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 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 Rethreading.

When selecting our top choices, we looked at factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, extra features and price. 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. Some seats come with extra features above and beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in strap-holding sides, and more. According to the experts I spoke to the more features a seat includes, the better.

The more intuitive a car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This will reduce the chance of injuries to their child during a crash. This is especially true for the rotating infant car seat car seat, as it's only designed to last for only a brief period of time. Find a seat with a bubble indicator and a spring-loaded reclining foot for making it easy to level the seat. Make sure the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as the no-rethread strap as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. These are wonderful however, don't forget that a safe car seat is just as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Take a look at the car seat inserts for newborns's owner's manual for advice on how to properly secure your infant seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When selecting an infant seat, keep in mind that you will only be able to use it for a period of about two years before your child is able to transition to the convertible seat. Some families opt to not use the infant car seat completely and choose to purchase convertible cars with an increased weight and height limits. When buying an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your car and test various models before making a decision. You can then ensure that the seat is safe for the child, fits in your car, and has convenient features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's crucial to ensuring your child's safety on the road.

User-Friendliness

You're looking for a car seat for your infant that is easy to attach and remove from the base regardless of whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or shift it between several. It is important to look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth operation. Also consider how it is simple to adjust the car seat as baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats include a load leg. It's a brace that acts as a support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle and provides extra stability in case of a collision. This is a crucial feature for those who drive an older car, as the risk of injury to the head in a crash is higher when an infant is sitting close to the ground, as per research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other top features that improve infant car seat user experience include a harness that is not rethread and anti-rebound bars, which can prevent the seat from rebounding during an accident. The latter has been proven to lower the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat with a few key premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an exemplary rating by experts in child safety. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extended canopy that has magnets that ensure full coverage.

Another thing to look out for is a seat that is able to be set up using the lap belt and does not require the base. That's ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require a return trip to the car to install a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for instance include a strong LATCH that's built into the seat's bottom, making them quick and easy to install. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and can be converted into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. This is a great option for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

If your child is in car seats for long periods of time, it's important they are comfortable. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded as well as soft fabrics that feel cozy against their tummy or back and a growing headrest. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child grows.

While a seat with many special features may be more expensive but they're also generally easier to use. When evaluating infant car seat, we consider aspects like a single-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn't rethread. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, since an extremely heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps while you transport it in and out of your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash--is an alternative. This additional safety feature is typically only available in high-end seats, however there are a few affordable models that come with it.

The limits on height and weight are also important. You'll want to ensure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. It usually occurs around age two or 3. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be converted into a toddler's car seat. This option will give you a little more flexibility in your vehicle and is perfect for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona that is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller into one. It's ideal for parents who are always on the move, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or to school. It is also easy to install. Our expert testers have praised its simplicity of use with the one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted how small the seat is, which is a must for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemical which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant car seats come with features that make it easy to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows, the top infant car seats come with convenience features that help parents get into and out with a minimum of hassle. Other important features to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it has a canopy that can be useful both inside the car and also attached to the stroller.

One thing that might not seem like a big thing, but could save you a lot of trouble is an indicator on the base that will let you know whether it's been put in place correctly. This line is located on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground once you've finished. It's particularly useful when you'll be changing the car seat often, or if you plan to travel with your child and you'll need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.

Another feature that is beneficial is the possibility of attaching an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it easier to carry your sleeping bundle of joy from the car to the grocery store or on errands without having to lug around a separate carrier. This could be a game changer for new parents looking to return to their normal routine after an extended commute or a trip with their newborn.

If you are expecting your baby to grow quickly pick the car seat for infants with a higher weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it does not mean that all car seats are made to be equal. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that support a car seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of sustaining head injuries during crashes. Certain extras can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, and you as a parent are happier and more secure.