Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats conform to federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will appreciate with additional padding, a padded inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no Rethreading.

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

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats have extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. These can include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps and more. The more features a car seat has, 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 correctly, which can reduce the risk of injury to their child in an accident. This is especially important for infant seats, which are only meant to be used for a short duration. Look for a model with a bubble indicator and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easy to level the seat. Make sure the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as the no-rethread strap as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. These are wonderful but remember that the safety of your car seat is just as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. There are tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your child's car seat, and also learn more about the vehicle's safety features.

When you are choosing an infant car seat, be aware that you'll only be able use it for approximately 2 years before your child is ready to move to a convertible seat. Some families opt to not use the infant seat entirely and choose to purchase convertible cars with greater weight and height limit. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your car and test various models before settling on one. You can then make sure that the seat is safe for your child, fits in your car and comes with useful features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. And, don't forget to look for recalls prior to making a purchase. It's the most crucial factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

You want a newborn car seat seat for your infant that is easy to attach and take off from the base, whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or transfer it between multiple. Look for clearly labeled instructions for installation and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials used.

Some infant seats include the load leg. This is a brace that provides support between the seat base and the floor of the vehicle that provides additional stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you are driving an older vehicle because the chance of a head injury is higher when the child is too close to the floor.

Other premium features can improve the experience of infants in car seats. These include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that can help stop the seat from bouncing in a crash. The latter has been shown by research to reduce the chance of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those with a tight budget looking for an ARC-certified car seat and has a few high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has received an exemplary rating from child-passenger safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline settings, plus an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets for full coverage.

Another thing to look out for is a seat that can be put in by the lap belt, and does not require the base. This is a great option for parents who intend to use Uber or taxi rides, because it eliminates the need to go back to the car every time to replace a seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH built into the seat's bottom making them easy and easy to put in. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and also converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great choice when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in car seats for extended periods of time, it's important they feel safe. This means padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels cozy against their tummy or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can alter as your child grows.

While a seat with lots of features might cost more, they're also often easier to use. This is why we consider things like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also consider the weight and dimensions of the seat, since a heavy or large seat can put stress on your biceps when you transport it in and out of your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash, is an additional option. It's usually found in more expensive seats, but we've seen a couple of budget-friendly options that have this additional safety feature.

The weight and height limits are also important. You'll need to ensure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens around age two or 3. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat that converts to a toddler seat. This will allow you a little more flexibility in your car and is perfect for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller in one. It's a great choice for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school on public transport. It's also easy to install and our testers praised the ease of using the one-handed latch system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted how the seat is compact it is essential for those who have a small trunk space. Additionally, it's free of harmful chemicals, which is a huge advantage for parents who are concerned about their child's health and the environment.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are easy to use. The most effective infant car seats come with features that make it easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important aspects to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleaning easier) and if it features a canopy, which is useful in the car and also attached to a stroller.

One thing that may not be a big difference but can save you a lot of trouble is an indicator on the base that will let you know whether it's been put in place correctly. The line is located on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground when you're done. This is especially useful in the event that you will change the car seat frequently or if your baby will be traveling with you and you have to set it up in Ubers or taxis.

Another useful feature is the possibility of attaching an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping portable infant car seat from the car to the grocery store or out for errands without having to lug around a separate carrier. This can be a great advantage for new parents who want to get back to their normal routine after an exhausting commute or outing with a baby.

If you are expecting your baby seat to grow quickly opt for the car seat for infants that have a greater weight or height limit than 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. Certain models have features that go beyond, such as load legs that support the base of the car seat for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. Some additional features can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, and you as a parent are happier and more secure.