Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However, some go beyond. From extra padding to cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will love.

We looked at factors such as weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and prices when selecting our top rated infant car seats picks. 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 are 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 much more. According to the experts I spoke with the more features a chair has, they are more efficient.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be, the more likely parents will be to use it correctly and decrease their child's risk of injury in a crash. This is especially important with an infant seat, since it's only designed for only a brief period of time. Find a seat with bubble indicators and an adjustable foot with a spring to make it easier to level the seat. Make sure that the base can be easily clicked 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. Be aware that, even though these features are fantastic the safety of a car seat is only as good as the vehicle in which you drive. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant car seat and learn more about the vehicle's safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll probably only be able to use it for around 2 years until your child is ready to move to convertible car seats. This is the reason why some families decide to skip an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which has higher height and weight limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and try out a variety of models in person before choosing one. You can then make sure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits inside your car and comes with useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Also, make sure to look for recalls prior to making a purchase. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.

User-Friendliness

Whether you'll be using the seat in one vehicle or moving it among several, you want an infant car seat that is simple to put in and remove from the base. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also, consider how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats include a load leg. This brace that serves as a support between the seat base and the vehicle's floor and provides extra security in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you are driving an older vehicle since the likelihood of suffering a head injury is greater if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other premium features that can enhance the infant car seat in front seat car seat user experience include a no-rethread harness and an anti-rebound bar that help keep the seat from rebounding in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those on 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 has earned an exemplary rating from child safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, plus an extendable canopy that secures with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

Another thing to look for is the type of seat that can be installed by a lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. This is a great option for parents who intend to take Uber or taxi rides because it eliminates the need to return to the car every time to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that's built into the bottom of their seats which makes them fast and simple to install. It also can be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into an highback booster or a belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). This is an excellent option when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's important that your baby is comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're there for a long period of time. This means padded straps on their shoulders, a plush fabric that feels cozy against their tummy and back and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child gets older.

While a seat with a lot of special features may cost more, they're also often easier to use. When evaluating infant car seat we look at factors such as a one-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn't rethread. We also take note of dimensions and weight, since a heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps when you're carrying it in and out of your car, or in between cars.

Another good choice is a seat that has the load-leg, a security feature which assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. This safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats however, there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.

The weight and height limits are also important. You'll want to ensure the seat will remain safe for your child when they reach their maximum growth stage usually around age two or three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be transformed into a toddler's car seat. This will allow you more flexibility in your car and is perfect for families that frequently change vehicles or travel infant car seat.

Our test participants were impressed with the Doona that combines car seats for an infant and a stroller into one piece. It's a great option for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or to school. It's also simple to set up. Our testers who were experts in the field have praised its simplicity of use, including the one-handed latching system as well as the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted that the seat is compact which is crucial for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge bonus for those who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seats come with features that make them easy to use. The most comfortable infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Check if the seat is able to be machine washed (to make cleaning easier) and if it has a canopy. This is helpful in the car as well as on the 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 should be parallel to ground and is situated on the base. This is particularly useful if you are going to change the car seat frequently or the baby will be traveling with you and you need to set it up 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 infant from the car to the grocery store or out for errands without the need to carry the separate baby carrier. This can be a life-changing option for parents who are looking to return to normal after a lengthy journey or a long commute with a child.

If your baby is likely to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat with a higher weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat in use 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 equally. Some seats come with extra features, such as load legs that brace the seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injuries during crashes. Certain extras can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.