Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats conform to the federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. Our best car seats infant of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will love, including extra padding, a cushioned inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no Rethreading.

We considered factors like weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and prices when choosing our top choices. 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 additional features that go above the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated, strap-holding sides, and more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a chair has, they are more efficient.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be, the more likely parents will be to use it correctly, which can reduce the risk of injury to their child 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 simple to install and has a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help get the seat in a perfect position. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.

Other features that top-quality car seat manufacturers provide include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. These are fantastic but remember that a safe car seat just as secure as the car you're driving in. There are tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your infant car seat and learn more about the vehicle's safety features.

When choosing an infant seat, remember that you will only be able use it for a period of about two years before your child is able to move to an convertible seat. Some families opt to not use the infant seat entirely and choose to purchase a convertible car with a higher weight and height limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try a few models in person prior to choosing one. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit inside your car and comes with useful features such as converting it to a stroller. And, don't forget to verify recalls prior making the purchase. It's the most critical factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

Ease of Use

You want a car seat for your baby that is easy to attach and take off from the base, whether you intend to use it in a single vehicle or transfer it between multiple. Look for clear installation instructions and a simple mechanism. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the quality materials used.

One of the best features that infant seats have is a load leg, that acts as an extra brace between the base of the seat and the car's floor, providing extra stability in the event of an accident. This is a crucial feature to have if you own an older vehicle, since the risk of sustaining head injuries during a crash is much higher when a baby is seated near to the floor, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Other top features that improve infant car seat user experience include a harness that is not rethread and anti-rebound bar, which will prevent the seat from bouncing back in an accident. The latter has been proven by studies to reduce the chance of head injuries by as much as 43%. "If you're on a limited budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat newborn seats with a few key premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an outstanding rating by child-passenger safety experts. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extended canopy that has magnets to ensure full coverage.

Another thing to look out for is an infant seat that can be installed using the lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. This is ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require the journey back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its counterpart TRIV travel system feature a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom which makes it fast and easy to put in any newborn car seat insert. It also can be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to the highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's a great option for families with a tight budget.

Comfort

It's crucial that your baby is comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're there for a long time. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that feels cozy against their tummy and back and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can alter as your child grows.

A car seat with a variety of features is often more expensive, but is also easier to use. When evaluating infant car seat we take into consideration factors such as a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors and no rethread harness. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight, since 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.

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 expensive seats, but we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this additional safety feature.

Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. This usually happens around age two or 3. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be transformed into a toddler's car seat. This option will give you more flexibility in your car and is great for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona which combines car seats for an infant and a stroller in one package. It's the perfect pick for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school on public transport. It is also easy to put in. Our experts who tested it have praised its simplicity of use, including the one-handed latching system and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted how the seat is compact it is essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of harmful chemicals, which is a huge advantage for parents who are concerned about their child's health and the environment.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. The most comfortable infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important things to consider are whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to help with cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy that can be handy both inside the car as well as attached to a stroller.

A feature on the base can save you much time and headaches. It shows you when it has been installed correctly. This line should be parallel to ground and should be situated on the base. This is especially useful if you are going to be changing the car seat often or if your baby will be traveling with you and you need to set it up in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it easier to transport your sleeping bundle to the grocery store or for running the errands. You don't need to carry the hassle of a separate car seat. This can be a life-changing option for parents who are looking to get back to normal following a long journey or a long commute with a baby.

If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose a car seat for infants that has an increased weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in America must meet the safety standards of the federal government, but that does not mean that they're all equal. Some have premium features that go above and beyond, like load legs that support the car seat's base for additional stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of injury to the head in crashes. Other features, such as the no-rethread harness or an extendable canopy, can also provide a more comfortable ride for your child and help you be a happier and more secure parent.