Best Infant Seat Features

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

We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features, and price when deciding on our top picks. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must be in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats come with extra features that are above and beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated, strap-holding sides, and so on. According to the experts I spoke to, the more features a chair has, they better.

The more intuitive the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This can reduce the risk of injury to their child in a crash. This is especially true for infant car seat travel seats, which are meant to be used for a brief period of time. Choose a model that's simple to install and has a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help get the seat perfectly level. Make sure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.

Other features that top-quality car seat manufacturers provide include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. Remember that even though these features are great, a car seat's safety is only as good as the car in which you drive. Check out the car's owner's manual to learn how to secure your infant's seat and to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.

When choosing an infant seat, remember that you'll only be able to use it for approximately 2 years before your child is ready to move to the convertible seat. Some families opt to not use the infant car seat completely and opt for a convertible car with a higher weight and height limits. When buying an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test several models before making a decision. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits inside your car and also has useful features like converting to a stroller. And, don't forget to check for recalls before making a purchase. It's the most important aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy to Use

Whether you'll be using the seat in a single car or moving it among several, you'll need an infant car seat rear facing car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. Find clearly labeled installation guides and an operation that is seamless. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the high-quality materials that are used.

Some infant seats have a load leg. It's a brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the floor of your vehicle, providing 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 too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium can enhance the infant car seat experience. These include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from bouncing during a crash. The latter has been shown by research to decrease the risk for head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a great choice for those with a tight budget looking for a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a number of premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat was awarded an outstanding rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure full coverage.

Another thing to look for is a seat that is able to be set up by the lap belt, and doesn't require the use of the base. This is a great option for parents who are planning to take Uber or taxi rides, because it eliminates the need to return to the car each time to put in a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example include a strong LATCH built into the bottom of their seats, making them quick and easy to install. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds), and it converts into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great choice for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is stuck in car seats for long periods of time, it's important they are comfortable. This means padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels comfortable against their stomach or back and a growing headrest. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child grows.

A seat with many special features can be more expensive, but is 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 a no rethread harness. We also take note of the dimensions and weight, as a heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps while you carry it in and out of your car, or in between cars.

A seat with a load leg--a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash is another good choice. It's typically found in more expensive seats, but we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this safety feature.

Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat will still be safe for your child when they reach their maximum growth rate, which is usually between the ages of two and three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be converted into a toddler seat. This gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona which is a combination of car seats for an infant and a stroller all in one piece. It's a great choice 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 praised the ease of using the latch that is one-handed and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted how compact the seat is and is an essential for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a big benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. The best infant car seats are equipped with convenience features that make it easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Check if the seat is able to be machine washed (to facilitate cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is beneficial both in the car and on a stroller.

One thing that may seem like a small deal but can save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that lets you know that it's been properly installed. The line should be parallel to the ground and should be situated on the base. This is particularly useful in the event that you will be changing the car seat frequently or when your child will be traveling with you and you need to set it up in Ubers or taxis.

Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to attach a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it easier to transport your baby's infant from the car to the supermarket or on errands without having to wrestle with an additional carrier. This is a life-changing option for parents looking to get back to normal after a long journey or a long commute with a child.

If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose an infant newborn car seat seat that has a higher weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it doesn't mean that all seats are created equal. Certain seats come with additional features, such as load legs that support the base of a car seat to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the chance of head injuries in crashes. Other features, like a harness that is not rethread and an extended canopy, can also provide a more relaxing ride for your child and help you to be a happier and more secure parent.