Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety 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 baby car seats choices, we looked at factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, features and price. Find out the best infant carrier car seat infant seat for you and your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat uk car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. But some of the seats come with additional features that go above the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in strap-holding sides, and much more. The more features a car seat is equipped with the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke with.

The more user-friendly a car seat is and the more likely parents will be to use it correctly and reduce the risk of injury to their child in a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are designed to be used for a brief duration. Look for a model with an indicator that bubbles and an incline foot that is spring loaded for making it easy to set the seat. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click in and out of the car.

Other features that top-quality car seat makers offer include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are fantastic the safety of a car seat is only as good as the car that you use to drive. Check out the car's owner's manual for advice on how to secure your infant's seat and to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat swivel seat, keep in mind that you will only be able to use it for approximately 2 years before your child is old enough to move to an convertible seat. This is why some families choose to skip the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible seat, which has higher weight and height limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and test out several models in person before making a decision on one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits well in your car and includes convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.

Easy to Use

You want a car seat for your baby that is easy to connect and remove from the base, whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or move it between several. You should look for clear installation instructions and a simple mechanism. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby car seat grows, and the high-quality materials that are used.

Some infant seats come with a load leg. This is a brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor and provides extra stability in case of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older car, because the risk of sustaining a head injury is greater if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium can enhance the experience of infants in car seats. These include a non rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar to stop the seat from bouncing during a crash. This has been proven to decrease the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great option for those with a tight budget and looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has been awarded an exemplary rating from child safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline settings, as well as an extendable canopy that secures with magnets for full coverage.

Another thing to look out for is the type of seat that is able to be set up using the lap belt and does not require the base. This is a great option for parents who plan to take Uber or taxi rides, since it doesn't require them to get back in the car every time to put in a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for instance include a strong LATCH built into the bottom of their seats making them easy and simple to install. It can also be used rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds), and it converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. This is an excellent option if you're on a budget.

Comfort

It's crucial that your baby feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're there for a long period of time. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that is soft against their back and tummy and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Find an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow, as well.

A seat with many special features can be more expensive but also easier to use. That's why we look at things like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also take note of the dimensions and weight, as an overly heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps while you carry it in and out of your car or moving between cars.

Another good choice is a seat that has a load-leg, which is a safety feature which helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. This additional safety feature is usually found in expensive 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 that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. This typically occurs around the age of 2 or 3. It's also worth looking at convertible infant car seats that converts into an adult car seat. This option gives you a bit more flexibility when you drive and is perfect for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona that combines the car seat of an infant and a stroller in one package. It's the ideal choice for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school on public transport. It's also simple to install. Our experts who tested it have praised its simplicity of use with the one-handed latching system and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted that the seat is small, which is important for those with limited trunk space. Additionally, it's free of harmful chemicals which is a major advantage for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.

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 infant car seats have convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with a minimal amount of effort. Other important things to look at is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleanup easier) and if it has a canopy, which can be useful in the car as well as attached to a stroller.

A feature on the base could save you a great deal of time and headaches. It will let you know when it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to ground and is situated on the base. This is particularly useful in the event that you will change 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 child from the car to the grocery store or out on errands, without the need to carry the separate baby carrier. This is a life-changing option for parents looking for a way to return to normal after a lengthy trip or commute with a baby.

If your baby is likely to grow rapidly, 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.

All car seats sold in the United States must comply with federal safety regulations however that doesn't mean that they are all equal. Some have premium features that go beyond, such as load legs that support the base of the car seat for additional stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other features, such as a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, can help create an easier ride for your child and help you be a happier and more confident parent.