Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats conform to the 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 with no needing to rethread, our best car seat infant of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love.

We considered factors like weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and prices when selecting our top picks. Find out what infant car seat travel car seat is best car seats for infants for your family by reading on.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must be in compliance with federal safety standards. Certain seats have additional features above and beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in, strap-holding sides, and more. The more features a car seat comes with the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke with.

The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This can reduce their child’s risk of injury in an accident. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are only meant to be used for a brief duration. Look for a model that's simple to install and has a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help get the seat perfectly level. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features, such as a no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips that carry the seat. These are great but remember that a safe car seat is still only as secure as the car you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual for tips on how to properly secure your infant seat and to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.

When choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll likely only be in a position to use it for about 2 years until your child is old enough to switch to a convertible car seat. This is the reason why some families decide to skip the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible seat, which has higher weight and height limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, be sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and try a few models before committing to one. You can ensure that the seat is safe for your child, fits inside your car, and has convenient features like converting to a stroller. Don't forget to check for recalls before making a purchase. It's vital to ensure the safety of your child on the road.

Ease of Use

You're looking for a car seats for your infant that is easy to attach and remove from the base, regardless of whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or shift it between multiple. It is important to look for clear instructions on installation and a simple mechanism. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials that are used.

Some infant seats have a load leg. This is a brace that provides support between the seat's base and the floor of your vehicle, providing extra stability in case of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older vehicle, since the likelihood of suffering a head injury is greater if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other top features that improve infant car seat user experience include a harness that is not rethread and an anti-rebound bar that will prevent the seat from rebounding during an accident. The latter has been proven by research to decrease the chance of head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a limited budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seat that has a few key premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has received an excellent rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions and an extended canopy that is secured with magnets for full coverage.

Another thing to look for is an infant seat that is able to be set up using the lap belt and does not require the base. This is a good option for parents who are planning to take Uber or taxi rides because it eliminates the need to return to the car every time to replace a seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its equivalent TRIV travel system come with a rigid LATCH system that's integrated into the bottom of the seat which makes it fast and easy to install in any car. It can also be used rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds), and it converts into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great choice when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're there for a long period of time. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded as well as soft fabrics that feel cozy against their tummy or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Find an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they get bigger, as well.

A seat with many special features is often more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. This is why we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also look at the weight and size of the seat, since a heavy or large seat could strain your biceps while you move it into and out of your vehicle or 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. This safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats however there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.

The limits on height and weight are also important. You'll want to ensure the seat is suitable for your child once they reach their peak growth stage typically around age two or three. It's also worth considering convertible infant car seats that converts to an adult seat. This option gives you more flexibility in your vehicle and is ideal for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller into one unit. It's a great choice for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school on public transport. It is also easy to set up. Our expert testers praised its ease of use with the one-handed latching system and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also commented on how small the seat is and is an essential for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemical which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The Best Car Seats For Newborns Uk infant car seats are easy to use. The most comfortable infant car seats come with features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important aspects to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it has a canopy, which can be useful in the car as well as attached to the stroller.

One thing that might not seem like a big deal but can save you a lot of headache is a meter on the base that informs you that it's been properly installed. The line is located on the base's side and should be in line with the ground when you're done. It's especially useful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat frequently, or if you intend to travel with your child and require the seat in Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easier to carry your baby to the grocery store or to run errands. You don't have to worry about the hassle of a separate car seat. This is a life-changing option for parents who are looking for a way to return to normal after a long journey or a long commute with a child.

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. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.

All car seats sold in the United States must comply with federal safety regulations However, that doesn't mean they are all created to be the same. 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 from crashes. Certain additional features can make the journey more comfortable for your lightweight baby car seat, and you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.