best infant carrier car seat Infant Seat Features

All infant seats have to meet federal safety standards. However some go above. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will love with extra padding, a cushioned inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no need for rethreading.

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

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. However, some seats have extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in strap-holding sides, and much more. According to the experts I spoke to, the more features a chair comes with, the are more efficient.

The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This can reduce their child’s risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are only designed to be used for a limited duration. Look for a model that's easy to install, with an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat in a perfect position. Make sure that the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a strap that doesn't need to be rethread and magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. Remember that even though these features are fantastic, a car seat's safety is only as good as the car in which you drive. Go through the owner's manual for advice on how to properly secure your infant's seat and to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, be aware that you will only be able use it for approximately 2 years before your child is ready to transition to a convertible seat. This is the reason why some families decide to not use an infant seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher weight and height limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and test out several models before choosing one. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your car and has handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's the most important factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

You're looking for a car seats for your baby that is easy to attach and remove from the base whether you intend to use it in just one vehicle or shift it between several. It is important to look for clear instructions on installation and a simple mechanism. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the high-quality materials that are used.

A great feature that many infant seats come with is a load leg which acts as an extra brace between the seat's base and vehicle floor to offer additional stability in the event of a crash. It's an especially important feature if you drive an older vehicle, as the risk of head injury during a crash is much higher when an infant is sitting close to the ground, as per research by Consumer Reports.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the infant car seat user experience include a harness that is not rethread and anti-rebound bar, which will prevent the seat from rebounding during the event of a crash. The latter has been proven by research to reduce the risk of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a great choice for those with a tight budget who want an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a few high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has been awarded an outstanding rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions, and an extended canopy that secures with magnets for full coverage.

A seat that is easily installed with just a lapbelt, and without the need for an additional base is a different option. This is ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require the trip back and forth to the car to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel infant car seat systems, for instance include a strong LATCH that's built into the bottom of their seats making them easy and easy to install. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing 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. This is a great choice for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly if they are there for a long time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, a plush fabric that is comfortable against their back and stomach and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Choose an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow and.

A seat that has many unique features is often more expensive, but is also easier to use. That's why we look at things like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight, since a heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps when you're carrying it in and out of your car, or in between cars.

Another good choice is a seat with a load-leg, a safety feature which aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. This additional safety feature is usually only available in high-end seats, however there are a few affordable models that include it.

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll need to make sure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. This usually happens at around the age of two or three. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat that converts to a toddler seat. This will allow you a little more flexibility when you drive and is ideal for families who often switch vehicles or travel infant car seat.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona that combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller in one unit. It's ideal for parents who are always in motion, especially those who use public transportation to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to install and our testers were impressed with the ease of use of the latch that is one-handed and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also commented on how the seat is compact it is essential for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned with their baby's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are simple to use. The most comfortable infant car seat for travel car seats are equipped with convenience features that make it easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it has a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on a stroller.

One feature that might not be a big deal but can save you a lot of hassle is a meter on the base that informs you that it's been properly installed. This line is located on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground after you've completed. This is especially useful if you are going to change the car seat frequently, or if your baby will be traveling with you and you have to connect it to taxis or Ubers.

Another benefit is the possibility of attaching an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it much easier to transport your baby's infant from the car to the grocery store or out for errands without the need to carry the separate baby carrier. This could be a huge advantage for new parents who want to get back to their normal routine after an exhausting commute or outing with their newborn.

If you expect your child to grow rapidly, choose a car seat designed for infants with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in America must conform to the safety standards of the federal government however that doesn't mean that they're all equal. Certain seats come with additional features, such as load legs that brace the seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injuries in crashes. Other features, such as a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, could also provide a more relaxing ride for your baby and allow you become a more relaxed and more secure parent.