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Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats have to meet federal safety standards. However some go above. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will appreciate such as extra padding, a padded inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no rethreading.

We considered factors like weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and price when selecting our top choices. Find out what infant car seat is best for your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet federal safety standards. However, some seats come with extra features that are beyond the minimum requirements. 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 better, according the experts I spoke with.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be, the more likely parents will be to use it correctly, which can reduce the risk of injury to their child in a crash. This is especially true for the infant car seat, as it's only designed for an extremely short time. Look for a model with an indicator that bubbles and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easy to adjust the seat. 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 to carry the seat. These are great but remember that a safe car seat still only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual for tips on how to properly secure your infant seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll probably only be allowed to use it for approximately 2 years until your child is old enough to transition to an convertible car seat. This is the reason why some families decide to leave out the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible car seat, which is more spacious and has higher weight and height limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test out several models before choosing one. You can then make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, fits well in your car and includes handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's vital to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Simple to Use

If you're using the seat in one vehicle or transferring it between many, you need an infant car seat that is simple to put in and remove from the base. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Also, consider how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

A great feature that many infant seats have is a load leg, that acts as an extra brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle's floor to provide extra stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older car, because the chance of a head injury is higher when the child is too close to the floor.

Other top features that improve infant car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bars, which will prevent the seat from rebounding in a crash. The latter has been shown by research to reduce the risk for head injuries by up to 43%. "If you're on a limited budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat that has several key features that are premium I highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an exemplary rating by experts in child safety. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with just a lapbelt and without the necessity of a base is another option. This is ideal for parents who are planning to use Uber or taxi rides as it eliminates the need to go back to the car every time to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH built into the bottom of their seats which makes them fast and simple to install. It also can be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into the highback booster or backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). This is a great choice when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's important that your baby car seat is comfortable in their car seat, especially when they're there for a long time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, a plush fabric that is comfortable against their back and tummy and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Choose a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow, as well.

While a seat with lots of features may be more expensive but they're also generally easier to use. That's why we look at things like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also consider the weight and dimensions of the seat, because an extremely heavy or bulky seat can put stress on your biceps while you carry it in and out of your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

Another option is a seat that has the load-leg, a security feature which helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in more expensive seats however we've seen a couple of budget-friendly options that have this extra safety measure.

Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. This usually happens around the age of 2 or 3. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat that converts to an adult car seat. This option will give you a bit more flexibility in your car and is perfect for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which combines an infant car seat and stroller into one. It's the ideal choice for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It's also easy to install, 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 commented on how the seat is compact it is essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major bonus for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant car seat for travel car seats are easy to use. From buckles that are easy 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 into and out with a minimum of hassle. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is beneficial both in the car and on a stroller.

One thing that might not seem like a big difference but can save you a lot of hassle is a meter on the base that informs you that it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to the ground and should be located on the base. It's especially useful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat often, or if you are planning to travel with your child and require the seat in taxis or Ubers.

Another useful feature is the ability to attach an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat making it easier to transport your baby's bundle of joy from the car to the supermarket or on errands without having to lug around the separate baby seat carrier. This can be a game changer for parents with newborns who want to return to their routine after an exhausting commute or outing with a baby.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat with an increased weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in the United States must comply with the safety standards of the federal government, but that does not mean that they are all equal. Certain seats come with additional features, such as load legs that support the seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injuries during crashes. Some accessories can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, and you as a parent are happier and more confident.