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Best Infant Seat Features While all infant seats conform to federal safety standards, some exceed the federal safety standards. 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 rethreading. In deciding which of our top choices, we looked at factors like weight (without base) stroller compatibility, extra features and price. Find out what infant car seat is best for you and your family by reading on. Safety Every infant car seat on the market must meet the safety standards of the federal government. 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 has, they better. The more intuitive a car seat, the more likely it is that parents will use it correctly. This can reduce their child’s risk of injury during a crash. This is especially true for infant seats, which are designed to be used for a limited time. Choose a model that's easy to install, with an adjustable recline foot with springs and a bubble indicator to help keep the seat in a perfect position. Also, ensure that the base is easy to click in and out of the car. Some car seat manufacturers offer premium features, such as a no-rethread strap, magnetic buckle holders, and side grips that carry the seat. These are great, but don't forget that a safe car seat is only as secure as the vehicle you're driving in. You can find helpful tips in the owner's manual about how to secure your infant car seat, and also learn more about the vehicle's safety features. When choosing an infant seat, keep in mind that you'll only be able use it for approximately 2 years before your child is old enough to move to a convertible seat. This is why some families choose to leave out an infant car seat and move straight to a convertible car seat, which is more spacious and has higher height and weight limits. When purchasing an infant car seat, make sure to consider the dimensions of your vehicle and try various models before settling on one. You can then ensure that the seat is suitable for your child, fits well in your car, and comes with useful features like the ability to convert it into a stroller. Also, make sure to check for recalls before making a purchase. It's the most crucial aspect in ensuring your child's safety on the road. Easy of Use You're looking for a car seats for your infant that is easy to attach and remove from the base whether you intend to use it in a single vehicle or shift it between multiple. Find clearly labeled installation guides as well as a mechanism that works seamlessly. Think about how easy it will be to adjust the seat as your baby grows and the quality materials used. Some infant seats have the load leg. It's a brace that serves as a support between the seat base and the floor of your vehicle and provides extra stability in case of a collision. Consumer Reports research shows that it is particularly important if you are driving an older vehicle because the risk of a head injury is greater if the child is seated 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. The latter has been shown by studies to reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 43 percent. The Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a fantastic choice for those with a tight budget and looking for an ARC-certified car seat and has a few premium features. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor, recommends it. The seat has earned an exemplary rating from child-passenger safety technicians and comes with an adjustable no-rethread harness and five recline positions, as well as an extendable canopy that secures with magnets for full coverage. A seat that can be easily installed with just a lapbelt, and without the necessity of a base is another option. That's ideal for parents who plan to take taxis or Uber rides and doesn't require the journey back and forth to the car to install a different seat. For example, the Nuna Pipa Urbn and the corresponding TRIV travel system have a sturdy LATCH system that's built right into the bottom of the seat making it quick and simple to install in any vehicle. It can also be used rear-facing (for children weighing 4-40 pounds) and forward-facing (for children weighing 22-65 pounds) and also converts into an highback or belt-positioning booster for children weighing 40-120 pounds. This is an excellent option when you're on a tight budget. Comfort It's important that your baby feels comfortable in the car seat, especially if they are there for a long period of time. That means padded straps on their shoulders, plush material that feels cozy against their back and stomach and a headrest that grows with them to support their growing body. Also, consider a seat you can easily adjust as your child grows. While a seat with a lot of special features may cost more however, they are also more convenient 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 pay attention to dimensions and weight, since a heavy or bulky seat could put stress on your biceps while you carry it in and out of your car, or in 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 an additional option. It's usually found in expensive seats however we've seen a few budget-friendly choices that have this additional safety feature. Another crucial aspect to consider is the height and weight limits. knowing it 'll need to ensure that the seat is suitable for your child when they reach their maximum growth spurt. It usually occurs around the age of 2 or 3. You should also consider a convertible infant car seat that converts to a toddler seat. This gives you more flexibility and is perfect for families who often change vehicles or travel. Our test participants were impressed with the Doona which combines the car seat of an infant and a stroller all in one package. It's the ideal choice for parents who are on the move, especially those who commute to work or school by public transportation. It's also easy to set up. Our testers who were experts in the field appreciated its user-friendlyness with the one-handed latching system and the padded shoulders straps. Our product testers also remarked how the seat is compact and is an essential for those with a limited trunk space. It's also free of any flame retardant chemicals which is a major advantage for parents who are concerned about their child's health and the environment. Convenience The best infant car seats come with features that make them easy to use. From buckles that are easy and easy to tighten or loosen, to harness height adjusters that automatically increase as your child grows the best infant car seats have convenience features that help parents get in and out with a minimum of fuss. Other important aspects to consider are whether the seat can be washed in the washing machine (to help with cleaning) and if it features a canopy, which can be useful both inside the car as well as attached to a stroller. A feature on the base can save lots of time and headaches. It shows you when it has been installed correctly. This line is on the side of the base and should be parallel to the ground once you've finished. This is especially helpful in the event that you will be changing the car seat frequently, or when your child will be traveling with you and you need to install it in taxis or Ubers. A stroller that is compatible with the infant car seat can be connected directly to it. This makes it easy to take your baby to the supermarket or for running around. You don't need to struggle with an additional carrier. This is a life-changing feature for parents trying to get back to normal after a lengthy trip or a commute with a baby. If you are expecting your baby to grow quickly opt for a car seat designed for infants that have a greater weight or height limit than recommended by the manufacturer. You can use the car seat for a longer period of time. All car seats sold in the United States must comply with federal safety regulations however that doesn't mean that they are all in the same way. Some have premium features that go above and beyond, like load legs that brace the car seat's base for added stability and anti-rebound bars that reduce the risk of head injury in crashes. Other features, such as a harness that is not rethread and an extended canopy, can also provide a more comfortable ride for baby and help you be a happier, more confident parent.