Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats conform to federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. From extra padding to cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no rethreading the seat, our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will appreciate.

When selecting our top picks, we took into consideration factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, extra features, and price. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. However, some seats come with extra features that go above the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in, strap-holding sides, and more. The more features a car seat comes with the better, according the experts I spoke with.

The more user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely parents are to use it correctly, which can reduce their child's risk of injury in a crash. This is especially important with the infant car seat, as it's designed for only a brief period of time. Find a seat with bubble indicators and an incline foot that is spring loaded for making it easy to level the seat. Make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.

Other top features that some car seat makers offer include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. These are fantastic but remember that a safe car seat is still only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for tips on how to properly ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.

When you are choosing an infant seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able to use it for about 2 years before your child is old enough to move to the convertible seat. This is the reason why some families decide to skip the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible car seat, which has higher weight and height limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test out several models in person prior to committing to one. You can then make sure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits inside your car and also has useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Also, make sure to check for recalls before making an purchase. It's the most critical factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

Ease of Use

You want a car seat for your baby that is simple to attach and take off from the base, whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or transfer it between several. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as an operation that is seamless. Also, consider how it is simple to alter the car seat as your baby car seat grows and the quality of the materials used.

Some infant car seats best seats include a load leg. It's a brace that provides support between the seat's base and the floor of your vehicle, providing extra stability in the event of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older car, since the likelihood of a head injury is greater if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium can enhance the infant car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from spinning in the event of a crash. This has been proven by research to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 43%. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those on a limited 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 earned an exemplary rating from safety experts for children and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets for full coverage.

A seat that is easily installed using only a lapbelt and without the need for a base is another option. This is a good option for parents who intend to use Uber or taxi rides because it eliminates the need to get back in the car every time to replace a seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for instance are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that is built into the bottom of their seats making them easy and easy to install. It also can be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into a highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's an excellent choice for families with a limited budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in the car seat for extended periods of time, it's crucial that they are comfortable. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded as well as soft fabrics that feel snug against their stomachs or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child grows.

While a car seat with a lot of special features might cost more but they're also generally easier to use. This is why we consider things like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also consider the weight and dimensions of the seat, as the weight or size of the seat can put stress on your biceps as you carry it to and from your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

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

Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll need to make sure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens at around the age of two or three. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be transformed into a toddler's seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which combines the car seat of an portable infant car seat and a stroller into one unit. It's a great option for parents who are always on the move, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or go to school. It's also easy to install and our testers appreciated the ease of using the one-handed latch system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers noted that the seat is compact, which is important for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a big bonus for parents who are concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make them easy to use. The best infant car seats come with features that make it easier for parents to get in and out of the seat. Consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to simplify cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is useful both in the car and on the stroller.

One feature that might not be a big deal but can save you a lot of headache is a meter on the base that informs you when it's been installed correctly. This line should be parallel to the ground and should be situated on the base. It's particularly useful if you're going to be changing the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if intend to travel with your child and need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easy to carry your baby to the store or to run around. You don't have to struggle with an additional carrier. This could be an essential feature for parents who are looking to get back to normal following a long trip or a commute with a child.

If you expect your baby to grow quickly opt for the car seat for infants with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat newborn insert seat for longer.

All car seats sold in America must conform to the safety standards of the federal government, but that does not mean that they are all equal. Some come with features that go above and beyond, including load legs that anchor the car seat's base for added stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Certain accessories can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, and you as a parent feel more comfortable and more secure.