Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. From extra padding to a padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without needing to rethread the seat, our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate.
When deciding on our top picks, we considered factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, special features and price. Find out which infant seat is right for you and your family by reading on.
Safety
All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Certain seats have additional features that are above and 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 is equipped with, the better, according the experts I spoke with.
The more comfortable a car seat is for users and the more likely parents will be to use it properly, which can reduce the risk of injury to their child in the event of a crash. This is particularly important for an infant car seat since it's only designed for a short period of time. Look for a model with a bubble indicator and an adjustable foot with a spring for making it easy to level the seat. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click in and out of the car.
Other top features that some car seat makers offer include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. These are wonderful but remember that a safe car seat is just as secure as the car you're driving in. Go through the owner's manual for tips on how to secure your infant seat and to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.
When you're choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll only be in a position to use it for around 2 years until your child is old enough to switch to an convertible car seat. best car seat newborn choose to skip the infant car seat completely and choose to purchase convertible cars that has a higher weight and height limit. When buying an infant car seat, be sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your vehicle and try different models before settling. Then, you can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your car and has convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's the most important factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.
Easy of Use
If you're planning to use the seat in a single car or moving it among several, you want an infant car seat that is simple to set up and remove from the base. You should look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth operation. Also, consider how it is easy to alter the car seat as your baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.
A great feature that many infant seats come with is a load leg, that acts as a brace between the base of the seat and the car's floor, providing extra stability in the event of a crash. It's a vital feature to have if you own an older car, as the risk of injury to the head in a crash is greater when a child is seated close to the floor, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.
Other features that are premium can enhance the baby car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from spinning during a crash. The latter has been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a great option for those with a tight budget who want an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a number of premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat received an outstanding rating by safety experts for children. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extendable canopy with magnets that ensure full coverage.
A seat that can be easily installed with a lapbelt and without the necessity of an additional base is a different option. This is a great option for parents who are planning to use Uber or taxi rides, as it eliminates the need to go back to the car each time to replace a seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example include a strong LATCH that's built into the bottom of their seats, making them quick and easy to put in. It can also be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into a highback booster or belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). It's a great option for families on a tight budget.
Comfort
It is essential that your child is comfortable in their car seat, especially if they are there for a long period of time. This 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. Choose a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow, as well.
While a car seat with many special features may cost more but they're also generally easier to use. That's why we look at aspects like a single-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also look at the weight and dimensions of the seat, since an extremely heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps when you carry it in and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.
A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash, is another good choice. It's usually found in more expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly choices that have this additional safety feature.
Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat is suitable for your child once they reach their peak growth stage typically between the ages of two and three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be transformed into a toddler seat. This gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families who frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our testers were impressed with the Doona that combines the car seat of an infant and a stroller all in one unit. It's a great choice for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school on public transportation. It's also easy to install and our testers were impressed with the ease of use of the latch that is one-handed and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also commented on how small the seat is, which is a must for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemical which is a major bonus for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.
Convenience
The best infant car seats are simple to use. The most comfortable infant car seats come with features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important aspects to consider is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleaning easier) and if it has a canopy, which is useful both inside the car and attached to a stroller.
One feature that might not be a big deal but can save you a lot of headache is an indicator on the base that informs you that it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to the ground and should be located on the base. It's particularly useful when you'll be switching the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if you intend to travel with your baby and require the seat in Ubers or taxis.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it simple to carry your baby to the store or for running errands. It's not necessary to carry the hassle of a separate car seat. This could be an essential feature for parents who are looking to return to normal after a long trip or commute with a child.
If you anticipate your baby to grow quickly, choose a car seat designed for infants with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.
While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it doesn't mean that all seats are made equal. Some come with features that go beyond, such as load legs that support the car seat's base for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other extras, such as the no-rethread harness or an extendable canopy, could help create a more relaxing ride for your child and help you become a more relaxed and more confident parent.