Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, some are more than others. Our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate with additional padding, a padded inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no rethreading.

In deciding which of our top picks, we considered factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, special features and price. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet federal safety standards. Some seats come with extra features above and beyond the minimum standards. These can include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps, and more. The more features a car seat is equipped with the better, according the experts I spoke with.

The more user-friendly a car seat can be and the more likely parents will be to use it in a safe manner, which can reduce the chance of injuries to their child in an accident. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are only intended to be used for a limited period of time. Choose a model that has a bubble indicator and an adjustable foot with a spring to make it easy to set the seat. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.

Other premium features that some car seat makers offer include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. Remember that even though these features are wonderful the safety of a car seat is only dependent on the vehicle that you use to drive. There are tips in the owner’s guide on how to secure your child’s car seat and learn more about the car’s safety features.

When you are choosing an infant seat, keep in mind that you will only be able to use it for about 2 years before your child is ready to transition to the convertible seat. That’s why some families opt to leave out the infant car seat and go directly to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher weight and height limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, be sure you consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try different models before settling on one. You can then make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car, and comes with convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It’s the most critical aspect to ensure your child’s safety on the road.

User-Friendliness

If you’re using the seat in one car or moving it between several, you want an infant car seat that is easy to install and detach from the base. It is important to look for clear installation instructions and a smooth operation. Also consider how it is simple to alter the car seat as your baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.

Some infant seats have a load leg. This is a brace that provides support between the seat’s base and the floor of the vehicle that provides additional stability in case of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it’s especially important if you are driving an older vehicle because the risk of a head injury is greater if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the user experience include a harness that is not rethread and an anti-rebound bar that help keep the seat from rebounding during an accident. The latter has been shown by research to decrease the risk for head injuries by as much as 43 percent. “If you’re on a limited budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat with some of the most important premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX,” says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an exemplary rating by experts in child safety. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with just lapbelts and does not require the requirement for the base is an alternative. This is a great option for parents who plan to take Uber or taxi rides as it eliminates the need to go back to the car each time to install a new seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its equivalent TRIV travel system come with an extremely rigid LATCH system integrated into the seat’s bottom, making it quick and easy to install in any car. It also can be used with a 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 with a limited budget.

Comfort

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

While a car seat with a lot of special features may be more expensive however, they are also more convenient to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we look at factors such as a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors, and no rethread harness. We also take note of the dimensions and weight, as the weight or bulk of a seat could put stress on your biceps when you’re carrying it in and out of your car or between cars.

A seat with a load leg – a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash, is an alternative. This extra safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats however, there are a few affordable models that include it.

The limits on height and weight are also important. You’ll want to ensure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This typically occurs around age two or 3. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be transformed into a toddler’s seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families who often change vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which combines car seats for an infant and a stroller in one unit. It’s a great option for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who use public transportation to commute to work or to school. It’s also simple to install. Our expert testers appreciated its user-friendlyness and its one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also noted how the seat is compact and is an essential for those with a limited trunk space. Plus, it’s free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major advantage for parents who are concerned about their child’s health and environment.

Convenience

The best car seat newborn infant seats have features that make it easy to use. The best infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Consider whether the seat can be washed by a machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is beneficial in the car as well as on the stroller.

A feature on the base could save you much time and headaches. It will let you know when it’s been put in place correctly. This line should be parallel to the ground and is located on the base. This is especially useful in the event that you will change the car seat often or when your child will be traveling with you and you have to install it in taxis or Ubers.

Another feature that is beneficial is the possibility of attaching a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it easier to transport your baby’s bundle of joy from the car to the supermarket or out for errands without having to lug around an additional carrier. This could be a great advantage for new parents looking to get back to their normal routine after an exhausting commute or outing with a newborn.

If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose a car seat for infants that has an increased weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat in use for longer.

All car seats sold in the United States must comply with federal safety standards however that doesn’t mean that they’re all to be the same. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that brace the seat’s base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the chance of head injuries during crashes. Certain additional features can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent happier and more confident.