Best Infant Seat Features

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

In deciding which of our top rated baby car seats picks, we considered factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, extra features, and price. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat that swivels car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats have extra features that go above the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated, strap-holding sides, and more. The more features a car seat is equipped with the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke with.

The more user-friendly a car seat is it, the more likely parents will be to use it properly and decrease their child's risk of injury in an accident. This is especially true for an infant seat, since it's designed for only a brief period of time. Find a seat with a bubble indicator and an adjustable foot with a spring for making it easy to adjust the seat. Also, make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

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 great however, don't forget that a safe car seat is just as secure as the car you're driving in. You can find tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your child's car seat and learn more about the car's safety features.

When choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll probably only be able to use it for around two years before your child is old enough to switch to a convertible car seat. That's why some families opt to not use the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible seat, which has higher height and weight limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat newborn seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your car and try out a variety of models before committing to one. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits well in your car and has convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. It's essential to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy to Use

You're looking for a car seats for your infant that is simple to attach and remove from the base whether you intend to use it in a single vehicle or shift it between several. Look for clear instructions on installation and a simple mechanism. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the quality materials used.

One of the best features that infant seats include is a load leg which acts as a brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle's floor to provide additional stability in the event of collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older vehicle, because the risk of sustaining a head injury is higher when the child is too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium can enhance the baby car seat experience. They include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from spinning in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown by research to decrease the risk for head injuries by up to 43%. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those on a limited budget and looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a few premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has earned an excellent rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline settings, as well as an extendable canopy that secures with magnets for full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with just a lapbelt, and without the necessity of the base is an alternative. That's ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require an extra journey back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its equivalent TRIV travel system come with an extremely rigid LATCH system built right into the seat's bottom, making it quick and easy to put in any car. It also can be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to the highback booster or backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). It's an excellent choice for families with a limited budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child feels comfortable in the car seat, especially if they are there for a long time. This means padded shoulder straps as well as soft fabrics that feel comfortable against their stomach or back and a growing headrest. Find a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow as well.

While a seat that has many special features might cost more, they're also often easier to use. That's why we look at aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, because the weight or size of the seat can strain your biceps while you move it into and out of your vehicle or in between vehicles.

Another good infant car seats choice is a seat that has the load-leg, a security feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. It's typically found in more expensive seats however we've seen a couple of budget-friendly options that have this safety feature.

The limits on height and weight are also important. You'll want to make sure that the seat will remain suitable for your child once they reach their peak growth stage typically at around the age of two or three. It's also worth looking at convertible infant car seats that can be converted into an adult car seat. This option gives you more flexibility in your vehicle and is great for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.

Our test participants were impressed with the Doona which is a combination of the car seat of an infant and a stroller all in one piece. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school via public transportation. It's also easy to install and our experts who tested it appreciated the ease of using the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers noted that the seat is compact which is crucial for those with limited trunk space. Additionally, it's free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are 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 in and out with a minimal amount of effort. Other important things to look at is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleanup easier) and if it comes with a canopy that can be useful both inside the car and also attached to 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. This line should be parallel to the ground and is situated on the base. It's especially useful when you'll be changing the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if intend to travel with your child and you'll need to install 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 transport your sleeping bundle to the store, or to run the errands. It's not necessary to struggle with a separate carrier. This can be a huge advantage for new parents who want to get back to their routine after an exhausting commute or outing with a newborn.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat that has a higher weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in America must meet the safety standards of the federal government, but that does not mean that they're all to be the same. Certain models have features that go beyond, such as load legs that brace the base of the car seat to provide added stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. A few extras can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, making you as a parent feel more comfortable and more secure.