Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats have to meet federal safety standards. However some seats go above and beyond. From extra padding to padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no having to rethread the seat, our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will love.

We considered factors like weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and price when choosing our top picks. Find out the best car seats Infant Seat (Qooh.Me) for you and your family by reading on.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must be in compliance with federal safety standards. Certain seats have additional features that go beyond the minimum standards. They could include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that hold the straps, and more. The more features a car seat has the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be it, the more likely parents are to use it properly and reduce the chance of injuries to their child in an accident. This is particularly important for an infant car seats newborn seat since it's designed for a short period of time. Choose a model that has a bubble indicator and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easy to set the seat. Make sure that the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.

Other top features that some car seat manufacturers provide include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. These are fantastic however, don't forget that the safety of your car seat is just as secure as the car you're driving in. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your infant's car seat and learn more about the vehicle's safety features.

When you're choosing an infant car seat, keep 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. Some families choose to skip the infant car seat completely and opt for a convertible car that has greater weight and height limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and test out several models in person prior to making a decision on one. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car, and comes with convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's vital to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy to Use

Whether you'll be using the seat in one vehicle or moving it among several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to put in and remove from the base. Find clearly labeled installation guides and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials used.

Some infant seats come with the load leg. This is a brace that serves as a support between the seat base and the floor of the vehicle and provides extra stability in case of a collision. It's a vital feature for those who drive an older vehicle, as the risk of injury to the head in a crash is greater when a child is seated close to the floor, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Other top features that enhance the user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bar, which can prevent the seat from rebounding in an accident. The latter has been proven to decrease the risk of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those on a limited budget looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and has a few premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat has received an outstanding rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline settings, and an extended canopy that is secured with magnets for full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with just a lapbelt and without the need for a base is another option. This is a great option for parents who intend to use Uber or taxi rides since it doesn't require them to get back in the car each time to put in a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that is built into the bottom of their seats making them easy and simple to install. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and can be converted into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. This is an excellent option when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long period of time. This means padded shoulder straps as well as soft fabrics that feel comfortable against their stomach or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, consider a seat you can easily adjust as your child grows.

While a car seat with lots of features may be more expensive, they're also often easier to use. When evaluating infant car seat we look at things like a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and a no rethread harness. We also take note of dimensions and weight since an overly heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps when you're carrying it into and out of your car or moving between cars.

A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash is an additional option. This extra safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats, however, there are a few affordable models that come with it.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt. This usually happens around age two or 3. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat that converts into an adult seat. This option will give you more flexibility in your vehicle and is ideal for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona that is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller into one unit. It's a great option for parents who are constantly in motion, especially those who use public transport to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to install and our testers praised the ease of using the one-handed latch system and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers noted that the seat is incredibly compact which is crucial for those who have a small trunk room. It's also free of flame retardant chemical, which is a big bonus for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant car seats come with features that make them easy to use. The most effective infant car seats are equipped with features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Check if the seat is able to be washed by a machine (to facilitate cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on a stroller.

One thing that may seem like a small difference but can save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that informs you that it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to the ground and is situated on the base. It's particularly useful when you'll be changing the car seat between vehicles often, or if you plan to travel with your child and need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat cheap car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it simple to carry your baby to the supermarket or to run the errands. You don't have to worry about a separate carrier. This could be a huge advantage for new parents looking to return to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with a newborn.

If you expect your baby to grow quickly, choose the car seat for infants that have a greater weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat in use longer.

All car seats sold in America must meet federal safety standards, but that does not mean that they're all in the same way. Certain seats come with additional features, like load legs that brace the base of a car seat to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of head injuries from crashes. A few accessories can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent are happier and more confident.