best car seats newborn infant car seat that swivels Seat Features

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

In deciding which of our top picks, we took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features, and price. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet federal safety standards. However, some seats come with additional features that go beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in strap-holding sides, and more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a chair comes with, the are more efficient.

The more user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely parents will be to use it correctly and reduce the chance of injuries to their child in a crash. This is especially important with an rotating infant car seat car seat since it's designed for an extremely short time. Choose a model that's simple to install and has a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help get the seat level. Also, make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

Other premium features that some car seat makers offer include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are great, a car seat's safety is only as good as the vehicle that you use to drive. Check out the car's owner's manual to learn how to properly secure your infant's seat and to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll probably only be allowed to use it for approximately two years before your child is ready to switch to an convertible car seat. This is the reason why some families decide to not use the infant car seat and go directly to a convertible seat, which has greater weight and height limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try a few models in person prior to committing to one. Then, you can make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car, and comes with convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's the most important aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Ease of Use

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 one vehicle or transfer it between several. Find clearly labeled installation guides and an operation that is seamless. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the quality materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats include is a load leg which serves as an extra brace between the seat's base and car's floor, providing extra stability in the event of collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older car, because the risk of suffering a head injury is greater if the child is too close to the floor.

Other premium features can improve the baby car seat experience. These include a non rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from bouncing in a crash. This has been proven to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a great option for those on a limited budget and looking for a car seat that is ARC-certified and has a few premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat was given an outstanding rating by experts in child safety. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extended canopy that has magnets to ensure complete coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed using only lapbelts and does not require the requirement for the base is an alternative. That's ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require the trip back and forth to the car to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example include a strong LATCH that is built into the seat's bottom making them easy and easy to put in. It can also be used rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds), and it converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. It's a great option for families with a limited budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long time. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, a plush fabric that feels cozy against their tummy and back and a headrest that expands with them to support their growing body. Also, look for a seat that is easy to alter as your child grows.

A seat that has many unique features is usually more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we look at factors such as a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors and harness that doesn't rethread. We also look at the weight and size of the seat, as a heavy or large seat can strain your biceps while you move it in and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.

Another option is a car 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 need to ensure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. It usually occurs around age two or 3. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat that converts into an adult seat. This gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who frequently change cars or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona that combines an infant car seat and stroller into one unit. It's a great choice for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school via public transportation. It's also simple to put in. Our expert testers appreciated its user-friendlyness with the one-handed latching system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted how compact the seat is and is an essential for those with limited trunk space. Additionally, it's free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.

Convenience

The best car seat infant infant car seats are easy to use. The best infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Check if the seat is able to be machine washed (to make cleaning easier) and if it has a canopy. This is helpful both in the car and on the stroller.

A feature on the base could save you a great deal of time and headaches. It will let you know when it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to ground and is located on the base. This is especially helpful when you're going to be changing the car seat frequently or the baby will be traveling with you and you have to install it in Ubers or taxis.

Another useful feature is the ability to connect an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the supermarket or out on errands, without having to wrestle with a separate carrier. This could be a huge advantage for new parents looking to get back to their day after an extended commute or a trip with their newborn.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, you should 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 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 to be the same. Some seats come with extra features, such as load legs that brace a car seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injuries from crashes. Other features, such as a no-rethread harness and an extended canopy, can help create a more relaxing ride for baby and help you be a happier and more confident parent.