best car seat for newborn Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet the federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. From extra padding to a padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no rethreading our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will love.

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

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must be in compliance with federal safety standards. Certain seats have additional features that go beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in, strap-holding sides, and more. The more features a car seat has, the better, according the experts I spoke to.

The more user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely parents are to use it correctly and reduce their child's risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is especially true for an infant seat, since it's only designed to last for an extremely short time. Find a seat with a bubble indicator and an adjustable foot with a spring to make it easier to set the seat. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click in and out of the car.

Other premium features that some car seat manufacturers offer are an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are fantastic, a car seat's safety is only dependent on the vehicle in which you drive. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for advice on how to properly secure your infant seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When selecting an infant seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able use it for about 2 years before your child is able to transition to a convertible seat. Some families choose to skip the infant car seat completely and choose to purchase convertible cars that has an increased weight and height limit. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your car and try out a variety of models before choosing one. You can then make sure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits in your vehicle, and has convenient features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.

Easy of Use

You want a car seat for your infant that is easy to connect and take off from the base, regardless of whether you plan to use it in just one vehicle or shift it between several. Look for clearly labeled instructions for installation and an operation that is seamless. Also, consider how it is simple to alter the car seat as your baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats include is a load leg which serves as a brace between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor to provide additional stability in the event of a crash. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older vehicle, because the chance of sustaining a head injury is higher if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other premium features that can improve infant car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bar, which can prevent the seat from rebounding in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown to decrease the risk of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a limited 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 received an exemplary rating from child-passenger safety technicians and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, plus an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets to provide full coverage.

Another thing to look for is a seat that can be put in with just the lap belt, and does not require the base. That's ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require the journey back and forth to the car to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that's built into the bottom of their seats which makes them fast and easy to install. It can also be used rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds), and it converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. It's an excellent choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

If your child is in car seats for extended periods of time, it's crucial that they are comfortable. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that is comfortable against their tummy and back and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Look for a seat that is easy to adjust as they get bigger, and.

While a seat that has many special features may cost more but they're also generally 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 consider the weight and dimensions of the seat, as a heavy or large seat could strain your biceps when you transport it in and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.

Another good infant car seats choice is a seat that has a load-leg, a safety feature which helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's typically found in more expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this extra safety measure.

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll need to ensure that the seat is safe for your child when they reach their peak growth spurt typically at around the age of two or three. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat that converts into a toddler seat. This will allow you a bit more flexibility in your vehicle and is perfect for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel infant car seat.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which combines car seats for an infant and a stroller in one piece. It's a great choice for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school via public transportation. It's also simple to install. Our testers who were experts in the field have praised its simplicity of use with the one-handed latching mechanism and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted how compact the seat is it is essential for those with limited trunk space. Plus, it's free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major bonus for those who are concerned about their child's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best car seat infant infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically move up as your child grows, the top infant car seats include convenience features to help parents get into and out with a minimum of fuss. Consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to simplify cleaning) and whether it has a canopy. This is useful in the car as well as on a stroller.

A feature on the base can save much time and headaches. It shows you when it has been installed correctly. This line is located on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground after you've completed. This is especially helpful in the event that you will change the car seat frequently or the baby will be traveling with you and you need to set it up in Ubers or taxis.

Another benefit is the ability to attach an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, making it easier to carry your sleeping infant from the car to the store or on errands without having to lug around an additional carrier. This could be an essential feature for parents trying for a way to return to normal after a long journey or a long commute with a child.

If you anticipate your child to grow rapidly pick a car seat designed for babies with a higher weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.

All car seats sold in America must meet the safety standards of the federal government, but that does not mean they are all created equal. Certain seats come with additional features, such as load legs that brace the seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bar that reduces the chance of head injuries from 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.