Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant carrier seat seats comply with federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. From extra padding to a cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no having to rethread the seat, our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love.

We considered factors like weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and price when choosing our top picks. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. However, some seats have extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. These include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that hold the straps, and more. The more features a car seat comes with, the better, according the experts I spoke to.

The more intuitive a car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This will lower the chance of injuries to their child during the event of a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are only intended to be used 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 in a perfect position. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.

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 however, don't forget that a safe car seat is still only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for advice on how to properly ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When selecting an infant seat, keep in mind that you will only be able use it for about 2 years before your child is able to move to an convertible seat. This is why some families choose to leave out the infant car seat and go directly to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher height and weight limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try different models before making a decision. You can then make sure that the seat is comfortable for the child, fits in your vehicle, and has convenient features like converting to a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.

Simple to Use

You're looking for a car seats for your infant that is simple to attach and remove from the base, regardless of whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or transfer it between multiple. Look for clearly labeled installation guides and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the quality materials used.

Some infant seats come with a 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 for those who drive an older vehicle, as the risk of injury to the head in a crash is greater when a child is sitting close to the ground, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Other high-end features can enhance the experience of infants in car seats. They include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from spinning in a crash. The latter has been proven to lower the chance of sustaining head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great option for those with a tight budget and looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a few high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat was awarded an excellent rating by safety experts for children. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extended canopy that has magnets that ensure full coverage.

A seat that is easily installed with just a lapbelt and without the need for the base is an alternative. This is ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require an extra trip back and forth to the car to install a different seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its equivalent TRIV travel system come with a rigid LATCH system that's integrated into the bottom of the seat making it quick and easy to put in any car. It also can be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to the highback booster or backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). This is an excellent option for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is stuck in the car seat for extended periods of time, it's essential that they feel safe. This includes padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel cozy against their tummy or back, and a growing headrest. Also, consider a seat you can easily adjust as your child gets older.

A car seat with a variety of features is often more expensive, but is also easier to use. When evaluating infant car seat we take into consideration things like a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors and harness that doesn't rethread. We also look at the weight and dimensions of the seat, since a heavy or large seat could strain your biceps as you move it to and from your vehicle or between vehicles.

A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash is an alternative. It's usually found in more expensive seats but we've seen few budget-friendly choices that have this additional safety feature.

The limits on height and weight are also important. You'll need to ensure that the seat is safe for your child when they reach their peak growth rate typically around age two or three. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat that converts to a toddler seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families who frequently change cars or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which combines an infant car seat and stroller into one. It's ideal for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who use public transport to commute to work or to school. It's also simple to set up and our testers were impressed with the ease of use of the one-handed latch system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers reported that the seat is small and lightweight, which is essential for those with limited trunk room. Plus, it's free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows, the best infant car seats uk car seats come with convenience features that help parents get in and out with a minimal amount of effort. Other important things to consider is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it comes with a canopy, which can be useful both inside the car as well as attached to the stroller.

A feature on the base can save much time and headaches. It will let you know when it's been put in place correctly. This line is located on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground when you're done. It's particularly useful in the event that you'll be changing the car seat often, or if you are planning to travel with your baby and require the seat in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it easier to carry your baby to the supermarket, or to run errands. You don't need to worry about the hassle of a separate car seat. This can be a great advantage for parents with newborns who want to return to their day after an exhausting commute or outing with a baby.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, you should choose an portable infant car seat car seat with more weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat in use for longer.

All car seats sold in America must conform to the safety standards of the federal government However, that doesn't mean they are all created in the same way. Some seats have extra features, like load legs that brace a car seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of sustaining head injuries from crashes. Other features, such as the no-rethread harness or an extended canopy, can also provide a more comfortable ride for baby and help you to be a happier, more confident parent.