Best Infant Seat Features

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

We considered factors like weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and price when selecting our top picks. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet federal safety standards. Some seats offer extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated strap-holding sides, and more. The more features a car seat comes with 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 reduce their child's risk of injury in an accident. This is especially true for the infant car seat, as it's only designed to last for a short period of time. Find a seat that is simple to install and has an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat perfectly level. Make sure that the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.

Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as a strap that doesn't need to be rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are great but the safety of your car seat is only as good as the vehicle that you use to drive. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your infant car seat and find out more about the car's safety features.

When you're choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll likely only be allowed to use it for around 2 years, until your child is old enough to transition to convertible car seats. Some families skip the infant seat entirely and choose to purchase convertible cars with a higher weight and height limit. When purchasing an infant car seat, be sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before settling on one. You can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits in your car, and has convenient features like converting to a stroller. And, don't forget to check for recalls before making a purchase. It's the most important aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

If you're planning to use the seat in one car or moving it among several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to put in and remove from the base. Look for clearly labeled installation guides and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the high-quality materials that are used.

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

Other premium features that can enhance the infant car seat user experience include a harness that is not rethread and an anti-rebound bar that will prevent the seat from bouncing back in a crash. This has been proven to lower the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great option for those with a tight budget who want a car seat that is ARC-certified and has a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat received an excellent rating by experts in child safety. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extended canopy that has magnets that ensure full coverage.

Another thing to look out for is the type of seat that is able to be set up with just the lap belt, and does not require the base. This is a great option for parents who plan to take Uber or taxi rides, as it eliminates the need to get back in the car each time to install a new seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the corresponding TRIV travel system have an extremely rigid LATCH system integrated into the bottom of the seat which makes it fast and easy to put in any vehicle. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds), forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds), and it converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. It's a great choice for families with a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in car seats for a long period of time, it's important they feel safe. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that is soft against their back and stomach and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can alter as your child grows.

A car seat with a variety of features can be more expensive, but is also easier to use. When evaluating infant car seat we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no rethread harness. We also look at the weight and size of the seat, since a heavy or large seat can put stress on your biceps as you move it in and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.

Another option is a car seat with a load-leg, a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in expensive seats, but we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this additional safety feature.

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll want to make sure that the seat will remain suitable for your child once they reach their peak growth stage usually around age two or three. It's also worth considering convertible infant car seats that can be converted into an adult seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families who often change cars or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona, which incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller into one. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school by public transport. It's also simple to set up. Our testers who were experts in the field appreciated its user-friendlyness and its one-handed latching system as well as the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted how compact the seat is it is essential for those with limited trunk space. Plus, it's free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major bonus for those who are concerned about their child's health and environment.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make it simple to use. The best infant car seat infant car seats are equipped with convenience features that make it easier for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important features to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy that can be handy both inside the car as well as attached to a stroller.

A feature on the base can save you lots of time and headaches. It will let you know when it has been installed correctly. This line should be parallel to the ground and is located on the base. It's particularly useful in the event that you'll be changing the car seat frequently, or if plan to travel with your baby and you'll need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.

Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to connect a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat rear facing car seat, which makes it easier to carry your sleeping bundle of joy from the car to the store or out on errands, without having to wrestle with the separate baby carrier. This is an essential feature for parents looking to get back to normal after a lengthy trip or commute with a baby.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat best car seat with a higher weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat in use longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean that all seats are made equally. Certain models have features that go beyond, including load legs that support the car seat's base for additional stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injury in crashes. Other features, such as the no-rethread harness or an extendable canopy, can help create an easier ride for your baby and allow you to be a happier and more secure parent.