You'll Never Guess This Best Infant Seat's Secrets

Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some go beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will appreciate, including extra padding, a padded inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no need for rethreading.

In deciding which of our top choices, we looked at factors like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, special features, and price. Find out the best infant carrier seat seat for you and your family by reading.

Safety

Every infant car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats come with extra features that are above and 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 with.

The more comfortable a car seat is for users it, the more likely parents are to use it correctly and decrease the chance of injuries to their child in the event of a crash. This is particularly important for infant seats, which are intended to be used for a limited period of time. Choose a model that has an indicator that bubbles and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easier to adjust the seat. Make sure that the base is easy to click into and out of the vehicle.

Some car seat manufacturers provide premium features, such as the no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. These are great but remember that a safe car seat just as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. Go through the owner's manual for advice on how to properly secure your infant's seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When you are choosing an infant car seat swivel car seat, be aware that you will only be able use it for approximately 2 years before your child is old enough to transition to an convertible seat. Some families skip the infant seat altogether and choose to purchase convertible cars that has an increased weight and height limit. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try different models before making a decision. You can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, fits in your vehicle, and has convenient features such as converting it to a stroller. Don't forget to check for recalls before making the purchase. It's the most critical aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy of Use

You want a car seat for your infant that is easy to connect and remove from the base, whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or shift it between several. Look for clearly labeled instructions for installation and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the high-quality materials used.

A premium feature that some infant seats come with is a load leg which serves as a brace between the base of the seat and the vehicle floor to offer additional stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older car, because the chance of suffering a head injury is higher when the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other top features that improve infant car seat user experience include a harness with no-rethread and an anti-rebound bar that can prevent the seat from rebounding during an accident. The latter has been proven to lower the chance of sustaining head injuries by as much as 43 percent. "If you're on a limited budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seat that has several key features that are premium I highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has earned an outstanding rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions as well as an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets for full coverage.

Another thing to look for is an infant seat that can be put in by the lap belt and does not require the base. This is ideal for parents who are planning to use Uber or taxi rides since it doesn't require them to return to the car every time to replace a seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its equivalent TRIV travel system come with a rigid LATCH system that's built right into the bottom of the seat which makes it fast and easy to put in any vehicle. It also can be used both rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward facing infant car seat-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to a highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). It's a great option for families with a tight budget.

Comfort

It's important that your baby feels comfortable in the car seat, especially when they're in the seat for a long period of time. This means padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels comfortable against their stomach or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, look for a seat you can easily adjust as your child grows.

While a seat with many special features may be more expensive however, they are also more convenient to use. This is why we consider things like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also look at the weight and dimensions of the seat, because the weight or size of the seat can strain your biceps when you transport it into and out of your vehicle or in between vehicles.

A seat with a load leg--a safety feature that aids in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash, is an additional option. This extra safety feature is typically only available in high-end seats, but there are some affordable models that come with it.

The limits on height and weight are also crucial. You'll want to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. This typically occurs around the age of 2 or 3. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat that can be converted into a toddler seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is ideal for families that frequently change cars or travel.

Our testers were impressed with the Doona which is a combination of a car seat for an infant and a stroller in one unit. It's ideal for parents who are constantly in motion, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or to school. It's also easy to put in and our experts who tested it appreciated the ease of using the latch with one hand and the shoulder straps that are padded. Our product testers also remarked how small the seat is, which is a must for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals, which is a huge bonus for those who are concerned about their child's health and environment.

Convenience

The best car seats for newborns infant car seats are easy to use. The most effective infant car seat newborn car seats are equipped with convenience features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important features to consider is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to help with cleaning) and if it has a canopy that can be useful in the car as well as attached to a stroller.

A feature on the base can save lots of time and headaches. It lets you know if it's been put in place correctly. The line should be parallel to ground and should be located on the base. It can be particularly helpful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat frequently, or if you are planning to travel with your baby and you'll need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.

Another useful feature is the ability to attach an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it easier to transport your baby's bundle of joy from the car to the grocery store or out for errands without having to wrestle with a separate carrier. This could be a great advantage for parents with newborns who want to return to their day after an exhausting commute or outing with their newborn.

If you are expecting your child to grow rapidly opt for the car seat for infants with a higher weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. This will allow you to keep the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in America must meet the safety standards of the federal government, but that does not mean that they are all equal. Some seats come with extra features, like load legs that support the base of a car seat to improve stability and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of sustaining head injuries during crashes. Other features, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extended canopy, can help create a more comfortable ride for your child and help you be a happier and more confident parent.