Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some go beyond. From extra padding to baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without rethreading the seat, our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will appreciate.

We took into consideration 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 you and your family by reading.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must be in compliance with federal safety standards. However, some seats come with additional features that are beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated strap-holding sides, and much more. The more features a car seat comes with the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke with.

The more intuitive the car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This will reduce their child’s risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is especially true for infant seats, which are only intended to be used for a brief time. Find a seat with a bubble indicator and an adjustable foot with a spring for making it easy to set the seat. Make sure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.

Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features such as a no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are fantastic the safety of a car seat is only dependent on the vehicle that you use to drive. Check out the car's owner's manual for advice on how to properly ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to find out more about specific vehicle 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 the convertible seat. This is the reason why some families decide to not use an infant seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which is more spacious and has higher height and weight limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your car and test out several models before making a decision on one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your car, and comes with handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. It's crucial to ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Simple to Use

If you're planning to use the seat in a single car or moving it among several, you'll need an infant car seat that is simple to set up and remove from the base. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as an operation that is seamless. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your child 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 and provides extra stability in the event of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older vehicle, because the chance of sustaining a head injury is higher if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the portable infant car seat car seat user experience include a harness that is not rethread and anti-rebound bar, which can prevent the seat from rebounding during the event of a crash. The latter has been shown by research to decrease the chance of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seat for newborn seats with some of the most important premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has been awarded an exemplary rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline settings, plus an extendable canopy that secures with magnets for full coverage.

Another thing to look out for is an infant seat that can be installed using the lap belt, and does not require the base. This is a good option for parents who are planning to take Uber or taxi rides as it eliminates the need to get back in the car each time to replace a seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the corresponding TRIV travel system have an extremely rigid LATCH system integrated into the seat's bottom which makes it fast and easy to install in any car. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds), and it converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. This is an excellent option for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's important that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, especially when they're there for a long time. This includes padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels comfortable against their stomach or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, consider a seat you can easily adjust as your child grows.

While a seat with lots of features may be more expensive but they're also generally easier to use. When evaluating infant car seat, we consider factors such as a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and no rethread harness. We also consider the weight and dimensions of the seat, since an extremely heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps while you transport it to and from 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. This safety feature is typically only available in high-end seats, however, there are a few affordable models that include it.

Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll want to make sure that the seat will remain safe for your child after they reach their maximum growth rate, which is usually between the ages of two and three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be transformed into a toddler's seat. This gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families who frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona that combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller into one unit. 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 easy to install and our experts who tested it were impressed with the ease of use of the one-handed latch system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted how the seat is compact and is an essential for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of harmful chemicals, which is a huge advantage for parents who are concerned about their child's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seat infant carrier seat car seats are easy to use. The most comfortable infant car seat inserts for newborns seats come with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important aspects to consider is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it features a canopy that can be useful in the car as well as attached to a stroller.

A feature on the base could save you lots of time and headaches. It will let you know when it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to the ground and is located on the base. It can be particularly helpful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat often, or if you are planning to travel with your baby and need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.

Another benefit is the ability to connect a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the store or out for errands without having to lug around the separate baby carrier. This can be a huge advantage for new parents who want to return to their normal routine after an exhausting commute or outing with a baby.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, select an infant car seat with an increased weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in America must conform to the safety standards of the federal government However, that doesn't mean that they're all equal. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that brace the seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of sustaining head injuries during crashes. Other extras, such as the no-rethread harness or an extendable canopy, can help create an easier ride for baby and help you become a more relaxed and more confident parent.