This History Behind Best Infant Seat Will Haunt You Forever!

Best Infant Seat Features

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

In deciding which of our top choices, we looked at factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, features, and price. Find out which infant seat may be the best fit for your family.

Safety

Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Certain seats have additional features above and beyond the minimum standards. They could include load legs as well as a built-in rethreader sides that can hold straps and more. According to the experts I spoke to, the more features a chair comes with, the better.

The more user-friendly the car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This can reduce their child’s risk of injury in a crash. This is especially important with the infant car seat, as it's only designed to last for a short period of time. Choose a model that's simple to install and has a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help get the seat perfectly level. Make sure that the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

Other features that top-quality car seat manufacturers offer are a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. These are wonderful, but don't forget that the safety of your car seat is just as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. There are tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your infant's car seat and learn more about the safety features.

When selecting an infant car seat, bear in mind that you'll likely only be allowed 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 choose to purchase a convertible car that has a higher 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. You can then make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, fits well in your car and has convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product prior to you buy it. It's the most crucial aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy to Use

If you're using the seat in one car or moving it among several, you want an infant car seat that is simple to set up and remove from the base. Look for clearly labeled installation guides and an assembly system that functions seamlessly. Also, consider how easy it is to alter the car seat as your baby grows. Also, consider 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 base of the seat and the vehicle's floor to provide additional stability in the event of a crash. It's an especially important feature for those who drive an older vehicle, since the risk of injury to the head during a crash is much higher when a baby is sitting close to the ground, as per research conducted by Consumer Reports.

Other premium features that can enhance the infant car seat user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bars, which can prevent the seat from rebounding during an accident. The latter has been shown by studies to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a budget and want the security of an ARC-certified car seat that has several key features that are premium I would 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, plus an extendable canopy that can be secured by magnets to provide full coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with just a lapbelt and without the necessity of the base is an alternative. That's ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require a journey back and forth to the car to install a new seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the equivalent TRIV travel system come with a rigid LATCH system that's integrated into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to put in any vehicle. It can also be used rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and converts to the highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). This is a great choice when you're on a tight budget.

Comfort

If your child is in the car seat for extended periods of time, it's essential that they feel safe. This means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that feels cozy against their back and tummy and a headrest that expands with them to accommodate their growing body. Also, consider an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child grows.

While a car seat with many special features might cost more but they're also generally easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we take into consideration factors such as a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors and no rethread harness. 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.

A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that assists in stabilizing the car seat in the event of a crash--is an alternative. It's typically found in more expensive seats but we've seen few budget-friendly options that include this safety feature.

The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll want to ensure the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This typically occurs at around the age of two or three. It's also worth looking at convertible infant car seats that can be converted into an adult car seat. This option gives you a little more flexibility when you drive and is great for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which is a combination of an infant car seat and stroller in one. It's a great choice for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school by public transport. It's also simple to set up. Our testers who were experts in the field appreciated its user-friendlyness with the one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers reported that the seat is incredibly compact, which is important for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major bonus for those who are concerned about their baby's health and the environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are simple to use. The  best infant car seat s come with features that make it easier for parents to get in and out of the seat. Check if the seat is able to be cleaned by machine (to make cleaning easier) and if it comes with a canopy. This is beneficial both in the car and on the stroller.

One thing that might seem like a small thing, but could save you a lot of headache is an indicator on the base that lets 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. This is particularly useful if you are going to change the car seat frequently or when your child will be traveling with you and you have to connect it to Ubers or taxis.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it simple to transport your sleeping bundle to the store or to run around. You don't have to struggle with an additional carrier. This could be a huge advantage for new parents who want to get back to their normal routine after an exhausting commute or outing with their newborn.

If your baby is likely to grow quickly, select an infant car seat that has a higher weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. This 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, it doesn't mean that all seats are made equally. Certain seats come with additional features, like load legs that support the base of a car seat to increase stability and anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of sustaining head injuries from crashes. A few accessories can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent feel more comfortable and more confident.