Best infant car seats that swivel Seat Features

All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some go beyond. From extra padding to a cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without rethreading the seat, our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love.

We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features, and price when choosing our top picks. Find out the best 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. Some seats offer extra features above and beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in strap-holding sides, and so on. According to the experts I spoke to the more features a chair has, they better.

The more comfortable a car seat is for users it, the more likely parents are to use it correctly, which can reduce the risk of injury to their child in a crash. This is especially true for the infant car seat, as it's designed for only a brief period of time. Look for a model that's simple to install and has a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to ensure that the seat in a perfect position. Make sure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.

Other top features that some car seat manufacturers provide include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. These are wonderful, but don't forget that the safety of your car seat is still only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. You can find tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your child's car seat and learn more about the safety features.

When you are choosing an infant car seat, be aware that you'll only be able use it for a period of about two years before your child is ready to move to a convertible seat. This is why some families choose to skip an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which is more spacious and has higher weight and height limits. When buying an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your vehicle and try different models before settling. Then, you can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits well in your car, and comes with handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. It's the most important factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

User-Friendliness

If you're planning to use the seat in one vehicle or transferring it between several, you want an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. It is important to look for clear installation instructions and a simple mechanism. Also consider how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

Some infant car seat for travel seats have the load leg. This is a brace that serves as a support between the seat's base and the floor of your vehicle and provides extra security in the event of a collision. This is a crucial feature to have if you own an older vehicle, since the risk of injury to the head in a crash is higher when an infant carrier seat 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 that can help keep the seat from bouncing in a crash. The latter has been shown 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 seat with a few key premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an outstanding rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

Another thing to look out for is the type of seat that can be installed using the lap belt, and doesn't require the use of the base. This is a great option for parents who intend to use Uber or taxi rides, because it eliminates the need to get back in the car every time to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example, have a rigid LATCH that's built into the seat's bottom which makes them fast and simple to install. It can also be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into a highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's a great choice for families with a limited budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in a car seat for long periods of time, it's important they feel comfortable. That means padded straps on their shoulders, a plush fabric that is comfortable against their back and tummy and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Look for a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow as well.

A car seat with a variety of features is usually more expensive but also easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we take into consideration factors such as a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors and harness that doesn't rethread. We also consider the weight and dimensions of the seat, since an extremely heavy or bulky seat can put stress on your biceps while you transport it to and from your vehicle or between vehicles.

Another good choice is a seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. This extra safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats however there are a few affordable models that come with it.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to make sure that the seat will still be safe for your child when they reach their peak growth spurt usually at around the age of two or three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be transformed into a toddler seat. This will allow you a bit more flexibility in your vehicle and is great for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which combines an infant car seat and stroller into one. 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 testers appreciated the ease of using the latch that is one-handed and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers noted that the seat is small, which is important for those who have a small trunk room. Additionally, it's free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major bonus for those who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. The best car seat newborn infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important aspects to consider is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to help with cleaning) and if it features a canopy, which can be useful in the car as well as attached to a stroller.

A feature on the base can save you a great deal of time and headaches. It lets you know if it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to the ground and should be located on the base. It's especially useful if you're going to be switching the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if you plan to travel with your child and you'll need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it easier to transport your sleeping bundle to the store or for running around. It's not necessary to worry about the hassle of a separate car seat. This could be a great advantage for parents with newborns who want to get back to their day after an extended commute or a trip with their newborn.

If you anticipate your child to grow rapidly, choose the car seat for infants that have a greater weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean that all seats are made to be equal. Some come with features that go above and beyond, including load legs that support the car seat's base for additional stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. Other features, like a harness that is not rethread and an extended canopy, can also make for an easier ride for your baby and allow you to be a happier and more secure parent.