Best Infant Seat Features

All top rated infant car seats seats must meet federal safety standards. However some go above. From extra padding to padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no having to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love.

When deciding on our top rated baby car seats picks, we took into consideration factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, special features and prices. Find out the best infant carrier car seat infant seat for you and your family by reading.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must be in compliance with federal safety standards. However, some seats come with additional features that go beyond the minimum standards. They could include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that hold the straps, and more. The more features a car seat has, the better, according to experts I spoke with.

The more comfortable a car seat is for users it, the more likely parents are to use it properly and decrease the risk of injury to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially true for infant seats, which are meant to be used for a short period of time. Look for a model that's simple to install and has an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to help get the seat perfectly level. Make sure that the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.

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 wonderful but remember that a safe car seat is still only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your infant car seat and find out more about the safety features.

When you're choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll likely only be able to use it for approximately 2 years until your child is ready to move to convertible car seats. Some families opt to not use the infant seat entirely and choose to purchase a convertible car that has a higher weight and height limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your car and test out several models in person prior to committing to one. You can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits in your vehicle and also has useful features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's the most critical aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Ease of Use

If you're planning to use the seat in a single car or transferring it between several, you want an infant car seats on sale car seat that is simple to install and detach from the base. Look for clearly labeled installation guides and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Also consider how it is easy to alter the car seat as your baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats include the load leg. This is a brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the floor of the vehicle and provides extra stability in the event of a collision. This is a crucial feature if you drive an older vehicle, as the risk of injury to the head during a crash is much higher when an infant is sitting close to the floor, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the infant car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bar, which will prevent the seat from bouncing back in an accident. The latter has been proven to lower the risk of head injury by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a great option for those with a tight budget looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a number of high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has earned an outstanding rating from safety experts for children and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, and an extended canopy that is secured with magnets to provide full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with a lapbelt and without the requirement for a base is another option. This is ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require an extra trip back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for instance, have a rigid LATCH built into the bottom of their seats which makes them fast and easy to install. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds) and forward facing infant car seat-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and can be converted into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. It's a great option for families with a tight budget.

Comfort

It's crucial that your baby is comfortable in the car seat, particularly if they are there for a long period of time. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded and soft fabric that feels comfortable against their stomach or back, and a growing headrest. Look for a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow, as well.

While a seat that has a lot of special features might cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we take into consideration factors such as a one-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn't rethread. We also take into consideration the weight and dimensions of the seat, since the weight or size of the seat could strain your biceps as you transport it in and out of your vehicle or in between vehicles.

Another good choice is a car seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature that assists 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 additional safety feature.

Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. This usually happens around the age of 2 or 3. It's also worth considering convertible infant car seats that can be converted into a toddler seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families who frequently change cars or travel.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which combines the car seat of an infant and a stroller into one package. It's a great option for parents who are constantly in motion, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or go to school. It's also simple to set up, and our expert testers praised the ease of using the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also commented on how the seat is compact it is essential for those with limited trunk space. Additionally, it's free of harmful chemicals which is a major advantage for parents who are concerned about their child's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are easy to use. The most comfortable infant car seats are equipped with features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to facilitate cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on a stroller.

One thing that may not be a big difference but can save you a lot of headache is an indicator on the base that will let you know when it's been installed correctly. This line is on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground once you've finished. This is especially useful if you are going to change the car seat often or if your baby will be traveling with you and you have to connect it to Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it simple to carry your baby to the store or for running errands. You don't have to struggle with the hassle of a separate car seat. This can be an essential feature for parents who are looking to get back to normal after a long trip or commute with a child.

If you are expecting your baby to grow quickly pick a car seat designed for infants with a higher weight or height limit than the one 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 regulations, but that does not mean they are all created equal. Some seats come with extra features, such as load legs that support a car seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of sustaining head injuries from crashes. Other features, like a no-rethread harness and an extended canopy, can help create an easier ride for baby and help you become a more relaxed and more confident parent.