Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, a few are more than others. From extra padding to cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will appreciate.

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

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. Some seats offer extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in, strap-holding sides, and much more. The more features a car seat has, the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke with.

The more intuitive the 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 especially important with an infant seat, since it's only designed to last for an extremely short time. Look for a model with bubble indicators and an adjustable foot with a spring to make it easy to level the seat. Make sure that the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as a strap that doesn't need to be rethread, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are wonderful, a car seat's safety is only dependent on the vehicle in which you drive. Check out the car's owner's manual to learn how to properly secure your infant seat and to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.

When choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll only be allowed to use it for about 2 years, until your child is old enough to switch to a convertible car seat. This is the reason why some families decide to not use the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible seat, which has greater height and weight limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your car and test several models before making a decision. You can then make sure the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car, and comes with handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's crucial to ensuring your child's safety on the road.

User-Friendliness

If you're using the seat in a single car or transferring it between several, you want an infant car seat that is easy to put in and remove from the base. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also, consider how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats come with the load leg. This is a brace that provides support between the seat base and the floor of the vehicle and provides extra security in the event of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older car, since the likelihood of a head injury is higher if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium can enhance the baby car seat experience. They include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar to stop the seat from bouncing during a crash. The latter has been proven by studies to reduce the chance of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a fantastic choice for those with a tight budget who want a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a number of high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has received an excellent rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions plus an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets to provide full coverage.

Another thing to look for is an infant car seats on sale seat that is able to be set up by the lap belt, and doesn't require the use of the base. This is ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require an extra return trip to the car to install a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for instance, have a rigid LATCH built into the seat's bottom, making them quick and simple to install. It also can be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to a highback booster or backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). It's a great option for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long time. This means padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels cozy against their tummy or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Find an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they get bigger, and.

While a car seat with lots of features might cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we take into consideration things like a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn't rethread. We also consider the weight and dimensions of the seat, as the weight or size of the seat can put stress on your biceps while you move it to and from your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

Another option is a seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in more expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly choices that have this safety feature.

Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll need to make sure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This typically occurs at around the age of two or three. It's also worth looking at convertible infant car seats that converts to an adult seat. This will allow you a bit more flexibility in your car and is great for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona which is a combination of a car seat for an infant and a stroller in one unit. It's the ideal choice for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school by public transport. It is also easy to put in. Our expert testers appreciated its user-friendlyness, including the one-handed latching system as well as the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted how the seat is compact and is an essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical which is a major bonus for parents who are concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.

Convenience

The best car seat infant car seats come with features that make them easy to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows, the best infant car seats include convenience features that help parents get in and out with a minimum of hassle. Other important features to consider is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it features a canopy, which can be useful both inside the car as well as attached to the stroller.

A feature on the base can save you lots of time and headaches. It shows you when it has been installed correctly. The line should be parallel to ground and is situated on the base. This is especially useful when you're going to change the car seat often or the baby will be traveling with you and you need to set it up in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it simple to take your lightweight baby car seat to the grocery store or to run errands. It's not necessary to struggle with a separate carrier. This can be an essential feature for parents trying for a way to return to normal after a lengthy trip or a commute with a child.

If you are expecting your child to grow rapidly pick the car seat for infants with a higher weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in America must meet federal safety regulations However, that doesn't mean that they're all in the same way. Some seats come with extra features, such as load legs that brace the seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of sustaining head injuries during crashes. Some extras can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, and you as a parent happier and more secure.