best car seat infant seat, Full Write-up, Features

While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, a few go above and beyond. Our Best of the Bump winner comes with a host of features that parents will appreciate such as extra 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 like weight (without base), stroller compatibility, special features, and price. Find out the best car seat newborn infant seat for your family by reading on.

Safety

All infant car seat swivel car seats sold in the United States must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats come with extra features that are 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. The more features a car seat is equipped with the better, according to experts I spoke with.

The more comfortable a car seat is for users, the more likely parents are to use it in a safe manner, which can reduce their child's risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is especially true for the infant car seat, as it's only designed to last for an extremely short time. Choose a model that has a bubble indicator and a spring-loaded reclining foot to make it easier to adjust the seat. Make sure the base can be easily pushed into and out of the vehicle.

Other top features that some car seat makers offer include an unrethread harness, magnet buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. Be aware that, even though these features are great, a car seat's safety is only dependent on the vehicle in which you drive. You can find tips in the owner's guide on how to secure your infant's car seat and find out more about the safety features.

When you are choosing an infant car seat, be aware that you will only be able to use it for a period of about two years before your child is able to transition to a convertible seat. That's why some families opt to not use an infant seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which has higher height and weight limits. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your car and test out several models in person before committing to one. You can ensure that the seat is safe for your child, fits in your vehicle and comes with useful features such as converting it to a stroller. Also, make sure to verify recalls prior making a purchase. It's the most critical aspect to ensure your child's safety on the road.

Easy to Use

If you're using the seat in a single car or transferring it between several, you'll need an infant car seat that is easy to install and detach from the base. You should look for clear installation instructions and a smooth operation. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your child grows and the high-quality materials that are used.

Some infant seats have the load leg. It's a brace that acts as a support between the seat base and the vehicle's floor and provides extra stability in the event of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it's particularly important if have an older vehicle, because the chance of a head injury is higher if the child is seated too close to the floor.

Other premium features can improve the experience of infants in car seats. These include a no rethread harness, as well as an anti-rebound bar that helps keep the seat from spinning in a crash. This has been proven to decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries by up to 43 percent. "If you're on a tight budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seats with a few key premium features, I would highly recommend the Evenflo LightMax DLX," says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat was given an exemplary rating by experts in child safety. It has a non-rethread adjustable harness, five recline positions and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure complete coverage.

A seat that can be easily installed with just a lapbelt and without the need for an additional base is a different option. This is ideal for parents who plan to use taxis or Uber rides and doesn't need the journey back and forth to the car to install a different seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems, for example are equipped with a sturdy LATCH built into the bottom of their seats, making them quick and easy to put in. It can also be used rear facing infant car seat-facing (4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (22-65 pounds) and can also be converted into a highback booster or belt-positioning booster with a backless design (40-120 pounds). This is an excellent option if you're on a budget.

Comfort

When your baby is stuck in the car seat for a long period of time, it's essential that they feel comfortable. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that feels cozy against their back and tummy and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Also, look for an easy-to-reach seat that you can alter as your child grows.

A seat that has many unique features is often more expensive but also easier to use. This is why we take into consideration factors like a one-hand harness system, high-quality LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when evaluating infant car seats. We also consider the weight and dimensions of the seat, as an extremely heavy or bulky seat could strain your biceps when you carry it to and from your vehicle, or even between vehicles.

Another good choice is a seat that has a load-leg, which is a safety feature which aids in stabilizing the car-seat in the event of an accident. This safety feature is usually available in high-end seats, but there are some affordable models that include it.

The limits on height and weight are also crucial. 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 at around the age of two or three. You should also consider a convertible car seat for infants that can be converted into a toddler's seat. This option will give you more flexibility in your car and is great for families who often switch vehicles or travel.

Our test subjects were impressed by the Doona which combines a car seat for an infant and a stroller in one unit. It's the perfect pick for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It's also simple to set up, and our expert testers appreciated the ease of using the one-handed latch system and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers also remarked how compact the seat is it is essential for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's environment and health.

Convenience

The best car seat infant car seats are simple to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten and loosen to harness height adjusters that automatically raise as your child grows, the best infant car seats have convenience features to help parents get in and out with a minimal amount of effort. Other important features to look at is whether the seat is machine washable (to help with cleaning) and if it comes with a canopy, which is handy both inside the car and attached to the stroller.

One feature that might not be a big thing, but could save you a lot of trouble is an indicator on the base that will let you know that it's been properly installed. The line should be parallel to ground and should be located on the base. It can be particularly helpful if you're going to be changing the car seat frequently, or if plan to travel with your baby and require the seat in taxis or Ubers.

A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be attached directly to it. This makes it easier to carry your baby to the supermarket or for running errands. You don't need to worry about the hassle of a separate car seat. This can be a game changer for new parents looking to get back to their day after a long commute or outing with a baby.

If your baby is expected to grow rapidly, choose a car seat for infants that has an increased weight and height limit than the one recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer.

All car seats sold in America must meet the safety standards of the federal government, but that does not mean they are all created to be the same. Some come with features that go beyond, like load legs that brace the base of the car seat to provide additional stability and anti-rebound bars that decrease the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other extras, such as a no-rethread harness and an extendable canopy, could help create a more comfortable ride for your baby and allow you be a happier, more confident parent.