best car seats for newborns Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However, some go beyond. From extra padding to a padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without rethreading our best car seats for infants of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will love.

We looked at factors such as weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and price when choosing our top picks. Read on to see which infant car seat is suitable for your family.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. Some seats come with extra features above and 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 includes, the are more efficient.

The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This will reduce the risk of injury to their child in an accident. This is especially important with an infant seat, since it's only designed for only a brief period of time. Look for a model that's easy to install, with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat level. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as the no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for the seat. These are fantastic but remember that a safe car seat is only as secure as the car you're driving in. Go through the owner's manual for advice on how to properly secure your infant's seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll likely only be allowed to use it for about two years before your child is ready to switch to an convertible car seat. Some families opt to not use the infant car seat newborn seat altogether and choose to purchase a convertible car that has an increased weight and height limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test various models before settling. Then, you can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits well in your car, and comes with convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Don't forget to check for recalls before making a purchase. It's the most critical aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Ease of Use

If you're using the seat in one vehicle or transferring it between several, you want an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. Look for clear instructions on installation and a smooth operation. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the high-quality materials used.

A great feature that many infant seats include is a load leg that acts as an extra brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle's floor to provide additional stability in the event of a crash. It's an especially important feature to have if you own an older vehicle, as the risk of injury to the head during a crash is much higher when a child is sitting close to the floor, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features can improve the baby car seat experience. They include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that can help stop the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been proven by research to reduce the chance of head injuries by as much as 43%. The Evenflo LiteMax is a great choice for those on a limited 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 received an excellent rating from child-passenger safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions as well as an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets to ensure complete coverage.

A seat that is easily installed using only a lapbelt and without the need for the base is an alternative. This is a great option for parents who are planning to take Uber or taxi rides as it eliminates the need to return to the car each time to replace a seat. For instance, the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its counterpart TRIV travel system feature a sturdy LATCH system that's integrated into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to put in any vehicle. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and can be converted into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great option when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in the car seat for a long period of time, it's essential that they feel safe. This means padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels cozy against their tummy or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child gets older.

A car seat with a variety of features is often more expensive, but is also easier to use. This is why we take into consideration factors like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight, since a heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps while you carry it in and out of your car, or in between cars.

Another option is a seat that has a load-leg, a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. This safety feature is usually available in high-end seats, however there are a few affordable models that include it.

The weight and height limits are also important. You'll want to make sure that the seat will still be safe for your child after they reach their peak growth stage typically between the ages of two and three. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be converted into a toddler seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which combines an infant car seat and stroller into one. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school by public transport. It's also simple to install. Our experts who tested it praised its ease of use with the one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also commented on how the seat is compact it is essential for those with limited trunk space. Additionally, it's 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 car seat for newborn uk infant seats have features that make them easy to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows the top infant car seat rear facing car seats come with convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with minimum of fuss. Other important things to consider are whether the seat is machine washable (to help with cleaning) and if it has a canopy, which can be handy both inside the car and attached to the stroller.

A feature on the base can save you lots of time and headaches. It shows you when it has been installed correctly. This line should be parallel to the ground and should be situated on the base. This is especially helpful in the event that you will be changing the car seat often or the baby will be traveling with you and you need to connect it to Ubers or taxis.

Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to connect a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it much easier to transport your baby's child from the car to the store or on errands without having to lug around an additional carrier. This could be a great advantage for new parents looking to return to their normal routine after an exhausting commute or outing with their newborn.

If you anticipate your baby to grow quickly, choose a car seat designed for babies with a higher weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat in use longer.

All car seats sold in the United States must comply with the safety standards of the federal government However, that doesn't mean that they're all in the same way. Certain seats come with additional features, like load legs that support a car seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of sustaining head injuries during crashes. A few extras can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, and make you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.