Best infant car seats that swivel Seat Features

All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some seats go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will love 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 infant car seats choices, we looked at 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

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. Some seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. They could include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that support the straps, and more. According to the experts I spoke with the more features a seat comes with, the better.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be and the more likely parents will be to use it properly and reduce their child's risk of injury in an accident. This is especially important with the infant car seat, as it's only designed for a short period of time. Choose a model that has a bubble indicator and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easy to level the seat. Make sure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.

Other top features that some car seat makers offer include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are wonderful the safety of a car seat is only as good as the car that you use to drive. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant's car seat and learn more about the car's safety features.

When you are choosing an infant seat, remember that you will only be able use it for approximately 2 years before your child is ready to move to a convertible seat. This is why some families choose to leave out the infant car seats on sale car seat and go directly to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher weight and height limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test several models before settling. You can then make sure that the seat is comfortable for the child, fits inside your car and also has useful features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's the most critical aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy to Use

If you're planning to use the seat in one car or transferring it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to install and detach from the base. Look for clearly labeled instructions for installation and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the high-quality materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats come with is a load leg, which acts as a brace between the seat's base and car's floor, providing extra stability in the event of an accident. It's a vital feature if you drive an older car, as the risk of head injury in a crash is greater when an infant is seated near to the ground, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features that can improve infant car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and an anti-rebound bar that will prevent the seat from bouncing back in an accident. This has been proven by research to reduce the risk for head injuries by up to 43%. The Evenflo LiteMax is a great choice for those on a limited budget and looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a number of premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has earned an excellent rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets to ensure complete coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with lapbelts and does not require the need for an additional base is a different option. This is ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need the return trip to the car to install a different seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the corresponding TRIV travel system have a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the bottom of the seat making it quick and simple to install in any vehicle. It can also be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward facing infant car seat-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to an highback booster or a belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). This is a great choice if you're on a budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child feels comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're in the seat for a long period of time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that is comfortable against their back and stomach and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Choose a seat that is easy to adjust as they get bigger, as well.

While a seat that has a lot of special features may be more expensive, they're also often easier to use. This is why we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also look at the weight and size of the seat, as the weight or size of the seat could strain your biceps as you carry it in and out of your vehicle or in between vehicles.

A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash, is an additional option. It's usually found in more expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this safety feature.

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll need to ensure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. It usually occurs around the age of 2 or 3. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat that converts to an adult car seat. This gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families that frequently change cars or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona that combines an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's a great choice for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school on public transport. It is also easy to install. Our testers who were experts in the field praised its ease of use with the one-handed latching system as well as the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers noted that the seat is compact and lightweight, which is essential for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge bonus for those who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows the best infant car seats have convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with a minimum of fuss. Consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to facilitate cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is beneficial both in the car and on a stroller.

A feature on the base can save you lots of time and headaches. It will let you know when it's been put in place correctly. This line is located on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. This is especially useful when you're going to change the car seat often or if your baby will be traveling with you and you'll need 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 simple to take your baby to the store or for running around. You don't need to worry about a separate carrier. This can be a game changer for new parents who want to return to their normal routine after an extended commute or a trip with their newborn.

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

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean all seats are made equal. Certain models have features that go above and beyond, like load legs that anchor the base of the car seat to provide additional stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of injury to the head in crashes. Other features, like the no-rethread harness or an extendable canopy, could also provide a more comfortable ride for your child and help you become a more relaxed, more confident parent.