Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with the federal safety standards, some are more than others. From extra padding to padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread the seat, our best car seat infant of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will love.

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

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must be in compliance with federal safety standards. But some of the seats come with extra features that are beyond the minimum requirements. They could include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that hold the straps, and more. According to the experts I spoke with the more features a chair comes with, the are more efficient.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be, the more likely parents will be to use it in a safe manner and reduce the risk of injury to their child in a crash. This is particularly important for the infant car seat, as it's only designed to last for a short period of time. Look for a model that's easy to install with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help get the seat in a perfect position. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.

Other premium features that some car seat makers offer include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. Remember that even though these features are wonderful but the safety of your car seat is only as good as the vehicle in which you drive. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant's car seat and find out more about the safety features.

When you're choosing an cheap infant car seats car seat, keep in mind that you'll probably only be able to use it for around 2 years until your child is ready to move to a convertible car seat. This is why some families choose to not use an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which has greater height and weight limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and test out several models in person before making a decision on one. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits in your car and comes with useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Also, make sure to verify recalls prior making the purchase. It's the most important aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Ease of Use

You want a car seat for your infant that is easy to attach and remove from the base, regardless of whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or shift it between multiple. You should look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth mechanism. Also, think about how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats include the load leg. This is a brace that serves as a support between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor that provides additional stability in the event of an accident. This is a crucial feature to have if you own an older car, as the risk of sustaining head injuries in a crash is greater when an infant is sitting close to the ground, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Other top rated baby car seats features that improve infant car seat user experience include a harness that is not rethread and anti-rebound bars, which can prevent the seat from bouncing back in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a fantastic choice for those with a tight budget and looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and has a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has been awarded an exemplary rating from child safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions and an extended canopy that can be secured by magnets to provide full coverage.

Another thing to look for is an infant seat that can be put in by the lap belt and does not require the base. This is ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require a return trip to the car to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example, have a rigid LATCH built into the seat's bottom, making them quick and easy to put in. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds) or forward facing infant car seat-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds), and it converts into a belt-positioning or highback 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 a car seat for a long period of time, it's crucial that they feel comfortable. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, plush material that is comfortable against their back and tummy and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Also, consider a seat that is easy to alter as your child grows.

A seat with many special features can be more expensive but also easier to use. This is why we take into consideration factors like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, because an extremely heavy or bulky seat can strain your biceps while you move 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. It's usually found in expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this extra safety measure.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. This usually happens around the age of 2 or 3. You should also consider convertible infant car seats that converts to an adult seat. This option gives you a bit more flexibility when you drive and is great for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona, which incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller into one unit. It's perfect for parents who are constantly moving around, particularly those who use public transport to commute to work or to school. It's also simple to install. Our experts who tested it have praised its simplicity of use with the one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also commented on how small the seat is, which is a must for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major advantage for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best car seats for newborns uk infant car seats come with features that make it simple to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows the best infant car seats come with convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with a minimum of hassle. Other important aspects to consider is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleaning easier) and if it features a canopy that can be useful in the car and attached to a stroller.

A feature on the base could save you much time and headaches. It will let you know when it has been installed correctly. The line should be parallel to the ground and is located on the base. This is especially useful in the event that you will change the car seat frequently, or when your child will be traveling with you and you have to connect it to taxis or Ubers.

Another useful feature is the ability to attach an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping bundle of joy from the car to the store or on errands without having to wrestle with a separate carrier. This is an essential feature for parents trying to get back to normal following a long trip or commute with a child.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat with an increased weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.

All car seats sold in America must conform to federal safety regulations however that doesn't mean that they are all to be the same. Some have premium features that go beyond, like load legs that support the car seat's base for additional stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Some additional features can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, making you as a parent happier and more secure.