Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, some are more than others. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will love, including extra padding, a padded inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no Rethreading.

When selecting our top picks, we considered factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, extra 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 the safety standards of the federal government. But some of the seats come with extra features that go above the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in, strap-holding sides, and much more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a seat includes, the are more efficient.

The more user-friendly a car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This can reduce their child’s risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is particularly important for an infant car seat since it's only designed to last for only a brief period of time. Look for a model that's simple to install and has an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat level. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features such as a no-rethread strap as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. These are wonderful however, don't forget that a safe car seat is still only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. You can find helpful tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your infant car seat cheap car seat and learn more about the safety features.

When choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able to use it for approximately two years before your child is ready to move to convertible car seats. That's why some families opt to skip an infant seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which has greater weight and height limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and test out several models in person before choosing one. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits in your car and also has useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's the most crucial factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

Whether you'll be using the seat in one vehicle or moving it between several, you want an infant car seat that is simple to set up and remove from the base. Look for clear installation instructions and a simple mechanism. Also consider how easy it is to alter the car seat as your baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats have is a load leg which acts as a brace between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor to provide extra stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older car, because the chance of suffering a head injury is higher if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other high-end features can enhance the experience of infants in car seats. They include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from bouncing in a crash. The latter has been proven to lower the risk of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a great choice for those on a limited budget and looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and has a few high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat was awarded an exemplary rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extended canopy that has magnets that ensure full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with just a lapbelt and without the need for a base is another option. This is ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require a journey back and forth to the car to install a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for instance, have a rigid LATCH built into the seat's bottom, making them quick and easy to put in. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds), and it converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. It's an excellent choice for families with a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child is comfortable in their car seat, particularly when they're there for a long time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that is comfortable against their tummy and back and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, consider a seat that is easy to adjust as your child gets older.

A seat with many special features can be more expensive but also easier to use. This is why we take into consideration factors like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also take note of the dimensions and weight, as the weight or bulk of a seat could put stress on 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 choice. This extra safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats but there are some budget-friendly models that have it.

The weight and height limits are also important. You'll need to ensure that the seat will remain safe for your child after they reach their peak growth spurt typically around age two or three. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be transformed into a toddler's seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's a great choice for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It's also simple to put in. Our testers who were experts in the field praised its ease of use with the one-handed latching system as well as the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also commented on how the seat is compact it is essential for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major bonus for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The best car seat for newborn uk infant car seats come with features that make it simple to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows the top infant car seat that swivels car seats have convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with minimum of fuss. Consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to make cleaning easier) and whether it has a canopy. This is helpful both in the car and on a stroller.

One feature that might seem like a small difference but can save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that lets you know whether it's been put in place correctly. This line is on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground after you've completed. This is especially helpful if you are going to change the car seat frequently or the baby will be traveling with you and you have to set it up in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it easier to transport your sleeping bundle to the grocery store, or to run the errands. You don't have to worry about the hassle of a separate car seat. This is an essential feature for parents who are looking for a way to return to normal after a lengthy trip or commute with a child.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, select an infant car seat rear facing car seat with a higher weight and height limit than that 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 are all to be the same. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that support the seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injuries in crashes. Certain extras can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent are happier and more confident.