Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some seats go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate such as extra padding, a cushioned inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no Rethreading.

When deciding on our top rated baby car seats choices, we looked at factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, extra features and prices. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats have extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. These can 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 the car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This can reduce the chance of injuries to their child during the event of a crash. This is especially true for the infant car seat, as it's only designed to last for an extremely short time. Find a seat that is easy to install with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat level. Make sure the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

Other premium features that some car seat manufacturers provide include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. These are wonderful however, don't forget that a safe car seat is just as secure as the car you're driving in. Go through the owner's manual to learn 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 car seat, keep in mind that you'll likely only be able to use it for approximately 2 years until your child is ready to transition to a convertible car seat. This is why some families choose to leave out an infant seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has greater weight and height limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your car and try a few models in person prior to committing to one. You can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your vehicle and also has useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's the most critical aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Easy to Use

You want a car seat for your baby that is easy to attach and remove from the base, whether you intend to use it in a single vehicle or shift it between several. Look for clearly labeled instructions for installation and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the high-quality materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats include is a load leg that acts as an extra brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle floor to offer extra stability in the event of a crash. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you are driving an older vehicle since the likelihood of suffering a head injury is higher when the child is too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bar, which help keep the seat from rebounding during a crash. The latter has been proven to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seats newborn seats with a few key premium features I would recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was awarded an exemplary 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 full coverage.

Another thing to look for is an infant seat that is able to be set up by a lap belt and does not require the base. This is a good option for parents who are planning to take Uber or taxi rides, as it eliminates the need to get back in the car every time to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that is built into the seat's bottom, making them quick and easy to install. It can also be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward facing infant car seat-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into an highback booster or a backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). This is a great option for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child is comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long period of time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that is comfortable against their back and stomach and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Look for a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow as well.

A seat with many special features can be more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. This is why we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also take into consideration the weight and dimensions of the seat, because the weight or size of the seat can put stress on your biceps when you carry it to and from your vehicle or in between vehicles.

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. It's usually found in expensive seats, but we've seen a couple of budget-friendly options that have this additional safety feature.

Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens around the age of 2 or 3. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be converted into a toddler's car seat. This will allow you a little more flexibility in your vehicle and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which combines an infant car seat and stroller into one. It's a great option for parents who are always on the move, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to install and our testers appreciated the ease of using the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers noted that the seat is incredibly compact and lightweight, which is essential for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned with their baby's environment and health.

Convenience

The best car seat infant infant car seats come with features that make it 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 have convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with minimum of fuss. Consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to make cleaning easier) and whether it has a canopy. This is helpful in the car as well as on the stroller.

One feature that might not seem like a big deal but can save you a lot of headache is a meter on the base that lets you know when it's been installed correctly. This line is on the base's side and should be in line with the ground after you've completed. This is especially helpful when you're going to be changing the car seat frequently, or the baby will be traveling with you and you have to connect it to Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it simple to carry your baby to the store or for running the errands. You don't have to struggle with the hassle of a separate car seat. This could be a game changer for new parents who want to get back to their normal routine after an exhausting commute or outing with a newborn.

If you are expecting your child to grow rapidly opt for a car seat designed for infants with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.

All car seats sold in America must conform to the safety standards of the federal government However, that doesn't mean that they're all to be the same. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that support the base of a car seat to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other extras, such as the no-rethread harness or an extendable canopy, can help create an easier ride for your child and help you to be a happier and more confident parent.