Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet the federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. From extra padding to baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no having to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will love.

We looked at factors such as weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and price when choosing our top choices. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading on.

Safety

Every infant car seat newborn seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Certain seats have additional features above and beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in, strap-holding sides, and much more. According to the experts I spoke with the more features a seat comes with, the better.

The more user-friendly a car seat is it, the more likely parents are to use it correctly and reduce their child's risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is especially true for an infant car seat rear facing seat, since it's designed for an extremely short time. Choose a model that's easy to install, with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to ensure that the seat perfectly level. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.

Other top features that some car seat manufacturers provide include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are great, a car seat's safety is only as good as the vehicle in which you drive. Check out the car's owner's manual for advice on how to secure your infant's seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When choosing an infant seat, remember that you'll only be able use it for about 2 years before your child is old enough to transition to the convertible seat. Some families skip the infant car seat completely and opt for convertible cars, which has a higher weight and height limit. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try a few models before committing to one. Then, you can make sure the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your car and includes useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's crucial to ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Simple to Use

If you're using the seat in one car or moving it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is simple to put in and remove from the base. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as an operation that is seamless. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the high-quality materials used.

Some infant seats have a load leg. It's a brace that provides support between the seat base and the floor of the vehicle, providing extra stability in the event of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you are driving an older vehicle because the chance of sustaining a head injury is higher if the child is 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 an anti-rebound bar that will prevent the seat from bouncing back in the event of a crash. The latter has been shown by research to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 43%. "If you're on a budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat with several key features that are premium I highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has received an outstanding rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions as well as an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets to provide full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with just a lapbelt, and without the necessity of 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. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the corresponding TRIV travel infant car seat system have a sturdy LATCH system that's integrated into the bottom of the seat, making it quick and simple to install in any vehicle. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great choice when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in a car seat for extended periods of time, it's essential that they are comfortable. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, plush material that feels cozy against their back and stomach and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Find a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow, as well.

A car seat with a variety of features can be more expensive but also easier to use. This is why we consider aspects like a single-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also look at the weight and dimensions of the seat, because a heavy or large seat can put stress on your biceps when you carry it into and out of your vehicle or in between vehicles.

A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash, is an alternative. This safety feature is typically only found in expensive seats however, there are a few affordable models that include it.

Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat will remain suitable for your child once they reach their peak growth rate usually between the ages of two and three. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat that converts into an adult car seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families who frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects loved the Doona that combines an infant car seat and stroller into one unit. It's the ideal choice for parents on the go, especially those who commute to work or school on public transport. It's also easy to install and our testers praised the ease of using the latch with one hand and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers reported that the seat is compact and lightweight, which is essential for those with limited trunk room. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are simple to use. The best car seats infant car seats come with features that make it easier for parents to get in and out of the seat. Check if the seat is able to be washed by a machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it has a canopy. This is helpful in the car as well as on a stroller.

A feature on the base could save you much time and headaches. It will let you know when it's been properly installed. This line should be parallel to ground and is located on the base. This is particularly useful if you are going to be changing the car seat often or if your baby will be traveling with you and you'll need to install it in taxis or Ubers.

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 supermarket, or to run the errands. You don't need to worry about a separate carrier. This can be a huge advantage for new parents who want to get back to their day after an extended commute or a trip with their newborn.

If you expect your child to grow rapidly opt for a car seat designed for infants with a higher weight or height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat for 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 to be the same. Some seats come with extra features, such as load legs that brace the base of a car seat to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of sustaining head injuries during crashes. Some additional features can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, and make you as a parent happier and more confident.