Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some seats go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love with extra padding, a padded 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 such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, features, and price. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats have extra features that go above the minimum requirements. They could include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps, and more. The more features a car seat is equipped with, the better, according the experts I spoke with.

The more intuitive a car seat is, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This will reduce their child’s risk of injury in an accident. This is particularly important for an infant car seat since it's only designed for an extremely short time. Look for a model with an indicator that bubbles and a spring-loaded reclining foot for making it easy to level the seat. Also, make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features, such as the no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. These are great, but don't forget that a safe car seat is still only as secure as the car you're driving in. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your infant car seat, and also learn more about the vehicle's safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll likely only be allowed to use it for about two years before your child is old enough to switch to an convertible car seat. Some families choose to skip the infant car seat completely and opt for a convertible car that has an increased weight and height limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your car and test various models before settling on one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your car, and comes with handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Also, make sure to check for recalls before making an purchase. It's essential to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

If you're using the seat in one car or moving it among several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. Look for clear installation instructions and a smooth operation. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the high-quality materials that are used.

A premium feature that some infant seats come with is a load leg that acts as an extra brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle's floor to provide additional stability in the event of collision. This is a crucial feature for those who drive an older car, as the risk of head injury during a crash is much higher when a baby is seated near to the ground, as per research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features can improve the lightweight baby car seat car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that helps stop the seat from bouncing in a crash. This has been proven to decrease the risk of head injury by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget who want an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has been awarded an outstanding rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline settings, as well as an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

A seat that is easily installed using only a lapbelt and without the need for a base is another option. This is a great option for parents who intend to use Uber or taxi rides, as it eliminates the need to get back in the car every time to put in a new seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its corresponding TRIV travel system have a rigid LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to put in any vehicle. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds), and it converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. It's a great option for families with a limited budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child is comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're there for a long time. This includes padded shoulder straps as well as soft fabrics that feel snug against their stomachs or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Look for a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow, as well.

A car seat with a variety of features can be more expensive but also easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we look at factors such as a one-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors, and harness that doesn't rethread. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight since an overly heavy or bulky seat can add stress to your biceps when you're carrying it into and out of your car or moving between cars.

A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that helps stabilize 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 include it.

The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll want to ensure the seat will remain safe for your child after they reach their highest growth stage, which is usually around age two or three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be transformed into a toddler seat. This option gives you a little more flexibility in your car and is great for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona, which is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller into one. It's perfect for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or go to school. It's also simple to set up and our experts who tested it praised the ease of using the latch that is one-handed and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted how the seat is compact and is an essential for those with a limited trunk space. Additionally, it's free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major bonus for those who are concerned about their child's health and environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seats newborn seats are simple to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows, the top infant car seat in front seat car seats come with convenience features to help parents get in and out with a minimal amount of effort. Check if the seat is able to be cleaned by machine (to make cleaning easier) and whether it has a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on the stroller.

A feature on the base can save much time and headaches. It lets you know if it's been put in place correctly. The line is located on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground after you've completed. This is especially helpful if you are going to change the car seat often or when your child will be traveling with you and you have to install it in Ubers or taxis.

Another feature that is beneficial is the possibility of attaching a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it much easier to transport your baby's child from the car to the supermarket or out on errands, without having to lug around an additional carrier. This is a life-changing option for parents trying for a way to return to normal after a long trip or commute with a baby.

If you are expecting your child to grow rapidly, choose the car seat for babies with a higher weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.

While all car seats by age seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that does not mean that all car seats are created equal. Some have premium features that go above and beyond, like load legs that anchor the car seat's base for added stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other features, like the no-rethread harness or an extendable canopy, could also make for a more comfortable ride for baby and help you be a happier, more confident parent.