Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, a few go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will love, including extra padding, a cushioned inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no Rethreading.

We looked at factors such as weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features, and price when choosing our top picks. Find out the best infant seat (article source) for your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant newborn car seat seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats come with extra features that are 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 more. According to the experts I spoke to, the more features a seat has, they better.

The more intuitive the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This will lower their child’s risk of injury in a crash. This is particularly important for the infant car seat, as it's only designed to last for an extremely short time. Look for a model that's easy to install, with 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 pushed into and out of the vehicle.

Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features such as a strap that doesn't need to be rethread, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are wonderful, a car seat's safety is only as good as the car that you use to drive. Go through the owner's manual to learn how to secure your infant seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When selecting an infant seat, remember that you will only be able to use it for about 2 years before your child is old enough to move to an convertible seat. This is why some families choose to skip an infant seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has greater height and weight limits. When buying an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test different models before settling on one. You can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit inside your car and also has useful features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. And, don't forget to look for recalls prior to making the purchase. It's the most critical aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

User-Friendliness

Whether you'll be using the seat in a single car or moving it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. You should look for clear installation instructions and a simple mechanism. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials that are used.

Some infant seats have the load leg. This is a brace that serves as a support between the seat base and the vehicle's floor that provides additional security in the event of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older car, because the chance of suffering a head injury is greater if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other premium features can improve the experience of infants in car seats. These include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown by studies to reduce the chance of head injuries by up to 43%. "If you're on a limited budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat with several key features that are premium I would recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an outstanding rating by safety experts for children. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extended canopy that has magnets that ensure full coverage.

A seat that is easily installed using only a lapbelt and without the need for an additional base is a different option. That's ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need the trip back and forth to the car to install a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example include a strong LATCH that's built into the bottom of their seats which makes them fast and simple to install. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. It's an excellent choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're there for a long time. This includes padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels comfortable against their stomach or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Choose an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow as well.

A seat with many special features is often more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. This is why we take into consideration things like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also look at the weight and dimensions of the seat, because the weight or size of the seat could strain your biceps as you move it to and from your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

Another option is a car seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature which assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in expensive seats but we've seen couple of budget-friendly options that have this extra safety measure.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll need to make sure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. This usually happens at around the age of two or three. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat that converts into an adult seat. This option will give you more flexibility when you drive and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona that is a combination of an rotating infant car seat car seats newborn seat and stroller in one. It's a great option for parents who are always on the move, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or to school. It is also easy to install. Our testers who were experts in the field praised its ease of use and its one-handed latching system and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also noted how the seat is compact and is an essential for those with a limited trunk space. Plus, it's free of harmful chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.

Convenience

The best car seat newborn infant car seats are easy to use. The most effective infant car seats are equipped with features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important features to consider are whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it has a canopy, which can be useful both inside the car as well as attached to the stroller.

A feature on the base could save you a great deal of time and headaches. It will let you know when it's been put in place correctly. The line is located on the base's side and should be in line with the ground when you're done. This is especially useful when you're going to be changing the car seat frequently or the baby will be traveling with you and you need to install it in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easy to take your baby to the supermarket or to run errands. You don't have to carry a separate carrier. This could be an essential feature for parents trying to return to normal after a lengthy journey or a long commute with a baby.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat with an increased weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in America must meet federal safety regulations however that doesn't mean that they are all in the same way. Some seats come with extra features, such as load legs that brace a car seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of head injuries in crashes. Some extras can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent are happier and more confident.