Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with the federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate, including additional padding, a padded inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no rethreading.

In deciding which of our top picks, we considered factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, features, and price. Find out what infant car seat is best for your family by reading on.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States 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 and a rethreader integrated, strap-holding sides, and so on. According to the experts I spoke to the more features a chair has, they better.

The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This can reduce the chance of injuries to their child during an accident. This is especially true for infant seats, which are only meant to be used for a brief time. Look for a model that's simple to install and has an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to help get the seat perfectly level. Also, make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as the no-rethread strap as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are great, a car seat's safety is only as good as the vehicle that you use to drive. You can find helpful tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your infant car seat, and also learn more about the car's safety features.

When you are choosing an infant seat, keep in mind that you will only be able to use it for about 2 years before your child is able to transition to an convertible seat. This is the reason why some families decide to leave out an infant seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has greater weight and height limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try out a variety of models before making a decision on one. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for the child, fits in your vehicle, and has convenient 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 crucial to ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

You want a car seat for pushchairsandprams your baby that is easy to attach and remove from the base whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or shift it between several. Find clearly labeled installation guides and an operation that is seamless. Also consider how it is simple to alter the car seat as your baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.

A great feature that many infant seats include is a load leg which acts as an extra brace between the base of the seat and the car's floor, providing extra stability in the event of collision. It's a vital feature for those who drive an older vehicle, as the risk of head injury in a crash is greater when an infant is seated near to the floor, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features can improve the experience of infants in car seats. They include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that helps keep the seat from spinning in a crash. The latter has been shown by research to decrease the risk for head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a fantastic choice for those with a tight budget looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and has a few high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat received an exemplary rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extended canopy that has magnets to ensure full coverage.

Another thing to look for is a seat that can be installed by a lap belt and does not require the base. That's ideal for parents who intend to use 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 instance include a strong LATCH built into the seat's bottom, making them quick and easy to install. It also can 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). It's a great choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's crucial that your baby feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly if they are there for a long time. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded, plush fabric to feel cozy against their tummy or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Choose a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow, and.

While a seat that has lots of features may be more expensive however, they are also more convenient to use. This is why we consider aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also pay attention to the dimensions and weight, as the weight or bulk of a seat could put stress on your biceps while you carry it into and out of your car or moving between cars.

Another good choice is a seat with the load-leg, a security feature that helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. This safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats however, there are a few affordable models that come with it.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. It usually occurs around the age of 2 or 3. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be converted into a toddler seat. This option will give you more flexibility in your car and is great for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our test participants were impressed with the Doona that combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller into one unit. It's the ideal choice for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It's also simple to put in. Our expert testers have praised its simplicity of use, including the one-handed latching mechanism and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted that the seat is incredibly compact which is crucial for those with a limited trunk room. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical, which is a big benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are easy to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows, the best infant car seats include convenience features to help parents get into and out with a minimal amount of effort. Other important things to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it features a canopy that can be useful both inside the car as well as attached to a stroller.

One thing that may not seem like a big thing, but could save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that will let you know whether it's been put in place correctly. This line should be parallel to the ground and should be located on the base. It can be particularly helpful if you're going to be changing the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if you are planning to travel with your baby and require the seat in taxis or Ubers.

Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to attach a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat, making it easier to carry your sleeping infant from the car seats newborn to the store or out for errands without having to lug around a separate carrier. This can be a life-changing feature for parents who are looking to get back to normal following a long journey or a long commute with a baby.

If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat that has more 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, that does not mean that all car seats are made to be equal. Some seats come with extra features, such as load legs that brace the base of a car seat to increase stability and anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of sustaining head injuries from crashes. A few additional features can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent happier and more confident.