Most new car seats sold in the United States carry a label proving that they meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213---meaning that the great majority safely contain your infant and offer adequate crash protection in case of an accident. Ease-of-use features, such as an easily adjustable harness, and conveniences like washable padding differentiate car seats ranked highly by Consumer Reports and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from others in the category.
Easy-to-Use LATCH Connectors
Finding a model that fits well in your automobile is critical to the car seat shopping process, according to the NHTSA. Take the seat outside and try it in your automobile during the buying process to make sure it fits well in the vehicle. Even expensive, top-rated car seats might not be the best choice if they fail to fit properly in your car. While all seats manufactured after September 1, 2002, feature LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) connectors to make the installation process easier, top-rated car seats feature "push-on" LATCH connectors instead of the traditional "hook-style" ones. Parents find the push-on style easier to remove, especially from recessed anchors, since they don't need to twist them out of place.
Adjustable Harnesses
For optimal safety and ease when adjusting your child's car seat straps, Consumer Reports recommends looking for models that feature five-point harnesses and external adjustment. A five-point harness includes two straps for the shoulders, two for the thighs and one crotch strap. This system spreads out the impact of a crash evenly over the child's body. Choosing a seat with an external adjustment module means you can adjust the straps as your child grows taller without needing to remove the car seat's padding and rethread the straps.
Washable Covers and Padding
While your own personal taste and opinions generally dictate the type of fabric and pattern you choose, Consumer Reports suggests purchasing models that feature washable padding. Babies are messy---you are likely to wash the cover on numerous occasions throughout the first year. Never buy support pillows or other add-ons if not made by your car seat manufacturer specifically for your model of infant seat.
Higher Weight Limits
To maximize the longevity of the car seat, many top-rated car seats feature weight limits significantly higher than the traditional 22 pounds. Infants grow quickly and many reach the weight limit well before parents want to dispense with the convenience of the infant car seat. If you decide to shop for one of the 30-pound-limit seats, look for lightweight seat construction to avoid purchasing a seat too heavy for you to safely carry.
