Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats conform to federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. From extra padding to a padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without rethreading the seat, our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will appreciate.

In deciding which of our top choices, we looked at factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, special features and prices. Find out which infant seat is right for you and your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. These include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps, and more. The more features a car seat comes with, the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.

The more comfortable a car seat is for users and the more likely parents are to use it in a safe manner, which can reduce the chance of injuries to their child in a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are meant to be used for a short duration. Find a seat that is easy to install, with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat in a perfect position. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a strap that doesn't need to be rethread as well as magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. These are fantastic, but don't forget that a Safe & Stylish Baby Car Seats for Every Family car seat is still only as secure as the car you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual for tips on how to 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, bear in mind that you'll likely only be in a position to use it for about 2 years until your child is ready to move to an convertible car seat. That's why some families opt to leave out an infant car seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has greater height and weight limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat that swivels car seat, be sure to take into account the dimensions of your car and try out a variety of models in person prior to making a decision on one. You can then make sure that the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit inside your car and comes with useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's the most critical aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy to Use

You're looking for a car seats for your baby that is easy to attach and take off from the base, whether you plan to use it in just one vehicle or move it between multiple. Look for clear installation instructions and a smooth mechanism. Also, think about how easy it is to alter the car seat as your baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

A great feature that many infant seats come with is a load leg, which serves as an extra brace between the seat's base and the car's floor, providing extra stability in the event of a crash. It's a vital feature for those who drive an older vehicle, as the risk of head injury during a crash is much higher when an infant is seated near to the ground, as per research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other high-end features can enhance the experience of infants in car seats. They include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from spinning during a crash. This has been proven by research to decrease the risk for head injuries by up to 43%. The Evenflo LiteMax is a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget looking for a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a number of high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has received an outstanding rating from safety experts for children and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline settings, as well as an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets to provide full coverage.

Another thing to look for is an infant seat that can be installed using a lap belt and does not require the base. This is a great option for parents who plan to use Uber or taxi rides since it doesn't require them to go back to the car every time to put in a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example, have a rigid LATCH that's built into the seat's bottom making them easy and easy to put in. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and can be converted into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. It's a great option for families with a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in a car seat for extended periods of time, it's crucial that they feel comfortable. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded, plush fabric to feel cozy against their tummy or back, and a growing headrest. Also, consider a seat that is easy to alter as your child grows.

A seat that has many unique features is often more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. That's why we look at aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also look at the weight and size of the seat, because the weight or size of the seat can put stress on your biceps while you carry it in and out of your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

Another good choice is a seat with a load-leg, a safety feature which aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. This additional safety feature is typically only available in high-end seats, however there are a few affordable models that come with it.

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. This typically occurs around age two or 3. It's also worth looking at convertible infant car seats that converts to an adult car seat. This will allow you more flexibility when you drive and is ideal for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona that combines the car seat of an infant and a stroller into one package. It's ideal for parents who are always on the move, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or to school. It is also easy to put in. Our experts who tested it have praised its simplicity of use and its one-handed latching system and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted how compact the seat is it is essential for those with a limited trunk space. Additionally, it's free of harmful chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows, the best infant car seats have convenience features that help parents get into and out with minimum of hassle. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to simplify cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on the stroller.

One thing that might not be a big difference but can save you a lot of trouble is an indicator on the base that lets you know when it's been installed 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 useful when you're going to be changing the car seat often or if your baby will be traveling with you and you'll need to install it in taxis or Ubers.

Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to attach a compatible stroller directly to the infant Maxi-Cosi Mica i-Size 360 Swivel Car Seat: Ultimate Safety and Comfort seat, which makes it easier to transport your baby's infant from the car to the store or on errands without the need to carry the separate baby carrier. This can be a great advantage for new parents who want to get back to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with their newborn.

If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat that has a higher weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat in use for longer.

All car seats sold in America must conform to federal safety standards However, that doesn't mean that they are all equal. Some come with features that go above and beyond, including load legs that anchor the base of the car seat for additional stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other extras, such as a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, can help create a more relaxing ride for your child and help you to be a happier, more confident parent.