Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate with extra padding, a cushioned inlay for babies 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 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 federal safety standards. Certain seats have additional features that go beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated strap-holding sides, and much more. According to the experts I spoke to the more features a seat comes with, the are more efficient.
The more intuitive a car seat is, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This will reduce the risk of injury to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially true for an infant car seat since it's only designed for a short period of time. Choose a model that has bubble indicators and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easier to set the seat. Make sure that the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.
Other features that top-quality car seat manufacturers provide include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are wonderful the safety of a car seat is only dependent on the vehicle that you use to drive. You can find tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your child's car seat and learn more about the safety features.
When choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able to use it for approximately 2 years, until your child is old enough to switch to a convertible car seat. Some families choose to skip the infant seat altogether and choose to purchase a convertible car, which has an increased weight and height limit. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your car and test different models before settling on one. You can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your vehicle and also has useful features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. It's essential to ensure your child's safety on the road.
Easy to Use
If you're planning to use the seat in a single car or transferring it between several, you want an infant car seat that is easy to install and detach from the base. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also, consider how it is simple to alter the car seat as your baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.
Some infant seats include a load leg. It's a brace that acts as a support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle that provides additional security in the event of a collision. It's a vital feature if you drive an older vehicle, since the risk of sustaining head injuries in a crash is higher when an infant is sitting close to the floor, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.
Other top features that enhance the infant car seat user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bar, which will prevent the seat from rebounding in an accident. This has been proven to reduce the risk of head injury by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seats with several key features that are premium I highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has received an outstanding rating from child-passenger safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline settings, plus an extendable canopy that secures with magnets to provide full coverage.
Another thing to look out for is the type of seat that can be installed with just the lap belt and does not require the base. This is ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require a trip back and forth to the car to install a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example include a strong LATCH that is built into the seat's bottom which makes them fast and easy to put in. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and also converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. It's an excellent choice for families on a tight budget.
Comfort
When your baby is stuck in car seats for extended periods of time, it's crucial that they are comfortable. This includes padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels snug against their stomachs or back, and a growing headrest. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child gets older.
While a car seat with many special features may be more expensive, they're also often easier to use. This is why we take into consideration factors like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also consider the weight and dimensions of the seat, because a heavy or large seat can strain your biceps as you carry it in and out of your vehicle or in between vehicles.
Another good choice is a seat that has a load-leg, which is a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. This safety feature is usually found in expensive seats, however there are a few affordable models that come with it.
Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. This typically occurs around the age of 2 or 3. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat that converts to an adult car seat. This option gives you a little more flexibility in your car and is ideal for families who often switch vehicles or travel.
Our testers were impressed with the Doona that combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller into one unit. It's ideal for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or go to school. best car seats for newborns 's also easy to put in, and our expert testers praised the ease of using the one-handed latch system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also commented on how the seat is compact it is essential for those who have a small trunk space. Plus, it's free of harmful chemicals, which is a huge bonus for those who are concerned about their child's health and the environment.
Convenience
The most effective infant car seats are easy to use. The most comfortable infant car seats come with features that make it easy for parents to get into and out of the seat. Other important features to consider are whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it comes with a canopy, which is useful both inside the car and attached to the stroller.
A feature on the base can save a great deal of time and headaches. It lets you know if it has been installed correctly. The line should be parallel to the ground and should be situated on the base. It's especially useful when you'll be switching the car seat between vehicles often, or if you are planning to travel with your child and you'll need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.
Another benefit is the ability to connect an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it easier to carry your sleeping infant from the car to the store or on errands without having to lug around an additional carrier. This is a life-changing feature for parents trying for a way to return to normal after a lengthy trip or a commute with a baby.
If you anticipate your child to grow rapidly pick a car seat for babies 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 all seats are made equal. Certain models have features that go above and beyond, like load legs that anchor the car seat's base for additional stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other features, such as the no-rethread harness or an extendable canopy, could also make for a more relaxing ride for your child and help you to be a happier and more confident parent.