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Best Infant Seat Features While all infant seats comply with federal safety standards, a few are more than others. Our Best of the Bump winner includes a variety of features that parents will love with additional padding, a padded inlay for newborns 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, features, and price. Find out which infant seat may be the best fit for your family. Safety All car seats for infants sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards. Some seats come with extra features that go beyond the minimum requirements. Some of these features include load legs as well as a rethreader that is built-in strap-holding sides, and more. According to the experts I spoke with the more features a seat includes, the better. The more intuitive a car seat, the more likely that parents will use it correctly. This will reduce the risk of injury to their child during an accident. This is particularly important for the infant car seat, as it's only designed to last for a short period of time. Find a seat that is simple to install and has a spring-loaded recline foot and bubble indicator to help keep the seat level. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click into and out of the car. Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features such as a strap that doesn't need to be rethread and magnetic buckle holders and side grips to carry the seat. Keep in mind that while these features are great but the safety of your car seat is only dependent on 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 are choosing an infant car seat, be aware that you'll only be able to use it for approximately 2 years before your child is old enough to move to the convertible seat. This is why some families choose to leave out the infant car seat and go directly to a convertible seat, which has greater weight and height limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure you consider the dimensions of your car and test several models before settling on one. You can then make sure the seat is comfortable for your child, is a good fit in your car and includes handy features such as the ability to convert into a stroller. Make sure you look for recalls on the product before you purchase it. It's the most crucial factor in ensuring your baby's safety on the road. Easy of Use You're looking for a car seat for your infant that is simple to attach and remove from the base whether you intend to use it in just one vehicle or shift it between several. Look for clearly labeled installation guides as well as an operation that is seamless. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the quality materials used. Some infant seats have a load leg. This is a brace that acts as a support between the seat base and the vehicle's floor that provides additional stability in the event of an accident. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you have an older car, because the chance of a head injury is higher 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, and an anti-rebound bar that can help keep the seat from bouncing during a crash. This has been proven to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 43 percent. “If you're on a limited budget and want the safety of an ARC-certified car seat with a few key premium features I would recommend the Evenflo LiteMax DLX,” says Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. The seat has earned an excellent rating from child-passenger safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions and an extended canopy that is secured with magnets for full coverage. Another thing to look for is a seat that can be installed with just a lap belt and does not require the base. This is a good option for parents who are planning to use Uber or taxi rides, since it doesn't require them to get back in the car each time to install a new seat. For instance the Nuna Pipa Urbn as well as its corresponding TRIV travel system have a rigid LATCH system that's built right into the seat's bottom making it quick and easy to put in any car. It can also be used with a rear-facing (for children between 4 and 40 pounds), forward-facing (for children between 22 and 65 pounds) and also converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. It's an excellent choice for families with a tight budget. Comfort When your baby is in a car seat for extended periods of time, it's essential that they are comfortable. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush fabric that is soft against their back and tummy and a headrest that expands with them to support their growing body. Also, look for a seat you can easily alter as your child grows. While a car seat with a lot of special features may be more expensive, they're also often easier to use. When we evaluate a car seat for infants we take into consideration factors such as a one-hand system harness, premium LATCH connectors and no rethread harness. We also take note of dimensions and weight, since the weight or bulk of a seat can add stress to your biceps while you carry it into and out of your car or between cars. 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 still be safe for your child after they reach their peak growth stage usually around age two or three. It is also recommended to consider a convertible car seat for infants that could be converted into a toddler's seat. This type of seat offers more flexibility and is perfect for families who often change cars or travel. Our test participants were impressed with the Doona that combines car seats for an infant and a stroller all in one piece. It's ideal for parents who are always in motion, especially those who take public transportation to commute to work or to school. It is also easy to put in. Our expert testers praised its ease of use, including the one-handed latching mechanism and the padded shoulder straps. Our product testers reported that the seat is incredibly compact and lightweight, which 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 baby's surroundings and health. Convenience The best infant car seat s 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 top infant car seats come with convenience features that allow parents to get in and out with a minimum of fuss. Check if the seat is able to be machine washed (to make cleaning easier) and whether it has a canopy. This is useful in the car as well as on a stroller. One feature that might not be a big difference but can save you a lot of trouble is a meter on the base that informs you that it's been properly installed. This line is located on the base's side and should be parallel to the ground once you've finished. It can be particularly helpful in the event that you'll be switching the car seat often, or if you 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 affixed directly to it. This makes it simple to carry your baby to the grocery store or for running errands. You don't need to struggle with a separate carrier. This could be a great advantage for new parents looking to return to their day after an extended commute or a trip with their newborn. If your baby is expected to grow quickly, select an infant car seat with an increased weight and height limit than that recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time. While all car seats sold in the United States must meet federal safety standards, that doesn't mean all seats are made equal. Some have premium features that go above and beyond, including load legs that support the base of the car seat to provide added stability and anti-rebound bars to reduce the chance of sustaining head injuries in crashes. A few additional features can make the journey more comfortable for your baby, and you as a parent are happier and more secure.