Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant car seat rear facing seats comply with the federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. From extra padding to baby inlay that is padded 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.

We looked at factors such as weight (without base), stroller connectivity, special features and prices when choosing our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading on.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must be in compliance with federal safety standards. Certain seats have additional features that are above and beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in, strap-holding sides, and so on. The more features a car seat has the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke with.

The more intuitive a car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This will reduce their child’s risk of injury in an accident. This is especially true for the infant car seat, as it's only designed to last for an extremely short time. Choose a model that's easy to install, with an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to help get the seat in a perfect position. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.

Other top features that some car seat manufacturers provide include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are great, a car seat's safety is only as good as the car in which you drive. You can find tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your infant's car seat and find out more about the vehicle's safety features.

When selecting an infant seat, keep in mind that you will only be able use it for a period of about two years before your child is able to move to an convertible seat. This is why some families choose to not use an infant carrier seat car seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher weight and height limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try out a variety of models in person prior to choosing one. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits inside your car and comes with useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.

Easy of Use

You're looking for a car seats for your baby that is simple to attach and remove from the base, whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or move it between several. Look for clearly labeled installation guides as well as an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the high-quality materials used.

Some infant seats include the load leg. This is a brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the floor of your vehicle, providing extra stability in case of a collision. This is a crucial feature for those who drive an older vehicle, as the risk of injury to the head in a crash is higher when a child is seated near to the floor, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bars, which will prevent the seat from rebounding during an accident. This has been proven by research to reduce the chance of head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat with some of the most important premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat received an exemplary rating by child-passenger safety experts. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets that ensure full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with just lapbelts and does not require the requirement for an additional base is a different option. This is ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require a journey back and forth to the car to install a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for instance, have a rigid LATCH that is built into the seat's bottom which makes them fast and simple to install. It can also be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to a highback booster or belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). It's a great option for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in a car seat for a long period of time, it's essential that they feel comfortable. This includes padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel comfortable against their stomach or back, and a growing headrest. Look for a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow, and.

While a seat with many special features might cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. That's why we look at factors like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats best car seats. We also consider the weight and dimensions of the seat, because a heavy or large seat can strain your biceps as you carry it to and from your vehicle, or even 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 an alternative. This additional safety feature is usually only available in high-end seats, however, there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.

The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll want to ensure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. This typically occurs at around the age of two or three. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat that converts into a toddler seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who frequently change cars or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona which combines a car seat for an infant car seats on sale and a stroller into one unit. It's the perfect pick for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school on public transport. It's also simple to set up, and our expert testers praised the ease of using the latch with one hand and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted how compact the seat is and is an essential for those with a limited trunk space. Additionally, it's free of harmful chemicals, which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make it simple to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically move up as your child grows, the best infant car seats include convenience features that help parents get into and out with minimal amount of effort. Other important aspects to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it has a canopy that can be useful in the car and also attached to a stroller.

A feature on the base could save you lots of time and headaches. It will let you know when it's been properly installed. This line is located on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground when you're done. It's particularly useful when you'll be switching the car seat often, or if you intend to travel with your child and require the seat in Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it simple to take your baby to the supermarket or for running the errands. It's not necessary to carry the hassle of a separate car seat. This can be a life-changing feature for parents looking to get back to normal after a long trip or commute with a child.

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

All car seats sold in America must meet federal safety regulations, but that does not mean they are all created equal. Certain seats come with additional features, like load legs that support the seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of sustaining head injuries from crashes. Certain additional features can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, making you as a parent are happier and more confident.