Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats conform to federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will love such as extra padding, a cushioned inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no need for rethreading.

When selecting our top choices, we looked at factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, features, and price. Find out the best car seats for newborns uk infant seat for you and your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats come with additional features that go above the minimum standards. These can include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that support the straps and more. The more features a car seat is equipped with, the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke with.

The more user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This will reduce the chance of injuries to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially important with an infant car seat since it's only designed to last for a short period of time. Choose a model that has bubble indicators and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easy to set the seat. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.

Other premium features that some car seat makers offer include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. These are fantastic however, don't forget that a safe car seat only as secure as the car you're driving in. You can find tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant's car seat and learn more about the safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll probably only be allowed to use it for around 2 years, until your child is ready to switch to convertible car seats. This is why some families choose to skip the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible car seat, which has higher height and weight limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and try out a variety of models in person prior to choosing one. You can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits in your vehicle and also has useful features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's the most important aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.

User-Friendliness

If you're using 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. It is important to look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth mechanism. Also, think about how it is simple to alter the car seat as your baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats include a load leg. This is a brace that provides support between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor that provides additional stability in case of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older vehicle, since the likelihood of sustaining a head injury is higher if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other premium features that can enhance the user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bars, which can prevent the seat from rebounding during a crash. The latter has been shown to lower the chance of sustaining head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great choice for those on a tight budget and looking for an ARC-certified car seat and has a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has earned an excellent rating from child-passenger safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline settings, and an extended canopy that can be secured by magnets to provide full coverage.

Another thing to look for is a seat that is able to be set up using a 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 an extra return trip to the car to put in a different seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its counterpart TRIV travel system feature a rigid LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to install in any vehicle. It also can be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward facing infant car seat-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to the highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's an excellent choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

If your child is in the car seat for extended periods of time, it's important they feel safe. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that is soft against their tummy and back and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child grows.

A car seat with a variety of features is usually more expensive but also easier to use. That's why we look at aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seat cheap car seats. We also consider the dimensions and weight, as an overly heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps while you carry it in and out of your car or between cars.

A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash--is another good infant car seats choice. This extra safety feature is usually found in expensive seats, however, there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll want to ensure the seat will still be safe for your child when they reach their highest growth stage, which is usually between the ages of two and three. It's also worth looking at convertible infant car seats that can be converted into an adult seat. This option will give you a little more flexibility when you drive and is ideal for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which combines the car seat of an infant carrier seat and a stroller in one unit. It's perfect for parents who are always on the move, especially those who use public transportation to commute to work or to school. It's also simple to set up, and our expert testers were impressed with the ease of use of the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted 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 major advantage for parents concerned with their baby's environment and health.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. The most effective infant car seats are equipped with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Check if the seat is able to be machine washed (to facilitate cleaning) and if 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 when you're done. It can be particularly helpful when you'll be switching the car seat often, or if you plan to travel with your baby and you'll need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it easy to carry your baby to the grocery store or to run errands. It's not necessary to worry about a separate carrier. This could be a great advantage for new parents looking to get back to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with their newborn.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, you should choose a car seat for infants that has more weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat in use for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it doesn't mean that all seats are made to be equal. Certain models have features that go beyond, including load legs that support the car seat's base for added stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. Some additional features can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, and you as a parent are happier and more confident.