Best Infant Seat Features
All infant seats have to meet federal safety standards. However some go above. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will appreciate with extra padding, a padded inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no need for rethreading.
When deciding on our top picks, we took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features and price. Find out which infant seat is right for your family by reading on.
Safety
All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. But some of the seats come with extra features that are beyond the minimum requirements. These can include load legs and a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps, and more. According to the experts I spoke to, the more features a chair has, they better.
The more intuitive a car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This will lower the risk of injury to their child during a crash. This is especially true for infant seats, which are meant to be used for a short time. Choose a model that has bubble indicators and an adjustable foot with a spring to make it easier to set the seat. Make sure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the vehicle.
Certain car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as a no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips for 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. There are tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your child's car seat and find out more about the car's safety features.
When choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll only be in a position to use it for around 2 years, until your child is ready to transition to an convertible car seat. Some families choose to skip the infant seat entirely and opt for convertible cars, which has a higher weight and height limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure to take into consideration the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before settling. Then, you can ensure that 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. Don't forget to look for recalls on the product prior to you purchase it. It's vital to ensure your child's safety on the road.
User-Friendliness
You're looking for a car seat for your infant that is easy to attach and take off from the base, whether you intend to use it in one vehicle or move it between multiple. Look for clear installation instructions and a smooth operation. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the high-quality materials that are used.
Some infant seats come with a load leg. This brace that provides support between the seat's base and the floor of your vehicle and provides extra security in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older vehicle, since the likelihood of a head injury is higher when the child is seated too close to the floor.
Other features that are premium and can enhance the infant car seat user experience include a harness that is not rethread and an anti-rebound bar that help keep the seat from rebounding during the event of a crash. The latter has been proven to lower the risk of head injury by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a great option for those on a limited budget who want an ARC-certified car seat and has a few top features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat was awarded an outstanding rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness with five recline positions, as well as an extended canopy that has magnets to ensure full coverage.
Another thing to look for is a seat that can be installed using the lap belt, and doesn't require the use of the base. This is a great option for parents who plan to use Uber or taxi rides, because it eliminates the need to get back in the car every time to put in a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH built into the bottom of their seats which makes them fast and simple to install. 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 if you're on a budget.
Comfort
When your baby is in the car seat for long periods of time, it's important they feel comfortable. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, a plush fabric that is comfortable against their back and stomach and a headrest that grows with them to accommodate their growing body. Find an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they grow, as well.
While a car seat with a lot of special features may be more expensive, they're also often easier to use. This is why we consider factors like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also pay attention to the dimensions and weight, as the weight or bulk of a seat could strain your biceps while you carry it in and out of your car, or in between cars.
A seat with a load leg--a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash--is an alternative. Push Chairs And Prams is typically only found in expensive seats, however there are a few budget-friendly models that have it.
The weight and height limits are also important. You'll need to ensure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This typically occurs around the age of 2 or 3. You should also consider a convertible infant car seat that converts into a toddler seat. This will allow you more flexibility in your car and is ideal for families who often switch vehicles or travel.
Our testers were impressed with the Doona which is a combination of car seats for an infant and a stroller all in one package. It's the perfect pick for parents on the go particularly those who commute to work or school on public transportation. It's also easy to install and our experts who tested it were impressed with the ease of use of the latch that is one-handed and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also remarked how the seat is compact it is essential for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a huge benefit for parents who are concerned about their baby's surroundings and health.
Convenience
The best infant car seats come with features that make them easy to use. From buckles that are smooth and easy to tighten and loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows the best infant car seats come with convenience features that help parents get into and out with minimal amount of effort. Other important aspects to consider is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it has a canopy, which can be handy both inside the car as well as attached to a stroller.
One thing that might not be a big difference but can save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that informs you whether it's been put in place correctly. This line is located on the base's side and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. This is especially useful if you are going to be changing the car seat frequently or the baby will be traveling with you and you have to install it in taxis or Ubers.
Another useful feature is the possibility of attaching an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat, which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping bundle of joy from the car to the grocery store or on errands without the need to carry a separate carrier. This can be a great advantage for new parents who want to get back to their routine after a long commute or outing with a newborn.
If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose an infant car seat with a higher weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time.
While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean that all seats are made equally. Some seats have extra features, like load legs that support a car seat's base to improve stability, and an anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other features, like a harness that is not rethread and an extended canopy, can help create a more comfortable ride for baby and help you become a more relaxed and more secure parent.