Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some go above. From extra padding to a cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no needing to rethread the seat, our best car seats infant of the Bump winner offers many features parents will love.

When selecting our top picks, we took into consideration factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features and prices. Find out the best car seats newborn infant seat; mouse click on 81, for you and your family by reading on.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats offer extra features that are above and beyond the minimum requirements. These include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that support the straps, and more. According to the experts I spoke to the more features a seat has, they better.

The more user-friendly a car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This will reduce their child’s risk of injury during an accident. This is especially important with an infant seat, since it's only designed to last for an extremely short time. Look for a model that's simple to install and has a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to ensure that the seat in a perfect position. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.

Other premium features that some car seat makers offer include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are wonderful but the safety of your car seat is only as good as the car in which you drive. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your infant's car seat, and also learn more about the vehicle's safety features.

When choosing an infant seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able to use it for a period of about two years before your child is old enough to transition to the convertible seat. This is the reason why some families decide to leave out an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher weight and height limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test several models before settling. Then, you can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car, and comes with convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's the most critical aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Easy to Use

If you're planning to use the seat in a single car or moving it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. You should look for clear installation instructions and a simple mechanism. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the high-quality materials that are used.

Some infant seats have the load leg. This is a brace that acts as a support between the seat base and the floor of the vehicle that provides additional security in the event of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older car, because the chance of suffering a head injury is higher if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other premium features can improve the experience of infants in car seats. These include a non harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from bouncing in a crash. The latter has been proven to decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat with a few key premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat received an outstanding rating by child-passenger safety experts. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extended canopy that has magnets to ensure full coverage.

Another thing to look for is a seat that can be put in by a lap belt and does not require the base. This is ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need an extra trip back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its counterpart TRIV travel system feature an extremely rigid LATCH system built right into the seat's bottom which makes it fast and easy to install in any car. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children weighing 4-40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great choice when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in car seats for extended periods of time, it's essential that they feel comfortable. That means padded straps on their shoulders, a plush fabric that feels cozy against their tummy and back and a headrest that expands with them to support their growing body. Also, consider a seat that is easy to adjust as your child grows.

While a seat that has a lot of special features might cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants, we consider things like a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors and no rethread harness. We also pay attention to the dimensions and weight, as an overly heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps when you're carrying it in and out of your car or between cars.

A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seats by age seat in the event of a crash--is an additional option. This extra safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats but there are some budget-friendly models that have it.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. This usually happens around the age of 2 or 3. You should also consider convertible infant car seats that converts to an adult seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is ideal for families who often change vehicles or travel.

Our test participants were impressed with the Doona which combines car seats for an infant and a stroller in one package. It's the ideal choice for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It is also easy to set up. Our testers who were experts in the field have praised its simplicity of use and its one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also remarked how the seat is compact, which is a must for those with 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 the environment.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are easy to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows, the top infant car seat uk car seats have convenience features to help parents get in and out with a minimum of fuss. Check if the seat is able to be machine washed (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy. This is useful both in the car and on the stroller.

One thing that may not be a big difference but can save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that informs you whether it's been put in place correctly. This line should be parallel to ground and is located on the base. It's especially useful when you'll be switching the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if you intend to travel with your baby and need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.

Another feature that is beneficial is the possibility of attaching a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it much easier to transport your baby's child from the car to the supermarket or out on errands, without the need to carry an additional carrier. This can be a life-changing feature for parents looking for a way to return to normal after a long trip or a commute with a baby.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat with an increased 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, it does not mean that all car seats are made equally. Some come with features that go above and beyond, including load legs that brace the base of the car seat for added stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of injury to the head in crashes. A few extras can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent happier and more confident.