Lawrence Fassbinder

Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, a few exceed the federal safety standards. From extra padding to a baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without needing to rethread, our best car seats for infants of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will love.

When deciding on our top choices, we looked at factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, features and prices. 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. Certain seats have additional features that go beyond the minimum requirements. These 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 includes, the better.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be and the more likely parents are to use it correctly and decrease the chance of injuries to their child in an accident. This is especially true for the infant car seat, as it's only designed for only a brief period of time. Choose a model that has bubble indicators and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easy to level the seat. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

Other premium features that some 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 but the safety of your car seat is only as good as the vehicle that you use to drive. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for advice on how to properly ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, be aware that you'll only be able use it for approximately 2 years before your child is old enough to transition to a convertible seat. This is the reason why some families decide to not use an infant seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which has greater height and weight limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test several models before settling on one. You can ensure that the seat is safe for your child, fits inside your car, and has convenient features such as converting it to a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's the most crucial factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

Easy to Use

You're looking for a car seats for your infant that is simple to attach and take off from the base, regardless of whether you plan to use it in just one vehicle or move it between several. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the quality materials used.

Some infant seats have the load leg. This brace that provides support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle and provides extra stability in case of a collision. It's an especially important feature if you drive an older vehicle, as the risk of sustaining head injuries during a crash is much higher when a child is sitting close to the ground, as per research by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features can improve the baby car seat experience. They include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that helps stop the seat from bouncing in a crash. The latter has been proven by research to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget and looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a number of high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat was awarded an exemplary rating by experts in child safety. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure full coverage.

Another thing to look out for is an infant seat that can be put in with just the lap belt and does not require the base. This is ideal for parents who plan to take Uber or taxi rides as it eliminates the need to go back to the car every time to put in a new seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its corresponding TRIV travel system have an extremely rigid LATCH system integrated into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to install in any car. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children weighing 4-40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and can be converted into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. It's a great choice for families with a limited budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child is comfortable in their car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, a plush fabric that is comfortable against their back and tummy and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child gets older.

While a seat that has a lot of special features may be more expensive however, they are also more convenient to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we take into consideration factors such as a one-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors and harness that doesn't rethread. We also consider dimensions and weight since the weight or bulk of a seat can add stress to your biceps when you're carrying it in and out of your car or moving between cars.

Another good choice is a seat that has a load-leg, a safety feature which helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this extra safety measure.

Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. It usually occurs around age two or 3. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be converted into a toddler seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who often change vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which combines the car seat of an infant car seats best and a stroller in one package. It's the ideal choice for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school via public transportation. It's also simple to set up and our experts who tested it praised the ease of using the latch that is one-handed and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted that the seat is compact which is crucial for those with limited trunk room. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a huge bonus for parents who are concerned with their baby's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are simple to use. The best infant car seat cheap car seats come with features that make it easier for parents to get in and out of the seat. Consider whether the seat can be washed by a machine (to facilitate cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is helpful in the car as well as on a stroller.

One thing that might not seem like a big thing, but could save you a lot of trouble is an indicator on the base that informs you that it's been properly installed. The line should be parallel to the ground and is situated on the base. This is especially helpful when you're going to change the car seat frequently, or the baby will be traveling with you and you need to connect it to Ubers or taxis.

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 supermarket or for running errands. You don't need to worry about a separate carrier. This can be a life-changing option for parents looking for a way to return to normal following a long journey or a long commute with a child.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, select 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 a longer period of time.

All car seats sold in the United States must comply with federal safety standards, but that does not mean that they are all in the same way. Some seats come with extra features, such as load legs that support a car seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the chance of head injuries in crashes. Other features, such as a no-rethread harness and an extended canopy, can help create a more relaxing ride for your child and help you become a more relaxed and more confident parent.