Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, a few are more than others. From extra padding to cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without needing to rethread our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will love.

When deciding on our top picks, we took into consideration factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, extra features, and price. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading.

Safety

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

The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This will lower the chance of injuries to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are only meant to be used for a limited duration. Look for a model that's simple to install and has an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat perfectly level. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as a no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are great, a car seat's safety is only as good as the vehicle in which you drive. There are tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your child's car seat, and also learn more about the safety features.

When choosing an infant seat, remember that you will only be able use it for approximately 2 years before your child is ready to transition to the convertible seat. Some families skip the infant car seat completely and choose to purchase a convertible car that has an increased weight and height limits. When buying an infant car seat, be sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test several models before settling on one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your car, and comes with convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Don't forget to verify recalls prior making a purchase. It's essential to ensure the safety of your child on the road.

Simple to Use

You want a car seat for your baby that is easy to connect and take off from the base, whether you plan to use it in just one vehicle or move it between several. Find clearly labeled installation guides and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the quality materials used.

Some infant seats have a load leg. This is a brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the floor of the vehicle, providing extra stability in case of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you are driving an older vehicle because the risk of sustaining a head injury is higher when the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other top features that improve infant car seat user experience include a harness that is not rethread and anti-rebound bar, which help keep the seat from bouncing back in a crash. The latter has been proven to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those on a limited budget and looking for an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a number of high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has earned an excellent rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions plus an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets for full coverage.

Another thing to look for is a seat that can be installed with just a lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. This is ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require the journey back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its counterpart TRIV travel system feature a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the bottom of the seat, making it quick and easy to install in any car. It also can be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to a highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's an excellent choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child is comfortable in their car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long period of time. This means padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel cozy against their tummy or back, and a growing headrest. Choose an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow and.

While a seat that has lots of features may cost more but they're also generally easier to use. This is why we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also look at the weight and dimensions of the seat, because the weight or size of the seat could strain your biceps when you carry it in and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.

Another option is a seat that has the load-leg, a security feature which 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 choices that have this additional safety feature.

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll need to make sure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. It usually occurs at around the age of two or three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be transformed into a toddler's car seat. This gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who frequently change cars or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona, which is a combination of an infant car seat inserts for newborns seat and stroller into one. It's a great choice for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school on public transportation. It's also easy to put in. Our expert testers appreciated its user-friendlyness, including the one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also noted how the seat is compact it is essential for those with a limited trunk space. Plus, it's free of harmful chemicals which is a major bonus for those who are concerned about their child's health and environment.

Convenience

The best car seat for newborn infant car seat uk car seats come with features that make it easy to use. The most effective infant car seats come with features that make it easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important features to consider are whether the seat is machine washable (to help with cleaning) and if it has a canopy, which can be useful both inside the car as well as attached to the stroller.

One thing that may not seem like a big deal but can save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that lets you know that it's been properly installed. The line should be parallel to ground and should be situated on the base. This is especially useful if you are going to be changing the car seat frequently, or the baby will be traveling with you and you'll need to connect it to Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it simple to take your baby car seat to the supermarket or for running errands. You don't have to carry a separate carrier. This can be a huge advantage for new parents who want to get back to their day after an exhausting commute or outing with their newborn.

If you anticipate your child to grow rapidly opt for a car seat designed for babies with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat in use for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean all seats are made equal. Some have premium features that go beyond, like load legs that brace the base of the car seat to provide additional stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of injury to the head in crashes. Other extras, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, could help create a more relaxing ride for your child and help you to be a happier and more secure parent.