Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, a few go above and beyond. From extra padding to cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without rethreading the seat, our best car seats for newborns of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate.

We considered factors like weight (without base) and stroller connectivity special features and prices when choosing our top picks. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seats cheap car seat available on the market must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats have extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. They could include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that hold the straps, and more. The more features a car seat has, the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke with.

The more intuitive the car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This can reduce the risk of injury to their child during an accident. This is especially true for infant seats, which are meant to be used for a short duration. Look for a model that's easy to install, with an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat level. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car.

Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features such as the no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips that carry the seat. These are wonderful, but don't forget that the safety of your car seat is still only as secure as the car you're driving in. Check out the car's owner's manual for advice on how to secure your infant's seat and to find out more about the specific features of your vehicle. safety features.

When choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll only be in a position to use it for approximately 2 years until your child is ready to switch to a convertible car seat. This is why some families choose to skip an infant car seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has greater height and weight limits. When buying an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before settling on one. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, can fit in your car and includes convenient extras like converting into a stroller. And, don't forget to verify recalls prior making a purchase. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.

Easy of Use

You're looking for a car seat for your baby that is easy to attach and remove from the base whether you plan to use it in one vehicle or shift it between multiple. Find clearly labeled installation guides and an operation that is seamless. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows, and the quality materials used.

Some infant seats have the load leg. This is a brace that serves as a support between the seat's base and the floor of your vehicle and provides extra security in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older vehicle, because the risk of suffering a head injury is higher if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other premium features can improve the baby car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from spinning during a crash. This has been proven to decrease the risk of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a great option for those on a limited budget who want a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a number of premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has earned an excellent rating from child-passenger safety technicians and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions and an extended canopy that can be secured by magnets to ensure complete coverage.

Another thing to look out for is a seat that can be installed by the lap belt, and doesn't require the use of the base. This is ideal for parents who plan to use Uber or taxi rides, as it eliminates the need to return to the car each time to install a new seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its corresponding TRIV travel system have a rigid LATCH system that's integrated into the seat's bottom making it quick and simple to install in any vehicle. It can also be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted to the highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's a great option for families with a limited budget.

Comfort

It's crucial that your baby is comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're there for a long period of time. This means padded straps on their shoulders, a plush fabric that feels cozy against their back and tummy and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Look for an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow, and.

While a seat that has a lot of special features may cost more but they're also generally easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies, we consider factors such as a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn't rethread. We also consider the weight and size of the seat, because a heavy or large seat can strain your biceps when you move it in and out of your vehicle, or even 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. It's usually found in more expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly choices that have this extra safety measure.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure that the seat will remain safe for your child when they reach their highest growth stage usually between the ages of two and three. It's also worth considering convertible infant car seats that can be converted into a toddler seat. This will allow you a bit more flexibility in your car 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 ideal choice for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It's also simple to install. Our experts who tested it have praised its simplicity of use and its one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also remarked how compact the seat is it is essential for those with limited trunk space. Additionally, it's free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's health and environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seats come with features that make it simple 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 things to consider is whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleaning easier) and if it features a canopy, which can be handy both inside the car and attached to a stroller.

One thing that might seem like a small thing, but could save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that informs you whether it's been put in place correctly. This line should be parallel to ground and should be situated on the base. It's especially useful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat frequently, or if intend to travel with your child and you'll need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it easier to carry your baby to the store or for running the errands. You don't have to worry about a separate carrier. This could be a great advantage for parents with newborns who want to get back to their day after an extended commute or a trip with their newborn.

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

All car seats sold in America must conform to the safety standards of the federal government However, that doesn't mean that they are all in the same way. Certain models have features that go beyond, such as load legs that support the base of the car seat to provide additional stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. Certain additional features can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent feel more comfortable and more secure.