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best car seat Infant Seat Features

While all infant seats meet the federal safety standards, some go above and beyond. From extra padding to a padded newborn inlay to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no rethreading our Best of the Bump winner offers many features parents will appreciate.

We took into consideration factors such as weight (without base) connectivity to strollers, special features and price when choosing our top picks. Read on to see which infant car seat is suitable for your family.

Safety

All infant car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. But some of the seats come with extra features that are beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in, strap-holding sides, and more. The more features a car seat comes with, the better, according the experts I spoke to.

The more user-friendly a car seat is, the more likely that parents will use it properly. This can reduce the risk of injury to their child during the event of a crash. This is especially important for infant seats, which are only meant to be used for a short period of time. Find a seat with bubble indicators and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easy to level the seat. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click into and out of the car.

Other premium features that some car seat manufacturers offer are an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are wonderful but the safety of your car seat is only dependent on the vehicle in which you drive. There are tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant's car seat, and also learn more about the vehicle's safety features.

When selecting an infant seat, keep in mind that you will only be able to use it for approximately 2 years before your child is ready to move to an convertible seat. Some families opt to not use the infant seat altogether and choose to purchase a convertible car that has greater weight and height limit. If you choose to purchase an infant car seats best car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and test out several models in person before committing to one. Then, you can ensure that the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your car and includes handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's crucial to ensuring your child's safety on the road.

Ease of Use

If you're using the seat in one vehicle or moving it among several, you'll need an infant car seat that is simple to put in and remove from the base. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as a mechanism that works seamlessly. Consider how easy it will 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 the vehicle, providing extra stability in case of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's especially important if you have an older car, 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 improve infant car seat user experience include a no-rethread harness and anti-rebound bar, which will prevent the seat from bouncing back in an accident. The latter has been shown by research to reduce the risk for head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax is a fantastic choice for those on a limited budget looking for a car seat that's ARC-certified and comes with a number of high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, suggests it. The seat received an outstanding rating by experts in child safety. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure full coverage.

A seat that is easily installed using only lapbelts and does not require the necessity of the base is an alternative. This is ideal for parents who intend to take taxis or Uber rides, and doesn't require a journey back and forth to the car to install a different seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its counterpart TRIV travel system feature a sturdy LATCH system that's integrated into the bottom of the seat making it quick and easy to put in any vehicle. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and can be converted into a highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. It's a great option for families with a limited budget.

Comfort

When your baby is stuck in a car seat for extended periods of time, it's essential that they feel comfortable. This includes padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel snug against their stomachs or back, and a growing headrest. Find an easy-to-use seat to adjust as they get bigger, as well.

A car seat with a variety of features can be more expensive, but it is also simpler to use. This is why we consider aspects like a single-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also look at the weight and size of the seat, since an extremely heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps while you move it to and from 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 typically found in more expensive seats but we've seen few budget-friendly choices that have this extra safety measure.

Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll need to ensure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. It usually occurs at around the age of two or three. You should also consider convertible infant car seats that converts to an adult car seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families who often change cars or travel.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which combines car seats for an infant and a stroller in one piece. It's ideal for parents who are always in motion, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or go to school. It is also easy to install. Our expert testers appreciated its user-friendlyness with the one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also noted that the seat is incredibly compact which is crucial for those who have a small trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a huge bonus for parents who are concerned with their baby's environment and health.

Convenience

The best car seats for newborns infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows, the top infant car seat for newborn seats come with convenience features that help parents get into and out with minimal amount of effort. Check if the seat is able to be machine washed (to simplify cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is useful in the car as well as on the stroller.

One thing that may seem like a small thing, but could save you a lot of headache is a meter on the base that informs you whether it's been put in place correctly. This line is on the side of the base and should be in line with the ground once you've finished. It can be particularly helpful in the event that you'll be changing the car seat frequently, or if you intend to travel with your baby and you'll need to install the seat in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it easier to carry your baby to the grocery store, or to run around. You don't have to struggle with a separate carrier. This is a life-changing feature for parents looking for a way to return to normal after a lengthy trip or a commute with a baby.

If you are expecting your baby to grow quickly, choose a car seat designed 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 conform to federal safety regulations However, that doesn't mean they are all created in the same way. Some come with features that go beyond, including load legs that support the car seat's base for added stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. A few additional features can make the ride more comfortable for your baby, making you as a parent are happier and more confident.