Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, a few go above and beyond. From extra padding to baby inlay that is padded 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 choices, we looked at factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, features, and price. Find out the best car seat newborn infant seat for you and your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats come with extra features that are above and beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in strap-holding sides, and more. According to the experts I spoke to the more features a chair comes with, the 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 the event of a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are meant to be used for a short time. Find a seat that is simple to install and has a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat perfectly level. Make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.

Some car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. Remember that even though these features are fantastic the safety of a car seat is only dependent on the vehicle that you use to drive. There are tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your child's car seat and learn more about the car's safety features.

When choosing an infant car seat in front seat seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able use it for approximately 2 years before your child is old enough to transition to the convertible seat. That's why some families opt to not use the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible seat, which has higher weight and height limits. When you are buying an infant car seat rear facing car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try several models before settling on one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits well in your car and includes handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's essential to ensure the safety of your child on the road.

User-Friendliness

You're looking for a car seat for your baby that is easy to attach and remove from the base whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or shift it between multiple. You should look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth mechanism. Also consider how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

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

Other top features that enhance the infant car seat user experience include a no-rethread harness and an anti-rebound bar that will prevent the seat from rebounding during a crash. The latter has been shown to lower the chance of sustaining head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat that has some of the most important premium features I would recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," 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, five recline positions and an extended canopy that has magnets that ensure full coverage.

A seat that is easily installed using only a lapbelt, and without the requirement for a base is another option. This is ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need the journey back and forth to the car to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that's built into the seat's bottom, making them quick and easy to put in. It also can be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to an highback booster or a backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). This is a great choice if you're on a budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in a car seat for long periods of time, it's important they are comfortable. This means padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels cozy against their tummy or back and a growing headrest. Find a seat that is easy to adjust as they get bigger, and.

While a car seat with many special features might cost more but they're also generally easier to use. That's why we look at things like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also look at the weight and dimensions of the seat, because the weight or size of the seat can put stress on your biceps when you move it to and from your vehicle or in between vehicles.

A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash--is an alternative. This additional safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats however, there are a few affordable models that come with it.

Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens around age two or 3. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be converted into a toddler's seat. This gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who frequently change cars or travel.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona that combines the car seat of an infant and a stroller all in one piece. It's ideal for parents who are always on the move, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or go to school. It's also easy to put in and our experts who tested it praised the ease of using the latch that is one-handed and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted that the seat is small which is crucial for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a big benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are easy to use. The best infant car seats come with features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Check if the seat is able to be cleaned by machine (to simplify cleaning) and whether it has a canopy. This is helpful in the car as well as on a stroller.

A feature on the base can save a great deal of time and headaches. It shows you when it has been installed correctly. This line is located on the base's side and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. It's especially useful when you'll be switching the car seat often, or if you are planning to travel with your baby and 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 easy to take your baby to the supermarket or for running errands. You don't need to worry about a separate carrier. This could be an essential feature for parents trying to get back to normal after a long journey or a long commute with a child.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, select a car seat for infants that has a higher weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat in use for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean all seats are created to be equal. Some come with features that go beyond, such as load legs that support the car seat's base for added stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. A few extras can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.