Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats have to meet federal safety standards. However some go above. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate, including extra padding, a cushioned inlay for infants, 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.
Safety
All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Certain seats have additional features that go beyond the minimum standards. They could include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that hold the straps and more. The more features a car seat is equipped with, the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.
The more comfortable a car seat is for users, the more likely parents will be to use it properly, which can reduce their child's risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is especially important with the infant car seat, as it's only designed to last for only a brief period of time. Look for a model that's easy to install, with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help keep the seat level. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.
Other premium features that some car seat manufacturers provide include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. These are wonderful however, don't forget that a safe car seat is just as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Go through the owner's manual for tips on how to secure your infant's seat and to learn more about vehicle-specific safety features.
When selecting an infant seat, keep in mind that you will only be able to use it for approximately 2 years before your child is old enough to transition to an convertible seat. That's why some families opt to not use an infant car seats on sale car seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has greater weight and height limits. When buying an infant car seat, be sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test several models before settling on one. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for the child, fits in your car, and has convenient features such as converting it to a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's crucial to ensuring your child's safety on the road.
Easy of Use
You want a car seat for your infant that is easy to attach and remove from the base, whether you intend to use it in a single vehicle or transfer it between multiple. Look for clearly labeled installation guides and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also, think about how easy it is to adjust the car seat as baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.
One of the best car seat for newborn features that infant seats include is a load leg that acts as an extra brace between the seat's base and vehicle floor to offer extra stability in the event of a crash. This is a crucial feature to have if you own an older vehicle, since the risk of injury to the head in a crash is higher when a child is sitting close to the ground, as per research conducted by Consumer Reports.
Other premium features can improve 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 proven by studies to reduce the risk for head injuries by up to 43 percent. “If you're on a limited budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seats with some of the most important premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax,” says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has earned an outstanding rating from child-passenger safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline settings, as well as an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets for full coverage.
A seat that is easily installed using only a lapbelt, and without the need for the base is an alternative. This is ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need the return trip to the car to put in a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example, have a rigid LATCH that's built into the seat's bottom making them easy and easy to put in. It also can be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to a highback booster or belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). This is an excellent option if you're on a budget.
Comfort
It is essential that your child is comfortable in their car seat, particularly when they're there for a long period of time. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded, plush fabric to feel snug against their stomachs or back and a growing headrest. Find an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow as well.
A seat that has many unique features is often more expensive, but is also easier to use. That's why we look at factors like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also pay attention to 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 moving between cars.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7007/1169/maxi-cosi-rodifix-m-i-size-high-back-booster-seat-3-5-12-years-100-150cm-kids-car-seat-g-cell-side-impact-protection-adjustable-height-quick-easy-buckle-up-isofix-car-seat-basic-black-1.jpg)A seat with a load leg – a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash is another good choice. This additional safety feature is usually only available in high-end seats, however there are a few affordable models that come with it.
The weight and height limits are also important. You'll need to make sure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. This usually happens at around the age of two or three. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants which can be transformed into a toddler's car seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families who often change vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects loved the Doona that is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's ideal for parents who are always in motion, especially those who use public transport to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to install and our experts who tested it were impressed with the ease of use of the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers noted that the seat is incredibly compact, which is important for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge bonus for those who are concerned about their child's health and environment.
Convenience
The best infant car seats come with features that make it simple to use. The most effective infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important things to consider are whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy that can be handy both inside the car and also attached to the stroller.
One thing that might not be a big thing, but could save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that will let you know that it's been properly installed. The line is located on the base's side and should be in line with the ground when you're done. This is especially helpful if you are going to be changing the car seat frequently, or when your child will be traveling with you and you need to connect it to taxis or Ubers.
Another benefit is the ability to connect a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat rear facing car seat which makes it easier to transport your baby's child from the car to the grocery store or out on errands, without having to wrestle with an additional carrier. This can be a game changer for parents with newborns who want to return to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with a newborn.
If your baby is likely to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat that has a higher weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.
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. Certain models have features that go above and beyond, like load legs that brace the car seat's base for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Certain additional features can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent are happier and more confident.