Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet the federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate, including extra padding, a cushioned inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no need for rethreading.

In deciding which of our top picks, we took into consideration factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, special features, and price. Find out the Best Infant seat - botdb.Win, for your family by reading.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats have extra features that go above the minimum standards. These can include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that hold the straps and more. According to the experts I spoke to the more features a seat comes with, the better.

The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This will reduce their child’s risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are intended to be used for a short time. Look for a model that's easy to install with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to ensure that the seat level. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.

Other top features that some car seat manufacturers provide include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. Remember that even though these features are wonderful, a car seat's safety is only as good as the car that you use to drive. Check out the car's owner's manual to learn 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 seat, keep in mind that you will only be able to use it for about 2 years before your child is ready to move to a convertible seat. That's why some families opt to not use an infant car seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher height and weight limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test various models before settling. You can then ensure that the seat is safe for the child, fits in your car, and has convenient features like converting to a stroller. Also, make sure to check for recalls before making the purchase. It's the most critical factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

Whether you'll be using the seat in one vehicle or transferring it between several, you want an infant car seat that is easy to put in and remove from the base. You should look for clear instructions on installation and a simple mechanism. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the high-quality materials that are used.

Some infant seats have a load leg. This is a brace that provides support between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor that provides additional stability in the event of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older vehicle, because the risk of a head injury is greater if the child is too close to the floor.

Other premium features can improve the experience of infants in car seats. These include a non harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been proven to decrease the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seat with a few key premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has earned an excellent 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 ensure complete coverage.

Another thing to look out for is the type of seat that can be put in with just a lap belt and does not require the base. This is a good 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 install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for instance include a strong LATCH that's built into the bottom of their seats making them easy and easy to put in. It can also be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into an highback booster or a belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's an excellent choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child feels comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're in the seat for a long time. This means padded shoulder straps as well as soft fabrics that 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 usually more expensive, but is also easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we take into consideration aspects like a single-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors, and no rethread harness. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight since a heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps while you carry it into and out of your car, or in between cars.

Another good choice is a seat that has the load-leg, a security feature which helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's typically found in more expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly choices that have this additional safety feature.

Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat is safe for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt typically at around the age of two or three. It's also worth looking at convertible infant car seats that can be converted into a toddler seat. This option gives you more flexibility in your vehicle and is great for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.

Our test participants were impressed with the Doona that combines the car seat of an infant and a stroller all in one piece. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It is also easy to put in. Our expert testers appreciated its user-friendlyness and its one-handed latching mechanism and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also remarked how the seat is compact and is an essential for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemical, which is a big benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are easy to use. The most effective infant car seats are equipped with features that make it easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to facilitate cleaning) and whether it has a canopy. This is helpful in the car as well as on the stroller.

One feature that might not be a big deal but can save you a lot of trouble is an indicator on the base that will let you know whether it's been put in place correctly. This line is located on the base's side 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 seats by age seat often or the baby will be traveling with you and you'll need to set it up in taxis or Ubers.

Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to attach an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, making it easier to carry your sleeping infant from the car to the grocery store or out on errands, without having to lug around an additional carrier. This could be a life-changing option for parents who are looking to return to normal after a long trip or commute with a child.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, select a car seat for infants that has an increased 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 meet the safety standards of the federal government, but that does not mean that they're all in the same way. Certain seats come with additional features, such as load legs that brace the base of a car seat to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of sustaining head injuries from crashes. Certain extras can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, and you as a parent happier and more secure.