Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant car seats that swivel seats meet the federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will love with additional padding, a padded inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no rethreading.

When deciding on our top picks, we took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features and prices. Find out the best infant car seat in front seat seat - helpful resources - for you and your family by reading.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats come with extra features above and beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated strap-holding sides, and much more. The more features a car seat is equipped with, the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.

The more user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This will reduce the risk of injury to their child during the event of a crash. This is especially true for the infant car seat, as it's only designed to last for an extremely short time. Find a seat that is easy to install, with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help get the seat level. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.

Other features that top-quality car seat makers offer include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are wonderful but the safety of your car seat is only as good infant car seats as the car that you use to drive. Check out the car's owner's manual for advice on how to secure your infant seat and to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.

When selecting an infant seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able to use it for a period of about two years before your child is able to move to a convertible seat. That's why some families opt to not use the infant car seat in front seat car seat and go directly to a convertible seat, which has greater weight and height limits. When buying an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test several models before making a decision. You can then make sure the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car and has convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Also, make sure to check for recalls before making a purchase. It's the most crucial factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

Easy to Use

Whether you'll be using the seat in one car or transferring it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. Look for clear installation instructions and a simple mechanism. Also, consider how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

A great feature that many infant seats have is a load leg, that acts as an extra brace between the seat's base and the car's floor, providing extra stability in the event of collision. This is a crucial feature if you drive an older vehicle, as the risk of sustaining head injuries during a crash is much higher when an infant is sitting close to the floor, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other high-end features can enhance the experience of infants in car seats. These include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that helps keep the seat from bouncing during a crash. The latter has been shown to lower the chance of sustaining head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a fantastic choice for those on a limited budget who want an ARC-certified car seat and has a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat was awarded an exemplary rating by safety experts for children. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets that ensure full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed using only lapbelts and does not require the need for a base is another option. This is ideal for parents who are planning to take Uber or taxi rides because it eliminates the need to return to the car each time to install a new seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its counterpart TRIV travel system feature a rigid LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to put in any car. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and can be converted into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. This is a great choice for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child is comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're in the seat for a long time. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, plush material that is soft against their back and stomach and a headrest that expands with them to support their growing body. Find a seat that is easy to adjust as they get bigger, as well.

A car seat with a variety of features is often more expensive, but is also easier to use. This is why we consider aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also consider the dimensions and weight, as an overly heavy or bulky seat can add stress to your biceps while you carry it in and out of your car, or in between cars.

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

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll need to make sure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. This typically occurs at around the age of two or three. You should also consider a convertible infant car seat that converts to an adult car seat. This option will give you a bit more flexibility in your vehicle and is great for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona which is a combination of car seats for an infant and a stroller in one package. It's a great choice for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school via public transport. It's also easy to install. Our experts who tested it praised its ease of use and its one-handed latching mechanism and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers noted that the seat is small and lightweight, which is essential for those with a limited trunk room. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major bonus for those who are concerned about their child's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically move up as your child grows the top infant car seats include convenience features to help parents get in and out with a minimum of fuss. Consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on a stroller.

A feature on the base can save a great deal of time and headaches. It will let you know when it has been installed correctly. This line should be parallel to the ground and should be situated on the base. This is particularly useful in the event that you will be changing the car seat frequently, or if your baby will be traveling with you and you'll 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 simple to transport your sleeping bundle to the supermarket, or to run the errands. You don't have to worry about a separate carrier. This can be a life-changing feature for parents who are looking to return to normal following a long trip or commute with a baby.

If you expect your child to grow rapidly opt for a car seat for babies with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it does not mean that all car seats are created to be equal. Some come with features that go beyond, such as load legs that anchor the base of the car seat to provide added stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injury in crashes. Other features, like a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, could also make for an easier ride for your baby and allow you become a more relaxed and more confident parent.