Best Infant Seat Features

All infant car seat that swivels seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However some seats go above and beyond. From extra padding to padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without rethreading the seat, our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love.

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

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats offer extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. These can include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that support the straps and more. The more features a car seat has, the better, according to experts I spoke to.

The more intuitive a car seat, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This can reduce their child’s risk of injury during a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are only designed to be used for a short period of time. Look for a model that's easy to install with an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to ensure that the seat perfectly level. Make sure that the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

Other top features that some car seat manufacturers provide include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for carrying the seat. These are wonderful however, don't forget that a safe car seat only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Go through the owner's manual for tips on how to properly secure your infant's seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll likely only be allowed to use it for approximately two years before your child is ready to switch to an convertible car seat. Some families skip the infant seat entirely and choose to purchase a convertible car, which has an increased weight and height limit. When you are buying an infant car seat, be sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test several models before settling on one. You can then make sure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits inside your car, and has convenient features such as the ability to convert it into a stroller. Don't forget to check for recalls before making an purchase. It's crucial to ensuring the safety of your child on the road.

Simple to 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 just one vehicle or transfer it between multiple. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as a mechanism that works seamlessly. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials that are used.

One of the best car seat newborn uk features that infant seats have is a load leg which serves as an extra brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle floor to offer additional stability in the event of a crash. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older vehicle, because the chance of suffering a head injury is higher if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other premium features that can enhance the infant car seat user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bars, which can prevent the seat from bouncing back in an accident. The latter has been proven to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat with a few key premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has been awarded an exemplary rating from child safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, plus an extendable canopy that secures with magnets to provide full coverage.

A seat that is easily installed using only a lapbelt and without the necessity of a base is another option. This is a good option for parents who plan to take Uber or taxi rides, because it eliminates the need to go back to the car every time to install a new seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as 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 (for children between 4 and 40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and can be converted into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. This is a great option for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

If your child is in the car seat for extended periods of time, it's crucial that they feel safe. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded as well as soft fabrics that feel cozy against their tummy or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child gets older.

A seat that has many unique features is often more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. This is why we take into consideration things like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a non-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also take into consideration the weight and dimensions of the seat, because an extremely heavy or bulky seat can put stress on your biceps while you transport it into and out of your vehicle or 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. It's usually found in expensive seats but we've seen couple of budget-friendly options that have this safety feature.

The limits on height and weight are also important. You'll want to ensure the seat is safe for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt usually at around the age of two or three. Consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be transformed into a toddler's car seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our test participants were impressed with the Doona that combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller into one piece. It's perfect for parents who are constantly on the move, especially those who use public transportation to commute to work or to school. It's also simple to install. Our experts who tested it have praised its simplicity of use and its one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers reported that the seat is incredibly compact which is crucial for those with limited trunk room. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major bonus for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are easy 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. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be washed by a machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy. This is helpful both in the car and on a stroller.

A feature on the base could save you lots of time and headaches. It lets you know if it's been put in place correctly. This line is on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground once you've finished. This is particularly useful in the event that you will be changing the car seat frequently or the baby will be traveling with you and you need to set it up in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat newborn car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it simple to transport your sleeping bundle to the grocery store or for running the errands. It's not necessary to worry about the hassle of a separate car seat. This could be a great advantage for new parents who want to get back to their day after a long commute or outing with a newborn.

If you anticipate your baby to grow quickly, choose a car seat designed for babies with a higher weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat in use for longer.

All car seats sold in the United States must comply with federal safety regulations however that doesn't mean they are all created to be the same. Certain models have features that go above and beyond, such as load legs that support the base of the car seat to provide additional stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other features, like a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, could help create a more comfortable ride for your baby and allow you become a more relaxed and more secure parent.