Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However some go above. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will appreciate with additional padding, a padded inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no need for rethreading.

In deciding which of our top picks, we considered factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, features and price. Find out the best car seats for newborns infant seat for your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet federal safety standards. Some seats come with extra features above and beyond the minimum standards. They could include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that hold the straps, and more. According to the experts I spoke to the more features a chair includes, the better.

The more intuitive a car seat is, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This will reduce the risk of injury to their child in an accident. This is particularly important for an infant seat, since it's designed for only a brief period of time. Choose a model that has bubble indicators and an adjustable foot with a spring for making it easy to adjust the seat. Make sure that the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

Other premium features that some car seat makers offer include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. These are fantastic however, don't forget that a safe car seat 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's car seat and find out more about the safety features.

When selecting an infant seat, keep in mind that you will only be able to use it for approximately 2 years before your child is able to move to a convertible seat. Some families opt to not use the infant seat entirely and choose to purchase convertible cars with greater weight and height limit. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and try a few models in person prior to making a decision on one. Then, you can make sure the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your car and includes convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Also, make sure to look for recalls prior to making an purchase. It's the most important factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

You want a car seat for your infant that is easy to connect and remove from the base, regardless of whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or transfer it between several. Find clearly labeled installation guides and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. 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. This brace that serves as a support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle, providing extra security in the event of an accident. This is a crucial feature if you drive an older car, as the risk of head injury during a crash is much higher when an infant is seated near to the ground, according to research by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features that can enhance the user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bar, which can prevent the seat from bouncing back in a crash. The latter has been proven by research to decrease the chance of head injuries by as much as 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 LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has received an excellent rating from child safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline settings, plus an extendable canopy that secures with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

Another thing to look for is the type of seat that can be put in using the lap belt, and doesn't require the use of the base. This is a great option for parents who intend to take Uber or taxi rides as it eliminates the need to go back to the car every time to install a new seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its corresponding TRIV travel system have a sturdy LATCH system that's integrated into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to install in any car. It also can be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to a highback booster or belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). It's an excellent choice for families with a tight budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child is comfortable in their car seat, especially if they are there for a long period of time. This means padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels cozy against their tummy or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, consider a seat you can easily adjust as your child grows.

A car seat with a variety of features is usually more expensive, but is also easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we look at things like a one-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors and harness that doesn't rethread. We also look at the weight and size of the seat, because a heavy or large seat can put stress on your biceps while you carry it into and out of your vehicle or in between vehicles.

Another good choice is a seat that has a load-leg, a safety feature that helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. This extra safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats but there are some budget-friendly models that have it.

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll want to ensure the seat is safe for your child after they reach their maximum growth rate typically between the ages of two and three. You should also consider a convertible infant car seat that converts to a toddler seat. This gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families that frequently change cars or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which combines an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school by public transport. It's also easy to set up. Our expert testers have praised its simplicity of use with the one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also noted how compact the seat is and is an essential for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemical, which is a big bonus for parents who are concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.

Convenience

The best car seat newborn uk infant car seat best 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 in and out of the seat. Other important features to consider are whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it has a canopy that can be useful in the car and attached to the stroller.

A feature on the base can save much time and headaches. It lets you know if it's been properly installed. The line is located on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground after you've completed. It can be particularly helpful when you'll be switching the car seat between vehicles often, or if you are planning to travel with your child and require the seat in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat inserts for newborns seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it simple to transport your sleeping bundle to the store, or to run the errands. You don't have to struggle with the hassle of a separate car seat. This can be a great advantage for new parents looking to get back to their day after an exhausting commute or outing with a baby.

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

All car seats sold in the United States must comply with federal safety regulations, but that does not mean that they're all equal. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that brace the seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of head injuries from crashes. Other features, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extended canopy, can help create a more comfortable ride for your child and help you become a more relaxed and more secure parent.