best car seats infant Infant Seat Features

All infant seats have to meet federal safety standards. However, some go beyond. From extra padding to padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no rethreading our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will love.

In deciding which of our top choices, we looked at factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features and prices. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. However, some seats come with extra features that are beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in strap-holding sides, and more. The more features a car seat has the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.

The more user-friendly a car seat is it, the more likely parents are to use it in a safe manner and decrease the chance of injuries to their child in the event of a crash. This is particularly important for the infant car seat, as it's designed for only a brief period of time. Find a seat with a bubble indicator and an adjustable foot with a spring to make it easy to adjust the seat. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as a no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips that carry the seat. These are fantastic, but don't forget that a safe car seat is only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. There are tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your infant car seat and find out more about the vehicle's safety features.

When choosing an infant seat, remember that you will only be able use it for a period of about two years before your child is able to transition to a convertible seat. Some families skip the infant seat entirely and opt for convertible cars that has an increased weight and height limits. When purchasing an infant car seat best car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try different models before making a decision. Then, you can make sure the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car and has handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's vital to ensure the safety of your child on the road.

Ease of Use

Whether you'll be using the seat in a single car or moving it among several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to put in and remove from the base. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also, think about how it is simple to alter the car seat as your baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.

One of the best features that infant seats come with is a load leg, that 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. It's a vital feature for those who drive an older vehicle, since the risk of sustaining head injuries in a crash is greater when a baby is seated close to the floor, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Other high-end features can enhance the experience of infants in car seats. These include a non harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from bouncing in a crash. This has been proven by studies to reduce the risk of head injuries by as much as 43%. "If you're on a limited budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seats with some of the most important premium features I would recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has been awarded an exemplary rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy that secures with magnets to provide full coverage.

Another thing to look for is a seat that can be put in with just a lap belt and does not require the base. That's ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require an extra journey back and forth to the car seats by age to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example include a strong LATCH that's built into the seat's bottom making them easy and simple to install. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds), and it converts into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. It's an excellent choice for families with a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child feels comfortable in the car seat, especially if they are there for a long time. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded as well as soft fabrics that feel comfortable against their stomach or back and a growing headrest. Find an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow and.

While a seat with many special features might cost more, they're also often easier to use. This is why we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also take into consideration the weight and size of the seat, as the weight or size of the seat can strain your biceps when you carry it into and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.

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. This additional safety feature is usually only available in high-end seats, but there are some budget-friendly models that have it.

The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll need to ensure that the seat will still be safe for your child when they reach their highest growth spurt usually between the ages of two and three. It's also worth considering convertible infant car seats that converts to an adult car seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families who often change cars or travel.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller into one piece. It's the perfect pick for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school on public transportation. It's also simple to set up. Our expert testers praised its ease of use and its one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also remarked how small the seat is it is essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical, which is a big advantage for parents concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.

Convenience

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

One thing that may not be a big thing, but could save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that will let you know whether it's been put in place correctly. This line should be parallel to the ground and is situated on the base. It's particularly useful if you're going to be switching the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if are planning to travel with your baby and require the seat in Ubers or taxis.

Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to attach a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping bundle of joy from the car to the supermarket or out for errands without having to wrestle with an additional carrier. This could be a life-changing feature for parents who are looking to get back to normal following a long trip or commute with a baby.

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

All car seats sold in America must conform to federal safety regulations however that doesn't mean that they are all in the same way. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that support the seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bar that reduces the chance of head injuries in crashes. Other extras, such as the no-rethread harness or an extendable canopy, can also provide a more comfortable ride for baby and help you to be a happier and more secure parent.