Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However, some go beyond. From extra padding to cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread the seat, our Best of the Bump winner has many features that 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 which infant seat may be the best fit for your family.
Safety
All car seats for infants sold in the United States must be in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats come with extra features above and beyond the minimum standards. These can include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that can hold straps and more. According to the experts I spoke to, 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 in a safe manner and 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 only designed for only a brief period of time. Choose a model that has an indicator that bubbles and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easy to level the seat. Also, make sure the base is easy to click into and out of the car.
Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as the no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips for the seat. These are great however, don't forget that a safe car seat still only as secure as the car you're driving in. You can find tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your child's car seat, and also learn more about the car's safety features.
When choosing an infant seat, remember that you will only be able use it for approximately 2 years before your child is old enough to move to a convertible seat. Some families skip the infant car seat completely and choose to purchase a convertible car with greater weight and height limits. When buying an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before settling on one. You can ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits in your vehicle, and has convenient features such as converting it to a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. It's vital to ensure the safety of your child on the road.
Simple to Use
You're looking for a car seat for your infant that is simple to attach and remove from the base, whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or move it between several. Find clearly labeled instructions for installation and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Consider how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials that are used.
A premium feature that some infant seats come with is a load leg, that acts as an extra brace between the seat's base and car's floor, providing additional stability in the event of an accident. This is a crucial feature if you drive an older vehicle, as the risk of injury to the head in a crash is greater when a baby is seated close to the ground, according to research by Consumer Reports.
Other features that are premium can enhance the baby car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that helps keep the seat from spinning in a crash. This has been proven to lower the chance of sustaining head injuries by as much as 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget looking for an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has been awarded an excellent rating from safety experts for children and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy that secures with magnets to provide full coverage.
A seat that can be easily installed with a lapbelt and without the need for a base is another option. This is ideal for parents who intend to use taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require the journey back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its equivalent TRIV travel system come with a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the bottom of the seat, making it quick and easy to put in any vehicle. It can also be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to an highback booster or a belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). This is an excellent option if you're on a budget.
Comfort
It's crucial that your baby feels comfortable in the car seat, especially if they are there for a long time. This means padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel comfortable against their stomach or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Look for a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow, as well.
A car seat with a variety of features is usually more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. This is why we consider aspects like a single-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also take note of the dimensions and weight, as a heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps while you carry it into and out of your car, or in between cars.
travel infant car seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash, is an additional option. It's usually found in expensive seats, but we've seen a few budget-friendly choices that have this additional safety feature.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. You'll need to make sure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens at around the age of two or three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be transformed into a toddler seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families that frequently change cars or travel.
Our test subjects loved the Doona that incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller into one. It's a great choice for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school via public transportation. It's also easy to put in and our experts who tested it appreciated the ease of using the one-handed latch system and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also remarked how the seat is compact it is essential for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned with their baby's environment and health.
Convenience
The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. The best infant car seats are equipped with features that make it easier for parents to get in and out of the seat. Check if the seat is able to be machine washed (to make cleaning easier) and if it has a canopy. This is useful in the car as well as on the stroller.
A feature on the base can save a great deal of time and headaches. It will let you know when it has been installed correctly. The line is located on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. It's particularly useful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if you plan to travel with your child and require the seat in taxis or Ubers.
Another useful feature is the possibility of attaching an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping infant from the car to the grocery store or out for errands without having to wrestle with a separate carrier. This can be a huge advantage for parents with newborns who want to get back to their routine after an extended commute or a trip with their newborn.
If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat with an increased weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat in use longer.
All car seats sold in the United States must comply with federal safety regulations, but that does not mean they are all created to be the same. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that support the seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of head injuries during crashes. Other features, like a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, can also make for an easier ride for baby and help you to be a happier, more confident parent.