Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some go above. From extra padding to baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no needing to rethread our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate.

We took into consideration 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 your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats come with additional features that go beyond the minimum standards. They could include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that hold the straps and more. According to the experts I spoke with the more features a seat has, they better.

The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This will reduce their child’s risk of injury in an accident. This is especially true for infant seats, which are only intended to be used for a brief time. Look for a model with a bubble indicator and an adjustable foot with a spring for making it easy to adjust the seat. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as the no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are wonderful but the safety of your car seat is only dependent on the vehicle that you use to drive. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for tips on how to secure your infant seat and to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.

When choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll only be in a position to use it for approximately two years before your child is old enough to transition to a convertible car seat. That's why some families opt to not use an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher weight and height limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat that swivels car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test out several models in person before making a decision on one. You can ensure that the seat is comfortable for the child, fits in your car and comes with useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's the most important aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Simple to Use

You're looking for a car seats for your infant that is easy to connect and remove from the base regardless of whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or move it between several. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and an operation that is seamless. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the high-quality materials that are used.

Some infant carrier seat seats include a load leg. It's a brace that serves as a support between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor, providing extra security in the event of an accident. This is a crucial feature if you drive an older vehicle, as the risk of head injury in a crash is higher when a baby is seated near to the ground, as per research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other features that are premium can enhance the infant car seat experience. These include a non rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget who want an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a few high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat was given an excellent rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure full coverage.

Another thing to look for is a seat that can be put in using the lap belt, and does not require the base. This is a great option for parents who intend to use Uber or taxi rides, since it doesn't require them to go back to the car each time to put in a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH built into the bottom of their seats which makes them fast and easy to install. It also can be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to an highback booster or a belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's a great choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in a car seat for a long period of time, it's important they feel safe. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, a plush fabric that is comfortable against their tummy and back and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, look for a seat that is easy to adjust as your child grows.

While a car seat with many special features may be more expensive, they're also often easier to use. That's why we look at factors like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when we evaluate portable infant car seat car seats. 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 in between cars.

Another option is a seat that has a load-leg, which is a safety feature which helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in expensive seats however we've seen a couple of budget-friendly options that have this safety feature.

The limits on height and weight are also important. You'll need to make sure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. This typically occurs at around the age of two or three. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat that can be converted into an adult car seat. This option will give you a bit more flexibility in your car and is perfect for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona, which combines an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's a great option for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or to school. It is also easy to set up. Our expert testers have praised its simplicity of use and its one-handed latching system as well as the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers reported that the seat is compact which is crucial for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's health and environment.

Convenience

The best car seats infant car seats come with features that make it easy to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows, the top infant car seats include convenience features that help parents get into and out with a minimal amount of effort. Check if the seat is able to be machine washed (to facilitate cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is useful both in the car and on a stroller.

A feature on the base can save you much time and headaches. It shows you when it has been installed correctly. This line should be parallel to the ground and is located on the base. It can be particularly helpful if you're going to be switching the car seat between vehicles often, or if you intend to travel with your baby and require the seat in Ubers or taxis.

Another benefit is the possibility of attaching a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping infant from the car to the grocery store or out on errands, without the need to carry an additional carrier. This can be a huge advantage for new parents who want to get back to their day after an exhausting commute or outing with a newborn.

If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose a car seat for infants that has a higher weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.

All car seats sold in the United States must comply with federal safety standards however that doesn't mean that they are all to be the same. Certain seats come with additional features, such as load legs that brace a car seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Certain accessories can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent happier and more confident.