Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some go beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love with extra padding, a padded inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no need for 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 (www.idsys.kr link for more info) for your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats come with extra features that are beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated strap-holding sides, and more. The more features a car seat has, the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.

The more intuitive a car seat is, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This will reduce the risk of injury to their child in an accident. This is especially true for an infant seat, since it's only designed for an extremely short time. Choose a model that's simple to install and has a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat perfectly level. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers provide high-end features like a no-rethread strap as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. Remember that even though these features are wonderful the safety of a car seat is only as good as the vehicle that you use to drive. Check out the car's owner's manual for tips on how to properly secure your infant seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll likely only be able to use it for about 2 years, until your child is ready to move to an convertible car seat newborn seat. Some families skip the infant seat altogether and choose to purchase a convertible car with an increased weight and height limit. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and try a few models in person prior to making a decision on one. You can ensure that the seat is safe for the child, fits in your car and also has useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Also, make sure to look for recalls prior to making a purchase. It's the most important aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Ease of Use

You're looking for a car seat for your baby that is easy to connect and remove from the base, whether you intend to use it in one vehicle or move it between multiple. Look for clear installation instructions and a smooth operation. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials used.

A great feature that many infant seats come with is a load leg, which serves as an extra brace between the seat's base and the vehicle floor to offer additional stability in the event of collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older car, because the risk of sustaining a head injury is higher when the child is too close to the floor.

Other premium features that can enhance the infant car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bar, which help keep the seat from rebounding during the event of a crash. The latter has been shown by research to decrease the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a limited budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat that has some of the most important premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has received an exemplary rating from safety experts for children and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy that secures with magnets to provide full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with a lapbelt and without the need for an additional base is a different option. That's ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require an extra trip back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example include a strong LATCH that is built into the bottom of their seats, making them quick and simple to install. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds), and it converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. This is a great option if you're on a budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in a car seat for a long period of time, it's crucial that they feel safe. This means padded shoulder straps as well as soft fabrics that feel snug against their stomachs or back and a growing headrest. Also, look for a seat that is easy to adjust as your child grows.

A car seat with a variety of features is often more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. That's why we look at aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, since a heavy or large seat could strain your biceps as you transport it in and out of your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

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. It's typically found in more expensive seats but we've seen couple of budget-friendly options that have this additional safety feature.

Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat will remain safe for your child after they reach their maximum growth spurt typically around age two or three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be converted into a toddler's car seat. This gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families who frequently change cars or travel.

Our test participants were impressed with the Doona which combines the car seat of an infant and a stroller all in one package. It's the ideal choice for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school by public transport. It's also simple to put in. Our expert testers have praised its simplicity of use with the one-handed latching system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted that the seat is compact and lightweight baby car seat, which is essential for those who have a small trunk room. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a big benefit 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 soft and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows the best infant car seats include convenience features that allow parents to get in and out with a minimum of fuss. Consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to facilitate cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on a stroller.

A feature on the base can save a great deal of time and headaches. It lets you know if it has been installed correctly. This line is located on the base's side and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. This is especially useful in the event that you will be changing the car seat often or if your baby will be traveling with you and you'll need to set it up in Ubers or taxis.

Another feature that is beneficial is the possibility of attaching an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the store or out for errands without having to wrestle with an additional carrier. This could be a great advantage for new parents looking to return to their day after a long commute or outing with a baby.

If you expect your baby to grow quickly, choose a car seat for babies with a higher weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the newborn car seat insert seat for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it doesn't mean all seats are created to be equal. Some have premium features that go above and beyond, like load legs that brace the car seat's base for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of injury to the head in crashes. Other features, like the no-rethread harness or an extended canopy, can also provide an easier ride for your child and help you to be a happier and more confident parent.