Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. From extra padding to baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without rethreading our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love.

We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and price when choosing our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats come with extra features that are 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. The more features a car seat comes with, the better, according the experts I spoke with.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be it, the more likely parents are to use it properly and reduce the risk of injury to their child in an accident. This is especially important for infant seats, which are only meant to be used for a limited time. Look for a model that's easy to install, with an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat perfectly level. Also, make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

Other premium features that some car seat makers offer include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. These are wonderful but remember that a safe car seat only as secure as the car you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual for advice on how to properly ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.

When choosing an infant car seat, be aware that you'll only be able to use it for approximately 2 years before your child is ready to move to an convertible seat. 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 seats uk 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 then make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car, and comes with handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. And, don't forget to look for recalls prior to making the purchase. It's the most important factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

You're looking for a car seat for your infant that is easy to attach and remove from the base whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or move it between multiple. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials that are used.

Some infant seats come with a load leg. This is a brace that provides support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle, providing extra security in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older vehicle, because the chance of a head injury is greater if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium can enhance the infant car seat experience. They include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that helps stop the seat from bouncing in a crash. The latter has been proven by research to decrease the risk of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a fantastic choice for those with a tight budget who want an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a number of top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat was awarded an excellent rating by experts in child safety. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extended canopy that has magnets that ensure full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with a lapbelt and without the necessity of an additional base is a different option. This is a great option for parents who plan to take Uber or taxi rides since it doesn't require them to return to the car each time to install a new seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the equivalent TRIV travel system come with a rigid LATCH system that's integrated into the bottom of the seat, making it quick and simple to install in any vehicle. It can also be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward facing infant car seat-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into the highback booster or belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). This is a great choice if you're on a budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in the car seat for extended periods of time, it's essential that they feel safe. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded and soft fabric that feels cozy against their tummy or back and a growing headrest. Also, consider a seat that is easy to adjust as your child grows.

A seat with many special features can be more expensive, but is also easier to use. That's why we look at aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight since the weight or bulk of a seat can add stress to your biceps when you're carrying it in and out of your car or moving between cars.

Another good choice is a seat that has the load-leg, a security feature that aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in expensive seats, but we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this extra safety measure.

Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. It usually occurs 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's seat. This gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona, which incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller into one unit. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school on public transport. It is also easy to set up. Our testers who were experts in the field appreciated its user-friendlyness and its one-handed latching system as well as the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers reported that the seat is incredibly compact and lightweight, which is essential for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a big bonus for parents who are concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make it easy to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows the best infant carrier car seat infant car seats come with convenience features that help parents get in and out with a minimum of fuss. Other important features to consider is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleaning easier) and if it features a canopy, which can be useful in the car and also attached to a stroller.

One thing that might seem like a small deal but can save you a lot of trouble is an indicator on the base that will let you know that it's been properly installed. The line is located on the base's side and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. It's especially useful when you'll be changing the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if you plan to travel with your baby and you'll need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.

Another useful feature is the ability to attach an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it much easier to transport your baby's child from the car to the store or out on errands, without having to wrestle with an additional carrier. This can be a game changer for parents with newborns who want to return to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with their newborn.

If you are expecting your baby to grow quickly pick the car seat for babies with a higher weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat in use for longer.

All car seats sold in America must meet the safety standards of the federal government However, that doesn't mean that they're all in the same way. Some have premium features that go above and beyond, such as load legs that anchor the car seat's base for additional stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. Other features, like a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, can also make for a more comfortable ride for your child and help you become a more relaxed and more secure parent.