Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of 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.

In deciding which of our top picks, we considered factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, features and price. Find out the best car seats newborn infant seat for your family by reading.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must be in compliance with federal safety standards. However, some seats come with extra features that go above the minimum standards. These can include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that support the straps and more. The more features a car seat has the better, according the experts I spoke with.

The more intuitive the car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This will reduce the risk of injury to their child during a crash. This is especially true for an infant seat, since it's only designed for a short period of time. Choose a model that has bubble indicators and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easier to adjust the seat. Make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as the no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips that carry the seat. Remember that even though these features are great, a car seat's safety is only dependent on the vehicle in which you drive. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for tips on how to properly ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. 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 old enough to move to a convertible car seat. This is the reason why some families decide to skip an infant seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which is more spacious and has higher weight and height limits. When buying an infant car seat for newborn seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before making a decision. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits in your vehicle and comes with useful features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. And, don't forget to check for recalls before making the purchase. It's the most crucial factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

User-Friendliness

You're looking for a car seats for your baby that is easy to attach and remove from the base regardless of whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or transfer it between multiple. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your lightweight baby car seat grows and the quality materials used.

Some infant seats have a load leg. This is a brace that provides support between the seat base and the vehicle's floor and provides extra security in the event of a collision. It's an especially important feature for those who drive an older vehicle, as the risk of head injury in a crash is greater when a baby is seated near to the ground, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Other high-end features can enhance the baby car seat experience. These include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown to decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat that has several key features that are premium, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an outstanding rating by child-passenger safety experts. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extendable canopy with magnets that ensure full coverage.

Another thing to look for is the type of seat that can be put in with just the lap belt, and does not require the base. This is ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require an extra trip back and forth to the car to install a different seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the counterpart TRIV travel system feature a sturdy LATCH system that's integrated into the bottom of the seat making it quick and easy to install in any car. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also converts into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. It's a great choice for families with a limited budget.

Comfort

It's important that your baby is comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're in the seat for a long period of time. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, plush material that is comfortable against their tummy and back and a headrest that expands with them to support their growing body. Also, consider a seat that is easy to adjust as your child grows.

A seat with many special features can be more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. This is why we take into consideration things like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight, since the weight or bulk of a seat can add stress to your biceps as you carry it in and out of your car, or in between cars.

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

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat will still be safe for your child after they reach their highest growth stage, which is usually at around the age of two or three. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be converted into a toddler seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is ideal for families who frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona that incorporates a car seat inserts for newborns seat for infants and stroller into one unit. It's a great choice for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school on public transport. It's also simple to set up, and our expert testers were impressed with the ease of use of the latch with one hand and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also commented on how compact the seat is, which is a must for those who have a small trunk space. Additionally, it's free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's health and environment.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are easy to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows, the top infant car seats include convenience features to help parents get into and out with a minimum of fuss. Consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to simplify cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is helpful both in the car and on a stroller.

A feature on the base could save you a great deal of time and headaches. It shows you when it's been put in place correctly. The line should be parallel to the ground and is situated on the base. This is especially useful if you are going to change the car seat frequently or when your child will be traveling with you and you need to set it up in Ubers or taxis.

Another benefit is the ability to connect an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it easier to carry your sleeping bundle of joy from the car to the store or out for errands without having to wrestle with an additional carrier. This could be a life-changing feature for parents who are looking to return to normal after a lengthy trip or a commute with a child.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, select an infant car seat that has a higher weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat 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 seats have extra features, such as load legs that support a car seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injuries in crashes. Other features, like a no-rethread harness and an extended canopy, can also make for an easier ride for your child and help you be a happier and more confident parent.