Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However some seats go above and beyond. From extra padding to padded newborn car seat inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will appreciate.

We considered factors like weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features, and price when deciding on our top picks. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats offer extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. They could include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that can hold straps, and more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a seat includes, the better.

The more comfortable a car seat is for users and the more likely parents are to use it correctly and decrease their child’s risk of injury in an accident. This is particularly important for an infant car seat travel car seat since it’s only designed to last for only a brief period of time. Choose a model that has an indicator that bubbles and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easier to adjust the seat. Make sure the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips that carry the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are great, a car seat’s safety is only dependent on the vehicle that you use to drive. Check out the car’s owner’s manual to learn how to properly ensure the safety of your infant’s seat as well as to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, be aware that you will only be able to use it for about 2 years before your child is ready to transition to a convertible seat. This is why some families choose to leave out the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible car seat, which has higher weight and height limits. When buying an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before settling on one. You can then ensure that the seat is safe for the child, fits in your vehicle and also has useful features like converting to a stroller. Also, make sure to check for recalls before making the purchase. It’s the most crucial aspect in ensuring your child’s safety on the road.

Ease of Use

You want a car seat for your infant that is easy to connect and take off from the base, regardless of whether you plan to use it in just one vehicle or transfer it between multiple. It is important to look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth operation. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the high-quality materials used.

One of the best features that infant seats include is a load leg that acts as an extra brace between the seat’s base and the vehicle’s floor to provide additional stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it’s particularly important if have an older vehicle, since the likelihood of sustaining a head injury is higher when the child is too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bars, which can prevent the seat from rebounding in an accident. This has been proven by research to decrease the chance of head injuries by up to 43%. “If you’re on a limited budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seats with some of the most important premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax,” says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an outstanding rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extended canopy that has magnets to ensure complete coverage.

Another thing to look for is the type of seat that can be installed by the lap belt and doesn’t require the use of the base. This is a good option for parents who are planning to take Uber or taxi rides, as it eliminates the need to get back in the car every time to install a new seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its counterpart TRIV travel system feature a rigid LATCH system that’s built right into the bottom of the seat making it quick and easy to put in any car. It also can be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to the highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It’s a great choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they’re there for a long time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, a plush fabric that is soft against their tummy and back and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, look for a seat that is easy to adjust as your child grows.

While a seat that has lots of features may be more expensive but they’re also generally easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants, we consider aspects like a single-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn’t rethread. We also take note of dimensions and weight, since an overly heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps as you carry it in and out of your car or moving between cars.

Another good choice is a car seat with a load-leg, a safety feature which helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. This extra safety feature is typically only available in high-end seats, however, there are a few affordable models that include it.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You’ll need to ensure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. This typically occurs around age two or 3. It’s also worth considering convertible infant car seats that converts to an adult seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is ideal for families who often change vehicles or travel.

Our test participants were impressed with the Doona that combines car seats for an infant car seat newborn and a stroller all in one piece. It’s the perfect pick for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It’s also simple to set up and our experts who tested it appreciated the ease of using the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers reported that the seat is small and lightweight, which is essential for those with limited trunk space. It’s also free of harmful chemicals, which is a huge bonus for those who are concerned about their baby’s health and the environment.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are easy to use. The best infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important features to consider is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it has a canopy that can be useful both inside the car and attached to a stroller.

One thing that might not seem like a big thing, but could save you a lot of headache is a meter on the base that informs you whether it’s been put in place correctly. The line is located on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground once you’ve finished. It’s especially useful if you’re going to be changing the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if are planning to travel with your baby and need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.

Another useful feature is the ability to connect a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat making it easier to carry your sleeping infant car seat travel from the car to the supermarket or on errands without having to lug around an additional carrier. This is a life-changing option for parents who are looking to return to normal after a long trip or a commute with a child.

If you are expecting your baby to grow quickly pick the car seat for babies with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it doesn’t mean all seats are created equally. Some come with features that go beyond, including load legs that brace the base of the car seat to provide added stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Certain accessories can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, and you as a parent feel more comfortable and more secure.