Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate such as extra padding, a cushioned inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no rethreading.

We considered factors like weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features, and price when deciding on our top picks. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading on.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must be in compliance with federal safety standards. Some seats offer extra features above and beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated strap-holding sides, and more. According to the experts I spoke to, the more features a chair has, they better.

The more user-friendly a car seat is and the more likely parents will be to use it correctly, which can reduce their child's risk of injury in an accident. This is especially true for an infant car seat best car seat since it's designed for a short period of time. Choose a model that's easy to install with an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to help get the seat in a perfect position. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click in and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as a no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are fantastic the safety of a car seat is only as good as the vehicle in which you drive. Go through the owner's manual to learn how to secure your infant seat and to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.

When you're choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll only be allowed to use it for about 2 years until your child is ready to transition to an convertible car seat. Some families choose to skip the infant seat entirely and opt for a convertible car with an increased weight and height limit. When buying an infant car seat, be sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test several models before making a decision. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your vehicle 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 important aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

If you're using the seat in a single car or transferring it between several, you want an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. You should look for clear installation instructions and a smooth mechanism. Also consider how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats include a load leg. This is a brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the floor of your vehicle that provides additional stability in case of a collision. This is a crucial feature for those who drive an older car, as the risk of head injury in a crash is greater when a child is sitting close to the ground, as per research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features can improve the baby car seat experience. These include a non 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 to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seats with some of the most important premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has earned an outstanding rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions as well as an extendable canopy that secures with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

Another thing to look out for is an infant car seat cheap seat that is able to be set up using the 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, since it doesn't require them to get back in the car each time to replace a seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its equivalent TRIV travel system come with a rigid LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom which makes it fast and easy to put in any vehicle. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and can be converted into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great choice for those 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 period of time. This includes padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel comfortable against their stomach or back and a growing headrest. Look for an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow, as well.

While a seat that has a lot of special features may cost more, they're also often easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies, we consider factors such as a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn't rethread. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, because an extremely heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps as you carry it into and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.

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

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat will remain safe for your child after they reach their highest growth stage typically around age two or three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be converted into a toddler's car seat. This option will give you a bit more flexibility when you drive and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona that is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's a great option for parents who are constantly in motion, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to put in and our testers praised the ease of using the one-handed latch system and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers reported that the seat is small and lightweight, which is essential for those with a limited trunk room. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major advantage for parents concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are simple to use. The most effective infant car seats come with features that make it easier for parents to get in and out of the seat. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on the stroller.

One thing that may not be a big deal but can save you a lot of headache is an indicator on the base that lets you know when it's been installed correctly. This line is located on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground once you've finished. This is especially helpful in the event that you will change the car seat frequently or if your baby will be traveling with you and you need to set it up in taxis or Ubers.

Another useful feature is the ability to attach a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat making it easier to carry your sleeping bundle of joy from the car to the grocery store or on errands without having to lug around a separate carrier. This is a life-changing feature for parents trying for a way to return to normal after a lengthy journey or a long commute with a child.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, select a car seat for infants that has an increased weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean that all seats are made equal. Certain models have features that go above and beyond, such as load legs that anchor the base of the car seat to provide additional stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Some additional features can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, and make you as a parent happier and more confident.