Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However some seats go above and beyond. From extra padding to a baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love.

When selecting our top choices, we looked at factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, features and prices. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading.

Safety

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

The more user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely parents will be to use it correctly, which can reduce their child's risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is especially true for the infant car seat, as it's only designed to last for only a brief period of time. Find a seat that is easy to install, with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help get the seat perfectly level. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers provide high-end features like the no-rethread strap as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are great the safety of a car seat is only as good as the car in which you drive. Go through the owner's manual to learn how to properly secure your infant car seats that swivel's seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When you're choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll probably only be allowed to use it for around 2 years, until your child is old enough to move to an convertible car seat. Some families choose to skip the infant seat entirely and choose to purchase a convertible car that has a higher weight and height limit. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test different models before making a decision. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your car and has handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.

User-Friendliness

If you're planning to use the seat in one vehicle or moving it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is simple to set up and remove from the base. Look for clear installation instructions and a smooth operation. Also, consider how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats have a load leg. This is a brace that provides support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle that provides additional stability in case of an accident. It's an especially important feature to have if you own an older vehicle, since the risk of injury to the head in a crash is greater when a baby is seated close to the ground, as per research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features can improve the infant car seat experience. These include a non rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar to stop the seat from bouncing in a crash. The latter has been shown to lower the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seats with several key features that are premium I would recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat received an excellent rating by experts in child safety. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extended canopy that has magnets to ensure full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with a lapbelt and without the necessity of an additional base is a different option. This is ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need the return trip to the car to install a new seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its equivalent TRIV travel system come with a rigid LATCH system that's integrated into the bottom of the seat making it quick and easy to put in any vehicle. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds), and it converts into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. It's a great choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's crucial that your baby feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly if they are there for a long period of time. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded, plush fabric to feel snug against their stomachs or back, and a growing headrest. Choose a seat that is easy to adjust as they get bigger, as well.

A seat with many special features is often more expensive but also easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors, and harness that doesn't rethread. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight, since an overly heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps when you're carrying it into and out of your car or moving between cars.

Another option is a seat with the load-leg, a security feature that aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in more expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this additional safety feature.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to make sure that the seat will remain safe for your child when they reach their maximum growth stage typically around age two or three. You should also consider convertible infant car seat that swivels car seats that converts into a toddler seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is ideal for families who often change vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller into one unit. It's ideal for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to set up. Our experts who tested it appreciated its user-friendlyness with the one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted how the seat is compact, which is a must for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemical which is a huge advantage for parents concerned with their baby's environment and health.

Convenience

The best car seat infant infant car seats are simple to use. The most effective infant car seats come with features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important aspects to consider are whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleaning easier) and if it has a canopy, which can be handy both inside the car as well as attached to the stroller.

A feature on the base can save lots of time and headaches. It will let you know when it has been installed correctly. The line is located on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground when you're done. It's particularly useful if you're going to be changing the car seat between vehicles often, or if you intend to travel with your child and need to install 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 transport your sleeping bundle to the supermarket or to run around. You don't have to struggle with an additional carrier. This is an essential feature for parents trying to get back to normal following a long trip or a commute with a baby.

If you anticipate your child to grow rapidly pick a car seat for babies with a higher weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can 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 are all equal. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that support a car seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of sustaining head injuries during crashes. Other features, like the no-rethread harness or an extended canopy, can help create a more comfortable ride for your child and help you become a more relaxed and more confident parent.