best car seats for infants Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet the safety standards of the federal government. However, some go beyond. From extra padding to cushioned inlay for newborns to the ability to raise and lower the headrest with no rethreading our best car seat for newborn of the Bump winner has many features that parents will appreciate.

When deciding on our top choices, we looked at factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, extra features and prices. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading on.

Safety

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

The more user-friendly a newborn car seat insert seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it properly. This can reduce the risk of injury 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 time. Choose a model that has bubble indicators and an incline foot that is spring loaded to make it easier to adjust the seat. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked in and out of the car.

Other top features that some car seat makers offer include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are fantastic, a car seat's safety is only as good as the vehicle in which you drive. Take a look at the car's owner's manual for tips on how to properly secure your infant's seat and to find out more about specific vehicle safety features.

When you're choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll only be allowed to use it for about two years before your child is old enough to move to an convertible car seat. Some families skip the best infant car seat seat altogether and opt for a convertible car, which has greater weight and height limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and test out several models before choosing one. You can ensure that the sealt, and doesn't require the use of the base. This is a good option for parents who plan to use Uber or taxi rides, because it eliminates the need to get back in the car each time to install a new seat. For example the Nuna Pipa Urbn and its corresponding TRIV travel system have an extremely rigid LATCH system integrated into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to put in any car. It can also be used both 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). It's a great choice for families with a limited budget.

Comfort

When your baby is stuck in the car seat for long periods of time, it's essential that they are comfortable. This includes padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel comfortable against their stomach or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can adjust as your child gets older.

While a seat that has a lot of special features may be more expensive but they're also generally easier to use. When evaluating a car seat for babies, we consider factors such as a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and harness that doesn't rethread. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight since the weight or bulk of a seat could put stress on your biceps when you're carrying it into and out of your car, or in between cars.

A seat with a load leg -- a safety feature that helps stabilize the car seat in the event of a crash is an additional option. It's usually found in more 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 want to make sure that the seat will remain safe for your child when they reach their highest growth spurt typically around age two or three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be transformed into a toddler seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is ideal for families who often change vehicles or travel.

Our test participants were impressed with the Doona which is a combination of car seats for an infant and a stroller all in one piece. It's perfect for parents who are constantly in motion, especially those who take public transport to commute to work or go to school. It's also simple to put in. Our testers who were experts in the field appreciated its user-friendlyness with the one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted that the seat is compact, which is important for those with a limited trunk room. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a huge advantage for parents concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. The most comfortable infant car seats are equipped with features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be cleaned by machine (to make cleaning easier) and whether it has a canopy. This is helpful in the car as well as on a stroller.

A feature on the base can save you a great deal of time and headaches. It will let you know when it's been properly installed. The line is located on the base's side and should be in line with the ground when you're done. It's particularly useful when you'll be switching the car seat between vehicles frequently, or if intend to travel with your baby and you'll need to install the seat in Ubers or taxis.

Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to connect a compatible stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it much easier to carry your sleeping infant from the car to the store or out on errands, without the need to carry the separate baby carrier. This can be a great advantage for parents with newborns who want to get back to their day after an extended commute or a trip with a baby.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, you should choose a car seat for infants that has an increased 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, that does not mean that all car seats are created equal. Certain models have features that go above and beyond, such as load legs that support the base of the car seat for extra stability, and anti-rebound bars that decrease the risk of injury to the head in crashes. Certain extras can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, and make you as a parent are happier and more confident.