Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet the federal safety standards, some are more than others. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love with extra padding, a padded inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no Rethreading.

We looked at factors such as weight (without base), stroller connectivity, special features, and price when selecting our top picks. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading.

Safety

Every portable infant car seat car seat available on the market must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats come with additional features that go beyond the minimum standards. These can include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps and more. According to the experts I spoke to, the more features a chair includes, the are more efficient.

The more comfortable a car seat is for users it, the more likely parents are to use it correctly, which can reduce their child's risk of injury in an accident. This is particularly important for an infant car seat since it's only designed to last for an extremely short time. Look for a model with an indicator that bubbles and an adjustable foot with a spring for making it easy to level the seat. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as a strap that doesn't need to be rethread, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. These are fantastic however, don't forget that a safe car seat is just as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. There are tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your infant's car seat and find out more about the vehicle's safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat rear facing car seat, be aware that you will only be able use it for a period of about two years before your child is old enough to move to an convertible seat. This is why some families choose to skip an infant seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which is more spacious and has higher height and weight limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and test out several models in person prior to making a decision on one. You can then make sure the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car and has handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. And, don't forget to verify recalls prior making a purchase. It's the most critical factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

Easy to Use

You're looking for a car seat for your infant that is easy to attach and remove from the base, whether you intend to use it in just one vehicle or move it between several. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and an operation that is seamless. Also consider how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats come with is a load leg, which acts as an extra brace between the seat's base and vehicle's floor to provide additional stability in the event of collision. It's a vital feature to have if you own an older vehicle, since the risk of head injury in a crash is higher when a child is seated near to the floor, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features that can enhance the user experience include a no-rethread harness and an anti-rebound bar that help keep the seat from bouncing back in the event of a crash. This has been proven to reduce the risk of head injury by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a great choice for those with a tight budget who want a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a few premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat was awarded an outstanding rating by safety experts for children. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets that ensure full coverage.

A seat that is easily installed with lapbelts and does not require the requirement for a base is another option. This is a good option for parents who are planning to use Uber or taxi rides as it eliminates the need to get back in the car each time to put in a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for instance, have a rigid LATCH that is built into the seat's bottom making them easy and simple to install. It also can be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into a highback booster or belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). It's an excellent choice for families with a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're there for a long period of time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that is comfortable against their back and tummy and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Also, consider a seat that is easy to adjust as your child gets older.

While a seat that has many special features may be more expensive but they're also generally easier to use. When evaluating infant car seat we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors and no rethread harness. We also take into consideration the weight and size of the seat, as an extremely heavy or bulky seat can strain your biceps when you transport it into and out of your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

Another option is a seat with the load-leg, a security feature which aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. This extra safety feature is usually 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 make sure that the seat is suitable for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt usually around age two or three. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat that converts into an adult car seat. This will allow you a bit more flexibility in your vehicle and is great for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller into one unit. It's a great option 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 were impressed with the ease of use of the latch that is one-handed and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also commented on how the seat is compact it is essential for those with a limited trunk space. Additionally, it's free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge advantage for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seats come with features that make it simple to use. From buckles that are smooth 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 to help parents get into and out with minimal amount of effort. Other important aspects to consider are whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleanup easier) and if it has a canopy, which is handy both inside the car and 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 will let you know that it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to ground and should be located on the base. It's particularly useful if you're going to be switching the car seat often, or if you plan to travel with your baby and require 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 easier to transport your sleeping bundle to the supermarket, or to run around. You don't have to struggle with a separate carrier. This can be a great advantage for parents with newborns who want to get back to their day after an extended commute or a trip with a baby.

If you are expecting your baby to grow quickly pick a car seat for babies with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it doesn't mean that all seats are created to be equal. Some seats come with extra features, such as load legs that support the seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of head injuries during crashes. Certain accessories can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent feel more comfortable and more secure.