Best infant car seats best Seat Features

All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However, some go beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will love with extra padding, a cushioned inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no Rethreading.

When deciding on our top picks, we took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, extra features, and price. Find out the best infant seat for you and 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 come with additional features that are beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated strap-holding sides, and more. The more features a car seat comes with, the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be, the more likely parents will be to use it correctly, which can reduce the risk of injury to their child in an accident. This is especially important with an infant seat, since it's only designed for only a brief period of time. Choose a model that has a bubble indicator and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easier to set the seat. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.

Certain car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like the no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. These are great but remember that the safety of your car seat is still only as secure as the car you're driving in. You can find 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 choosing an infant carrier seat seat, remember that you'll only be able use it for a period of about two years before your child is able to transition to an convertible seat. Some families skip the rotating infant car seat seat altogether and choose to purchase convertible cars with a higher weight and height limit. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and test out several models in person before making a decision on one. Then, you can make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car and has handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's essential to ensure the safety of your child on the road.

Simple to Use

You want a car seat for your infant that is easy to attach and take off from the base, whether you intend to use it in a single vehicle or move it between several. Look for clearly labeled installation guides and an operation that is seamless. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials used.

Some infant seats come with a load leg. This is a brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the floor of the vehicle, providing extra stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you are driving an older vehicle because the risk of sustaining a head injury is greater if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other high-end features can enhance the infant car seat experience. They include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that helps stop the seat from bouncing during a crash. The latter has been shown to decrease the risk of 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 that has some of the most important premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat received an outstanding 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 is able to be set up by a lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. That's ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require a return trip to the car to install a new seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the equivalent TRIV travel system come with a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the bottom of the seat, making it quick and simple to install in any vehicle. It can also be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to the 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 if they are there for a long time. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, plush fabric that is soft against their back and stomach and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child grows.

A seat that has many unique features is usually more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we take into consideration things like a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and a no rethread harness. We also consider dimensions and weight since an overly heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps while you carry it into and out of your car, or in between cars.

Another good choice is a seat with the load-leg, a security feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. This safety feature is usually found in expensive seats but there are some affordable models that come with it.

Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll need to make sure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. It usually occurs around the age of 2 or 3. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be converted into a toddler's seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families who frequently change cars or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona which is a combination of a car seat for an infant and a stroller in one package. It's a great choice for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school via public transport. It's also easy to put in and our testers praised the ease of using the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted how the seat is compact, which is a must for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemical which is a major advantage for parents concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant car seats come with features that make it simple to use. The best infant car seats are equipped with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important aspects to consider are whether the seat is machine washable (to help with cleaning) and if it has a canopy, which is useful in the car and also attached to a stroller.

One thing that might not seem like a big thing, but could save you a lot of headache is an indicator on the base that lets you know whether it's been put in place correctly. The line should be parallel to ground and is located on the base. This is especially useful if you are going to change the car seat often or if your baby will be traveling with you and you have to connect it to Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easy to transport your sleeping bundle to the grocery store or for running errands. You don't have to carry a separate carrier. This can be a game changer for new parents looking to get back to their day after an extended commute or a trip with a newborn.

If your baby is likely to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat with more weight and height limit than the one 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 federal safety standards, but that does not mean that they are all to be the same. Certain seats come with additional features, like load legs that brace a car seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of head injuries during crashes. A few accessories can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent feel more comfortable and more secure.