Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some go above. From extra padding to cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without needing to rethread our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will love.

When selecting our top picks, we took into consideration factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features and price. Find out the best infant seat (More Material) for your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats have extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in strap-holding sides, and so on. The more features a car seat has the better, according to experts I spoke with.

The more comfortable a car seat is for users and the more likely parents will be to use it in a safe manner and decrease their child's risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is especially true for an infant seat, since it's only designed for a short period of time. Find a seat with bubble indicators and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easy to level the seat. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click in and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features, such as the no-rethread strap as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are fantastic but the safety of your car seat is only as good as the vehicle in which you drive. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your infant's car seat and find out more about the vehicle's safety features.

When choosing an infant seat, keep in mind that you will only be able to use it for approximately 2 years before your child is old enough to move to an convertible seat. That's why some families opt to leave out the infant car seat and go directly to a convertible seat, which has greater height and weight limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and try out a variety of models in person prior to choosing one. You can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your car, and has convenient features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Also, make sure to check for recalls before making the purchase. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.

Easy to Use

Whether you'll be using the seat in a single car or transferring it between many, you need an infant car seat that is simple to set up and remove from the base. It is important to look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth mechanism. Also, think about how it is simple to alter the car seat as your baby seat grows and the quality of the materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats include is a load leg that acts as a brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle floor to offer additional stability in the event of an accident. It's an especially important feature if you drive an older vehicle, as the risk of injury to the head in a crash is greater when an infant is sitting close to the floor, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the infant car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and an anti-rebound bar that will prevent the seat from bouncing back in an accident. The latter has been proven to decrease the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those with a tight budget who want an ARC-certified car seat and has a few high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat was awarded an outstanding rating by safety experts for children. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets that ensure full coverage.

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

Comfort

When your lightweight baby car seat is in car seats for long periods of time, it's important they are comfortable. This includes padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels cozy against their tummy or back, and a growing headrest. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child grows.

While a seat that has a lot of special features may cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. This is why we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also pay attention to the dimensions and weight, as an overly heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps while you carry it in and out of your car or between cars.

Another good choice is a seat that has 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 need to ensure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens around age two or 3. You should also consider a convertible infant car seat that can be converted into a toddler seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is ideal for families that frequently change cars or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona which is a combination of car seats for an infant and a stroller all in one package. It's ideal for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to install and our experts who tested it appreciated the ease of using the latch that is one-handed and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted how the seat is compact, which is a must for those with a limited trunk space. Plus, it's free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge advantage for parents who are concerned about their child's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make it simple to use. The most effective infant car seats are equipped with features that make it easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Check if the seat is able to be washed by a machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy. This is helpful both in the car and on the stroller.

One thing that might not seem like a big difference but can save you a lot of trouble is an indicator on the base that will let you know that it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to ground and should be situated on the base. This is particularly useful when you're going to change the car seat often or the baby seat will be traveling with you and you'll need to install it in taxis or Ubers.

Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to connect a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat making it easier to transport your baby's infant from the car to the supermarket or out for errands without having to lug around the separate baby carrier. This could be a great advantage for new parents looking to return to their routine after an exhausting commute or outing with a newborn.

If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose an infant 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, it doesn't mean that all seats are created equal. 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 reduce the chance of head injuries in crashes. Other extras, such as the no-rethread harness or an extended canopy, can also make for a more comfortable ride for your child and help you become a more relaxed and more confident parent.