Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some go above. 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 has many features that parents will appreciate.

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.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. But some of the seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. These can include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps, and more. The more features a car seat has the better, according to experts I spoke to.

The more comfortable a car seat is for users it, the more likely parents are to use it properly and reduce their child's risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are intended to be used for a short time. Choose a model that has bubble indicators and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easier to set the seat. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.

Other features that top-quality car seat manufacturers provide 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 still only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. You can find tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant car seat, and also learn more about the vehicle's safety features.

When choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll only be allowed to use it for about two years before your child is ready to move to convertible car seats. Some families choose to skip the infant seat altogether and opt for convertible cars with a higher weight and height limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat for travel car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test out several models before committing to one. You can ensure that the seat is safe for your child, is a good fit in your car and comes with useful features like converting to a stroller. And, don't forget to check for recalls before making a purchase. It's vital to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

You want a car seat for your baby that is easy to attach and take off from the base, regardless of whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or move it between several. Look for clearly labeled installation guides and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Also, think about how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats include is a load leg, that acts as a brace between the seat's base and vehicle's floor to provide additional stability in the event of collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older car, because the risk of a head injury is higher when the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other premium features that can enhance the user experience include a harness that is not rethread and anti-rebound bars, which help keep the seat from rebounding in a crash. The latter has been shown by research to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat that has several key features that are premium I would recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was awarded an excellent rating by experts in child safety. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

Another thing to look out for is an infant seat that can be installed using a lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. This is a good option for parents who are planning to take Uber or taxi rides, as it eliminates the need to go back to the car each time to replace a seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its counterpart TRIV travel system feature 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 weighing 22-65 pounds) and can be converted into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. It's a great choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's important that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long time. This means padded shoulder straps as well as soft fabrics that feel cozy against their tummy or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, consider a seat you can easily adjust as your child grows.

While a seat with a lot of special features may be more expensive however, they are also more convenient 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 look at the weight and size of the seat, since a heavy or large seat could strain your biceps when you move it in and out of your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

Another option is a seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature which aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's typically found in more expensive seats but we've seen few budget-friendly options that include this extra safety measure.

The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll want to make sure that the seat is safe for your child when they reach their peak growth rate, which is usually between the ages of two and three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be converted into a toddler's car seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families who frequently change cars or travel.

Our test participants were impressed with the Doona which is a combination of a car seat for an infant and a stroller all in one package. It's the ideal choice for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It's also easy to put in and our testers praised the ease of using the latch that is one-handed and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers reported that the seat is small which is crucial for those with a limited trunk room. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge bonus for those who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best car seat newborn uk infant car seats come with features that make them easy to use. The most effective infant car seats come with features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to make cleaning easier) and whether it has a canopy. This is useful in the car as well as on the stroller.

A feature on the base could save you lots of time and headaches. It will let you know when it's been properly installed. This line is on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground when you're done. It's particularly useful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if plan to travel with your baby and you'll need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat newborn car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easier to take your baby to the supermarket, or to run around. You don't have to struggle with an additional carrier. This could be a great advantage for new parents looking to return to their normal routine after an exhausting commute or outing with a newborn car seat insert.

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

All car seats sold in America must conform to federal safety regulations, but that does not mean that they are all to be the same. Some have premium features that go above and beyond, like load legs that anchor the base of the car seat to provide additional stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injury in crashes. Some additional features can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent are happier and more confident.