Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet the federal safety standards, some are more than others. From extra padding to baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no needing to rethread our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate.

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

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats come with additional features that go above the minimum requirements. 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 with, the more features a chair has, they better.

The more user-friendly a car seat is it, the more likely parents are to use it correctly and decrease their child's risk of injury in a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are designed to be used for a limited duration. Look for a model that's easy to install, with an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat level. Also, make sure the base is easy to click in and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers provide high-end features like a strap that doesn't need to be rethread, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips that carry 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. Check out the car's owner's manual for advice on how to 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'll only be able to use it for a period of about two years before your child is able to transition to a convertible seat. This is why some families choose to leave out an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which has higher weight and height limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your car seat for newborn and test several models before settling on one. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits well in your car and has convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's vital to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

If you're planning to use the seat in a single car or transferring it between several, you want an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. Look for clearly labeled installation guides and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also, consider how it is simple to alter the car seat as your baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats include is a load leg, that acts as an extra brace between the seat's base and vehicle floor to offer extra stability in the event of an accident. It's a vital feature if you drive an older car, as the risk of sustaining head injuries during a crash is much higher when a child is seated near to the floor, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features that can improve infant car seats uk car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bar, which help keep the seat from rebounding during a crash. This has been proven to decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those on a limited budget looking for a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a number of high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has been awarded an excellent 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 to provide full coverage.

Another thing to look for is the type of 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 plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require a return trip to the car to put in a different seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its corresponding TRIV travel system have an extremely rigid LATCH system integrated into the bottom of the seat making it quick and simple to install in any vehicle. It also can be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into a highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). This is a great choice for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's important that your baby feels comfortable in the car seat, especially if they are there for a long period of time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, a plush fabric that feels cozy against their tummy and back and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, consider a seat you can easily adjust as your child grows.

While a seat that has lots of features may cost more but they're also generally easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants, we consider things like a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors, and a no rethread harness. We also take into consideration the weight and size of the seat, since the weight or size of the seat could strain your biceps when you move it into and out of 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 additional option. This extra safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats, however there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat will still be suitable for your child once they reach their maximum growth rate usually between the ages of two and three. It's also worth looking at convertible infant car seats that converts to an adult car seat. This gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona that is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's a great choice for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school on public transport. It's also simple to set up. Our expert testers praised its ease of use, including the one-handed latching system as well as the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers noted that the seat is small, which is important for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemical, which is a big bonus for parents who are concerned with their baby's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make it easy to use. The best infant car seats come with features that make it easier for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important aspects to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it features a canopy that can be useful both inside the car and also attached to a stroller.

A feature on the base can save you much time and headaches. It will let you know when it's been properly installed. This line is located on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground after you've completed. It can be particularly helpful when you'll be changing the car seat frequently, or if you are planning to travel with your child and need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easy to carry your baby to the store or for running around. It's not necessary to worry about a separate carrier. This can be a huge advantage for parents with newborns who want to return to their normal routine after an exhausting commute or outing with a newborn car seat insert.

If your baby is likely to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat with a higher weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it doesn't mean all seats are created to be equal. Some have premium features that go beyond, like load legs that anchor the car seat's base for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. Other features, like the no-rethread harness or an extendable canopy, could also provide a more relaxing ride for baby and help you be a happier, more confident parent.