Best infant car seats best Seat Features

While all infant seats conform to federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. From extra padding to cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without needing to rethread the seat, our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will appreciate.

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

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats have extra features that are beyond the minimum requirements. They could include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps, and more. According to the experts I spoke with the more features a seat has, they better.

The more intuitive the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This will lower their child’s risk of injury in a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are intended to be used for a short time. Choose a model that's simple to install and has a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to ensure that the seat in a perfect position. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as the no-rethread strap as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are wonderful, a car seat's safety is only as good as the car that you use to drive. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your infant's car seat and learn more about the car's safety features.

When you are choosing an infant seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able to use it for about 2 years before your child is ready to move to the convertible seat. This is the reason why some families decide to leave out an infant seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which has greater weight and height limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your car seat inserts for newborns and try a few models in person prior to committing to one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good 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 a purchase. It's essential to ensure the safety of your child on the road.

Easy to Use

You want a car seat for your baby that is simple to attach and take off from the base, regardless of whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or shift it between multiple. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also consider how it is easy to alter the newborn car seat seat as your baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

A great feature that many infant seats come with is a load leg which acts as a brace between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor to provide additional stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older car, since the likelihood of sustaining a head injury is higher when the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other premium features that can enhance the user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bars, which can prevent the seat from bouncing back in an accident. The latter has been shown to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those with a tight budget who want a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a number of premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has received an outstanding rating from child-passenger safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions plus an extendable canopy that secures with magnets to provide full coverage.

Another thing to look for is a seat that is able to be set up with just the lap belt, and doesn't require the use of the base. That's ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require an extra return trip to the car to put in a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example, have a rigid LATCH that's built into the bottom of their seats, 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 also be converted into the highback booster or backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). This is a great option if you're on a budget.

Comfort

If your child is in car seats for extended periods of time, it's essential that they feel safe. This means padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels snug against their stomachs or back and a growing headrest. Look for an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow and.

A car seat with a variety of features is usually more expensive, but is also easier to use. This is why we consider aspects like a single-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also look at the weight and size of the seat, since the weight or size of the seat could strain your biceps while you carry it in and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.

Another good choice is a car seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature that helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. This additional safety feature is typically only available in high-end seats, but there are some affordable models that come with it.

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll want to make sure that the seat will still be suitable for your child once they reach their maximum growth rate, which is usually between the ages of two and three. It's also worth looking at convertible infant car seats that converts to a toddler seat. This option will give you more flexibility in your vehicle and is perfect for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona that is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller into one unit. It's perfect for parents who are always in motion, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or go to school. It's also simple to set up. Our experts who tested it appreciated its user-friendlyness with the one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also noted how the seat is compact it is essential for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical, which is a big bonus for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make it simple to use. The best infant car seats are equipped with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important things to consider is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy that can be useful in the car and also attached to the stroller.

One thing that may seem like a small deal but can save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that informs you that it's been properly installed. This line is on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground once you've finished. It's especially useful when you'll be changing the car seat frequently, or if intend to travel with your baby and require the seat in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it easy to carry your baby to the grocery store or to run the errands. You don't need to carry a separate carrier. This could be a great advantage for parents with newborns who want to get back to their routine after an extended commute or a trip with a baby.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, select an infant car seat that has more weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat in use for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean that all seats are made equally. Some seats come with extra features, such as load legs that brace a car seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injuries from crashes. Other extras, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, can also make for a more comfortable ride for your baby and allow you to be a happier and more confident parent.