Best Infant Seat Features

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

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

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated strap-holding sides, and so on. The more features a car seat is equipped with, the better, according to experts I spoke to.

The more user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This will reduce the chance of injuries to their child during a crash. This is particularly important for 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 for making it easy to level the seat. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.

Other premium features that some car seat manufacturers provide include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. These are fantastic however, don't forget that a safe car seat still only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Go through the 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 you are choosing an infant seat, keep in mind that you will only be able use it for a period of about two years before your child is able to transition to an convertible seat. Some families choose to skip the infant seat altogether and opt for a convertible car with a higher weight and height limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, be sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your vehicle and try different models before making a decision. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your car and includes handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Be sure to check 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 your infant that is easy to connect and take off from the base, whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or transfer it between several. You should look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth operation. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials that are used.

A premium feature that some infant seats come with is a load leg, which 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 is particularly important if you are driving an older vehicle since the likelihood of suffering a head injury is higher if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the infant car seat travel car seat user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bars, which can prevent the seat from bouncing back 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 is a fantastic choice for those with a tight budget and looking for a car seat that is ARC-certified and has a few premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat was given an excellent rating by safety experts for children. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extended canopy that has magnets to ensure complete coverage.

A seat that is easily installed using only a lapbelt and without the necessity of an additional base is a different option. This is ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require the journey back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example, have a rigid LATCH that is built into the seat's bottom which makes them fast and simple to install. It also can be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward facing infant car seat-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to the highback booster or backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). This is a great choice if you're on a budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child is comfortable in their car seat, especially if they are there for a long time. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, plush material that feels cozy against their tummy and back and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, look for a seat that is easy to alter as your child grows.

A car seat with a variety of features is often more expensive but also easier to use. When evaluating infant car seat we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no rethread harness. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight, since an overly heavy or bulky 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 car seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's typically found in more expensive seats, but we've seen a few budget-friendly choices that have this safety feature.

The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll need to make sure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This typically 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 type of seat offers more flexibility and is ideal for families who frequently change cars or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona that combines an infant car seat and stroller into one. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school by public transport. It's also easy to set up. Our expert testers praised its ease of use with the one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also remarked how small the seat is it is essential for those who have a small trunk space. Plus, it's free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major advantage for parents who are concerned about their child's health and environment.

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 best infant car seats have convenience features that help parents get into and out with minimal amount of effort. Other important aspects to look at is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to help with cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy, which is useful both inside the car and attached to a stroller.

One feature that might not be a big deal but can save you a lot of headache is an indicator on the base that lets you know whether it's been put in place correctly. The line should be parallel to the ground and should be situated on the base. It can be particularly helpful in the event that you'll be changing the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if you plan to travel with your baby and require the seat in taxis or Ubers.

Another useful feature is the ability to attach an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the grocery store or out for errands without the need to carry the separate baby seat carrier. This is a life-changing feature for parents looking for a way to return to normal after a lengthy trip or a commute with a baby.

If you expect your child to grow rapidly opt for a car seat for infants with a higher weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean that all seats are created equally. Certain models have features that go above and beyond, like load legs that support the car seat's base for additional stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other features, like a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, could also make for an easier ride for your child and help you to be a happier and more confident parent.