Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some go above. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will love such as additional padding, a padded inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no rethreading.

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

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. But some of the seats come with additional features that go 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 with the more features a chair has, they better.

The more intuitive a car seat, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This can reduce the risk of injury to their child during an accident. This is particularly important for the infant car seat, as it's only designed 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 level. Also, make sure the base is easy to click in and out of the car.

Other premium features that some car seat makers offer include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. Remember that even though these features are great, a car seat's safety is only dependent on the vehicle in which you drive. There are tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant car seat, and also learn more about the car's safety features.

When choosing an infant car seat, be aware that you will only be able to use it for approximately 2 years before your child is old enough to move to the convertible seat. Some families skip the infant seat entirely and choose to purchase convertible cars, which has greater weight and height limit. When buying an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try several models before making a decision. You can then make sure that the seat is safe for your child, fits in your vehicle and also has useful features like converting to a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.

Ease of Use

You want a car seat for your baby that is easy to connect and remove from the base, whether you plan to use it in just one vehicle or move it between several. Find clearly labeled installation guides and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the high-quality materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats include is a load leg which serves as a brace between the base of the seat and the car's floor, providing extra stability in the event of collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you are driving an older vehicle because the risk of sustaining a head injury is higher if the child is too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium can enhance the infant car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that helps keep the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown to decrease the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a limited budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seat that has a few key premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an exemplary rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

Another thing to look out for is the type of seat that can be put in by the lap belt, and doesn't require the use of the base. This is ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need an extra trip back and forth to the car to install a new seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its corresponding TRIV travel system have a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the bottom of the seat making it quick and easy to put in any vehicle. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and can be converted into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. This is a great option for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's important that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that is comfortable against their tummy and back and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Find a seat that is easy to adjust as they get bigger, as well.

A car seat with a variety of features is often more expensive, but is also easier to use. This is why we consider aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate cheap infant car seats car seats. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, as an extremely heavy or bulky seat can strain your biceps as you move it into and out of your vehicle or in between vehicles.

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

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll want to ensure the seat will remain safe for your child when they reach their highest growth rate usually between the ages of two and three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be converted into a toddler's seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona which combines car seats for an infant and a stroller all in one piece. It's the ideal choice for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school by public transport. It's also easy to install. Our expert testers have praised its simplicity of use with the one-handed latching mechanism and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also remarked how the seat is compact, which is a must 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 child's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are simple to use. The most comfortable infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to facilitate cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is useful in the car as well as on a stroller.

A feature on the base could save you lots of time and headaches. It shows you when it has been installed correctly. The line is located on the base's side and should be in line with the ground when you're done. It's particularly useful if you're going to be switching the car seat between vehicles often, 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 affixed directly to it. This makes it easier to take your baby to the grocery store or for running the errands. You don't need to worry about a separate carrier. This can be a life-changing option for parents who are looking to get back to normal following a long trip or a commute with a baby.

If you are expecting your baby to grow quickly opt for a car seat for infants with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seats by age seat for a longer period of time.

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 seats come with additional features, such as load legs that brace the seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injuries during crashes. Other extras, such as a no-rethread harness and an extended canopy, can help create a more comfortable ride for your child and help you to be a happier and more confident parent.