best car seat newborn Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will appreciate such as extra padding, a cushioned inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no need for rethreading.

We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base), stroller connectivity, special features and price when choosing our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated, strap-holding sides, and much more. The more features a car seat is equipped with, the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke with.

The more user-friendly a car seat is and the more likely parents are to use it correctly, which can reduce the chance of injuries to their child in a crash. This is particularly important for the infant car seat uk car seat, as it's only designed for only a brief period of time. Find a seat with bubble indicators and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easier to adjust the seat. Make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. These are great however, don't forget that a safe car seat is just as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Go through the owner's manual to learn how to secure your infant's seat and to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.

When you're choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll likely only be allowed to use it for around 2 years until your child is ready to switch to convertible car seats. This is the reason why some families decide to skip an infant seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher height and weight limits. When buying an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before settling on one. You can ensure that the seat is comfortable for the child, fits in your vehicle, and has convenient features like converting to a stroller. Don't forget to check for recalls before making a purchase. It's the most important factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

Ease of Use

If you're planning to use the seat in a single car or moving it among several, you want an infant car seat that is easy to put in and remove from the base. It is important to look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth operation. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the high-quality materials used.

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

Other features that are premium can enhance the infant car seat experience. They include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from bouncing during a crash. The latter has been proven to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a great choice for those with a tight budget looking for a car seat that is ARC-certified and has a few top rated infant car seats features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat was given an exemplary rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

A seat that is easily installed with a lapbelt, and without the need for the base is an alternative. This is ideal for parents who are planning to use Uber or taxi rides, since it doesn't require them to get back in the car every time to replace a seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its corresponding TRIV travel system have an extremely rigid LATCH system integrated into the seat's bottom, 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 the highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's an excellent choice for families with a limited budget.

Comfort

If your child is in the car seat for a long period of time, it's crucial that they feel safe. This includes padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels snug against their stomachs or back and a growing headrest. Also, consider a seat that is easy to alter as your child grows.

While a seat with lots of features may cost more but they're also generally easier to use. This is why we consider things like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, since a heavy or large seat can strain your biceps when you carry it to and from your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

Another good choice is a car seat with the load-leg, a security feature which helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in expensive seats but we've seen couple of budget-friendly options that have this extra safety measure.

Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll need to make sure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. It usually occurs around age two or 3. Consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be transformed into a toddler seat. This option gives you a bit more flexibility when you drive and is perfect for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona that incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller into one unit. It's ideal for parents who are always on the move, especially those who use public transportation to commute to work or to school. It is also easy to set up. Our experts who tested it have praised its simplicity of use and its one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers noted that the seat is small which is crucial for those with a limited trunk room. Additionally, it's free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major advantage for parents who are concerned about their child's health and environment.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make it simple to use. The most effective infant car seats are equipped with features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important things to consider is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy, which is handy both inside the car and attached to the stroller.

One feature that might seem like a small deal but can save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that will let you know that it's been properly installed. The line is located on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground when you're done. It's especially useful if you're going to be changing the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if you intend to travel with your baby and you'll need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it easier to transport your sleeping bundle to the store or for running around. You don't have to worry about a separate carrier. This can be a game changer for parents with newborns who want to get back to their day after an exhausting commute or outing with a baby.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, select an infant car seat that has a higher weight and 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, that does not mean that all car seats are created equally. Some seats have extra features, like load legs that support a car seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of head injuries during crashes. Other features, like a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, could help create an easier ride for your child and help you become a more relaxed and more secure parent.