best car seat for newborn Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. From extra padding to cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without rethreading the seat, our best infant seat of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate.

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

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must be in compliance with federal safety standards. Some seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. They could include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that support the straps and more. The more features a car seat has, the better, according the experts I spoke with.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be it, the more likely parents will be to use it correctly, which can reduce the chance of injuries to their child in a crash. This is especially important with an infant seat, since it's designed for an extremely short time. Look for a model with an indicator that bubbles and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easier to set the seat. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.

Other features that top-quality car seat manufacturers provide include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. Remember that even though these features are wonderful the safety of a car seat is only dependent on the vehicle in which you drive. Go through the owner's manual for tips on how to secure your infant's seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When you are choosing an infant seat, remember that you'll only be able to use it for approximately 2 years before your child is ready to move to the convertible seat. Some families choose to skip the infant car seat completely and opt for convertible cars with an increased weight and height limit. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try a few models in person prior to committing to one. You can then make sure that the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your vehicle, and has convenient features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. And, don't forget to check for recalls before making the purchase. It's the most critical factor in ensuring your baby'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 seats that swivel car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also consider how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.

A great feature that many infant seats include is a load leg, which acts as a brace between the seat's base and the vehicle floor to offer additional stability in the event of a crash. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you are driving an older vehicle since the likelihood of a head injury is greater if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other top rated infant car seats features that improve infant car seat user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bars, which will prevent the seat from rebounding during a crash. The latter has been shown by research to decrease the chance of head injuries by up to 43%. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great choice for those on a limited budget looking for a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a number of premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has received an outstanding rating from child safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions as well as an extendable canopy that secures with magnets for full coverage.

Another thing to look out for is a seat that can be installed by the lap belt, and doesn't require the use of the base. This is ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need the journey back and forth to the car to install a different seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the equivalent TRIV travel system come with an extremely rigid LATCH system built right into the bottom of the seat making it quick and easy to put in any vehicle. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and can be converted into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great choice when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in the car seat for a long period of time, it's crucial that they are comfortable. This includes padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels comfortable against their stomach or back, and a growing headrest. Find a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow and.

While a car seat with many special features may be more expensive however, they are also more convenient to use. That's why we look at things like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seat for newborn seats. We also take into consideration the weight and size of the seat, because the weight or size of the seat could strain your biceps when you carry it in and out of your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

Another good choice is a seat that has the load-leg, a security feature which assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. It's typically found in more expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly choices that have this extra safety measure.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat is safe for your child after they reach their peak growth stage, which is usually around age two or three. It's also worth considering convertible infant car seats that can be converted into an adult seat. This will allow you a little more flexibility when you drive and is great for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona which combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller all in one unit. It's a great choice for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school via public transport. It is also easy to install. Our experts who tested it have praised its simplicity of use with the one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers noted that the seat is small and lightweight, which is essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemical which is a huge advantage for parents concerned with their baby's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make it simple to use. The most comfortable infant car seats are equipped with features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important aspects to consider is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleanup easier) and if it features a canopy that can be useful in the car and also attached to the stroller.

One thing that may seem like a small thing, but could save you a lot of hassle is a meter on the base that informs you that it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to ground and is located on the base. This is especially helpful when you're going to be changing the car seat frequently or when your child will be traveling with you and you'll need to set it up in taxis or Ubers.

Another benefit is the ability to attach a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it easier to transport your baby's child from the car to the grocery store or on errands without having to lug around an additional carrier. This can be a huge advantage for new parents looking to return to their routine after an extended commute or a trip with their newborn.

If you expect your baby to grow quickly pick a car seat designed for babies with a higher weight or height limit than 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 equal. Some have premium features that go beyond, including load legs that support the car seat's base for additional stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Some accessories can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent happier and more secure.