Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant car seats uk seats meet 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 without needing to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will love.

When deciding on our top picks, we considered factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, features and prices. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet federal safety standards. Some seats offer extra features above and beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated strap-holding sides, and more. According to the experts I spoke with the more features a seat has, they are more efficient.

The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This can reduce their child’s risk of injury during a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are only intended to be used for a brief period of time. Find a seat with bubble indicators and a spring-loaded reclining foot for making it easy to set the seat. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

Other features that top-quality car seat manufacturers provide include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are fantastic, a car seat's safety is only dependent on the vehicle that you use to drive. Check out the car's owner's manual to learn how to secure your infant's seat and to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.

When selecting an infant seat, remember that you will only be able to use it for about 2 years before your child is ready to move to a convertible seat. This is the reason why some families decide to not use an infant seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has greater height and weight limits. If you choose 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 ensure that the seat is safe for your child, fits in your vehicle and also has useful features like converting to a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.

Simple to Use

You're looking for a car seat for your baby that is easy to connect and remove from the base whether you intend to use it in a single vehicle or move it between several. Look for clear installation instructions and a smooth operation. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the quality materials used.

Some infant seats include a load leg. It's a brace that provides support between the seat base and the floor of the vehicle that provides additional security in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older vehicle, since the likelihood of sustaining a head injury is higher if the child is too close to the floor.

Other premium features can improve the baby car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that can help stop the seat from bouncing during a crash. This has been proven by research to decrease the risk for head injuries by up to 43%. "If you're on a tight budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat that has some of the most important premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an excellent rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

Another thing to look for is a 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 journey back and forth to the car to install a different seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the counterpart TRIV travel system feature an extremely rigid LATCH system built right into the bottom of the seat making it quick and easy to install in any vehicle. It can also be used rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds), and it converts into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. It's a great choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is stuck in the car seat for a long period of time, it's essential that they feel safe. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that is comfortable against their tummy and back and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Choose an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow, as well.

A seat with many special features is usually more expensive, but is also easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we take into consideration factors such as a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and harness that doesn't rethread. We also take note of dimensions and weight since a heavy or bulky seat can add stress to your biceps as you carry it in and out of your newborn car seat insert or between cars.

A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash, is an alternative. This extra safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats but there are some affordable models that come with 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. This usually happens at around the age of two or three. You should also consider a convertible infant car seat that converts into an adult car seat. This option will give you more flexibility in your vehicle and is ideal for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona that incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller in one. It's a great option for parents who are always in motion, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or go to school. It's also easy to install. Our expert testers praised its ease of use, including the one-handed latching system and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted how small the seat is it is essential for those with a limited trunk space. Plus, it's free of harmful chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically move up as your child grows, the best infant car seats have convenience features that help parents get in and out with a minimum of hassle. Other important features to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it features a canopy, which can be useful in the car and attached to the stroller.

A feature on the base could save you lots of time and headaches. It shows you when it's been properly installed. This line is on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. It's particularly useful when you'll be changing the car seat frequently, or if you plan to travel with your child and require the seat in Ubers or taxis.

Another benefit is the ability to connect a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping bundle of joy from the car to the store or on errands without having to wrestle with the separate baby carrier. This can be a life-changing feature for parents trying for a way to return to normal after a long trip or a commute with a baby.

If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose a car seat for infants that has a higher weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat in use longer.

All car seats sold in America must meet the safety standards of the federal government, but that does not mean that they're all equal. Some come with features that go beyond, such as load legs that anchor the car seat's base for additional stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other features, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, could help create a more relaxing ride for your child and help you become a more relaxed and more secure parent.