You'll Never Guess This Best Infant Seat's Tricks

Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. From extra padding to a baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no rethreading the seat, our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love.

We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and price when deciding on our top picks. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading on.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must be in compliance with federal safety standards. Certain seats have additional features above and beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in strap-holding sides, and so on. The more features a car seat is equipped with the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to.

The more intuitive the car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This can reduce the chance of injuries to their child in the event of a crash. This is especially important with the infant car seat, as it's designed for an extremely short time. Choose a model that's easy to install, with an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat in a perfect position. Also, make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

Other premium features that some car seat manufacturers offer are an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. These are fantastic, but don't forget that the safety of your car seat is still only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. There are tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant car seat and learn more about the car's safety features.

When you are choosing an infant car seat for travel seat, keep in mind that you will only be able use it for a period of about two years before your child is able to move to a convertible seat. This is why some families choose to skip the infant car seat and go directly to a convertible seat, which has greater height and weight limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your car and test different models before settling on one. You can then make sure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits in your car and also has useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls prior to making an purchase. It's vital to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Simple to Use

If you're using the seat in a single car or moving it between several, you want an infant car seat that is simple to set up and remove from the base. You should look for clear installation instructions and a simple mechanism. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the high-quality materials that are used.

A great feature that many infant seats have is a load leg that acts as an extra brace between the base of the seat and the car's floor, providing additional stability in the event of a crash. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older vehicle, since the likelihood of sustaining a head injury is greater if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium and can improve infant car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bars, which will prevent the seat from rebounding during an accident. The latter has been proven by studies to reduce the chance of head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat with some of the most important premium features I would recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has been awarded an outstanding rating from child safety technicians 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 can be easily installed with lapbelts and does not require the requirement for a base is another option. This is ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require an extra trip back and forth to the car to install a different seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its corresponding TRIV travel system have an extremely rigid LATCH system integrated into the bottom of the seat, making it quick and simple to install in any car. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) or forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. It's an excellent choice for families with a limited budget.

Comfort

It's important that your baby is comfortable in the car seat, especially if they are there for a long period of time. This means padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels comfortable against their stomach or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, look for a seat that is easy to adjust as your child grows.

While a car seat with a lot of special features might cost more but they're also generally easier to use. When evaluating infant car seat we look at things like a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors and harness that doesn't rethread. We also take into consideration the weight and dimensions of the seat, as the weight or size of the seat can put stress on your biceps when you transport it in and out of your vehicle or between vehicles.

Another good choice is a car seat with a load-leg, which is a safety feature which assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. It's usually found in expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly choices that have this extra safety measure.

The limits on height and weight are also important. You'll need to ensure that the seat will remain safe for your child when they reach their peak growth stage usually around age two or three. It's also worth looking at convertible infant car seats that can be converted into a toddler seat. This will allow you a little more flexibility when you drive and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which combines an infant car seat rear facing car seat and stroller in one. It's the perfect pick for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school via public transport. It's also easy to put in, and our expert testers praised the ease of using the latch that is one-handed and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also remarked how small the seat is and is an essential for those with limited trunk space. It's also 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 infant seats have features that make it easy to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows, the best infant carrier car seat infant car seats include convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with a minimum of hassle. Consider whether the seat can be washed by a machine (to make cleaning easier) and whether it has a canopy. This is useful both in the car and on a stroller.

One feature that might seem like a small deal but can save you a lot of headache is an indicator on the base that informs you when it's been installed correctly. The line should be parallel to the ground and is located on the base. It's especially useful when you'll be switching the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if plan 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 attached directly to it. This makes it easier to transport your sleeping bundle to the grocery store, or to run around. You don't have to struggle with a separate carrier. This can be a great advantage for new parents looking to return to their normal routine after a long commute or outing with a newborn.

If you anticipate your baby to grow quickly opt for a car seat designed for babies with a higher weight or height limit than 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 doesn't mean all seats are made equally. Certain models have features that go beyond, like load legs that support the base of the car seat for added stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. Some extras can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, and you as a parent happier and more confident.