Best Infant Seat Features

While all cheap infant car seats seats conform to federal safety standards, a few exceed the federal safety standards. From extra padding to a cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no having to rethread the seat, our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love.

In deciding which of our top picks, we took into consideration factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, features and price. Find out the best car seats for infants infant seat for your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat swivel car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. However, some seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. They could include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that can hold straps, and more. The more features a car seat is equipped with the better, according the experts I spoke with.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be it, the more likely parents are to use it in a safe manner and decrease their child's risk of injury in an accident. This is especially important with an infant car seat since it's designed for an extremely short time. Look for a model with an indicator that bubbles and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easy to set the seat. Also, make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as a no-rethread strap as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. These are great, but don't forget that a safe car seat just as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Check out the car's 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 selecting an infant seat, keep in mind that you will only be able use it for approximately 2 years before your child is ready to transition to an convertible seat. Some families skip the infant car seat completely and opt for a convertible car, which has a higher weight and height limit. When you are buying an infant car seat, be sure you consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before making a decision. You can then make sure the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car, and comes with convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Don't forget to verify recalls prior making an purchase. It's essential to ensure the safety of your child on the road.

User-Friendliness

If you're using the seat in one car or transferring it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is simple to install and detach from the base. Look for clearly labeled installation guides and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Also consider how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats have is a load leg that acts as a brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle floor to offer additional stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older vehicle, since the likelihood of suffering a head injury is higher when the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the user experience include a harness that is not rethread and an anti-rebound bar that will prevent the seat from bouncing back in an accident. The latter has been shown by research to decrease the chance of head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a limited budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seats with some of the most important premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an excellent rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extended canopy that has magnets that ensure full coverage.

A seat that is easily installed with a lapbelt and without the requirement for an additional base is a different option. This is ideal for parents who intend to take Uber or taxi rides, since it doesn't require them to go back to the car every time to replace a seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its equivalent TRIV travel system come with a rigid LATCH system that's integrated into the bottom of the seat which makes it fast and easy to install in any car. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also converts into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. It's an excellent choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's crucial that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long time. This means padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel snug against their stomachs or back, and a growing headrest. Choose a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow, as well.

While a seat with a lot of special features may be more expensive however, they are also more convenient to use. That's why we look at aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also look at the weight and size of the seat, since a heavy or large seat can strain your biceps when you carry it into and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.

Another option is a car seat with a load-leg, a safety feature that helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. This safety feature is usually found in expensive seats, however there are a few affordable models that include it.

Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child once they reach their peak growth rate usually around age two or three. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat that converts into an adult car seat. This will allow you a bit more flexibility in your vehicle and is ideal for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our test participants were impressed with the Doona which combines the car seat of an infant and a stroller into one piece. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school by public transport. It's also easy to put in and our testers appreciated the ease of using the one-handed latch system and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted how small the seat is, which is a must for those with limited trunk space. Additionally, it's free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge advantage for parents who are concerned about their child's health and the environment.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. The most effective infant car seats come with features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Check if the seat is able to be washed by a machine (to make cleaning easier) and whether it has a canopy. This is helpful in the car as well as on the stroller.

A feature on the base can save you lots of time and headaches. It lets you know if it has been installed correctly. This line should be parallel to the ground and should be located on the base. This is especially useful in the event that you will be changing the car seat frequently or when your child will be traveling with you and you need to set it up in Ubers or taxis.

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 supermarket, or to run around. It's not necessary to struggle with a separate carrier. This could be a game changer for new parents looking to return to their day after an extended commute or a trip with a baby seat.

If you expect your baby to grow quickly opt for a car seat for infants that have a greater weight or 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 doesn't mean that all seats are created to be equal. Some have premium features that go beyond, such as load legs that anchor the base of the car seat for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other features, like a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, can help create an easier ride for your child and help you be a happier, more confident parent.