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How to Choose the Best Infant Car Seat What do you want from your seat? “If you're looking for an automobile seat that can expand with your child, consider an all-in-one model like the Graco 4Ever DLX,” Saxton says. The seat can be changed into a high-back booster, or a backless booster. It has a large rear-facing weight limit. The soft, machine-washable cushioning is also a plus. Other features that are helpful include load legs that absorb shock on the base of the car seat that help to limit the movement of the car seat in a crash. Safety They are designed to fit babies with smaller sizes better, which is why they are more comfortable than convertible car seats. They are also lighter and easier to take from the car or connect to a stroller frame, which is important because you will be required to transport your child in the car seat outside of the vehicle often. Dedicated infant car seats also have the advantage of often being built to last for your child's first year, so you don't need to worry about them outgrowing their height or weight limits as fast as the convertible car seat might. It is an excellent idea to conduct some research before you purchase. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has strict standards for car seats. Take a look at reviews written by other parents and looking at car seat safety guides from organizations like Consumer Reports or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Both have crash test data that can be shared with families. Look for features that will benefit your family. This could include the ability to release the strap, a no rethread harness or a leveling foot with a spring-loaded mechanism. These features can help you buckle up your child, but keep in mind that even the most secure seats can be dangerous when they aren't used properly. The weight and width of the car seat are also crucial. Many infant car seats can be put in your vehicle along with older car seats. Some of them can expand with your child, and convert to a booster simultaneously. Also, if you intend to use your car seat to transportation or for taxis, an infant car seat that is installed using only the seat belt of your vehicle is a good alternative. In general, it's a good idea to buy the safest seat you can afford, as the most affordable models don't meet the highest safety standards for crash protection. Beware of models that don't include side impact crash tests, and allow manufacturers to self-certify. Convenience The best infant car seats are those that can fit in your family vehicle, are easy to install and include useful features such as a built-in running stroller or a rotation feature. It should be reasonably priced. Infant seats cost between $180 and $500. They can cost more when they're convertible and are used as an infant and toddler seat. Convenience features include how simple it is to put in the seat using either LATCH system or a seatbelt and whether you can adjust the harness and headrest without removing the infant out of the seat. You should be able to put in and remove the seat easily and quickly, particularly if you need to switch it between cars often or take Uber rides with your child. The seat should also be light and have clearly labeled installation guides and bubble levels to ensure you can easily get the car seat correctly installed. It should be easy to adjust the harness and buckles and move the seat when not in use. When you purchase an infant car seat, you need to verify its weight and height limits. Also, consider whether your child will outgrow the seat by the time they turn one. It is generally recommended to select a seat for your child that will grow with them until they reach 90 percentile. While federal safety standards are the minimum requirement, some manufacturers go above and beyond to offer additional crash-testing and other features that are included in their car seats. The Clek Ling is a top pick among our gear editors and Consumer Reports is a great example of a baby seat that offers much more than just good crash protection. It also has a load leg, which can help stabilize the seat in a crash and reduces the forces exerted on the child's body by 40%. This feature alone could save the life of a child, so it's worth paying more for a car seat that's secure and comes with additional convenience features. Comfort The comfort factor is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting an infant car seat, because babies spend the majority of their time in the car seat. The most comfortable car seats are made of large, breathable fabrics and ample padding on the headrest and harness. They also offer easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms such as strap covers, buckles, and headrest adjustments that do not require rethreading. The size and weight of an infant car seat can affect comfort, especially when you are planning to switch cars or use the seat frequently. Some models are more narrow than others, which makes them easier to fit into the back of the car with a car seat or siblings' seats. Although all models have weight and height limitations certain models are lighter. This could save you from sore biceps when you carry it between cars. Some infant car seats include additional features that make them more versatile, such as rotational options or the ability to connect to strollers without the need for additional adapters. Some models are equipped with premium features such as the adjustable no-rethread strap and anti-rebound bar to provide extra security in the event of a crash. These features aren't necessary for a safe ride but they can improve the overall experience. In addition to safety and convenience factors, many parents want a clean, comfortable car seat for their infant. Look for a model that's machine washable and stain-resistant and also easy to remove for cleaning. Some seats can be cleaned using the dishwasher making it easier to keep them looking brand new. Some models go the extra mile to ensure that their customers' experience is safe and comfortable, like the Graco SnugRide™ Elite, which comes with an anti-rebound bars and meets Graco ProtectPlus Engineered™ standards to withstand front and rear collisions. The seat has a Silent Shade canopy to keep baby quiet and comfortable, as well an indicator to let you know when the seat is properly attached. The seat's adjustable carry handle the harness tightener and indicator will let you know whether it's securely attached to the base. Design Car seat manufacturers make infant car seats with safety and ease of use in mind, however the myriad of features available can make it difficult to decide what's the best fit for your family. Take into consideration factors such as the weight and height limits, the number of belt routes and buckles. Additional features like an anti-rebound bar, load legs, and no-rethread straps may raise the cost of the seat, but will increase comfort for your baby. You might also consider features that make it easier to get your child in and out of the seat, like rotating mechanisms. You should also be aware of the dimensions and weight of the seat, as not every seat can be used in all cars. One aspect that is particularly important is the ease of installation and detaching from the base. This is influenced by the quality of the LATCH connectors as well as whether they are rigid or flexible. Also, you should consider whether the straps can be easily adjusted and tightened and if they have an easy release mechanism that allows you to remove and install the seat. Some models let you use the seat without a base which can be convenient when you frequently take taxis or if you are planning on switching cars frequently. To make sure that your seat is properly installed be sure to look for models that have bubble level indicators as well as a integrated locking mechanism. Certain features might be worth the extra expense like a headrest which grows with your child, a five-position reclining feature and a canopy that extends and secures into the position. Our product testers have noticed the fact that a seat can be used as a highback belt-positioning booster or a backless booster after the baby has finished using it is a plus. Doona is a car seat for infants that will spoil parents. It's got many features that address almost every complaint parents have about infant car seats. This is why our test participants have rated it highly across the board. For instance, it's certified for airplane travel, has a unique handle that doubles as an anti-rebound bar, and can be converted directly into strollers (no need to buy a separate stroller adapters). The crash test results are impressive and it's GREENGUARD Gold certified.