Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. From extra padding to a cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will appreciate.

We looked at factors such as weight (without base), stroller connectivity, special features and price when deciding on our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading on.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. Certain seats have additional features that are above and beyond the minimum standards. These can include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that hold the straps, and more. 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 can be and the more likely parents are to use it correctly, which can reduce the risk of injury to their child in an accident. This is particularly important for the infant car seat, as it's designed for an extremely short time. Find a seat with an indicator that bubbles and a spring-loaded reclining foot for making it easy to level the seat. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a no-rethread strap as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are great but the safety of your car seat is only dependent on the vehicle in which you drive. Go through the owner's manual for tips on how to secure your infant seat and to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.

When you're choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll probably only be in a position to use it for approximately two years before your child is old enough to move to a convertible car seat. This is why some families choose to skip an infant seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which has greater height and weight limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your car and try out a variety of models in person prior to committing to one. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits in your car, and has convenient features such as converting it to a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.

Easy to Use

You're looking for a car seat for your cheap infant car seats that is easy to connect and take off from the base, whether you intend to use it in a single vehicle or transfer it between several. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and an operation that is seamless. Also, think about how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows and the quality of the 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 floor to offer extra stability in the event of a crash. It's a vital feature for those who drive an older car, as the risk of head injury during a crash is much higher when a baby is seated near to the ground, as per research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features can improve the infant car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from spinning in a crash. The latter has been shown to reduce the risk of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat that has a few key premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has been awarded an excellent rating from child safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions as well as an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

Another thing to look out for is the type of seat that is able to be set up using a lap belt and does not require the base. This is a great option for parents who intend to take Uber or taxi rides, because it eliminates the need to go back to the car each time to put in a new seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its equivalent TRIV travel system come with a rigid LATCH system that's integrated into the seat's bottom, making it quick and easy to install in any vehicle. It also can be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into the highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's a great option for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in a car seat for long periods of time, it's essential that they feel safe. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that is soft against their back and tummy 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.

While a seat that has many special features may be more expensive but they're also generally easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we look at aspects like a single-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors, and harness that doesn't rethread. We also take note of dimensions and weight since the weight or bulk of a seat can add stress to your biceps as you carry it in and out of your car, or in between cars.

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

The weight and height limits are also important. You'll want to ensure the seat is safe for your child after they reach their peak growth rate usually between the ages of two and three. You should also consider a convertible infant car seat that can be converted into an adult seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who frequently change cars or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona that is a combination of an infant car seat that swivels car seat and stroller into one. It's a great choice for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It's also easy to install and our experts who tested it appreciated the ease of using the latch with one hand 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 flame retardant chemical, which is a big bonus for parents who are concerned with their baby's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make it easy to use. The most effective infant car seats are equipped with features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to simplify cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is beneficial both in the car and on a stroller.

One feature that might not be a big thing, but could save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that will let you know that it's been properly installed. The line should be parallel to ground and should be situated on the base. This is especially useful if you are going to be changing the car seats by age seat often or the baby will be traveling with you and you'll need to install it in Ubers or taxis.

Another useful feature is the ability to connect a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat, making it easier to carry your sleeping bundle of joy from the car to the store or out for errands without the need to carry a separate carrier. This could be a huge advantage for parents with newborns who want to get back to their routine after an exhausting commute or outing with a lightweight baby car seat.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, select an infant car seat with a higher weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in the United States must comply with federal safety standards however that doesn't mean that they are all equal. Some seats come with extra features, such as load legs that support the seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of head injuries during crashes. A few accessories can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.