Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, a few are more than others. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will appreciate such as additional padding, a padded inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no Rethreading.

When selecting our top choices, we looked at factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, special features and price. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. However, some seats come with additional features that go above the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in strap-holding sides, and more. According to the experts I spoke to, the more features a seat includes, the better.

The more intuitive a car seat is, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This can reduce the chance of injuries to their child in a crash. This is particularly important for the infant car seat, as it's designed for only a brief period of time. Find a seat that is simple to install and has a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat perfectly level. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.

Other features that top-quality car seat manufacturers offer are the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. These are wonderful but remember that a safe car seat is only as secure as the car you're driving in. Go through the owner's manual to learn how to secure your infant's seat and to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll only be allowed to use it for around two years before your child is ready to move to convertible car seats. Some families opt to not use the infant seat altogether and opt for convertible cars that has a higher weight and height limit. When you are buying an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try several models before settling on one. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for the child, fits in your car, and has convenient features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Also, make sure to check for recalls before making the purchase. It's the most critical aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

You're looking for a car seat for your baby that is easy to attach and remove from the base, whether you intend to use it in one vehicle or move it between several. Look for clearly labeled installation guides and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Also, consider how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats come with a load leg. This is a brace that acts as a support between the seat base and the vehicle's floor that provides additional stability in the event of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you are driving an older vehicle because the chance of a head injury is greater if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other premium features can improve the experience of infants in car seats. These include a non rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that can help stop the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been proven to decrease 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 a few key premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was awarded an excellent rating by experts in child safety. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

A seat that is easily installed using only a lapbelt, and without the need for a base is another option. This is ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require the journey Spiderman Nania High Back Booster for Kids and forth to the car to put in a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for instance, have a rigid LATCH that's built into the seat's bottom, making them quick and easy to put in. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and can be converted into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great choice if you're on a budget.

Comfort

It's crucial that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, especially if they are there for a long period of time. This includes padded shoulder straps as well as soft fabrics that feel comfortable against their stomach or back, and a growing headrest. Also, consider a seat that is easy to adjust as your child grows.

While a seat that has many special features may be more expensive but they're also generally easier to use. This is why we take into consideration things like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also take into consideration the weight and size of the seat, because the weight or size of the seat could strain your biceps when you carry it into and out of your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

Another option is a seat with the load-leg, a security feature which aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in expensive seats but we've seen couple of budget-friendly options that have this safety feature.

Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll want to make sure that the seat will still be safe for your child when they reach their peak growth rate typically around age two or three. It's also worth looking at convertible infant car seats that converts to a toddler seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families that frequently change cars or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona, which is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller into one. It's a great choice for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school via public transportation. It's also easy to install and our testers were impressed with the ease of use of the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted that the seat is compact which is crucial for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical which is a major advantage for parents concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are easy to use. From buckles that are smooth 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 allow parents to get in and out with a minimum of hassle. Other important things to look at is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleanup easier) and if it has a canopy, which is useful both inside the car and also attached to the stroller.

A feature on the base can save lots of time and headaches. It lets you know if it has been installed correctly. This line should be parallel to the ground and should be situated on the base. It's especially useful if you're going to be changing the car seat frequently, or if plan to travel with your child and you'll need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.

Another benefit is the ability to attach a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping infant from the car to the grocery store or on errands without having to wrestle with a separate carrier. This can be a life-changing feature for parents trying for a way to return to normal following a long trip or commute with a child.

If you anticipate your child to grow rapidly pick a car seat for infants with a higher weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat in use longer.

All car seats sold in the United States must comply with the safety standards of the federal government However, that doesn't mean that they are all equal. Some have premium features that go beyond, like load legs that anchor the base of the car seat for added stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. Some additional features can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent happier and more secure.