Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However, some go beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate, including extra padding, a cushioned inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no need for rethreading.

We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and prices when choosing our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats offer extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. They could include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that support the straps, and more. The more features a car seat has the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke with.

The more user-friendly a car seat is it, the more likely parents are to use it properly and reduce the risk of injury to their child in an accident. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are only meant to be used for a short period of time. Look for a model that's easy to install, with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat in a perfect position. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.

Other top features that some car seat manufacturers provide include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are fantastic the safety of a car seat is only as good as the car that you use to drive. There are tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant car seat, and also learn more about the vehicle's safety features.

When you're choosing an infant carrier seat car seat, keep in mind that you'll probably only be allowed to use it for around 2 years, until your child is ready to switch to a convertible car seat. That's why some families opt to skip an infant seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which is more spacious and has higher height and weight limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and try out a variety of models before choosing one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car and includes useful features like the ability to convert it 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.

Ease of Use

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

One of the best features that infant seats have is a load leg which acts as a brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle floor to offer additional stability in the event of collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older car, because the risk of suffering a head injury is higher when the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other high-end features can enhance the experience of infants in car seats. These include a non rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from spinning in the event of a crash. This has been proven by research to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 43%. "If you're on a tight budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat with a few key premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has earned an excellent rating from child-passenger safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, plus an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets for full coverage.

Another thing to look out for is the type of seat that can be put in using the lap belt, and does not require the base. This is ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need the trip back and forth to the car to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example, have a rigid LATCH that is built into the bottom of their seats which makes them fast and simple to install. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds), and it converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. It's a great choice for families with a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby car seat is in car seats for long periods of time, it's crucial that they feel safe. This means padded straps on their shoulders, a plush fabric that is soft against their back and tummy and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child gets older.

A seat that has many unique features is usually more expensive, but is also easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we take into consideration factors such as a one-hand system harness, top rated infant car seats LATCH connectors and no rethread harness. We also consider the weight and dimensions of the seat, because the weight or size of the seat can put stress on your biceps when you move it in and out of your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

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

The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll need to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. It usually occurs at around the age of two or three. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be converted into a toddler's car seat. This option will give you a bit more flexibility in your vehicle and is perfect for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona, which combines an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's the perfect pick for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It's also easy to install and our experts who tested it praised the ease of using the one-handed latch system and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers reported that the seat is small, which is important for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned with their baby's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant car seats that swivel seats have features that make it easy to use. The best infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important aspects to consider are whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it features a canopy that can be handy both inside the car as well as attached to a stroller.

One thing that may seem like a small difference but can save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that lets you know that it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to the ground and should be situated on the base. This is especially helpful if you are going to change the car seat frequently, or the baby will be traveling with you and you'll need to install it in Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it easier to transport your sleeping bundle to the grocery store, or to run around. You don't need to struggle with an additional carrier. This can be a huge advantage for parents with newborns who want to return to their day after an extended commute or a trip with their newborn.

If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat that has more weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in America must conform to federal safety standards, but that does not mean that they are all to be the same. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that support the base of a car seat to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other extras, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, can also provide a more relaxing ride for your child and help you be a happier and more confident parent.