Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, a few are more than others. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will appreciate such as extra padding, a cushioned inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no Rethreading.

We looked at factors such as weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and price when deciding on our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must be in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats come with extra features that are above and beyond the minimum standards. They could include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that support the straps and more. The more features a car seat comes with the better, according the experts I spoke to.

The more user-friendly a car seat is it, the more likely parents will be to use it in a safe manner and decrease their child's risk of injury in an accident. This is especially important with the infant car seat, as it's only designed for a short period of time. Find a seat with an indicator that bubbles and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easier to adjust the seat. Make sure that the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as a strap that doesn't need to be rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. These are great however, don't forget that a safe car seat is still only as secure as the car you're driving in. There are tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your child's car seat and find out more about the vehicle's safety features.

When you're choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll likely only be allowed to use it for approximately 2 years, until your child is old enough to move to an convertible car seat. That's why some families opt to leave out an infant car seat travel car seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which is more spacious and has higher weight and height limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your vehicle and try different models before settling. Then, you can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car and includes handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Also, make sure to check for recalls before making a purchase. It's vital to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

If you're planning to use the seat in one car or moving it among many, you need an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. Look for clearly labeled instructions for installation and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also, consider how it is easy to alter the car seat as your baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

A great feature that many infant seats include is a load leg which serves as an extra brace between the seat's base and the car's floor, providing extra stability in the event of collision. It's an especially important feature to have if you own an older car, as the risk of injury to the head during a crash is much higher when a baby is seated close to the ground, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features that can enhance the user experience include a harness that is not rethread and anti-rebound bars, which can prevent the seat from rebounding in the event of a crash. The latter has been proven to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seat with some of the most important premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has been awarded 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 secures with magnets for full coverage.

Another thing to look out for is an infant seat that can be installed using 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 require a trip back and forth to the car to put in a different 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 easy to put in any vehicle. It also can be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into a highback booster or backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). This is a great choice for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is stuck in a car seat for long periods of time, it's essential that they are comfortable. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded and soft fabric that feels snug against their stomachs or back, and a growing headrest. Look for an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow, as well.

While a seat that has many special features may be more expensive, they're also often easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies, we consider factors such as a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors and harness that doesn't rethread. We also consider the dimensions and weight, as a heavy or bulky seat can add stress to your biceps when you're carrying it in and out of your car or moving between cars.

Another option is a seat that has a load-leg, a safety feature that helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's typically found in more expensive seats, but we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this additional safety feature.

Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat will remain safe for your child after they reach their peak growth spurt typically between the ages of two and three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be transformed into a toddler's seat. This option will give you a little more flexibility when you drive and is ideal for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona that is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller into one. 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 install and our testers appreciated the ease of using the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers noted that the seat is compact, which is important for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a huge bonus for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant car seats come with features that make it 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 car seat newborn uk infant car seats include convenience features to help parents get in and out with a minimal amount of effort. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to facilitate cleaning) and whether it has a canopy. This is helpful both in the car and on a stroller.

One thing that may seem like a small thing, but could save you a lot of hassle is a meter on the base that informs you when it's been installed correctly. The line is located on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground once you've finished. 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.

Another useful feature is the ability to connect an appropriate stroller directly to the rotating infant car seat car seat, which makes it much easier to transport your baby's infant from the car to the store or on errands without having to wrestle with the separate baby carrier. This is an essential feature for parents who are looking to get back to normal after a lengthy journey or a long commute with a child.

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

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean all seats are made equally. Some seats have extra features, like load legs that brace the seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the chance of head injuries in crashes. Other features, like a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, could help create an easier ride for baby and help you be a happier and more confident parent.