Best Infant Seat Features
While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, some are more than others. From extra padding to a padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without rethreading the seat, our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will appreciate.
We considered factors like weight (without base), stroller connectivity, special features, and price when deciding on our top picks. Read on to see which infant seat is right for your family.
Safety
All car seats for infants sold in the United States must be in compliance with federal safety standards. Some seats offer extra features above and beyond the minimum standards. These include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that support the straps and more. The more features a car seat is equipped with the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke with.
The more comfortable a car seat is for users, the more likely parents will be to use it in a safe manner and reduce the chance of injuries to their child in a crash. This is especially true for the infant car seat, as it's designed for only a brief period of time. Look for a model that's easy to install with an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to help get the seat level. Make sure that the base can be easily clicked 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. Be aware that, even though these features are great, a car seat's safety is only as good as the vehicle that you use to drive. Take a look at the car's owner's manual to learn how to properly ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.
When selecting an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll only be allowed to use it for about 2 years, until your child is old enough to switch to convertible car seats. Some families choose to skip the infant car seat completely and choose to purchase a convertible car with a higher weight and height limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test out several models before making a decision on one. You can then ensure that the seat is safe for your child, is a good fit inside your car, and has convenient features like converting to a stroller. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's the most crucial aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road.
Ease of Use
If you're planning to use the seat in one car or moving it among several, you want an infant car seat that is easy to set up and remove from the base. Look for clearly labeled installation guides and a mechanism that works seamlessly. Also consider how it is simple to adjust the car seat as baby grows, and the quality of the materials used.
One of the best features that infant seats have is a load leg which acts as a brace between the seat's base and the vehicle floor to offer additional stability in the event of collision. It's a vital feature for those who drive an older vehicle, since the risk of head injury in a crash is greater when a child is sitting close to the ground, as per research conducted by Consumer Reports.
Other high-end features can enhance the experience of infants in car seats. 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 risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a limited budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat with a few key premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has received an exemplary rating from child-passenger safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline settings, plus an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets for full coverage.
A seat that can be easily installed using only lapbelts and does not require the necessity of 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. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its equivalent TRIV travel system come with a rigid LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to put in any car. It can also be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into a highback booster or belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 pounds). This is an excellent option when you're on a tight budget.
Comfort
It is essential that your child is comfortable in the car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long period of time. This means straps for the shoulders that are padded, plush fabric to feel cozy against their tummy or back, and a growing headrest. Look for an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they get bigger, and.
While a seat that has a lot of special features may cost more but they're also generally easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we look at aspects like a single-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors, and a no rethread harness. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight, since an overly heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps when you're carrying it into and out of your car or moving between cars.
A seat with a load leg - a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash--is another good choice. It's usually found in more expensive seats, but we've seen a few budget-friendly options that include this safety feature.
The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll need to ensure that the seat is safe for your child when they reach their peak growth stage, which is usually at around the age of two or three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be converted into a toddler's seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families who often change vehicles or travel.
Our test subjects loved the Doona, which is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller into one unit. It's ideal for parents who are constantly moving around, particularly those who take public transport to commute to work or go to school. It's also easy to set up. Our experts who tested it appreciated its user-friendlyness and its one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers reported that the seat is small, which is important for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemical which is a major advantage for parents concerned with their baby's environment and health.
Convenience
The best infant car seats come with features that make them easy to use. The most comfortable infant car seats come with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important aspects to look at is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleanup easier) and if it has a canopy, which can be useful both inside the car as well as attached to a stroller.
One feature that might not seem like a big deal but can save you a lot of trouble is an indicator on the base that will let you know that it's been properly installed. The line is located on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground after you've completed. It's particularly useful if you're going to be switching the car seat often, or if you plan to travel with your child and you'll need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.
Another feature that is beneficial is the possibility of attaching a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat making it easier to transport your baby's child from the car to the store or out on errands, without having to lug around the separate baby carrier. This could be a life-changing option for parents trying to return to normal after a long trip or commute with a child.
If you are expecting your baby to grow quickly pick a car seat designed for babies with a higher weight or height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. best car seat infant will allow you to keep the car seat in use for longer.
While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that does not mean that all car seats are created to be equal. Some have premium features that go above and beyond, such as load legs that brace the base of the car seat for added stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Certain accessories can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.