best infant carrier car seat Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will love with additional padding, a padded inlay for newborns and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no Rethreading.

When deciding on our top choices, we looked at factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features and prices. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading.

Safety

All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats come with extra features that go above the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated, strap-holding sides, and more. The more features a car seat has, the better, according to experts I spoke with.

The more user-friendly a car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This can reduce the risk of injury to their child during a crash. This is particularly important for an infant seat, since it's designed for a short period of time. Find a seat that is easy to install, with a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help get the seat perfectly level. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

Other features that top-quality car seat makers offer include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. These are great however, don't forget that a safe car seat is 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 specific vehicle safety features.

When you're choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll probably only be able to use it for about 2 years, until your child is old enough to transition to an convertible car seat. Some families choose to skip the infant seat altogether and choose to purchase a convertible car with greater weight and height limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test different models before settling on one. Then, you can make sure the seat is suitable for your child, fits well in your car and has convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's vital to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy to 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 a single vehicle or move it between multiple. It is important to look for clear installation instructions and a smooth operation. Also consider how it is easy to adjust the car seat as baby grows and the quality of the materials used.

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

Other features that are premium and can enhance the infant car seat user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bar, which will prevent the seat from rebounding in an accident. The latter has been proven to decrease the risk of head injury by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a great choice for those on a tight budget who want a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a number of top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat was given an excellent rating by experts in child safety. It comes with a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure full coverage.

A seat that is easily installed using only a lapbelt and without the need for a base is another option. This is ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need the journey back and forth to the car to put in a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel infant car seat systems, for example, have a rigid LATCH that is built into the bottom of their seats which makes them fast and easy to put in. It can also be used in a rear-facing position (for children weighing between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and can be converted into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. It's a great choice for families on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is in the car seat for a long period of time, it's important they feel safe. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded, plush fabric to feel cozy against their tummy or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, consider a seat you can easily adjust as your child gets older.

A seat that has many unique features is usually more expensive, but is also easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we look at aspects like a single-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors and harness that doesn't rethread. We also take note of dimensions and weight since the weight or bulk of a seat could strain your biceps when you're carrying it into and out of your car or between cars.

Another good choice is a seat that has the load-leg, a security feature which aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. This additional safety feature is usually found in expensive seats, but there are some affordable models that include it.

Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat will still be safe for your child after they reach their highest growth stage, which is usually between the ages of two and three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be transformed into a toddler's seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families that frequently change cars or travel.

Our test participants were impressed with the Doona which combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller in one piece. It's a great choice 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. Our expert testers praised its ease of use and its one-handed latching system as well as the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also remarked how compact the seat is, which is a must for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major bonus for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The best car seat infant car seats come with features that make them easy to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically move up as your child grows the top infant car seats include convenience features that help parents get in and out with a minimal amount of effort. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to simplify cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is beneficial both in the car and on the stroller.

A feature on the base can save you a great deal of time and headaches. It shows you when it's been put in place correctly. This line is located on the base's side and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. This is especially useful in the event that you will change the car seat frequently, or if your baby will be traveling with you and you need to connect it to Ubers or taxis.

Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to attach an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the grocery store or on errands without having to lug around an additional carrier. This can be a great advantage for new parents looking to return to their routine after a long commute or outing with a newborn car seat insert.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, you should choose an infant car seat that has more weight and height limit than that 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, that doesn't mean all seats are made to be equal. Certain seats come with additional features, like load legs that brace the seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injuries during crashes. A few extras can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.