Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some go beyond. From extra padding to a baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without needing to rethread the seat, our best infant car seat of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate.

In deciding which of our top picks, we took into consideration factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, special features, and price. Find out the best Infant seat (pediascape.science) for you and your family by reading.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in strap-holding sides, and so on. According to the experts I spoke with the more features a seat comes with, the better.

The more intuitive a car seat, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This can reduce the risk of injury to their child during an accident. This is particularly important for an infant car seat since it's only designed to last for an extremely short time. Look for 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 into and out of the car.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as a strap that doesn't need to be rethread and magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. Remember that even though these features are great but the safety of your car seat is only as good as the vehicle in which you drive. You can find tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant's car seat, and also learn more about the car's 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 transition to the convertible seat. Some families skip the infant seat altogether and choose to purchase convertible cars, which has a higher weight and height limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, be sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your car and test several models before settling on one. Then, you can make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your car and has convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Don't forget to check for recalls before making a purchase. It's vital to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy to Use

If you're using the seat in one vehicle or moving it among several, you want an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. Look for clear installation instructions and a simple mechanism. Also consider how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats have the load leg. It's a brace that provides support between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor, providing extra security in the event of an accident. This is a crucial feature if you drive an older vehicle, as the risk of head injury during a crash is much higher when a child is seated near to the floor, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Other high-end features can enhance the infant car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that helps keep the seat from spinning in a crash. The latter has been proven to lower the risk of head injury by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those on a limited budget looking for a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a few high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has received an outstanding rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline settings, plus an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

Another thing to look out for is a seat that can be put in by the lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. This is a great option for parents who are planning to use Uber or taxi rides, as it eliminates the need to return to the car each time to install a new seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the counterpart TRIV travel system feature a rigid LATCH system that's integrated into the bottom of the seat, making it quick and easy to put in any car. It can also be used rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds), and it converts into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. It's a great choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

If your child is in a car seat for long periods of time, it's crucial that they feel comfortable. This means straps that are padded 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. Look for a seat that is easy to adjust as they get bigger, as well.

A car seat with a variety of features can be more expensive but also easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we take into consideration factors such as a one-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors and no rethread harness. We also take into consideration the weight and dimensions of the seat, since an extremely heavy or bulky seat can strain your biceps when you carry it to and from your vehicle or between vehicles.

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 typically found in more expensive seats, but we've seen a couple of budget-friendly options that have this safety feature.

Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat is safe for your child when they reach their peak growth spurt typically between the ages of two and three. You should also consider a convertible infant car seat that converts into an adult car seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families who often change cars or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona, which is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's perfect for parents who are constantly in motion, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to put in and our experts who tested it appreciated the ease of using the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also commented on how the seat is compact it is essential for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemical, which is a big bonus for parents who are concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make them easy to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows the best car seats infant infant car seats have convenience features that help parents get into and out with minimum of hassle. Other important features to consider are whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleaning easier) and if it has a canopy, which can be handy both inside the car as well as attached to a stroller.

One feature that might not be a big difference but can save you a lot of trouble is an indicator on the base that will let you know when it's been installed correctly. The line is located on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground when you're done. This is particularly useful when you're going to change the car seat frequently, or the baby will be traveling with you and you have to set it up 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 carry your baby car seat to the store or for running errands. It's not necessary to worry about an additional carrier. This could be a life-changing option for parents looking to return to normal following a long journey or a long commute with a baby.

If you are expecting your child to grow rapidly pick a car seat designed for infants that have a greater weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat in use for longer.

While all car seats by age seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean all seats are created to be equal. Certain models have features that go beyond, including load legs that anchor the car seat's base for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. Other features, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, could also provide a more comfortable ride for your baby and allow you become a more relaxed and more secure parent.