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Best Infant Seat Features All infant seats have to 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 love such as additional padding, a padded inlay for infants, and the ability to raise or lower the headrest, with no need for rethreading. When selecting our top picks, we took into consideration factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, extra features and prices. Find out what infant car seat is best for your family by reading. Safety Every infant car seat available on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. Some seats come with extra features above and beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs, a rethreader built in strap-holding sides, and more. According to the experts I spoke with the more features a chair comes with, the better. The more user-friendly a car seat can be, the more likely parents will be to use it properly, which can reduce their child's risk of injury in the event of a crash. This is particularly important for the infant car seat, as it's designed for a short period of time. Choose a model that has an indicator that bubbles and an adjustable foot with a spring for making it easy to level the seat. Also, ensure that the base can be easily clicked into and out of the car. Other premium features that some car seat manufacturers provide include a no-rethread harness, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips to carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are wonderful, a car seat's safety is only as good as 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 selecting an infant car seat, keep in mind that you'll likely only be in a position to use it for about two years before your child is ready to switch to an convertible car seat. That's why some families opt to skip an infant seat and move directly to a convertible seat, which has greater height and weight limits. If you choose to purchase an infant car seat, be sure to consider the dimensions of your car and try a few models in person before making a decision on one. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, is a good fit in your car, and comes with convenient extras like converting into a stroller. And, don't forget to verify recalls prior making the purchase. It's the most critical aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road. Easy to Use You're looking for a car seat for your baby that is easy to attach and remove from the base, regardless of whether you plan to use it in a single vehicle or move it between several. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as a mechanism that works seamlessly. Consider how easy it would be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the high-quality materials that are used. Some infant seats come with the load leg. This brace that provides support between the seat's base and the floor of the vehicle that provides additional stability in the event of a collision. It's a vital feature if you drive an older vehicle, since the risk of head injury in a crash is higher when a baby is seated near to the ground, according to research by Consumer Reports. Other high-end features can enhance the experience of infants in car seats. They include a no harness that can be rethread, and an anti-rebound bar to keep the seat from bouncing in a crash. The latter has been shown by research to reduce the chance of head injuries by as much as 43%. The Evenflo's LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those on a limited budget looking for an ARC-certified car seat and comes with a number of high-end features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat was given an exemplary rating by child-passenger safety experts. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness that can be reclined in five positions, and an extendable canopy with magnets to ensure complete coverage. A seat that is easily installed using only a lapbelt, and without the requirement for the base is an alternative. This is ideal for parents who intend to take Uber or taxi rides because it eliminates the need to return to the car each time to put in a new seat. Nuna Pipa and TRIV travel systems for example, have a rigid LATCH that's built into the seat's bottom, making them quick and simple to install. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children between 40 and 120 pounds. It's a great choice for families with a tight budget. Comfort If your child is in the car seat for extended periods of time, it's crucial that they are comfortable. This includes padded shoulder straps and soft fabric that feels cozy against their tummy or back, and a growing headrest. Choose a seat that is easy to adjust as they grow, as well. A car seat with a variety of features is often more expensive, but is also easier to use. That's why we look at things like a one-hand harness system, premium LATCH connectors, and a no-rethread harness when we evaluate infant car seats. We also take into consideration the weight and dimensions of the seat, as an extremely heavy or bulky seat can put stress on your biceps when you move it to and from your vehicle or in between vehicles. Another good choice is a car seat with a load-leg, a safety feature which helps stabilize the car-seat in the event of an accident. This extra safety feature is usually found in expensive seats however there are a few affordable models that come with it. The weight and height limits are also crucial. You'll need to ensure that the seat is safe for your child once they reach their maximum growth. This typically occurs at around the age of two or three. You should also consider a convertible infant car seat that can be converted into a toddler seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is ideal for families that frequently change vehicles or travel. Our testers loved the Doona that combines an infant car seat and stroller into one. It's ideal for parents who are always moving around, particularly those who use public transport to commute to work or go to school. It's also easy to install. Our testers who were experts in the field have praised its simplicity of use and its one-handed latching system as well as the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also commented on how small the seat is, which is a must for those with limited trunk space. It's also free of harmful chemicals which is a major benefit for parents who are concerned about their child's health and environment. Convenience The best infant seats have features that make them easy to use. The best infant car seats are equipped with features that make it easier for parents to get into and out of the seat. Be sure to consider whether the seat can be machine washed (to simplify cleaning) and if it has a canopy. This is useful in the car as well as on a stroller. One thing that may not be a big difference but can save you a lot of trouble is an indicator on the base that informs you whether it's been put in place correctly. The line is located on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground when you're done. This is particularly useful when you're going to change the car seat often or if your baby will be traveling with you and you need to set it up in Ubers or taxis. A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be affixed directly to it. This makes it simple to take your baby to the store or to run around. You don't have to carry a separate carrier. This is an essential feature for parents looking for a way to return to normal following a long journey or a long commute with a baby. If you are expecting your child to grow rapidly opt for the car seat for infants that have a greater weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for longer. While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, it doesn't mean that all seats are created equal. Some seats have extra features, like load legs that brace a car seat's base to improve stability and an anti-rebound bar that reduces the risk of sustaining head injuries in crashes. Other features, like a harness that is not rethread and an extended canopy, can help create a more comfortable ride for baby and help you be a happier, more confident parent.