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Best Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, a few 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 has many features that parents will appreciate.

We looked at factors such as weight (without base), stroller connectivity, special features, and price when choosing our top picks. Find out the best infant seat for your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet federal safety standards. Some seats come with extra features that are above and beyond the minimum requirements. They could include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that hold the straps, and more. According to the experts I spoke to, the more features a seat has, they better.

The more intuitive the car seat, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This will lower their child’s risk of injury in an accident. This is particularly important for an infant car seat since it's designed for only a brief period of time. Choose a model that has an indicator that bubbles and a spring-loaded reclining foot for making it easy to level the seat. Make sure that the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features such as the no-rethread strap and magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. These are fantastic but remember that a safe car seat only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for advice on how to properly ensure the safety of your infant's seat as well as 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 allowed to use it for about 2 years, until your child is old enough to switch to an convertible car seat. This is the reason why some families decide to not use an infant seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which is more spacious and has higher weight and height limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat cheap car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try a few models in person prior to committing to one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car and has handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Also, make sure to check for recalls before making the purchase. It's vital to ensure the safety of your child on the road.

Simple to Use

You're looking for a car seats for your infant that is easy to attach and remove from the base whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or shift it between multiple. Look for clearly labeled installation guides and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Also consider how it is simple to adjust the car seat as baby grows. Also, consider the quality of the materials used.

One of the best features that infant seats have is a load leg that acts as an extra brace between the seat's base and car's floor, providing extra 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 a head injury is greater if the infant is sitting too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium and can enhance the user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bar, which will prevent the seat from bouncing back in a crash. The latter has been shown to lower the risk of head injuries by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat with a few key premium features I highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has been awarded an excellent rating from child-passenger safety technicians and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions as well as an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets to provide full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with a lapbelt, and without the need for an additional base is a different option. This is ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need an extra return trip to the car to put in a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for instance are equipped with a sturdy LATCH that is built into the seat's bottom which makes them fast and easy to install. It also can be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to an highback booster or a backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 pounds). This is a great option if you're on a budget.

Comfort

It is essential that your child is comfortable in their car seat, especially when they're in the seat for a long time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that is soft against their tummy and back and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Choose an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they get bigger, and.

While a seat with lots of features may cost more but they're also generally easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies we take into consideration things like a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn't rethread. We also look at the weight and dimensions of the seat, because a heavy or large seat could strain your biceps while you carry it in 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 another good choice. It's usually found in expensive seats but we've seen few budget-friendly choices that have this additional safety feature.

The limits on height and weight are also important. You'll need to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. It usually occurs around age two or 3. It's also worth considering a convertible infant car seat travel car seat that converts into an adult seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona that combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller into one piece. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school via public transportation. It's also easy to install. Our expert testers praised its ease of use and its one-handed latching system and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also remarked how small the seat is and is an essential for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemical, which is a big advantage for parents concerned with their baby's environment and health.

Convenience

The best infant seats have features that make it easy to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows, the best infant car seats include convenience features that help parents get into and out with a minimal amount of effort. Other important things to consider are whether the seat is machine washable (to make cleanup easier) and if it features a canopy, which can be useful in the car as well as attached to a stroller.

A feature on the base can save much time and headaches. It shows you when it's been put in place correctly. This line is located on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. It can be particularly helpful if you're going to be changing the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if you plan to travel with your baby and require the seat in Ubers or taxis.

Another useful feature is the ability to attach an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it easier to carry your sleeping child from the car to the supermarket or out on errands, without the need to carry the separate baby carrier. This can be a life-changing feature for parents looking to get back to normal after a lengthy journey or a long commute with a baby.

If your baby is likely to grow rapidly, choose a car seat for infants that has an increased weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.

All car seat newborn seats sold in America must meet the safety standards of the federal government however that doesn't mean that they are all equal. Some have premium features that go beyond, like load legs that support the car seat's base for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars to reduce the risk of injury to the head in crashes. Other features, like the no-rethread harness or an extended canopy, can help create an easier ride for baby and help you to be a happier and more confident parent.