Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, a few go above and beyond. From extra padding to a cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread the seat, our best car seat newborn of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love.

We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and prices when deciding on our top picks. Find out the best infant seat for 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 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 so on. According to the experts I spoke to the more features a seat includes, the are more efficient.

The more user-friendly a car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This can reduce the chance of injuries to their child during a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are only designed to be used for a limited period of time. Look for a model that's easy to install, with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help get the seat in a perfect position. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as the no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are great but the safety of your car seat is only as good as the vehicle that you use to drive. Take a look at 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 choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll only be able to use it for about two years before your child is ready to move to convertible car seats. This is the reason why some families decide to not use an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which is more spacious and has higher height and weight limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and test out several models in person before making a decision on one. Then, you can make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, fits well in your car and has convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's essential to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Simple to Use

You're looking for a car seat for your baby that is simple to attach and remove from the base, regardless of whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or move it between several. Look for clearly labeled installation guides as well as an operation that is seamless. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials that are used.

Some infant seats have a load leg. It's a brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the floor of your vehicle, providing extra security in the event of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you are driving an older vehicle since the likelihood of a head injury is higher when the child is too close to the floor.

Other premium features that can improve infant car seat swivel car seat user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bar, which can prevent the seat from rebounding during the event of a crash. The latter has been proven by studies to reduce the chance of head injuries by up to 43%. "If you're on a tight budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat with several key features that are premium I would recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has received an exemplary rating from child-passenger safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline settings, and an extended canopy that secures with magnets to provide full coverage.

A seat that is easily installed using only a lapbelt and without the need for the base is an alternative. This is ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need an extra trip back and forth to the car to install a different seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the corresponding TRIV travel system have a rigid LATCH system that's integrated into the bottom of the seat which makes it fast and simple to install in any vehicle. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children between 4 and 40 pounds), forward facing infant car seat-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and can be converted into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. It's a great option for families with a limited budget.

Comfort

When your baby is stuck in car seats for extended periods of time, it's crucial that they feel comfortable. This includes padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels cozy against their tummy or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Look for a seat that is easy to adjust as they get bigger, as well.

A seat that has many unique features is often more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. This is why we consider things like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also take into consideration the weight and size of the seat, because a heavy or large seat can strain 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 usually available in high-end seats, but there are some affordable models that include it.

Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. It usually occurs at around the age of two or three. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat that can be converted into an adult car seat. This will allow you more flexibility when you drive and is ideal for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona that is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's the ideal choice for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school on public transport. It is also easy to install. Our expert testers have praised its simplicity of use and its one-handed latching mechanism and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted that the seat is compact, which is important for those who have a small trunk room. It's also free of flame retardant chemical which is a huge bonus for parents who are concerned with their baby's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant car seats come with features that make them easy 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 top rated baby car seats infant car seats come with convenience features that help parents get into and out with a minimal amount of effort. Consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is helpful in the car as well as on a stroller.

One thing that may not be a big thing, but could save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that will let you know when it's been installed correctly. The line should be parallel to the ground and should be located on the base. This is especially helpful when you're going to be changing the car seat frequently, or the baby will be traveling with you and you need to connect it to Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat rear facing car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it simple to take your baby to the grocery store or for running around. It's not necessary to worry about an additional carrier. This can be a great advantage for parents with newborns who want to return to their normal routine after an exhausting commute or outing with a newborn.

If you expect your child to grow rapidly, choose a car seat for babies with a higher weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.

All car seats sold in the United States must comply with federal safety regulations, but that does not mean that they're all in the same way. Certain seats come with additional features, like load legs that brace a car seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injuries during crashes. Some extras can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent happier and more confident.