Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A well-designed car seat will keep your baby safe and secure on the road. Which is the best for your baby?
Choosing the right infant car seat can be difficult. There are a lot of features to consider such as latch hooks, belt paths and load legs. Here's what you should be aware of to make the right choice for your family.
Easy of Use
Whether you're shopping for a car seat for your infant for your newborn or upgrading from a toddler's car seat, you'll want a model that is easy to set up and use. Consider the size of the base and the car, how well the seat fits your baby's weight and height, as well as useful extra features such as a lay-flat option that doubles as a stroller bassinet.
Infant-only seats are an ideal option for infants because they are typically narrower and fit them more comfortably than convertible car seats. They have a harness to ensure your child's head is supported in an accident, which can reduce the strain on their neck or spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who want to keep their babies rear-facing as long as possible because most models allow children to ride in a rear-facing seat until they're 30 pounds or more. If you decide on a convertible car seat, search for one that complies with federal safety standards and has a weight limit of 50 pounds or more.
It's important to keep it in mind that, despite the fact that all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards, there are many different models available. Choose a seat that is certified by a reputable organization or company. Also, look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The best car seats for infants have skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding, and a range of recline positions. Some also offer additional padding in the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your infant remain comfortable on long road trips. If you have a small vehicle, you should consider a narrow infant car seat, such as the Clek Liing. It's less than 17 inches in width, and can be easily installed in most vehicles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby that is specifically designed to work with UPPAbaby strollers, is another ideal option for families that require a car seat with no fuss that is simple to use. Its auto-retracting straps, EZ buckle and connectors for lower anchors that are premium with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it easy to use for every car trip.
Safety Features
There are a few features when choosing the best infant car seat newborn seat. If you're looking to ensure your child is comfortable throughout the ride or are looking for a light and safe car seat for your child to use for long trips, you need to consider certain characteristics. Be aware of the weight and height limits of your infant car seats best car seat. This will determine how long your child is able to safely stay in the seat. Choose a seat that can be used up to the 90th percentile of your child's height before turning 1. Think about whether you'd like to put an overcoat or blanket over the straps of the harness. The AAP warns against this since heavy clothing may compress during a crash, leaving the straps loose enough for your child to be secured which increases the chance of injuries.
You should also consider whether your car seat will be installed via the LATCH system or a belt for your vehicle, and if it is compatible with other strollers or travel systems. A car seat that is able to be fitted onto a base that is compatible is ideal if you plan to use it for the majority of your journeys and will save you time and energy by not having to take it off it and reinstall it each time you drive.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, scored top marks during our testing for its ease of installation and adjustment. Testers stated that it "has everything you need to make a quick and easy installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that open from the base and turn green when fully connected, and a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and an adjustable foot with springs.
Another option that is worth considering is the budget-friendly Baby Trend Secure-Lift, which we've found to be just as simple to use as models that cost twice as much. Our testers 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 makes a great choice for newborns due to its unique sleeping position of 180 degrees. This lets them rest comfortably and for longer on journeys. It's also been lauded for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? ADAC awarding it the highest lab rating for car seats for infants.
Rear-Facing Options
In most cars, the safest place for a baby is the back seat. The center position is farthest from any potential impact and will safeguard your child from harm in an accident. It is recommended to choose an infant car seat that allows your child to ride backwards for around one year. It's also important to ensure the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest is secure against your child's head and chest. The most efficient way to do this is to talk to an experienced child passenger safety technician who will provide you with up-to-date recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your locality here.
The car seat you choose for your infant is a significant purchase, and you'll use it for many years. You'll want to choose a seat that has a high crash test score and an analysis score. It should also have features that will keep your baby comfortable. The Clek Liing is a great option to parents looking for a budget-friendly rear-facing infant car seat. It scored highly in both our analysis and sensor tests, has an easy-to-use LATCH system with an indicator that changes color and indicates when the buckle straps are attached properly to the car, as well as a load leg that can help stop frontal collisions.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, opted for the Graco Extension2Fit to fit her daughters who were both born up to age six. The harness's adjustable height and size allows it to fit children of all sizes as well as taller ones. It's a great choice for a wide range of vehicles. It also comes with a modest 50-pound weight limit for rear-facing children. Plus, it converts to a booster seat that Trolio used with her oldest daughter up to the time she reached 10 years old. old.
Another affordable option is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't come with a base, but it's still easy to install using the LATCH connectors, which are rigid. They can be flipped out from the bottom and then turn green when the seat is 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 secure the straps without removing your child from the seat. LaBracio also discovered the recline with six positions to be useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing Focus
In front-facing seats the necks of children are held in the seat back, instead of being pushed forward by the hard seat of a vehicle. This position also protects them from injuries in side crashes. Car seats typically allow children to ride rear-facing until they weigh over 20 pounds and a year old. Many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when it's time for them to transition to an front-facing seat.
If you are looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the i-Size requirements with a padded seat pocket, and a cushioned seat headrest. Make sure you know the maximum height and weight limits, and consider purchasing an automobile seat that can expand with your child to the position of a booster seat. Some models have an all-in-one option that allows you to move your child from a rear-facing car seats (with tether and harness) to a forward-facing seat that has a harness and then into the booster seat.
It's also important to determine whether the seat will fit your vehicle properly, particularly if you have a small trunk space or a car with a low clearance. Check the car seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure the best car seat infant car seat for newborn - click here to visit Btpars for free, fit.
Also, make sure you choose an automobile seat that offers comfortable and adequate support for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be less stressful if they can rest comfortably. This could 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 you've narrowed your options down, you'll want to look at the policies for replacement in case of a crash of the car seats you're looking at. These can vary from the manufacturer's replacement policy, to a case-by-case analysis.
After you've done some study and determined the type of car seat you'd like then you can begin shopping. Take a look at the options available at your local baby shop or online, and ask your family members who have children for their recommendations. You can also book an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you find the right car seat for your newborn.