best infant seat (via Pushchairsandprams) Features

While all infant seats comply with the federal safety standards, some are more than others. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will appreciate such as additional padding, a padded inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no need for rethreading.

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

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must be in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats come with extra features that are beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in strap-holding sides, and much more. The more features a car seat has, the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be, the more likely parents will be to use it properly, which can reduce the risk of injury to their child in a crash. This is especially important with the infant Nania Racer Car Seat Disney Princess Collection seat, as it's designed for an extremely short time. Choose a model that's easy to install with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help get the seat level. Make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as a no-rethread strap as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are wonderful, a car seat's safety is only dependent on the vehicle that you use to drive. You can find tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant's car seat and find out more about the car's safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll only be in a position to use it for approximately 2 years, until your child is old enough to switch to convertible car seats. That's why some families opt to leave out the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible car seat, which is more spacious and has higher height and weight limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to take into account the dimensions of your car and try a few models in person prior to choosing one. You can ensure that the seat is safe for your child, is a good fit in your vehicle, and has convenient features like converting to a stroller. And, don't forget to look for recalls prior to making a purchase. It's the most critical aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

You're looking for a car seat for your infant that is simple to attach and remove from the base whether you plan to use it in just one vehicle or transfer it between multiple. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as an operation that is seamless. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the quality materials used.

One of the best features that infant seats have is a load leg that acts as an extra brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle's floor to provide extra stability in the event of collision. It's an especially important feature for those who drive an older car, as the risk of head injury in a crash is greater when a child is seated near to the ground, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other top features that enhance the user experience include a harness that is not rethread and an anti-rebound bar that will prevent the seat from rebounding during the event of a crash. This has been proven to lower the chance of sustaining head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great option for those on a tight budget who want a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a number of high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat was given an outstanding rating by experts in child safety. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extended canopy that has magnets that ensure full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with just lapbelts and does not require the need for an additional base is a different option. This is a great option for parents who are planning to take Uber or taxi rides as it eliminates the need to return to the car each time to replace a seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the counterpart TRIV travel system feature a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom which makes it fast and easy to install in any vehicle. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds), forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and also converts into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. It's a great option for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's important that your baby is comfortable in the car seat, especially if they are there for a long time. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that feels cozy against their back and tummy and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child grows.

A seat with many special features is usually more expensive but also easier to use. That's why we look at factors like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight, since a heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps as you carry it into and out of your car or between cars.

A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash, is another good choice. This additional safety feature is typically only available in high-end seats, however there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.

The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll need to ensure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. This usually happens around the age of 2 or 3. It's also worth looking at convertible infant car seats that converts into a toddler seat. This option gives you a bit more flexibility when you drive and is great for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's ideal for parents who are always moving around, particularly those who use public transportation to commute to work or go to school. It's also easy to put in. Our expert testers appreciated its user-friendlyness, including the one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers reported that the seat is small, which is important for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major bonus for parents who are concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows the top infant car seats include convenience features to help parents get in and out with a minimum of hassle. Consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to simplify cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is useful in the car as well as on a stroller.

One feature that might seem like a small thing, but could save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that will let you know whether it's been put in place correctly. This 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 seat frequently or if your baby will be traveling with you and you'll need to connect it to Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it easier to take your baby to the grocery store or for running around. It's not necessary to carry a separate carrier. This could be a life-changing option for parents looking to get back to normal after a lengthy trip or a commute with a baby.

If you anticipate your child to grow rapidly, choose a car seat for infants with a higher weight or height limit than 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 conform to federal safety standards, but that does not mean they are all created in the same way. Certain seats come with additional features, such as load legs that brace the seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of sustaining head injuries from crashes. Other features, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, could also make for a more relaxing ride for your baby and allow you to be a happier and more confident parent.