Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet the federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate, including additional padding, a padded inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no rethreading.

We looked at factors such as weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and price when deciding on our top rated infant car seats picks. 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 meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats come with extra features that go above 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 is equipped with the better, according to experts I spoke to.

The more intuitive a car seat is, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This will reduce the risk of injury to their child during an accident. This is especially true for an infant seat, since it's only designed for an extremely short time. Find a seat with an indicator that bubbles and an adjustable foot with a spring to make it easier to set the seat. Also, make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a strap that doesn't need to be rethread and magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. These are great, but don't forget that a safe car seat only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for advice on how to secure your infant'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 able to use it for approximately 2 years, until your child is ready to switch to an convertible car seat. Some families skip the infant car seat completely and choose to purchase a convertible car that has greater weight and height limits. When buying an infant car seat, be sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test different models before making a decision. You can then make sure that the seat is suitable for the child, fits inside your car and also has useful features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's the most critical aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

User-Friendliness

If you're using the seat in one vehicle or transferring it between several, you want an infant car seat that is simple to set up and remove from the base. You should look for clear installation instructions and a smooth mechanism. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats have is a load leg that acts as a brace between the seat's base and vehicle's floor to provide additional stability in the event of an accident. It's an especially important feature for those who drive an older vehicle, since the risk of sustaining head injuries in a crash is higher when an infant is sitting close to the ground, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Other features that are premium can enhance the infant car seat experience. These include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that can help stop the seat from bouncing in a crash. The latter has been proven by research to reduce the risk for head injuries by as much as 43%. "If you're on a budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat that has a few key premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an exemplary rating by experts in child safety. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with lapbelts and does not require the need for an additional base is a different option. That's 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 new seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its counterpart TRIV travel system feature a rigid LATCH system that's built right into the bottom of the seat which makes it fast and easy to put in any vehicle. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children weighing 4-40 pounds), forward facing infant car seat-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds), and it converts into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. It's an excellent choice for families with a tight budget.

Comfort

If your child is in a car seat for long periods of time, it's essential that they are comfortable. This means padded shoulder straps as well as soft fabrics that feel comfortable against their stomach or back, and a growing headrest. Find an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow and.

A car seat with a variety of features is usually more expensive, but is also easier to use. This is why we consider factors like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also consider the dimensions and weight, as an overly heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps when you're carrying it in and out of your car or between cars.

A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash is another good infant car seats choice. It's typically found in more expensive seats, but we've seen a few budget-friendly choices that have this safety feature.

Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat will remain safe for your child when they reach their highest growth rate, which is usually at around the age of two or three. It's also worth looking at convertible infant car seats on sale car seats that converts to a toddler seat. This option will give you a bit more flexibility in your vehicle and is perfect for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our test participants were impressed with the Doona which combines car seats for an infant and a stroller in one package. It's a great option for parents who are constantly in motion, especially those who use public transportation to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to put in, and our expert testers appreciated the ease of using the latch that is one-handed and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted that the seat is small, which is important for those with limited trunk room. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical, which is a big bonus for parents who are concerned with their lightweight baby car seat's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make them easy to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows, the best infant car seats come with convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with a minimal amount of effort. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to facilitate cleaning) and whether it has a canopy. This is helpful in the car as well as on the stroller.

A feature on the base can save lots of time and headaches. It shows you when it's been put in place correctly. This line is on the base's side and should be in line with the ground after you've completed. It can be particularly helpful in the event that you'll be changing the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if plan to travel with your child and require the seat in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it easier to carry your baby to the supermarket or to run around. You don't have to worry about the hassle of a separate car seat. This can 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 rapidly, choose an infant car seat that has 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 for longer.

All car seats sold in America must meet federal safety regulations However, that doesn't mean that they're all in the same way. Certain seats come with additional 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 in crashes. A few extras can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, and you as a parent are happier and more confident.