Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A well-designed car seat will keep your baby safe and comfortable while driving. Which one is best for your baby?
The right choice for infant car seat isn't an easy task. There are so many features to consider such as latch hooks, belt pathways, and load legs. Here's what you need to know to make the best buying decision for your family.
Ease of Use
If you're looking for a baby car seat for your newborn or if you're upgrading from an older car seat, you'll want an option that is simple to install and use. Take into consideration the weight and size of your child, the seat's fit in your car, and any additional features, such as a lay-flat option which can also be used as stroller.
Infant-only chairs are a great option for babies because they are typically smaller and fit more snugly than convertible car seats. They also provide a harness that can support your child's head, which is fragile in the event of a collision, which can reduce stress on their neck and spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who want to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they can. Most models allow children to sit rear-facing until the weight is 30 pounds or more. Look for a convertible seat that meets federal safety standards and has a the weight minimum of 50 pounds.
When looking for a car seat it's important to consider that while all car seats must conform to strict NHTSA safety standards There are plenty of different models available on the market. Choose a seat that is approved by a reputable company or company. Also, look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The best car seats for newborns feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding, and a variety of recline positions. Some car seats offer extra padding on the shoulder strap and around the buckle to keep your baby at ease during long road trips. If you have a small vehicle, think about a narrow infant car seat like the Clek Liing. It's less than 17 inches wide and can be easily installed in a variety of vehicles. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, that can be used in conjunction together with UPPAbaby Strollers is a great option for families in search of a simple car seat. Its auto-retracting straps EZ buckle, premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it simple to use for every car trip.
Safety Features
It is important to consider the following aspects when selecting the best infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure that your child is comfortable throughout the ride or are looking for an easy-to-use, safe car seat for your child to use for long journeys, it's essential to keep in mind a few features. First, think about the height and weight limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the seat and so, choose a seat that can be adjusted to minimum your child's 90th percentile measurement before they turn one. Think about whether you'd like to put an overcoat or blanket over the straps of the harness. The AAP recommends against this since heavy clothing may cause a collapse and make the straps too loose to secure your child, increasing the risk of injuries.
Other things to consider include whether you intend to install your car seat using belts on your vehicle or the LATCH system and if it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. If you intend to use your seat for most of your journeys in the car it is best to select one that fits easily onto the base that is compatible with it. This will save you time and energy because you won't have to take out and reinstall your seat each time you use the car.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, received top marks in our testing for its ease of installation and adjustments. Testers stated that it "has everything you need to ensure a fast, easy installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that open from the base and become green when connected, plus a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and an adjustable foot with springs.
Another great option is the Baby Trend's budget-friendly Secure-Lift, which we've found to be just as simple to use as other models that cost twice as much. Our test participants have been raving about its five-position, height-adjustable headrest that adapts to the size of your baby with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is great option for newborns due to its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position, which allows them to sleep longer and more comfortably during road trips. It has also been acknowledged for its safety by consumer advocate Which? calling it 'one of the most secure infant car seats on the market and ADAC awarding it the highest lab score for a car seat for infants.
Rear-Facing Options
In the majority of cars the most secure position for infants is the center rear seat. The center seat is the most away from any collision, and will shield your baby best in an accident. You should select an infant car seat that allows your child to be in a rear-facing position for around one year. It's also important to ensure the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest fits against your child's chest and head. Find a certified child passenger technician who will provide you with the most current suggestions for car seat installation and use. Find infant carrier seat pushchairsandprams in your locality here.
The car seat you select for your infant will be a major investment, and you'll use it for a long time. You'll want a seat that has a high crash test score and analysis score. It should also have features that will keep your baby comfy. The Clek LIing is a great choice for parents looking for an infant seat with a rear view that is affordable. It scored highly in both our sensor and analysis tests. It comes with a simple LATCH system that has a color change indication that shows whether the buckle straps are attached properly to the car, as well as a load leg that helps stop frontal collisions.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, used the Graco Extend2Fit to fit her daughters who were both from birth up to age six. The seat's adjustable harness height and length make it suitable for a range of children, from tall to short. It's a great option for a wide range of vehicles. It also is a light, 50-pound limit on rear-facing weight. Plus, it converts to a booster seat, which Trolio used with her youngest daughter up until she was 10 years old. older.
Another affordable option is the Nuna RAVA. It does not have a base as most other seats, but is still simple to put in using either method with its rigid LATCH connectors that slide out from the bottom of the seat and automatically turn green when connected to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for babies, with an unrethread harness that is not rethread and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to fasten the straps without having to remove your child from the seat. LaBracio also discovered the recline with six positions to be useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing
Children's necks can be held by the seat back in front-facing seats instead of being pushed forward onto the hard seat of a vehicle. This protects them from side collisions as well. The majority of car seats allow infants to ride rear-facing until they weigh more than 20 pounds and one year old. However, many experts suggest that children ride rear-facing as long as they can, as their neck muscles and bones will become stronger by the time they're ready to switch to an forward-facing seat.
When looking for options for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the iSize standards, have a padded harness pocket, and a cushioned headrest. Consider buying a car seat that can grow with your child, and then become a booster. Some models have an all-in one feature that lets your child change from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat.
It's also important to consider whether the seat fits your vehicle well, especially if you have a small trunk space or a car with a low clearance. Make sure you check the dimensions of the car seat as well as the owner's manual of the vehicle to ensure the most appropriate fit.
Find a car seat that offers good support and comfort for your child. Long journeys in the vehicle will be more enjoyable when they can rest comfortably. This may include features such as reclined headrests, a five-point harness that can be adjusted from the back of the seat and a variety of recline positions.
After narrowing down your options, you should consider crash replacement policies for the car seat you're considering. These policies can vary from the manufacturer's replacement policy, to a case-by-case analysis.
Once you've done your research and decided on the kind of car seat you're looking for It's time to begin shopping around. Check out the selection at your local baby store or online retailer and ask friends who have young children to get their suggestions. You can also request an Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you select the right car seat for your newborn.