Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However some go above. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will love, including additional padding, a padded inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no rethreading.

When deciding on our top picks, we took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, extra features and prices. Find out the best infant seat - the original source, for your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats have extra features that are beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in, strap-holding sides, and much more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a seat includes, the better.

The more comfortable a car seat is for users and the more likely parents will be to use it properly, which can reduce the chance of injuries to their child in a crash. This is especially true for infant seats, which are designed to be used for a limited period of time. Choose a model that's easy to install, with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat perfectly level. Also, make sure the base is easy to click in and out of the car.

Other premium features that some car seat manufacturers provide include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. Be aware that, even though 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 child's car seat and learn more about the vehicle's safety features.

When choosing an infant seat, remember that you'll only be able to use it for a period of about two years before your child is ready to transition to a convertible seat. This is why some families choose to not use the infant car seat and go directly to a convertible seat, which has greater height and weight limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test several models before settling. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car and includes useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Also, make sure to verify recalls prior making a purchase. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.

Easy to Use

You're looking for a car seats for your infant that is easy to attach and remove from the base whether you intend to use it in a single vehicle or move it between several. Look for clearly labeled instructions for installation and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the high-quality materials that are used.

A premium feature that some infant seats include is a load leg, that acts as an extra brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle's floor to provide additional stability in the event of a crash. It's an especially important feature for those who drive an older vehicle, as the risk of injury to the head during a crash is much higher when a child is seated close to the ground, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features can improve the experience of infants in car seats. These include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from spinning during a crash. The latter has been proven by studies to reduce the risk for head injuries by as much as 43%. The Evenflo LiteMax is a great choice for those on a limited budget looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a number of high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has received an outstanding rating from safety experts for children and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline settings, plus an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets to provide full coverage.

Another thing to look for is the type of seat that can be installed by the lap belt, and doesn't require the use of the base. That's ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need a trip back and forth to the car to install a different seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its equivalent TRIV travel system come with a rigid LATCH system that's integrated into the seat's bottom, making it quick and easy to put in any vehicle. It also can be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to a highback booster or belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). It's an excellent choice for families with a limited budget.

Comfort

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

A car seat with a variety of features is often more expensive but also easier to use. This is why we consider factors like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also take into consideration the weight and size of the seat, because a heavy or large seat can put stress on your biceps as you carry it to and from your vehicle or in between vehicles.

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. It's usually found in more expensive seats, but we've seen a couple of budget-friendly options that have this extra safety measure.

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll need to ensure that the seat is safe for your child after they reach their peak growth spurt typically between the ages of two and three. You should also consider convertible infant car seats that can be converted into an adult seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who often change vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona that combines an infant car seat and stroller into one unit. It's a great choice for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school on public transport. It's also easy to put in and our experts who tested it praised the ease of using the one-handed latch system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted how compact the seat is it is essential for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby car seat's health and environment.

Convenience

The best car seat newborn infant car seats are easy to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically move up as your child grows the best infant car seats come with convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with a minimum of fuss. Consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to facilitate cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is helpful both in the car and on the stroller.

A feature on the base can save much time and headaches. It shows you when it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to the ground and is located on the base. This is especially helpful in the event that you will be changing the car seat frequently or when your child will be traveling with you and you need to connect it to Ubers or taxis.

Another useful feature is the ability to connect an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the supermarket or out for errands without the need to carry a separate carrier. This can be a game changer for parents with newborns who want to get back to their routine after a long commute or outing with their newborn car seat insert.

If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose a car seat for infants that has a higher weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.

All car seats sold in America must meet the safety standards of the federal government, but that does not mean that they are all to be the same. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that brace the seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Some accessories can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent are happier and more confident.