Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. Our best car seat newborn of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will appreciate with extra padding, a padded inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no Rethreading.

When deciding on our top rated baby car seats picks, we considered factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, features, and price. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet federal safety standards. Certain seats have additional features that are above and beyond the minimum standards. These can include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that hold the straps, and more. According to the experts I spoke with the more features a chair has, they are more efficient.

The more comfortable a car seat is for users, the more likely parents will be to use it in a safe manner and decrease their child's risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are only meant to be used for a limited period of time. Find a seat with bubble indicators and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easy to level the seat. Also, make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a strap that doesn't need to be rethread and magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. Remember that even though these features are great the safety of a car seat is only dependent on the vehicle in which you drive. Check out the car's owner's manual for advice on how to properly 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 likely only be in a position to use it for approximately 2 years, until your child is old enough to transition to a convertible car seat. That's why some families opt to not use the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible seat, which has greater height and weight limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your car and try a few models in person prior to committing to one. You can then make sure that the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your car and also has useful features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. And, don't forget to verify recalls prior making the purchase. It's the most critical factor in ensuring your baby's safety 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 easy to set up and remove from the base. You should look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth operation. Also consider how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats include a load leg. This brace that serves as a support between the seat's base and the floor of the vehicle, providing extra stability in case of a collision. It's a vital feature if you drive an older vehicle, as the risk of sustaining head injuries in a crash is higher when a baby is sitting close to the ground, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other high-end features can enhance the experience of infants in car seats. These include a non rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that can help stop the seat from bouncing in a crash. The latter has been proven to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a great choice for those with a tight budget who want an ARC-certified car seat and has a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has been awarded an outstanding rating from child-passenger safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline settings, and an extended canopy that secures with magnets to provide full coverage.

Another thing to look for is a seat that can be installed using the lap belt and does not require the base. This is ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require the trip back and forth to the car to install a different seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its corresponding TRIV travel system have an extremely rigid LATCH system integrated into the bottom of the seat which makes it fast and easy to install in any car. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and also converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. This is an excellent option if you're on a budget.

Comfort

It's important that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long time. This means padded shoulder straps as well as soft fabrics that feel snug against their stomachs or back and a growing headrest. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can alter as your child grows.

A seat with many special features can be more expensive but also easier to use. When evaluating infant car seats on sale car seat we take into consideration factors such as a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors and no rethread harness. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, as a heavy or large seat could strain your biceps when you transport it into and out of your vehicle or in between vehicles.

A seat with a load leg--a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash is an alternative. This extra safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats but there are some affordable models that come with it.

Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens around age two or 3. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be transformed into a toddler's car seat. This option gives you a bit more flexibility in your vehicle and is perfect for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which is a combination of car seats for an infant and a stroller all in one unit. It's the perfect pick for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school via public transportation. It's also easy to set up. Our expert testers appreciated its user-friendlyness with the one-handed latching system as well as the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers noted that the seat is compact, which is important for those who have a small trunk room. Additionally, it's free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are easy to use. The best infant car seats come with features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Check if the seat is able to be cleaned by machine (to facilitate cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is useful in the car as well as on a stroller.

A feature on the base can save you lots of time and headaches. It will let you know when it's been properly installed. The line should be parallel to the ground and is situated on the base. It's particularly useful in the event that you'll be changing the car seat between vehicles often, or if you intend to travel with your child and need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.

Another benefit is the ability to connect an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, making it easier to carry your sleeping bundle of joy from the car to the supermarket or on errands without the need to carry an additional carrier. This could be a life-changing option for parents looking for a way to return to normal following a long journey or a long commute with a child.

If you anticipate your baby to grow quickly opt for the car seat for babies with a higher weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat in use longer.

All car seats sold in America must conform to federal safety standards However, that doesn't mean that they are all equal. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that brace the seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of sustaining head injuries during crashes. Certain accessories can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent are happier and more confident.