Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats have to meet federal safety standards. However some go above. From extra padding to a padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread the seat, our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will appreciate.
In deciding which of our top picks, we took into consideration factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, features and price. Find out which infant car seat is the best fit for your family.
Safety
Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some seats come with additional features that go beyond the minimum standards. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in, strap-holding sides, and so on. The more features a car seat comes with the better, according to experts I spoke to.
The more user-friendly a car seat is it, the more likely parents are to use it correctly, which can reduce the risk of injury to their child in an accident. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are meant to be used for a short time. Find a seat that is easy to install, with a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help get the seat in a perfect position. Also, make sure the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.
Other premium features that some car seat manufacturers provide include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips for carrying the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are great, a car seat's safety is only as good as the vehicle in which you drive. Go through the owner's manual to learn how to secure your infant seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.
When choosing an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll probably only be able to use it for approximately 2 years, until your child is ready to transition to convertible car seats. Some families skip the infant car seat completely and choose to purchase convertible cars, which has greater weight and height limit. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test different models before making a decision. Then, you can make sure the seat is suitable for your child, fits well in your car and has handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's the most critical aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.
User-Friendliness
You're looking for a car seats for your infant that is simple to attach and remove from the base, regardless of whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or shift it between several. Look for clear installation instructions and a smooth mechanism. Also, consider how it is easy to alter the car seat as your baby grows and the quality of the materials used.
A premium feature that some infant seats come with is a load leg, which serves as an extra brace between the seat's base and vehicle floor to offer additional stability in the event of collision. It's a vital feature for those who 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 floor, according to research by Consumer Reports.
Other top features that improve infant car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and anti-rebound bar, which will prevent the seat from bouncing back in an accident. The latter has been shown by research to decrease the risk for head injuries by as much as 43%. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a great option for those on a tight budget who want an ARC-certified car seat and has a few high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. Push Chairs & Prams has earned an exemplary rating from child safety technicians and features an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline settings, plus an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets for full coverage.
Another thing to look out for is a seat that can be installed by a lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. This is ideal for parents who intend to use Uber or taxi rides, since it doesn't require them to return to the car each time to replace a seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the corresponding TRIV travel system have a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to install in any car. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds), and it converts into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children who weigh between 40 and 120 pounds. It's an excellent choice for families with a limited budget.
Comfort
It's crucial that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, particularly when they're in the seat for a long time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that feels cozy against their tummy and back and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child grows.
A seat that has many unique features is usually more expensive, but is also easier to use. When evaluating infant car seat we take into consideration things like a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn't rethread. We also pay attention to the dimensions and weight, as an overly heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps as you carry it into and out of your car or between cars.
Another option is a car seat with a load-leg, a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of an accident. It's typically found in more expensive seats, but we've seen a couple of budget-friendly options that have this extra safety measure.
The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll need to make sure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. This usually happens around age two or 3. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be converted into a toddler's seat. This gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families who frequently change vehicles or travel.
Our testers were impressed with the Doona that combines the car seat of an infant and a stroller in one piece. It's ideal for parents who are always moving around, particularly those who take public transportation to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to set up. Our expert testers praised its ease of use with the one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers noted that the seat is small and lightweight, which is essential for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemical which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.
Convenience
The best infant car seats are simple 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 best infant car seats include convenience features to help parents get into and out with minimal amount of effort. Consider whether the seat can be washed by a machine (to make cleaning easier) and whether it has a canopy. This is useful in the car as well as on a stroller.
One thing that may seem like a small thing, but could save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that will let you know whether it's been put in place correctly. The line should be parallel to the ground and should be located on the base. It can be particularly helpful when you'll be switching the car seat frequently, or if you plan to travel with your baby and require the seat in Ubers or taxis.
Another benefit is the possibility of attaching a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it easier to transport your baby's child from the car to the grocery store or out on errands, without the need to carry the separate baby carrier. This could be a great advantage for new parents looking to return to their routine after an extended commute or a trip with a baby.
If your baby is likely to grow quickly, select a car seat for infants that has a higher weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you will be able to keep the car seat in use longer.
All car seats sold in America must conform to the safety standards of the federal government, but that does not mean they are all created to be the same. Some come with features that go above and beyond, like load legs that brace the base of the car seat for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Certain accessories can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent are happier and more confident.