Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with the federal safety standards, some are more than others. Our best car seats infant of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will appreciate, including extra padding, a padded inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no need for rethreading.

We looked at factors such as weight (without base), stroller connectivity, special features and price when selecting our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. Some seats offer extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. They could include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that hold the straps, and more. The more features a car seat has the better, according to experts I spoke to.

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 during the event of a crash. This is especially true for an infant car seat since it's designed for only a brief period of time. Find a seat that is easy to install with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat level. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.

Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features such as the no-rethread strap as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. These are wonderful but remember that the safety of your car seat is still only as secure as the car you're driving in. You can find tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your infant car seat that swivels's car seat and learn more about the safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll probably only be able to use it for approximately two years before your child is old enough to switch to a convertible car seat. Some families choose to skip the infant car seat completely and choose to purchase convertible cars, which has an increased weight and height limit. When you are buying an infant car seat, be sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your car and test various models before settling. You can then make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car and has useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. And, don't forget to verify recalls prior making an purchase. It's essential to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy to Use

Whether you'll be using the seat in one vehicle or transferring it between many, you need an infant car seat that is easy to put in and remove from the base. Look for 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 high-quality materials used.

One of the best features that portable infant car seat seats come with 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. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older car, because the risk of suffering a head injury is higher if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other premium features can improve the infant car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown to lower the chance of sustaining head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget and looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a few high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has earned an outstanding rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions plus an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets to provide full coverage.

Another thing to look out for is the type of seat that is able to be set up by the lap belt and does not require the base. That's ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require the trip back and forth to the car to install a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example, have a rigid LATCH built into the seat's bottom, making them quick and simple to install. It also can be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to the highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's a great choice for families with a limited budget.

Comfort

It's important that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, especially when they're in the seat for a long time. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that is comfortable against their back and tummy and a headrest that expands with them to support their growing body. Choose a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow and.

While a seat with many special features may cost more, they're also often easier to use. This is why we consider factors like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also take note of the dimensions and weight, as a heavy or bulky seat can add stress to your biceps while you carry it in and out of your car, or in between cars.

Another good choice is a car seat with a load-leg, a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. This extra safety feature is usually found in expensive seats, but there are some affordable models that come with it.

The weight and height limits are also important. You'll need to ensure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens around the age of 2 or 3. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be converted into a toddler seat. This option gives you a bit more flexibility in your car and is perfect for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona that incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller into one unit. It's a great choice for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It's also simple to set up and our testers were impressed with the ease of use of the latch that is one-handed and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also commented on how compact the seat is, which is a must for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's environment 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 move up as your child grows the top infant car seats include convenience features that allow parents to get in and out with a minimum of hassle. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be washed by a machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is beneficial both in the car and on a stroller.

A feature on the base could save you lots of time and headaches. It shows you when it's been put in place correctly. This line is on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground when you're done. It's particularly useful when you'll be changing the car seat between vehicles often, or if you plan to travel with your child and you'll need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.

Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to attach an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, making it easier to transport your baby's bundle of joy from the car to the grocery store or on errands without having to lug around an additional carrier. This could be a huge advantage for new parents who want to get back to their normal routine after an extended commute or a trip with a baby car seat.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, select an infant carrier seat car seat that has an increased weight and height limit than that 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 created equal. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that brace the base of a car seat to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injuries in crashes. Other features, such as a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, can also make for a more comfortable ride for your baby and allow you become a more relaxed and more confident parent.