Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However some seats 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 our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will appreciate.

We considered factors like weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features, and price when selecting our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat swivel car seat available on the market must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats come with extra features that go above the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated strap-holding sides, and so on. The more features a car seat comes with, the better, according to experts I spoke to.

The more comfortable a car seat is for users, the more likely parents are to use it in a safe manner and reduce their child's risk of injury in a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are only designed to be used for a limited period of time. Choose a model that's easy to install, with an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat in a perfect position. Make sure that the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.

Some car seat manufacturers offer high-end features like a no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. These are fantastic however, don't forget that the safety of your car seat is only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. You can find tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your child's car seat and find out more about the vehicle's safety features.

When selecting an infant seat, remember that you will only be able use it for a period of about two years before your child is old enough to move to an convertible seat. This is why some families choose to not use an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which has greater height and weight limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try several models before settling. Then, you can make sure the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your car, and comes with convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Also, make sure to look for recalls prior to making an purchase. It's essential to ensure the safety of your child on the road.

Easy of Use

If you're planning to use the seat in one car or transferring it between several, you want an infant car seat that is easy to put in and remove from the base. It is important to look for clear installation instructions and a smooth mechanism. Also, think about how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats have is a load leg, which serves as an extra brace between the seat's base and the vehicle floor to offer additional stability in the event of a crash. It's an especially important feature for those who drive an older vehicle, since 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 high-end features can enhance the infant car seat experience. These include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from spinning during a crash. The latter has been shown to lower the risk of head injury by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a fantastic choice for those with a tight budget who want a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has been awarded an excellent rating from safety experts for children and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, plus an extendable canopy that is secured with magnets to provide full coverage.

A seat that is easily installed using only a lapbelt, and without the need for an additional base is a different option. That's ideal for parents who plan to use 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 instance include a strong LATCH that's built into the bottom of their seats which makes them fast and easy to install. It can also be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to an highback booster or a backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). This is a great option if you're on a budget.

Comfort

It's important that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long time. This includes padded shoulder straps as well as soft fabrics that feel snug against their stomachs or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Choose a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow as well.

While a seat with many special features may cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. This is why we take into consideration things like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also take into consideration the weight and dimensions of the seat, because an extremely heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps as you move it in and out of your vehicle or in between vehicles.

A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash is an additional option. This safety feature is typically only available in high-end seats, however there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll need to ensure that the seat will still be suitable for your child once they reach their maximum growth spurt typically at around the age of two or three. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat that can be converted into an adult car seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is ideal for families who often change vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona that incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller into one unit. It's the perfect pick 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 experts who tested it appreciated the ease of using the one-handed latch system and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also noted that the seat is compact, which is important for those with a limited trunk room. Plus, it's free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major bonus for those who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. The most comfortable infant car seats are equipped with convenience features that make it easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Check if the seat is able to be cleaned by machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is helpful in the car as well as on the stroller.

One thing that may not be a big thing, but could save you a lot of hassle is a meter on the base that will let you know that it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to the ground and should be located on the base. It can be particularly helpful if you're going to be switching the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if you plan to travel with your baby and you'll need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easy to carry your baby to the store or to run the errands. It's not necessary to worry about a separate carrier. This can be a huge advantage for new parents looking to get back to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with a newborn.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, select an infant car seat with a higher weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it does not mean that all car seats are made equal. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that brace the base of a car seat to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of head injuries from crashes. Other features, like a harness that is not rethread and an extendable canopy, can also make for an easier ride for your child and help you be a happier, more confident parent.