Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with 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 of the Bump winner offers many features parents will love.

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

Safety

All newborn car seat insert seats for infants sold in the United States must meet 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 so on. The more features a car seat is equipped with, the better, according to experts I spoke to.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be and the more likely parents will be to use it correctly and decrease the risk of injury to their child in a crash. This is especially true for the infant car seat, as it's designed for only a brief period of time. Look for a model that's easy to install with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat level. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click in and out of the car.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a strap that doesn't need to be rethread and magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. Remember that even though these features are wonderful the safety of a car seat is only as good as the vehicle that you use to drive. You can find tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your child's car seat, and also learn more about the vehicle's 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 two years before your child is ready to switch to a convertible car seat. That's why some families opt to not use an infant seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher height and weight limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test out several models before choosing one. You can ensure that the seat is safe for your child, fits in your car and also has useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Also, make sure to look for recalls prior to making a purchase. It's essential to ensure the safety of your child on the road.

Simple to Use

You're looking for a car seat for your infant that is simple to attach and remove from the base whether you plan to use it in just one vehicle or move it between multiple. You should look for clear installation instructions and a smooth mechanism. Also consider how it is simple to alter the car seat as your baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

One of the best features that infant seats come with is a load leg which acts as a brace between the base of the seat and the car's floor, providing additional stability in the event of a crash. It's an especially important feature to have if you own an older vehicle, since the risk of sustaining head injuries in a crash is greater when an infant is sitting close to the ground, as per research by Consumer Reports.

Other high-end features can enhance the baby car seat experience. These include a non rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that can help stop the seat from bouncing during a crash. The latter has been proven by research to reduce the chance of head injuries by as much as 43%. "If you're on a budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seats with some of the most important premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has received an outstanding rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions as well as an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets to ensure complete coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with just a lapbelt and without the need for a base is another option. This is ideal for parents who intend to take Uber or taxi rides, since it doesn't require them to return to the car every time to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that is built into the seat's bottom which makes them fast and easy to install. It can also be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to the highback booster or backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). It's a great choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

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

A seat with many special features can be more expensive but also easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and a no rethread harness. We also consider the weight and dimensions of the seat, since an extremely heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps as you move it in and out of your vehicle or in 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 additional safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats, however, there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat will remain safe for your child when they reach their highest growth stage usually between the ages of two and three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be transformed into a toddler's car seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona that combines an infant car seats uk car seat and stroller into one unit. It's the ideal choice for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school via public transportation. It's also simple to put in. Our experts who tested it have praised its simplicity of use with the one-handed latching system and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also commented on how the seat is compact and is an essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a big benefit for parents who are concerned with their baby's environment and health.

Convenience

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

One thing that might seem like a small thing, but could save you a lot of headache is a meter on the base that lets you know whether it's been put in place correctly. This line is on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground when you're done. This is especially helpful if you are going to change the car seat frequently or the baby will be traveling with you and you have to connect it to Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easy to take your baby to the store or for running errands. It's not necessary to worry about a separate carrier. This can be a game changer for parents with newborns who want to get back to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with a baby.

If you anticipate your baby to grow quickly pick a car seat for infants with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat in use longer.

All car seats sold in the United States must comply with federal safety regulations However, that doesn't mean that they're all equal. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that brace the base of a car seat to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injuries in crashes. Certain accessories can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, and make you as a parent are happier and more confident.