Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet the federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate with extra padding, a cushioned inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no need for rethreading.

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

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. Certain seats have additional features above and beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in, strap-holding sides, and much more. The more features a car seat is equipped with, the better, according the experts I spoke to.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be and the more likely parents are to use it in a safe manner and reduce their child's risk of injury in a crash. This is especially true for infant seats, which are meant to be used for a limited duration. 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 perfectly level. Also, make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features such as a strap that doesn't need to be rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. These are wonderful however, don't forget that the safety of your car seat is just as secure as the car you're driving in. There are tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant carrier seat car seat and find out more about the car's safety features.

When you're choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll likely only be in a position to use it for around two years before your child is ready to switch to an convertible car seat. This is why some families choose to leave out the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible seat, which has greater weight and height limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your car and try a few models before committing to one. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits well in your car, and comes with useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Also, make sure to check for recalls before making a purchase. It's essential to ensure the safety of your child on the road.

User-Friendliness

You're looking for a car seats for your baby that is simple to attach and take off from the base, regardless of whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or transfer it between several. It is important to look for clear installation instructions and a smooth mechanism. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the quality materials used.

Some infant seats come with the load leg. This brace that acts as a support between the seat base and the floor of the vehicle that provides additional stability in the event of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if are driving an older vehicle because the risk of a head injury is greater if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other top features that enhance the user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bars, which can prevent the seat from bouncing back in a crash. The latter has been shown to decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a great option for those on a limited budget who want a car seat that's ARC-certified and has a few high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has earned an outstanding rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions plus an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets to ensure complete coverage.

Another thing to look for is the type of seat that is able to be set up by the lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. That's ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require the trip back and forth to the car to install a new seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its counterpart TRIV travel system feature a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom, making it quick and easy to install in any car. It can also be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to an highback booster or a belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). This is a great option if you're on a budget.

Comfort

It's crucial that your baby is comfortable in the car seat for newborn seat, particularly when they're there for a long time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, a plush fabric that is soft against their back and stomach and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, consider a seat that is easy to adjust as your child grows.

A car seat with a variety of features can be more expensive but also easier to use. This is why we consider things like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seat best car seats. We also take note of dimensions and weight since an overly heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps while you carry it in and out of your car, or in between cars.

Another option is a car seat with the load-leg, a security feature which aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in more expensive seats but we've seen few budget-friendly options that include this additional safety feature.

The limits on height and weight are also important. You'll want to ensure the seat will still be suitable for your child once they reach their peak growth rate, which is usually between the ages of two and three. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat that converts to an adult car seat. This will allow you a little more flexibility in your car and is ideal for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.

Our test participants were impressed with the Doona that combines the car seat of an infant and a stroller into one unit. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school via public transport. It's also easy to install, and our expert testers were impressed with the ease of use of the latch with one hand and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also remarked how the seat is compact and is an essential for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemical which is a huge bonus for parents who are concerned with their baby's environment and health.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows the best infant car seats come with convenience features that help parents get into and out with a minimum of hassle. Other important aspects to consider is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to help with cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy, which can be useful both inside the car as well as attached to the stroller.

One thing that might not be a big difference but can save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that lets you know when it's been installed correctly. This line should be parallel to the ground and is situated on the base. This is especially helpful when you're going to be changing the car seat often or when your child will be traveling with you and you have to connect it to Ubers or taxis.

Another useful feature is the possibility of attaching an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it much easier to transport your baby's cheap infant car seats from the car to the grocery store or out on errands, without having to lug around a separate carrier. This could be a life-changing feature for parents who are looking to get back to normal following a long trip or a commute with a child.

If you expect your baby to grow quickly pick a car seat designed for babies with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat in use longer.

All car seats sold in America must meet federal safety regulations however that doesn't mean that they're all equal. Certain models have features that go above and beyond, including load legs that support the base of the car seat for additional stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. Certain extras can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.