Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some seats go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will love, including additional padding, a padded inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no Rethreading.
In deciding which of our top picks, we took into consideration factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features and price. Find out what infant car seat is best for your family by reading on.
Safety
All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. However, some seats come with extra features that are beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated, strap-holding sides, and more. According to the experts I spoke with, the more features a chair includes, the better.
The more user-friendly a car seat is it, the more likely parents will be to use it correctly and decrease the risk of injury to their child in the event of a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are designed to be used for a short period of time. Look for a model with a bubble indicator and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easier to level the seat. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click into and out of the car.
Other features that top-quality car seat makers offer include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. These are great, but don't forget that a safe car seat is still only as secure as the car you're driving in. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your child's car seat, and also learn more about the car's safety features.
When you are choosing an infant car seat, be aware that you'll only be able use it for a period of about two years before your child is able to transition to a convertible seat. That's why some families opt to not use an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher weight and height limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try a few models in person prior to making a decision on one. You can then ensure that the seat is safe for your child, is a good fit inside your car and also has useful features such as converting it to a stroller. And, don't forget to check for recalls before making the purchase. It's the most crucial factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.
Simple to Use
You're looking for a car seats for your infant that is simple to attach and remove from the base regardless of whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or shift it between multiple. Find clearly labeled installation guides 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 the load leg. This is a brace that acts as a support between the seat's base and the floor of your vehicle, providing extra stability in the event of a collision. It's a vital feature for those who drive an older car, as the risk of head injury in a crash is greater when a child is seated near to the ground, according to research conducted by Consumer Reports.
Other features that are premium and can enhance the user experience include a harness that is not rethread and anti-rebound bar, which help keep the seat from rebounding in a crash. This has been proven to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those on a limited budget who want an ARC-certified car seat and has a few high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has been awarded an outstanding rating from child safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, and an extended canopy that can be secured by magnets to provide full coverage.
Another thing to look for is an infant seat that is able to be set up with just the lap belt, and does not require the base. That's ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require a journey back and forth to the car to install a different seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the corresponding TRIV travel system have a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom which makes it fast and easy to install in any car. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and can be converted into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. This is a great option if you're on a budget.
Comfort
When your baby is in car seats for a long period of time, it's important they feel safe. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that feels cozy against their back and stomach and a headrest that expands with them to support their growing body. Also, look for a seat you can easily alter as your child grows.
A car seat with a variety of features is usually more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. This is why we consider aspects like a single-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also pay attention to the dimensions and weight, as the weight or bulk of a seat could put stress on your biceps while you carry it in and out of your car or between cars.
Another option is a seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in expensive seats but we've seen few budget-friendly options that include this safety feature.
The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll need to ensure that the seat will remain suitable for your child once they reach their highest growth rate usually around age two or three. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat that converts to an adult seat. This option gives you a little more flexibility in your vehicle and is great for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.
newborn car seat insert loved the Doona that combines an infant car seat and stroller into one. It's a great option for parents who are constantly moving around, particularly those who use public transport to commute to work or to school. It's also simple to set up. Our expert testers appreciated its user-friendlyness with the one-handed latching system as well as the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also remarked how small the seat is it is essential for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.
Convenience
The best infant seats have features that make them easy to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows, the top infant car seats have convenience features to help parents get into and out with a minimum of hassle. Check if the seat is able to be cleaned by machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is helpful both in the car and on a 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 when it's been installed correctly. This line is on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground once you've finished. This is especially useful in the event that you will change the car seat often or the baby will be traveling with you and you need to install it in taxis or Ubers.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it simple to carry your baby to the supermarket, or to run the errands. You don't have to carry the hassle of a separate car seat. This is an essential feature for parents looking to get back to normal after a lengthy trip or commute with a baby.
If your baby is likely to grow quickly, select a car seat for infants that has an increased weight and height limit than the one 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 regulations, but that does not mean that they're all to be the same. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that brace the seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injuries from crashes. Some additional features can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.