Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats conform to the federal safety standards, some are more than others. From extra padding to baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of 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 the safety standards of the federal government. But some of the seats come with additional features that are beyond the minimum standards. These can include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps and more. According to the experts I spoke with the more features a chair has, they are more efficient.

The more user-friendly a car seat, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This can reduce the risk of injury to their child during the event of a crash. This is particularly important for infant car seat travel seats, which are only designed to be used for a short duration. Choose a model that has an indicator that bubbles and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easier to level the seat. Make sure the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

Other premium features that some car seat makers offer include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. These are great however, don't forget that a safe car seats by age seat only as secure as the car you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual for tips on how to properly secure your infant's seat and to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.

When choosing an infant seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able use it for a period of about two years before your child is able to transition to a convertible seat. This is the reason why some families decide to not use an infant car seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has greater weight and height limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test various models before settling on one. You can ensure that the seat is safe 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 purchase it. It's the most critical aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Ease of Use

Whether you'll be using the seat in one car or moving it among many, you need an infant car seat that is simple to install and detach from the base. Look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth operation. Also, think about how it is easy to alter the car seat as your baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.

One of the best features that infant seats come with is a load leg, which serves as an extra brace between the seat's base and the car's floor, providing extra stability in the event of a crash. It's a vital feature if you drive an older vehicle, as the risk of sustaining head injuries in a crash is greater when a child is seated close to the floor, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features can improve the baby car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from spinning in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown by studies to reduce the risk for head injuries by as much as 43%. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a great option for those with a tight budget and looking for an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a few high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has earned an exemplary rating from child-passenger safety technicians and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline settings, as well as an extendable canopy that secures with magnets for full coverage.

Another thing to look out for is the type of seat that can be put in using the lap belt, and does not require the base. That's ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require a trip back and forth to the car to install a new seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its equivalent TRIV travel system come with an extremely rigid LATCH system built right into the bottom of the seat making it quick and simple to install in any car. It can also be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to an highback booster or a belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). This is a great choice for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is stuck in a car seat for a long period of time, it's important they feel comfortable. This includes padded shoulder straps as well as soft fabrics that feel cozy against their tummy or back and a growing headrest. Also, consider a seat that is easy to alter as your child grows.

While a seat with a lot of special features may cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and no rethread harness. We also look at the weight and size of the seat, as the weight or size of the seat can put stress on your biceps as you move it in and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.

Another option is a seat that has the load-leg, a security feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in more expensive seats, but we've seen a couple of budget-friendly options that have this safety feature.

Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat will remain safe for your child when they reach their peak growth spurt usually at around the age of two or three. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be transformed into a toddler's seat. This gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families that frequently change cars or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona that combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller into one package. It's a great choice for parents on the go, especially 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 padded shoulder straps. Our product testers noted that the seat is incredibly compact, which is important for those with a limited trunk room. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best car seats newborn infant seats have features that make it simple to use. The most comfortable infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easier for parents to get in and out of the seat. Consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is helpful both in the car and on the stroller.

A feature on the base could save you much time and headaches. It shows you when it's been put in place correctly. The line should be parallel to ground and should be situated on the base. This is especially useful in the event that you will be changing the car seat frequently or when your child will be traveling with you and you have to set it up in taxis or Ubers.

Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to attach a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the grocery store or out for errands without having to lug around a separate carrier. This could be a life-changing option for parents trying for a way to return to normal after a long trip or commute with a child.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat with an increased weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat in use for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it doesn't mean all seats are created equally. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that support the seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of sustaining head injuries during crashes. Other features, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, can also provide a more comfortable ride for baby and help you to be a happier and more secure parent.