Need Inspiration? Look Up Best Infant Seat Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However some seats go above and beyond. From extra padding to a cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love.

When selecting our top picks, we considered factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, features, and price. Read on to see which infant car seat is the best fit for your family.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats come with additional features that are beyond the minimum requirements. These include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that hold the straps, and more. The more features a car seat comes with the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke with.

The more comfortable a car seat is for users and the more likely parents are to use it correctly and decrease their child's risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is especially true for the infant car seat, as it's only designed to last for a short period of time. Choose a model that has an indicator that bubbles and an adjustable foot with a spring to make it easier to set the seat. Make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.

Other premium features that some car seat manufacturers provide include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. Remember that even though these features are wonderful, a car seat's safety is only dependent on the vehicle in which you drive. Go through the owner's manual for tips on how to ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to find out more about specific 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 move to an convertible seat. Some families opt to not use the infant seat altogether and opt for a convertible car with greater weight and height limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and try out a variety of models in person prior to committing to one. Then, you can make sure the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car, and comes with handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. It's essential to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

You're looking for a car seats for your infant that is easy to connect and take off from the base, whether you plan to use it in just one vehicle or shift it between several. It is important to look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth mechanism. Also consider how easy it is to alter the car seat as your baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats come with the load leg. This brace that serves as a support between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor that provides additional security in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older vehicle, since the likelihood of suffering a head injury is greater if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other premium features that can improve infant car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and an anti-rebound bar that can prevent the seat from bouncing back in a crash. The latter has been proven to lower the chance of sustaining head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat that has some of the most important premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat received an outstanding rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extended canopy that has magnets that ensure full coverage.


A seat that can be easily installed using only a lapbelt and without the necessity of the base is an alternative. This is a great option for parents who intend to use Uber or taxi rides as it eliminates the need to go back to the car each time to install a new seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its equivalent TRIV travel system come with a rigid LATCH system that's integrated into the seat's bottom, making it quick and easy to install in any car. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. best car seats infant 's a great choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in car seats for a long period of time, it's important they feel comfortable. This includes padded shoulder straps as well as soft fabrics that feel cozy against their tummy or back, and a growing headrest. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can alter as your child grows.

While a car seat with many special features might cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. When evaluating infant car seat we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors, and no rethread harness. We also take note of the dimensions and weight, as the weight or bulk of a seat could put stress on your biceps when you're carrying it into and out of your car or moving between cars.

A seat with a load leg--a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash, is another good choice. This safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats, but there are some budget-friendly models that have it.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens at around the age of two or three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be transformed into a toddler's seat. This gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who often change vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's a great choice for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school via public transportation. It's also simple to install. Our testers who were experts in the field appreciated its user-friendlyness with the one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also noted that the seat is small and lightweight, which is essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major advantage for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows the best infant car seats come with convenience features to help parents get in and out with a minimum of fuss. Check if the seat is able to be washed by a machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is useful both in the car and on a stroller.

One thing that might not seem like a big thing, but could save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that lets you know whether it's been put in place correctly. This line should be parallel to the ground and is located on the base. It can be particularly helpful if you're going to be changing the car seat frequently, or if you are planning to travel with your child and need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it simple to take your baby to the store, or to run around. It's not necessary to struggle with an additional carrier. This can be a huge advantage for new parents looking to get back to their normal routine after an extended commute or a trip with a baby.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, you should choose a car seat for infants that has a higher weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat in use longer.

All car seats sold in the United States must comply with federal safety regulations however that doesn't mean that they are all to be the same. Some have premium features that go beyond, including load legs that support the car seat's base for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. Other features, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, can also make for a more relaxing ride for your baby and allow you to be a happier and more secure parent.