Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with the federal safety standards, some are more than others. From extra padding to padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread the seat, our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love.

When deciding on our top picks, we took into consideration factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features and price. Find out which infant seat is right 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. Some seats come with extra features that are above and beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated, strap-holding sides, and more. According to the experts I spoke to the more features a chair has, they are more efficient.

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

Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as the no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips that carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are wonderful the safety of a Nania Trio Group 0/1/2 Car Seat - Access Grey: Ultimate Safety and Comfort for Your Child seat is only as good as the vehicle in which you drive. Check out the car's owner's manual for tips on how to secure your infant's seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When selecting an infant seat, remember that you will only be able use it for about 2 years before your child is ready to move to an convertible seat. This is the reason why some families decide to leave out an infant seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which has greater height and weight limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try different models before settling. You can then make sure that the seat is suitable for the child, fits in your vehicle and also has useful features like converting to a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product before 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 plan to use it in one vehicle or shift it between multiple. You should look for clear installation instructions and a smooth mechanism. Think about 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 have 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. It's an especially important feature if you drive an older vehicle, since the risk of injury to the head in a crash is higher when a child is seated close to the ground, as per research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other high-end features can enhance the baby car seat experience. These include a non harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that helps keep the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been proven to lower the risk of head injuries by as much as 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 highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has earned an outstanding rating from child-passenger safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions, and an extended canopy that can be secured by magnets for full coverage.

Another thing to look out for is an infant seat that can be put in with just the lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. That's ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require a return trip to the car to put in a different seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the counterpart TRIV travel system feature a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to install in any vehicle. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds), and it converts into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great choice if you're on a budget.

Comfort

It's crucial that your baby feels comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're there for a long period of time. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded as well as soft fabrics that feel comfortable against their stomach or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Find an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they get bigger, as well.

A seat that has many unique features can be more expensive but also easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies, we consider things like a one-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors, and harness that doesn't rethread. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight, since a heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps while you carry it into and out of your car or moving between cars.

Another good choice is a car seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature which assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. This extra safety feature is usually available in high-end seats, however, there are a few affordable models that include it.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. It usually occurs at around the age of two or three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be converted into a Maxi-Cosi TobiFix Toddler Car Seat in Nomad Red's car seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is ideal for families who frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our test participants were impressed with the Doona which combines car seats for pushchairsandprams.uk an infant and a stroller in one piece. It's a great option for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or to school. It is also easy to install. Our testers who were experts in the field appreciated its user-friendlyness with the one-handed latching mechanism and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers reported that the seat is small and lightweight, which is essential for those with limited trunk room. Plus, it's free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically move up as your child grows, the top infant car seats come with convenience features that help parents get in and out with a minimum of hassle. Other important aspects to consider is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy that can be useful both inside the car as well as attached to a stroller.

A feature on the base can save you a great deal of time and headaches. It shows you when it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to the ground and should be situated on the base. It's especially useful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat frequently, or if you are planning to travel with your child and you'll need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.

Another useful feature is the ability to connect a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the grocery store or on errands without having to wrestle with an additional carrier. This can be a great advantage for parents with newborns who want to get back to their routine after an extended commute or a trip with a newborn.

If you expect your baby to grow quickly opt for the car seat for infants with a higher weight or 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 equal. Certain models have features that go beyond, including load legs that support the base of the car seat to provide extra stability, and anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Certain extras can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent happier and more secure.