft against their tummy and back and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Look for a seat that is easy to adjust as they get bigger, and.

A seat with many special features is usually more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. That's why we look at factors like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, as the weight or size of the seat can strain your biceps as you move it in and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.

A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash, is another good choice. It's usually found in expensive seats, but we've seen a couple of budget-friendly options that have this additional safety feature.

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll need to ensure that the seat will still be safe for your child when they reach their maximum growth rate typically at around the age of two or three. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be transformed into a toddler's car seat. This will allow you more flexibility in your vehicle and is perfect for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which combines an infant car seat and stroller into one. It's a great option for parents who are always on the move, especially those who use public transport to commute to work or to school. It's also simple to set up and our experts who tested it appreciated the ease of using the latch that is one-handed and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also remarked how small the seat is and is an essential for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a huge bonus for parents who are concerned with their baby seat's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make them easy to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows the best infant car seats include convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with a minimum of hassle. Check if the seat is able to be washed by a 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 difference but can save you a lot of headache is an indicator on the base that informs you that it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to the ground and should be located on the base. This is especially useful when you're going to be changing the car seat frequently or if your baby will be traveling with you and you need to connect it to Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it simple to carry your baby to the grocery store or for running errands. You don't have to carry an additional carrier. This could be a life-changing option for parents who are looking for a way to return to normal after a lengthy journey or a long commute with a child.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, select a car seat for infants that has a higher weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat in use longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it doesn't mean all seats are created equally. Some have premium features that go above and beyond, like load legs that anchor the base of the car seat for additional stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of injury to the head in crashes. Certain accessories can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, and you as a parent are happier and more confident.