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

Best Infant Seat Features

All infant seats must meet federal safety standards. However some seats go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will appreciate such as additional padding, a padded inlay for babies and the ability to raise or lower the headrest with no Rethreading.

When deciding on our top picks, we considered factors such as weight (without base), stroller compatibility, extra features and prices. Find out the best car seat for newborn infant car seats that swivel seat for you and your family by reading on.

Safety

All infant car seat newborn seats sold in the United States must be in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government. But some of the seats have extra features that go beyond the minimum standards. They could include load legs, a built-in rethreader, sides that can hold straps, and more. The more features a car seat comes with the better, according the experts I spoke with.

The more comfortable a car seat is for users, the more likely parents are to use it properly and decrease the chance of injuries to their child in an accident. This is especially important for infant seats, which are only meant to be used for a short duration. Find a seat that is simple to install and has a recline foot that is spring loaded and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat in a perfect position. Make sure that the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

Some car seat manufacturers provide high-end features like a no-rethread strap as well as magnetic 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 as good as the vehicle in which you drive. You can find tips in the owner's manual on how to secure your child's car seat and learn more about the car's safety features.

When selecting an infant seat, keep in mind that you will only be able use it for approximately 2 years before your child is able to transition to a convertible seat. Some families opt to not use the infant seat entirely and opt for convertible cars, which has an increased weight and height limits. If you decide to buy an infant car seat, make sure to take into account the dimensions of your vehicle and try out a variety of models before choosing one. You can then make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, fits well in your car, and comes with useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Be sure to check for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's essential to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Ease of Use

You're looking for a car seats for your infant that is easy to attach and remove from the base, whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or shift it between multiple. Look for clear installation instructions and a smooth mechanism. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials used.

Some infant car seat in front seat seats have a load leg. It's a brace that provides support between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor that provides additional security in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older vehicle, since the likelihood of sustaining a head injury is greater if the child is too close to the floor.

Other features that are premium can enhance the infant car seat experience. These include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that helps stop the seat from bouncing during a crash. The latter has been proven by research to decrease the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a limited budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seats with a few key premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was awarded an outstanding rating by safety experts for children. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets that ensure full coverage.

Another thing to look out for is a seat that can be installed with just the lap belt, and does not require the base. This is a great option for parents who plan to take Uber or taxi rides, because it eliminates the need to go back to the car every time to put in a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for instance, have a rigid LATCH that's built into the seat's bottom making them easy and easy to install. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also converts into a belt-positioning or highback booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. This is an excellent option for those on a tight budget.

Comfort

When your baby is stuck in the car seat for long periods of time, it's important they are comfortable. This means padded shoulder straps, plush fabric to feel comfortable against their stomach or back, as well as a sturdier headrest. Find a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow as well.

While a seat that has many special features may cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we look at factors such as a one-hand system harness, top LATCH connectors, and a harness that doesn't rethread. We also take into consideration the weight and dimensions of the seat, since a heavy or large seat can put stress on your biceps when you move it in and out of your vehicle, or even 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 another good choice. It's typically found in more expensive seats, but we've seen a few budget-friendly choices that have this safety feature.

Another important consideration is the height and weight limits. You'll want to make sure that the seat will remain suitable for your child once they reach their highest growth stage, which is usually around age two or three. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat that converts to a toddler seat. This will allow you a little more flexibility when you drive and is perfect for families that frequently change vehicles or travel.

Our testers loved the Doona, which incorporates a car seat for infants and stroller in one. It's perfect for parents who are constantly in motion, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or to school. It is also easy to put in. Our experts who tested it praised its ease of use and its one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted that the seat is incredibly compact, which is important for those with a limited trunk room. Plus, it's free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's health and environment.

Convenience

The best infant car seats are easy to use. The most effective infant car seats are equipped with features that make it easy for parents to get in and out of the seat. Other important things to look at is whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to help with cleaning) and if it features a canopy, which is useful both inside the car and attached to a stroller.

A feature on the base could save you a great deal of time and headaches. It lets you know if it has been installed correctly. This line is located on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground after you've completed. This is especially useful when you're going to be changing the car seat frequently or when your child will be traveling with you and you have to set it up in Ubers or taxis.

Another feature that is beneficial is the ability to attach an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat making it easier to carry your sleeping infant from the car to the store or out on errands, without having to wrestle with a separate carrier. This can be a great advantage for new parents looking to return to their normal routine after an extended commute or a trip with their newborn.

If your baby is expected to grow quickly, select an infant car seat with a higher weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. This way, you can keep the car seat in use longer.

All car seats sold in America must conform to federal safety regulations however that doesn't mean they are all created equal. Some have premium features that go beyond, like load legs that anchor the car seat's base for added stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Some additional features can make the ride more comfortable for you and your baby, making you as a parent are happier and more confident.