Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A good car seat can keep your baby safe and comfortable on the road. But which one is most suitable for your infant?

Choosing the right infant car seats isn't an easy task. There are many features to take into consideration, such as latch hooks, belt paths, and load legs. Here's what you need to be aware of in order to make the right purchase for your family.

Simple to Use

Whether you're shopping for an infant car seat for your baby or upgrading from an older car seat, you'll need an option that is simple to install and use. Take into consideration the size of the base and the car, as well as how the seat fits your baby's height and weight, and useful extra features such as the lay-flat option that doubles as a stroller bassinet.

Infant-only seats are a good choice for small babies because they're typically narrower than convertible car seats and fit babies more comfortably. They come with a harness to support your child's head in an accident, which will reduce the strain on their neck or spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who intend to keep their children rear-facing for as long as they can because the majority of these models allow children to ride in a rear-facing position up to the point that they're 30 pounds or greater. If you opt for a convertible car seat, look for one that is compliant with the federal safety standards and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more.

When looking for a car seat, it's important to remember that while all car seats must be in compliance with the strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models available on the market. To avoid the hassle and risk of a defective or dangerous seat, select one that's certified by a reliable company or organization, and then look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and a variety of recline positions. Some of them also have padding around the buckle and on the shoulder harness to help your newborn remain comfortable on long journeys. If you drive a smaller car opt for an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing, which is under 17 inches wide and is easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max which can be used in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great option for families who want an easy car seat. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all very easy to use.

Safety Features

If you're in search of a secure, lightweight infant car seat to take your baby on long trips or simply need to ensure your child is comfortable during the duration of a trip there are a few important aspects that are important to keep in mind. First, consider the height and weight limits of your infant car seat. This will determine the length of time your baby can safely be in the seat. Find a model which goes up to the 90th centile of your child's height before turning 1. Also, think about whether you might want to use blankets or coats on the straps of the harness. The AAP cautions against this, since thick clothing can compress in a crash and leave the straps loose to secure your child, increasing the chance of injury.

It is also important to consider whether your car seat will be fitted with the LATCH system, or a belt for your vehicle, and if it is compatible with other strollers or travel systems. A car seat that can be fitted onto a base that is compatible is ideal if you intend to use it for the majority of your car rides and will save you time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it every time you drive.

The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which was awarded best car seats infant of The Bump, scored top marks in our tests for its ease of installation and its ability to adjust. Testers said it "has everything you need to ensure a fast, easy installation." This includes premium LATCH connectors that open from the base and become green when connected, and a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and a spring-loaded leveling foot.

Another option is the affordable Baby Trend Secure-Lift, which we've found to be just as easy to use as models that cost twice as much. Our testers have applauded it for its five-position, height-adjustable headrest that adapts to the size of your baby harness, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi jade is an excellent choice for babies because of its unique sleeping position of 180 degrees. This lets them sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on journeys. It is also praised for its safety by consumer champion Which? declaring it to be one of the safest infant car seats on the market as well as ADAC giving it their highest lab rating for a car seat for infants.

Rear-Facing Options

In most cars the most secure position for infants is in the rear seat at the center. The seat in the middle is the furthest from any possible impact and will shield your child best in the event of a crash. You should select an infant car seat that allows your child to be in a rear-facing position for around an entire 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. Consult a certified child passenger technician who can provide you with the most current suggestions for car seat installation and use. Find the nearest one here.

Selecting an infant car seat for your baby is a major investment that you'll likely use for a very long duration, so you'll need to choose a seat with an excellent crash test sensor and score, as in addition to features that will keep your child safe. The Clek LIing is a great choice for parents seeking a rear-facing infant seat that's affordable. It scored well in our analysis and sensor test. It has an easy-to-use LATCH system that changes color to indicate when the buckle straps have been properly attached to the car. It also has an extra load leg that helps avoid frontal collisions.

Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, opted for the Graco Extend2Fit to fit her daughters who were both from birth until age six. The seat's adjustable height and length allow it to fit the needs of a variety of children, from tall to short. It is suitable for many vehicles, and it has an upper limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, it can be converted into a booster seat that Trolio used with her youngest daughter up until she was 10 years old. older.

Nuna RAVA is a different, affordable alternative. It does not have a base as most other seats, but is still simple to put in by using either of the rigid LATCH connectors that slide out from the bottom of the seat. They then automatically turn green when secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for infants, with the harness being non-rethread and has magnetic buckle holders that allow you to attach the straps without taking your baby from the seat. It also has the ability to recline in six positions that LaBracio found to be useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing

Necks of children can be cradled by the back of the seat in front-facing seats, rather than being pushed forward onto the hard seat of a vehicle. This also helps protect them from injuries in side crashes. The majority of car seats allow infants weighing up to 20 pounds and one year of age to ride in the rear. However, many experts recommend that children remain rear-facing for as long as they can, as their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when they're ready to switch to a forward-facing seat.

If you are looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, be sure they meet the i-Size standards, have a padded harness pocket, and a padded seat headrest. Check the maximum height and weight limits and think about purchasing a car seat For newborn seat that can be able to grow with your child until they are the position of a booster seat. Some models have an all-in-one feature that allows your child to go from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward facing infant car seat-facing car seat.

It's also important to determine whether the seat fits your vehicle well, especially in the case of a tiny trunk space or a vehicle with a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and owner's manual of the vehicle to ensure the most appropriate fit.

Look for a car-seat that provides adequate support and comfort for your child. Long drives in the vehicle are more enjoyable if they can rest comfortably. This could include features such as a reclining headrest, a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of the seat and a variety of recline positions.

Once you've narrowed your choices down, you'll need to consider the policies for replacement in case of a crash of the car seats you're considering. These can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to an individual case review.

After you've done your homework and decided on the type of car seat newborn seat you're looking at It's time to begin looking around. Take a look at the options available at your local baby store or online retailer, and ask your family members who have children for their recommendations. You can also schedule a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you choose the best car seat for your newborn.