Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats conform to the federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate, including extra padding, a padded inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no rethreading.

We looked at factors such as weight (without base), stroller connectivity, special features and price when selecting our top picks. Read on to see which infant car seat is the best car seats newborn fit for your family.

Safety

Every infant car seat uk car seat newborn seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. Some seats offer extra features that are above and beyond the minimum requirements. They could 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 better, according the experts I spoke to.

The more user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely parents will be to use it correctly, which can reduce their child's risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are intended to be used for a short period of time. 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. Make sure that the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

Other features that top-quality car seat makers offer include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are great but the safety of your car seat is only as good as the car that you use to drive. Check out the car's owner's manual for tips on how to properly secure your infant's seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When selecting an infant seat, remember that you'll only be able to use it for about 2 years before your child is able to transition to an convertible seat. That's why some families opt to leave out an infant seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has greater height and weight limits. When buying an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test different models before making a decision. You can then make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car, and comes with handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's the most critical factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

Simple to Use

You're looking for a car seats for your baby that is easy to connect and remove from the base regardless of whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or shift it between multiple. Look for clear installation instructions and a smooth mechanism. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the high-quality materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats include is a load leg that acts as a brace between the seat's base and vehicle floor to offer extra stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older car, since the likelihood of sustaining a head injury is higher if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other high-end features can enhance the baby car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from spinning during a crash. This has been proven by studies to reduce the risk of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat with several key features that are premium, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was awarded an exemplary rating by safety experts for children. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extended canopy that has magnets to ensure full 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 great option for parents who plan to take Uber or taxi rides, as it eliminates the need to go back to the car each time to replace a seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its counterpart TRIV travel system feature an extremely rigid LATCH system integrated into the bottom of the seat, making it quick and simple to install in any car. It also can be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to a highback booster or backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). This is a great choice when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

It's crucial that your baby feels comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're there for a long time. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that is soft against their back and stomach and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, look for a seat that is easy to alter as your child grows.

A seat that has many unique features is usually more expensive but also easier to use. When evaluating infant car seat we look at factors such as a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn't rethread. We also look at the weight and dimensions of the seat, as an extremely heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps while you transport it in and out of your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

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

Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. This typically occurs around the age of 2 or 3. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be transformed into a toddler's seat. This option gives you more flexibility in your vehicle and is perfect for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona that combines a car seat for an infant car seat cheap and a stroller in one piece. It's a great option for parents who are always moving around, particularly those who use public transportation to commute to work or go to school. It's also easy to install and our experts who tested it praised the ease of using the latch with one hand and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers noted that the seat is incredibly compact and lightweight, which is essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned with their baby's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make it simple to use. The best infant car seats are equipped with features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important features to consider is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it features a canopy that can be useful in the car and attached to the stroller.

A feature on the base could save you a great deal of time and headaches. It lets you know if it's been properly installed. This line is on the base's side and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. It's particularly useful when you'll be switching the car seat frequently, or if are planning to travel with your baby and need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it easier to transport your sleeping bundle to the grocery store or for running errands. It's not necessary to worry about an additional carrier. This could be a life-changing option for parents looking to get back to normal after a lengthy trip or commute with a baby.

If you expect your baby to grow quickly opt for a 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 for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean that all seats are made equal. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that brace the base of a car seat to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injuries in crashes. Other extras, such as the no-rethread harness or an extendable canopy, could also make for a more comfortable ride for your child and help you become a more relaxed and more secure parent.