Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, a few are more than others. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will appreciate, including extra padding, a padded inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no need for rethreading.

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

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats have extra features that go above the minimum requirements. They could include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps, and more. According to the experts I spoke to, the more features a seat includes, the are more efficient.

The more user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely parents are to use it correctly and decrease the chance of injuries to their child in the event of a crash. This is particularly important for an infant seat, since it's only designed for only a brief period of time. Choose a model that's easy to install, with an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat in a perfect position. Make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.

Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as the no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are fantastic but the safety of your car seat is only as good as the vehicle that you use to drive. Check out the car's owner's manual for advice on how to properly secure your infant's seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When you're choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll likely only be able to use it for about 2 years until your child is ready to transition to a convertible car seat. That's why some families opt to not use the infant car seat and go directly to a convertible seat, which has higher height and weight limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try several models before settling on one. You can then ensure that the seat is safe for your child, is a good fit in your vehicle and also has useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Don't forget to verify recalls prior making the purchase. It's the most critical factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

Ease of Use

You're looking for a car seat for your baby that is simple to attach and remove from the base whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or transfer it between multiple. Look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth mechanism. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials used.

Some infant seats come with the load leg. This brace that serves as a support between the seat's base and the floor of the vehicle and provides extra security in the event of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older vehicle, because the chance of a head injury is higher if the child is too close to the floor.

Other top features that enhance the user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bar, which will prevent the seat from bouncing back in an accident. The latter has been proven by studies to reduce the risk of head injuries by as much as 43%. "If you're on a tight budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seats with some of the most important premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has received an exemplary rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, and an extended canopy that secures with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

Another thing to look out for is the type of seat that can be put in by a lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. This is ideal for parents who plan to take Uber or taxi rides, because it eliminates the need to get back in the car every time to put in a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that is built into the bottom of their seats which makes them fast and easy to put in. It can also be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into an highback booster or a belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's a great option for families with a limited 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, plush fabric to feel comfortable against their stomach or back and a growing headrest. Also, consider a seat you can easily adjust as your child gets older.

While a seat with lots of features might cost more but they're also generally easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we look at factors such as a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors, and harness that doesn't rethread. We also look at the weight and dimensions of the seat, because the weight or size of the seat could strain your biceps as you transport it to and from your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash is another good choice. This 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 the seat will still be suitable for your child once they reach their maximum growth rate usually around age two or three. It's also worth considering convertible infant car seats that converts into an adult seat. This option gives you more flexibility when you drive and is ideal for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona that incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller into one unit. It's ideal for parents who are constantly moving around, particularly those who take public transportation to commute to work or go to school. It's also simple to set up, and our expert testers praised the ease of using the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted how the seat is compact and is an essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge bonus for those who are concerned about their child's health and environment.

Convenience

The best car seat for newborn uk infant car seats are simple to use. The most comfortable infant car seats come with features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important aspects to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it comes with a canopy that can be handy both inside the car as well as attached to the stroller.

One thing that may not be a big thing, but could save you a lot of headache is a meter on the base that lets you know that it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to ground and should be located on the base. This is especially useful in the event that you will change the car seat often or when your child will be traveling with you and you have to connect it to taxis or Ubers.

Another benefit is the possibility of attaching an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat that swivels car seat, which makes it easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the grocery store or out on errands, without the need to carry the separate baby carrier. This could be a life-changing feature for parents looking to get back to normal after a long trip or commute with a child.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, you should choose an infant newborn car seat seat that has an increased weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean that all seats are created equal. Some have premium features that go beyond, such as load legs that support the base of the car seat to provide extra stability, and anti-rebound bars to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Some additional features can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent happier and more confident.