Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats have to meet federal safety standards. However, some go beyond. From extra padding to padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no having to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate.

When deciding on our top choices, we looked at factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, features and price. Read on to see which infant seat may be suitable for your family.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. They could include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that hold the straps, and more. The more features a car seat has the better, according to experts I spoke with.

The more user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This will reduce the chance of injuries to their child in a crash. This is especially important with the infant car seat, as it's only designed for an extremely short time. 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 in a perfect position. Make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.

Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as a strap that doesn't need to be rethread, 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 that you use to drive. Go through the owner's manual for tips on how to secure your infant's 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 likely only be allowed to use it for about two years before your child is ready to transition to an convertible car seat. Some families skip the infant car seat completely and opt for a convertible car with greater weight and height limit. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test out several models in person prior to making a decision on one. You can then make sure that the seat is safe for your child, is a good fit in your car and comes with useful features like converting to a stroller. And, don't forget to verify recalls prior making an purchase. It's the most critical factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

Simple to Use

You want a car seat for your baby that is easy to attach and remove from the base regardless of whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or transfer it between multiple. Look for clearly labeled installation guides as well as a mechanism that works seamlessly. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the high-quality materials that are used.

Some infant seats come with the load leg. It's a brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor and provides extra stability in case of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you are driving an older vehicle because the risk of a head injury is higher if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the infant car seat user experience include a no-rethread harness and an anti-rebound bar that help keep the seat from rebounding in a crash. This has been proven to decrease the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a great option for those on a limited budget who want a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a number of top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat was awarded an outstanding rating by experts in child safety. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extended canopy that has magnets to ensure complete coverage.

Another thing to look out for is an infant seat that can be installed using a lap belt and does not require the base. That's ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need an extra return trip to the car to put in a different seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the corresponding TRIV travel system have a sturdy LATCH system that's integrated into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to put in any vehicle. It can also be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and pushchairsandprams converts to an highback booster or a belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). This is an excellent option for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is stuck in car seats for a long period of time, it's essential that they feel comfortable. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded as well as soft fabrics that feel snug against their stomachs or back, and a growing headrest. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child gets older.

A car seat with a variety of features is often more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies, we consider aspects like a single-hand system harness, Premium Nania Easyfix Booster Seat Made in France LATCH connectors, and harness that doesn't rethread. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, because the weight or size of the seat can put stress on your biceps when you transport it into and out of your vehicle or in between vehicles.

Another good choice is a seat that has a load-leg, which is a safety feature that helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. This safety feature is usually available in high-end seats, but there are some affordable models that include it.

Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. It usually occurs around age two or 3. It's also worth looking at convertible infant car seats that converts to a toddler seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller into one unit. It's a great choice for parents on the go, especially 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 shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also commented on how compact the seat is it is essential for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of harmful chemicals, which is a huge advantage for parents who are concerned about their child's health and environment.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are easy 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 include convenience features that help parents get in and out with a minimum of hassle. Consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on a stroller.

A feature on the base can save a great deal of time and headaches. It will let you know when it's been put in place correctly. The line should be parallel to ground and should be located on the base. It's especially useful if you're going to be switching the car seat between vehicles often, or if you intend to travel with your baby and you'll need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it easy to take your baby to the grocery store or for running errands. It's not necessary to worry about a separate carrier. This can be a game changer for parents with newborns who want to return to their normal routine after an exhausting commute or outing with their newborn.

If you expect your baby to grow quickly opt for a car seat designed for infants that have a greater weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in America must conform to federal safety regulations However, that doesn't mean they are all created to be the same. Certain seats come with additional features, such as load legs that support the seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of sustaining head injuries during crashes. Other extras, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, can also provide a more relaxing ride for your child and help you be a happier, more confident parent.