Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will love with additional padding, a padded inlay for infants, 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 infant seat for your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. But some of the seats have extra features that are beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in, strap-holding sides, and much more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a seat comes with, the are more efficient.

The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This 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 limited duration. Look for a model with an indicator that bubbles and an adjustable foot with a spring to make it easy to level the seat. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

Other premium features that some car seat manufacturers offer are the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. These are great however, don't forget that the safety of your car seat is just as secure as the car you're driving in. You can find helpful tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your infant's car seat and find out more about the vehicle's safety features.

When you are choosing an infant car seat, be aware that you will only be able use it for approximately 2 years before your child is ready to transition to an convertible seat. This is the reason why some families decide to skip an infant car seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has higher weight and height limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try a few models in person before committing to one. You can then ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits inside your car, and has convenient features like converting to a stroller. And, don't forget to verify recalls prior making the purchase. It's the most crucial aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy to Use

Whether you'll be using the seat in one car seat for newborn or transferring it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is simple to set up and remove from the base. You should look for clear installation instructions and a smooth mechanism. Also, think about how it is simple to alter the car seat as your baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats have a load leg. This is a brace that provides support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle, providing extra security in the event of a collision. It's a vital feature for those who drive an older car, as the risk of injury to the head during a crash is much higher when an infant is sitting close to the ground, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features can improve the experience of infants in car seats. These include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that helps stop the seat from bouncing during a crash. This has been proven by research to reduce the risk for head injuries by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a limited budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seat with several key features that are premium I highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was awarded an excellent rating by safety experts for children. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure full coverage.

Another thing to look for is the type of seat that is able to be set up by the lap belt, and doesn't require the use of the base. This is ideal for parents who are planning to use Uber or taxi rides because it eliminates the need to return to the car each time to install a new seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the equivalent TRIV travel system come with a rigid LATCH system that's integrated into the seat's bottom, making it quick and simple to install in any vehicle. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds), and it converts into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. It's a great choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

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

A seat with many special features is often more expensive, but it is also simpler 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 consider dimensions and weight since a heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps as you carry it into and out of your car or moving between cars.

A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash, is an alternative. This extra safety feature is usually found in expensive seats however there are a few affordable models that include it.

The weight and height limits are also important. You'll need to make sure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens around the age of 2 or 3. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be converted into a toddler's car seat. This option will give you a bit more flexibility when you drive and is great for families who frequently switch vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which combines car seats for an infant and a stroller in one piece. It's the perfect pick for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school by public transport. It is also easy to install. Our testers who were experts in the field have praised its simplicity of use with the one-handed latching mechanism and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers noted that the seat is compact, which is important for those with limited trunk room. Additionally, it's free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seat cheap car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are soft 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 minimum of fuss. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be washed by a machine (to facilitate cleaning) and whether it has a canopy. This is helpful in the car as well as on the stroller.

A feature on the base could save you lots of time and headaches. It shows you when it has been installed correctly. This line is located on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground after you've completed. It's especially useful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat frequently, or if plan to travel with your child and need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easier to take your baby to the supermarket or to run errands. It's not necessary to struggle with an additional carrier. This could be a game changer for new parents who want to return to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with a newborn.

If you are expecting your child to grow rapidly pick the car seat for infants 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 equal. Some have premium features that go above and beyond, such as load legs that anchor the base of the car seat to provide extra stability, and anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. A few additional features can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.