Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, a few go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love such as extra padding, a cushioned inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no rethreading.

When deciding on our top choices, we looked at factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, extra features and price. Find out the best infant seat - previous, for you and your family by reading.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must be in compliance with federal safety standards. Certain seats have additional features that are above and beyond the minimum standards. These can include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that hold the straps and more. According to the experts I spoke to, the more features a seat includes, the better.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be and the more likely parents are to use it correctly and reduce the risk of injury to their child in an accident. This is especially important for infant carrier seat seats, which are only intended to be used for a limited duration. Find a seat with bubble indicators and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easier to set the seat. Make sure the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

Other top features that some car seat manufacturers provide include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. These are wonderful however, don't forget that the safety of your car seat is still only as secure as the car you're driving in. Go through the owner's manual for tips on how to properly secure your infant seat and to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, be aware that you will only be able to use it for approximately 2 years before your child is able to transition to the convertible seat. That's why some families opt to not use an infant car seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has higher weight and height limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test different models before settling. Then, you can make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, fits well in your car, and comes with convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's the most critical aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

You're looking for a car seat for your infant that is simple to attach and remove from the base whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or transfer it between several. Look for clear installation instructions and a smooth operation. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the quality materials used.

Some infant seats include a load leg. This brace that serves as a support between the seat base and the vehicle's floor, providing extra security in the event of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older car, because the risk of suffering a head injury is higher when the child is too close to the floor.

Other high-end features can enhance the baby car seat experience. These include a non rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from bouncing in a crash. The latter has been shown by research to reduce the chance of head injuries by up to 43%. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great choice for those on a limited budget who want a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a few premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has been awarded an excellent rating from child safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions plus an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets to provide full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed using only lapbelts and does not require the need for a base is another option. That's ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need the return trip to the car to install a different seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its corresponding TRIV travel system have an extremely rigid LATCH system integrated into the seat's bottom which makes it fast and easy to install in any car. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and also converts into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. This is a great choice for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child is comfortable in their car seat, especially when they're in the seat for a long time. This means padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel cozy against their tummy or back and a growing headrest. Also, look for a seat that is easy to adjust as your child grows.

A car seat with a variety of features is usually more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies, we consider aspects like a single-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors, and a no rethread harness. We also take note of dimensions and weight since the weight or bulk of a seat can add stress to your biceps when you're carrying it in and out of your car seat for newborn or moving between cars.

Another good choice is a seat that has a load-leg, which is a safety feature which helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. This extra safety feature is typically only available in high-end seats, but there are some affordable models that come with it.

The limits on height and weight are also important. You'll want to make sure that the seat will remain safe for your child after they reach their maximum growth spurt typically between the ages of two and three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be transformed into a toddler's car seat. This will allow you a little more flexibility when you drive and is great for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona that combines an infant car seat and stroller into one unit. It's perfect for parents who are always moving around, particularly those who use public transport to commute to work or to school. It is also easy to put in. Our testers who were experts in the field appreciated its user-friendlyness, including the one-handed latching mechanism and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers noted that the seat is small, which is important for those with a limited trunk room. Additionally, it's free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major advantage for parents who are concerned about their child's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are easy to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows, the best infant car seats have convenience features that help parents get into and out with a minimum of hassle. Other important features to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy, which is useful both inside the car and also attached to the stroller.

One thing that may not be a big difference but can save you a lot of headache is a meter on the base that lets you know that it's been properly installed. This line is located on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. It's especially useful if you're going to be switching the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if you are planning 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 attached directly to it. This makes it easy to take your baby to the grocery store, or to run around. You don't have to worry about an additional carrier. This could be a great advantage for new parents who want to return to their routine after an exhausting commute or outing with a baby.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, select a car seat for infants that has more weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat in use for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that does not mean that all car seats are made equal. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that support the seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bar that reduces the chance of head injuries during crashes. Certain additional features can make the ride more comfortable for your lightweight baby car seat, and you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.