Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet the federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. From extra padding to cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without rethreading the seat, our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love.

In deciding which of our top picks, we took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, extra features, and price. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must be in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats have extra features that go above the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in strap-holding sides, and so on. According to the experts I spoke to, the more features a seat includes, the are more efficient.

The more comfortable a car seat is for users it, the more likely parents are to use it properly, which can reduce the risk of injury to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are only meant to be used for a limited period of time. Look for a model with an indicator that bubbles and a spring-loaded reclining foot for making it easy to set the seat. Also, make sure the base is easy to click in and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers provide high-end features like the no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for the seat. These are wonderful but remember that a safe car seat just as secure as the car you're driving in. Go through the owner's manual for advice on how to ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.

When choosing an infant car seat, be aware that you'll only be able use it for a period of about two years before your child is able to move to the convertible seat. This is why some families choose to skip the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher weight and height limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and test out several models in person before making a decision on one. You can then make sure that the seat is suitable for the child, fits in your vehicle, and has convenient features like converting to a stroller. Also, make sure to check for recalls before making the purchase. It's the most critical factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

User-Friendliness

If you're planning to use the seat in one vehicle or moving it among several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to put in and remove from the base. You should look for clear installation instructions and a smooth mechanism. Also, think about how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats include the load leg. This brace that serves as a support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle that provides additional security in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you are driving an older vehicle since the likelihood of suffering a head injury is higher if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other top features that enhance the user experience include a harness that is not rethread and an anti-rebound bar that will prevent the seat from rebounding during a crash. The latter has been proven by research to reduce the chance of head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat that has a few key premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an excellent rating by experts in child safety. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extendable canopy with magnets that ensure full coverage.

Another thing to look for is the type of seat that can be installed with just the lap belt, and doesn't require the use of the base. This is ideal for parents who plan to use Uber or taxi rides, because it eliminates the need to go back to the car each time to replace a seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its corresponding TRIV travel system have an extremely rigid LATCH system built right into the seat's bottom, making it quick and simple to install in any car. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. It's a great choice for families with a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is stuck in a car seat for a long period of time, it's essential that they feel comfortable. This means padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels snug against their stomachs or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, consider a seat you can easily adjust as your child gets older.

While a seat that has lots of features may be more expensive, they're also often easier to use. That's why we look at factors like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seat best car seats. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, as the weight or size of the seat can strain your biceps as you transport it into and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.

A seat with a load leg--a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash, is an alternative. This safety feature is usually available in high-end seats, however, there are a few affordable models that come with it.

The limits on height and weight are also important. You'll need to ensure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This typically occurs at around the age of two or three. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat that converts into a toddler seat. This option will give you a little more flexibility when you drive and is great for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our test participants were impressed with the Doona which is a combination of a car seat for an infant and a stroller into one piece. It's a great choice for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school via public transportation. It's also easy to install, and our expert testers were impressed with the ease of use of the latch that is one-handed and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted how small the seat is it is essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major advantage for parents concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows the best car seat newborn uk infant car seats have convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with minimum of fuss. Consider whether the seat can be washed by a machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is beneficial both in the car and on a stroller.

A feature on the base can save you a great deal of time and headaches. It will let you know when it's been properly installed. The line is located on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground after you've completed. It can be particularly helpful in the event that you'll be switching the car seats newborn seat between vehicles frequently, or if are planning to travel with your baby and need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.

Another benefit is the ability to attach a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the grocery store or out for errands without the need to carry the separate baby carrier. This could be an essential feature for parents looking to get back to normal following a long trip or commute with a baby.

If your baby is likely to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat with a higher weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in the United States must comply with the safety standards of the federal government however that doesn't mean that they are all in the same way. Certain seats come with additional features, such as load legs that brace the base of a car seat to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injuries from crashes. Certain extras can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, making you as a parent happier and more confident.