Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, a few go above and beyond. From extra padding to baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no needing to rethread our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate.

We considered factors like weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features, and price when choosing our top choices. Find out the best infant seat, please click the next page, for your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats come with additional features that go beyond the minimum requirements. These can include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that hold the straps and more. According to the experts I spoke to, the more features a chair includes, the are more efficient.

The more intuitive the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This can reduce the risk of injury to their child in a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are only intended to be used for a limited period of time. Find a seat that is easy to install with an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat level. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.

Other top features that some car seat manufacturers offer are a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. These are fantastic, but don't forget that the safety of your car seat is still only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for tips on how to properly secure your infant seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When you are choosing an infant car seat, be aware that you will only be able to use it for about 2 years before your child is old enough 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 height and weight limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your car and try a few models before choosing one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car, and comes with useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls prior to making the purchase. It's crucial to ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

Whether you'll be using the seat in a single car or transferring it between several, you want an infant car seat that is easy to put in and remove from the base. Look for clearly labeled installation guides as well as an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Also, consider how it is simple to adjust the car seat as baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.

One of the best features that infant car seat cheap seats come with is a load leg which acts as an extra brace between the seat's base and car's floor, 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 infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium can enhance the baby car seat experience. They include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that helps keep the seat from bouncing during a crash. The latter has been proven by research to decrease the risk of head injuries by as much as 43%. The Evenflo LiteMax is a great option for those on a limited budget looking for an ARC-certified car seat inserts for newborns seat and comes with a number of premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat received an outstanding rating by safety experts for children. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with lapbelts and does not require the requirement for a base is another option. This is ideal for parents who are planning to take Uber or taxi rides, as it eliminates the need to go back to the car every time to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that is built into the bottom of their seats, making them quick and easy to install. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds) or forward facing infant car seat-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and can be converted into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. This is a great option if you're on a budget.

Comfort

It's important that your baby feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that is soft against their tummy and back and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Also, look for a seat you can easily adjust as your child gets older.

A seat that has many unique features is usually more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we look at factors such as a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and harness that doesn't rethread. We also take into consideration the weight and dimensions of the seat, since an extremely heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps as you move it to and from your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash is an additional option. It's usually found in more expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this safety feature.

Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat will remain safe for your child when they reach their highest growth stage typically around age two or three. It's also worth considering convertible infant car seats that can be converted into an adult seat. This will allow you a bit more flexibility in your car and is ideal for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller into one unit. It's a great option for parents who are always in motion, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or go to school. It's also easy to put in and our testers appreciated the ease of using the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also remarked how compact the seat is, which is a must for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical, which is a big bonus for parents who are concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make it easy to use. The best infant car seats are equipped with features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important aspects to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it has a canopy, which is handy both inside the newborn car seat insert and also attached to a stroller.

A feature on the base can save you much time and headaches. It lets you know if it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to ground and is located on the base. This is particularly useful in the event that you will change the car seat frequently, or if your baby will be traveling with you and you'll need to connect it to taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it simple to transport your sleeping bundle to the store, or to run around. You don't have to carry a separate carrier. This could be a game changer for parents with newborns who want to return to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with a baby.

If you expect your child to grow rapidly opt for the car seat for infants that have a greater weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in America must conform to federal safety standards however that doesn't mean they are all created in the same way. Some have premium features that go above and beyond, like load legs that support the base of the car seat for added stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other extras, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, can also make for a more comfortable ride for your baby and allow you to be a happier, more confident parent.