Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some go above. From extra padding to a cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread, our best car seat for newborn of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will love.

We looked at factors such as weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features, and price when choosing our top choices. Find out the best car seats infant seat for you and your family by reading.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. However, some seats have extra features that go above the minimum requirements. These include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps and more. The more features a car seat comes with the better, according the experts I spoke with.

The more intuitive 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 important with an infant seat, since it's designed for only a brief period of time. Choose a model that's simple to install and has an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat level. Also, make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like the no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. Remember 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 manual about how to secure your infant's car seat and learn more about the safety features.

When choosing an infant car seat, be aware that you'll only be able to use it for a period of about two years before your child is old enough to move to the convertible seat. Some families opt to not use the infant seat altogether and choose to purchase convertible cars, which has an increased weight and height limit. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your car and try a few models in person before making a decision on one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car and has convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Also, make sure to verify recalls prior making an purchase. It's the most important factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

User-Friendliness

Whether you'll be using the seat in one car or moving it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is simple to install and detach from the base. It is important to look for clear instructions on installation and a simple mechanism. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the high-quality materials used.

Some infant seats have the load leg. It's a brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor that provides additional stability in case of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older car, because the chance of a head injury is higher if the child is too close to the floor.

Other high-end features can enhance the experience of infants in car seats. These include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that helps keep the seat from bouncing during a crash. The latter has been proven to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seats with some of the most important premium features I would recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat received an excellent 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 complete coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed using only a lapbelt, and without the requirement for a base is another option. This is ideal for parents who intend to take Uber or taxi rides, since it doesn't require them to get back in the car each time to replace a seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its counterpart TRIV travel system feature a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom which makes it fast and easy to put in any vehicle. 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 that is backless (40-120 pounds). This is a great option when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in a car seat for extended periods of time, it's important they are comfortable. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded, plush fabric to feel comfortable against their stomach or back, and a growing headrest. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can alter as your child grows.

A seat that has many unique features is usually more expensive, but is also easier to use. This is why we consider factors like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also consider dimensions and weight, since an overly heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps when you're carrying it in and out of your car or moving between cars.

A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash, is an alternative. It's typically found in more expensive seats, but we've seen a couple of budget-friendly options that have this extra safety measure.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. This typically occurs around the age of 2 or 3. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat that converts into an adult seat. This gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona which combines the car seat of an infant and a stroller all in one unit. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school via public transport. It's also easy to install and our testers were impressed with the ease of use of the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted how compact the seat is it is essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant car seats come with features that make it easy to use. The best infant car seats are equipped with features that make it easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important things to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy, which is useful both inside the car as well as attached to a stroller.

A feature on the base can save much time and headaches. It lets you know if it has been installed correctly. The line is located on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground after you've completed. This is particularly useful in the event that you will change the car seat frequently, or if your baby will be traveling with you and you need to connect it to Ubers or taxis.

Another benefit is the ability to attach a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat newborn car seat which makes it easier to transport your baby's child from the car to the supermarket or out for errands without the need to carry the separate baby carrier. This can be a great advantage for new parents who want to return to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with their newborn.

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

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it doesn't mean that all seats are created to be equal. Certain seats come with additional features, such as load legs that support a car seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of sustaining head injuries from crashes. Other extras, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, could also provide a more relaxing ride for your child and help you to be a happier, more confident parent.