Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats comply with the federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. From extra padding to cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no rethreading our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features parents will love.
In deciding which of our top picks, we took into consideration factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, extra features, and price. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading.
Safety
All infant car seats sold in the United States must be in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats come with extra features that go above the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs and a rethreader integrated strap-holding sides, and much more. 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 an accident. This is especially important with an infant car seat since it's designed for a short period of time. Find infant car seat best that is simple to install and has a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to ensure that the seat in a perfect position. Make sure that the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.
Other top features that some car seat manufacturers offer are an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. These are wonderful however, don't forget that a safe car seat is just as secure as the car you're driving in. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your child's car seat, and also learn more about the safety features.
When choosing an infant seat, remember that you will only be able to use it for approximately 2 years before your child is old enough to move to the convertible seat. This is why some families choose to leave out an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible seat, which is more spacious and has higher weight and height limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and try a few models in person before making a decision on one. You can then make sure that the seat is safe for the child, fits inside your car and also has useful features like converting to a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product before you buy it. It's the most critical aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.
User-Friendliness
If you're using the seat in a single car or transferring it between many, you need an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. You should look for clear instructions on installation and a simple mechanism. Also, think about how it is simple to adjust the car seat as baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.
Some infant seats come with a load leg. This brace that serves as a support between the seat's base and the floor of your vehicle that provides additional stability in the event of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older vehicle, because the chance of a head injury is higher if the child is seated too close to the floor.
Other premium features can improve the experience of infants in car seats. These include a non rethread harness, and an anti-rebound bar that helps stop the seat from bouncing in the event of a crash. The latter has been proven by research to reduce the risk for head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget looking for a car seat that is ARC-certified and comes with a few premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat was given an excellent rating by child-passenger safety experts. 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 with just lapbelts and does not require the necessity of an additional base is a different option. This is a great option for parents who are planning to take Uber or taxi rides, since it doesn't require them to go back to the car every time to replace a seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for instance include a strong LATCH built into the bottom of their seats which makes them fast and simple to install. It can also be used with a 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). This is an excellent option for those on a tight budget.
Comfort
It is essential that your child feels comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're there for a long time. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, plush fabric that feels cozy against their back and stomach and a headrest that expands with them to support their growing body. Also, look for a seat you can easily adjust as your child grows.
A seat that has many unique features is often more expensive, but is also easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants, we consider aspects like a single-hand system harness, high-quality LATCH connectors, and harness that doesn't rethread. We also take into consideration the weight and dimensions of the seat, because an extremely heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps when you carry it to and from your vehicle or in between vehicles.
A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash--is an alternative. This extra safety feature is usually only found in expensive seats however, there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.
Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll want to ensure the seat will remain suitable for your child once they reach their highest growth stage typically 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 in your car and is perfect for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our testers were impressed with the Doona which is a combination of car seats for an infant and a stroller in one unit. It's the ideal choice for parents who are on the move particularly those who commute to work or school via public transportation. It's also simple to set up, and our expert testers appreciated the ease of using the latch that is one-handed and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also remarked how small the seat is it is essential for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge bonus for those who are concerned about their child's health and the environment.
Convenience
The best infant car seats come with features that make them easy to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows, the best infant car seats have convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with a minimum of hassle. Other important things to consider is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to help with cleaning) and if it has a canopy, which can be handy both inside the car and also attached to the stroller.
One thing that may seem like a small thing, but could save you a lot of headache is a meter on the base that will let you know whether it's been put in place correctly. This line is located on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground when you're done. It can be particularly helpful when you'll be switching the car seat often, or if you are planning to travel with your baby and require the seat in Ubers or taxis.
A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it easy to carry your baby to the grocery store, or to run around. You don't have to struggle with an additional carrier. This is a life-changing feature for parents looking to return to normal after a lengthy trip or commute with a child.
If your baby is likely to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat that has an increased weight and height limit than the one 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 that all seats are created to be equal. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that support the seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of head injuries in crashes. Other features, like a harness that is not rethread and an extended canopy, can also make for an easier ride for baby and help you be a happier and more secure parent.