Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, some are more than others. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety 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 need for rethreading.

We considered factors like weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and price when choosing our top picks. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet federal safety standards. However, some seats come with additional features that go above the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated, strap-holding sides, and so on. According to the experts I spoke to, the more features a chair includes, the are more efficient.

The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This will lower the risk of injury to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially important with an infant car seat since it's designed 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 keep the seat in a perfect position. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.

Other premium features that some car seat makers offer include the 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 vehicle you're driving in. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant's car seat, and also learn 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 about two years before your child is old enough to switch to convertible car seats. Some families skip the infant seat altogether and opt for a convertible car, which has a higher weight and height limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test out several models in person before choosing one. You can then make sure the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your car and includes useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. And, don't forget to verify recalls prior making a purchase. It's the most critical factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

If you're using the seat in one vehicle or moving it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is simple to put in and remove from the base. It is important to look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth operation. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials that are used.

Some infant seats have the load leg. This is a brace that serves as a support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle, providing extra stability in case of an accident. 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 infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the infant car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and an anti-rebound bar that will prevent the seat from rebounding during a crash. The latter has been proven by research to decrease the chance of head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seat with several key features that are premium I would recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was awarded an outstanding rating by safety experts for children. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extended canopy that has magnets to ensure full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with lapbelts and does not require the necessity of the base is an alternative. This is ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require the trip back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for instance are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that's built into the seat's bottom which makes them fast and easy to put in. It can also be used with a rear facing infant car seat-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds), and it converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. It's a great option for families with a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is stuck in car seats for a long period of time, it's important they are comfortable. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded as well as soft fabrics that feel comfortable against their stomach or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, look for a seat you can easily adjust as your child grows.

While a seat that has a lot of special features might cost more, they're also often easier to use. This is why we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also consider the dimensions and weight, as 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 option is a newborn car seat seat with a load-leg, a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. This extra safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats but there are some budget-friendly models that have it.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat will remain safe for your child after they reach their maximum growth stage typically between the ages of two and three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be transformed into a toddler's seat. This will allow you a little more flexibility in your vehicle and is ideal for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona that combines an infant car seat and stroller into one. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school by public transport. It is also easy to set up. Our experts who tested it praised its ease of use, including the one-handed latching mechanism and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers noted that the seat is incredibly compact which is crucial for those with a limited trunk space. Additionally, it's free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best rotating infant car seat car seats come with features that make them easy to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows, the best infant car seats include convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with a minimum of hassle. Consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to facilitate cleaning) and whether it has a canopy. This is useful both in the car and on the stroller.

One feature that might not be a big difference but can save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that informs you whether it's been put in place correctly. This line is located on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground when you're done. This is especially helpful in the event that you will be changing the car seat often or the baby will be traveling with you and you have to install it in taxis or Ubers.

Another feature that is beneficial is the possibility of attaching a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the supermarket or out on errands, without having to wrestle with the separate baby carrier. This can be a game changer for new parents looking to get back to their normal routine after an exhausting commute or outing with a baby.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat with more weight and height limit than that 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 the safety standards of the federal government, but that does not mean that they're all equal. Certain seats come with additional features, such as load legs that brace the base of a car seat to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injuries from crashes. Other features, like a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, could help create a more relaxing ride for baby and help you be a happier and more secure parent.