Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, a few are more than others. From extra padding to a baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without rethreading, our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will love.

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

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats come with extra features that are beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in, strap-holding sides, and more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a seat has, they are more efficient.

The more comfortable a car seat is for users, the more likely parents will be to use it properly, which can reduce their child's risk of injury in an accident. This is especially important for infant seats, which are only intended to be used for a brief period of time. Find a seat that is easy to install with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help get the seat in a perfect position. Make sure the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as a strap that doesn't need to be rethread and magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. These are wonderful, but don't forget that a safe car seat 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 child's car seat, and also learn more about the car's safety features.

When selecting an infant seat, keep in mind that you will only be able use it for about 2 years before your child is ready to transition to the convertible seat. Some families choose to skip the infant car seat travel car seat completely and opt for convertible cars with greater weight and height limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, be sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your car and test different models before making a decision. Then, you can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your car and includes useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Also, make sure to check for recalls before making the purchase. It's vital to ensure the safety of your child on the road.

Ease of Use

You're looking for a car seat for your infant that is simple to attach and remove from the base regardless of whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or move it between several. Look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth mechanism. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the quality materials used.

Some infant seats include the load leg. It's a brace that provides support between the seat's base and the floor of the vehicle and provides extra stability in the event of a collision. It's a vital feature for those who drive an older car, as the risk of injury to the head in a crash is greater when a child is sitting close to the floor, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features that can enhance the infant car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bar, which help keep the seat from bouncing back in a crash. The latter has been proven by research to reduce the chance of head injuries by as much as 43%. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great choice for those on a limited budget and looking for a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a number of high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has received an exemplary rating from child-passenger safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline settings, and an extended canopy that is secured with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with just lapbelts and does not require the requirement for a base is another option. This is a great option for parents who are planning to take Uber or taxi rides as it eliminates the need to return to the car every time to put in a new seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the corresponding TRIV travel system have a rigid LATCH system that's built right into the bottom of the seat which makes it fast and easy to install in any car. It can also be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into the highback booster or belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). It's a great choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child feels comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're in the seat for a long period of time. This includes padded shoulder straps as well as soft fabrics that feel comfortable against their stomach or back and a growing headrest. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child grows.

While a newborn car seat seat with many special features may 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 evaluating infant car seats. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight, since the weight or bulk of a seat could strain your biceps when you're carrying it in and out of your car, or in between cars.

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

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat will still be safe for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt typically 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 gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families who frequently change cars or travel.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller in one unit. It's a great option for parents who are always on the move, especially those who use public transportation to commute to work or to school. It is also easy to set up. Our experts who tested it praised its ease of use with the one-handed latching system and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers reported that the seat is incredibly compact, which is important for those with limited trunk space. Plus, it's free of harmful chemicals, which is a huge bonus for those who are concerned about their child's health and environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seats come with features that make them easy 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. Check if the seat is able to be cleaned by machine (to facilitate cleaning) and whether it has a canopy. This is useful in the car as well as on the stroller.

One feature that might seem like a small thing, but could save you a lot of headache is an indicator on the base that lets you know whether it's been put in place correctly. This line should be parallel to ground and is situated on the base. It can be particularly helpful when you'll be switching the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if intend to travel with your baby and need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.

Another useful feature is the ability to attach an appropriate stroller directly to the portable infant car seat car seat, which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the store or on errands without the need to carry an additional carrier. This could be a life-changing option for parents trying for a way to return to normal after a long journey or a long commute with a child.

If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat with a higher weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it does not mean that all car seats are created to be equal. Some have premium features that go beyond, like load legs that anchor the base of the car seat to provide extra 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 provide a more comfortable ride for your child and help you be a happier, more confident parent.