Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats conform to the federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate, including extra padding, a padded inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no rethreading.

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

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. But some of the seats come with additional features that go beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in, strap-holding sides, and much more. The more features a car seat comes with the better, according the experts I spoke to.

The more intuitive the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This will lower the risk of injury to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are meant to be used for a brief time. Choose a model that's simple to install and has an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat level. Make sure that the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

Some car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a strap that doesn't need to be rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. These are great, but don't forget that a safe car seat is just as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual to learn how to properly ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.

When selecting an infant seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able to use it for about 2 years before your child is ready to move to a convertible seat. Some families choose to skip the infant seat altogether and opt for a convertible car, which has greater weight and height limits. When you are buying an infant newborn car seat insert seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try different models before making a decision. You can then ensure that the seat is safe for the child, fits in your car and also has useful features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls prior to making an purchase. It's the most important factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

Ease of Use

You're looking for a car seats for your baby that is easy to connect and take off from the base, whether you intend to use it in a single vehicle or transfer it between several. Look for clearly labeled installation guides and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the quality materials used.

Some infant seats include a load leg. This brace that serves as a support between the seat base and the vehicle's floor and provides extra security in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if are driving an older vehicle because the chance of suffering a head injury is greater if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other premium features that can enhance the user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bar, which will prevent the seat from bouncing back in the event of a crash. This has been proven by studies to reduce the chance of head injuries by as much as 43%. "If you're on a tight budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seats with some of the most important premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has been awarded an outstanding rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions and an extended canopy that secures with magnets to provide full coverage.

A seat that is easily installed with just a lapbelt, and without the necessity of the base is an alternative. That's ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require the return trip to the car to install a new seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as 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 put in any car. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and also converts into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. This is a great choice for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's crucial that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, especially when they're there for a long period of time. This includes padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels cozy against their tummy or back, and a growing headrest. Also, look for a seat that is easy to adjust as your child grows.

While a seat with many special features may be more expensive however, they are also more convenient to use. When evaluating infant car seat we look at things like a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors and no rethread harness. We also take note of dimensions and weight, since an overly heavy or bulky 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 an alternative. It's usually found in expensive seats, but we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this extra safety measure.

The limits on height and weight are also important. You'll want to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. This typically occurs at around the age of two or three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be transformed into a toddler seat. This will allow you a little more flexibility when you drive and is perfect for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our test participants were impressed with the Doona which combines car seats for an infant car seat travel and a stroller into one unit. It's a great option for parents who are constantly moving around, particularly those who take public transport to commute to work or go to school. It's also simple to set up and our testers appreciated the ease of using the latch that is one-handed and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers noted that the seat is compact, which is important for those with a limited trunk room. Additionally, it's free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge advantage for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best car seat newborn uk infant car seat travel car seats come with features that make them easy to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows the top infant car seats come with convenience features to help parents get in and out with a minimum of fuss. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be washed by a machine (to facilitate cleaning) and whether it has a canopy. This is helpful both in the car and on the stroller.

A feature on the base can save much time and headaches. It shows you when it's been put in place correctly. This 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 frequently, or if you are planning 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 attached directly to it. This makes it easier to take your baby to the grocery store, or to run errands. You don't need to carry an additional carrier. This is an essential feature for parents who are looking for a way to return to normal following a long journey or a long commute with a baby.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat with a higher weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat in use longer.

All car seats sold in America must meet federal safety standards, but that does not mean that they're all 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. Some accessories can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, making you as a parent happier and more confident.