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Best Infant Seat Features While all infant seats meet federal safety standards, a few exceed the federal safety standards. From extra padding to a baby inlay that is padded to the ability to raise and lower the headrest without having to rethread, our Best of the Bump winner has many features that parents will love. In deciding which of our top picks, we considered factors such as weight (without base) stroller compatibility, special features and price. Find out the best infant seat for you and your family by reading. Safety All car seats for infants sold in the United States must be in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government. However, some 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 so on. The more features a car seat comes with, the more comfortable, according to the experts I spoke to. The more user-friendly a car seat can be and the more likely parents will be to use it in a safe manner, which can reduce the risk of injury to their child in a crash. This is especially true for an infant car seat since it's only designed for only a brief period of time. Find a seat with bubble indicators and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easier to adjust the seat. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click in and out of the car. Other top features that some car seat makers offer include the no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. These are great however, don't forget that a safe car seat just as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. You can find tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant's car seat and learn more about the car's safety features. When choosing an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll likely only be allowed to use it for around 2 years until your child is ready to move to convertible car seats. That's why some families opt to not use an infant seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which has greater weight and height limits. When you are buying an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before making a decision. Then, you can make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, can fit in your car and has convenient extras like converting into a stroller. Also, make sure to look for recalls prior to making a purchase. It's crucial to ensuring your child's safety on the road. Easy to Use You want a car seat for your baby that is simple to attach and remove from the base whether you plan to use it in just one vehicle or transfer it between multiple. You should look for clear instructions on installation and a simple mechanism. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the high-quality materials used. One of the best features that infant seats have is a load leg that acts as an extra brace between the seat's base and the vehicle's floor to provide extra stability in the event of a crash. It's an especially important feature if you drive an older vehicle, as the risk of injury to the head in a crash is greater when a child is seated close to the ground, according to research by Consumer Reports. Other features that are premium can enhance the baby car seat experience. They include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar that can help stop the seat from bouncing in a crash. This has been proven to decrease the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. “If you're on a limited budget and you want the security of an ARC-certified car seat that has a few key premium features I would recommend the Evenflo LiteMax,” says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has been awarded an exemplary rating from safety experts for children and features an adjustable, no-rethread harness and five recline positions as well as an extendable canopy that secures with magnets to provide full coverage. Another thing to look for is the type of seat that can be put in with just a lap belt and doesn't require the use of the base. This is ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require the journey back and forth to the car to install a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for instance are equipped with a sturdy LATCH built into the seat's bottom making them easy and simple to install. It can also be used with a rear-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can be converted 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 When your baby is stuck in the car seat for extended periods of time, it's essential that they are comfortable. This means straps that are padded on their shoulders, plush fabric that is soft against their tummy and back and a headrest that expands with them to support their growing body. Also, look for a seat you can easily adjust as your child gets older. While a seat that has lots of features might cost more however, they are also more convenient to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants, we consider aspects like a single-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors, and harness that doesn't rethread. We also pay attention to dimensions and weight since an overly heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps while you carry it into and out of your car or moving between cars. Another option is a seat with a load-leg, a safety feature which aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. This safety feature is usually found in expensive seats but there are some budget-friendly models that have it. Another thing to consider is height and weight limits. You'll need to make sure the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth. This usually happens at around the age of two or three. It's also worth looking at a convertible infant car seat that converts into an adult seat. This option gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families that frequently change cars or travel. Our testers were impressed with the Doona which combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller all in one unit. It's the perfect pick for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school on public transportation. It's also simple to set up. Our testers who were experts in the field have praised its simplicity of use with the one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also noted how the seat is compact it is essential for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of flame retardant chemicals which is a major bonus for parents who are concerned with their baby's environment and health. Convenience The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are soft and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically move up as your child grows, the top infant car seats include convenience features that allow parents to get into and out with minimum of fuss. Check if the seat is able to be cleaned by machine (to simplify cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is useful both in the car and on the stroller. One thing that may not be a big thing, but could save you a lot of hassle is an indicator on the base that informs you when it's been installed correctly. This line is on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground once you've finished. This is especially useful when you're going to be changing the car seat frequently or if your baby will be traveling with you and you need to set it up in taxis or Ubers. Another benefit is the possibility of attaching an appropriate stroller directly to the infant car seat which makes it much easier to transport your baby's bundle of joy from the car to the store or on errands without having to wrestle with the separate baby carrier. This can be a great advantage for new parents looking to return to their routine after a long commute or outing with a newborn. If your baby is likely 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 way, you can keep the car seat for longer. Pushchairs And Prams sold in America must meet federal safety standards However, that doesn't mean that they are all equal. Some seats have extra features, such as load legs that brace the seat's base to increase stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of sustaining head injuries during crashes. Other features, like the no-rethread harness or an extendable canopy, could also make for an easier ride for baby and help you be a happier, more confident parent.