Which is the best car seat for newborn Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A car seat that is safe and secure keeps your baby safe, secure and comfortable while on the road. Which is the most suitable for your child?
With features like latch hooks, load legs and belt paths to consider, choosing the best infant car seat newborn car seat isn't easy. Here's everything you need consider to make the right choice for your family.
Easy of Use
You'll need to choose one that is easy to set up and use, whether you're buying a car seat for a new baby or upgrading from your toddler's car seat. Think about the size of the seat base and the car, how the seat is suited to your baby's weight and height, as well as useful extra features such as an option to lay flat that can double as a bassinet for a stroller.
Infant-only chairs are a good option for infants because they're generally smaller than convertible car seats and fit newborns more snugly. They have a harness to support your child's head in an accident, which will reduce the stress on their neck or spinal cord.
Convertible car seat are ideal for parents who wish to keep their child rear facing infant car seat-facing for as long as they can. Most models allow children to rear-facing for 30 pounds or greater. If you opt for a convertible car seat, you should look for one that complies with the safety standards of the federal government and has a weight limit of 50 pounds or more.
It is important to keep in mind that, even though all car seats must meet strict NHTSA standards There are a variety of models available. To avoid the stress and danger of a defective or dangerous seat, choose one that's approved by a reputable business or organization, and then look for recent recalls and manufacturer complaints.
The best infant carrier car seat car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and various recline positions. Some car seats offer additional padding on the shoulder straps and near the buckle to ensure your child is comfortable during long roadtrips. If you have a smaller vehicle opt for an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing that is just 17 inches wide and is easy to install in most cars. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby that is specifically designed to work with strollers made by UPPAbaby, is another ideal option for families that want a no-fuss car seat that is easy 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 simple to use for any car trip.
Safety Features
Whether you're looking for an infant safe, lightweight car seat to take your child on long journeys or 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. Consider the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the seat. Look for a model which goes up to the 90th centile of your child's height prior to turning 1. Think about whether you'd like to cover a blanket or coat over the harness straps. The AAP warns against this since thick clothing can shrink during a crash, leaving the straps loose enough for your child to be restrained and increase the chance of injury.
You should also think about whether your car seat will be fitted using the LATCH system or a belt on a vehicle or if it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. A car seat that is able to fit onto a compatible base is ideal if you plan to use it for the majority of your car trips, as you'll save time and energy by not having to take it off it and reinstall it each time you use the vehicle.
In our testing, the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for its ease of installation and adjustments, with testers saying it "has everything you need for a quick and simple installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that flip out of the base and turn green once they're fully connected. Also included is a SuperCinch force multiplier strap tightener and a spring-loaded leveling feet.
Another option that is worth considering is the Baby Trend's budget-friendly Secure-Lift We've found it to be just as easy to use as models that cost twice as much. Its five-position adjustable headrest that grows with your child and its magnetic buckle holders, and its no-rethread harness have been highly praised by our test subjects.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is ideal choice for babies because of its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position which lets them sleep longer and more comfortably on road trips. It's also been praised for its safety, with consumer champion Which? ADAC awarding it the highest laboratory rating for car seats for infants.
Rear-Facing Options
In the majority of cars the safest place for a newborn car seat is in the middle rear seat. The center seat is most away from any impact, and can protect your baby from harm in the event of an accident. It is recommended to choose an infant car seat which allows your child to be in a rear-facing position for around one year. It is also important to make sure the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest is placed comfortably against your child's head and chest. The most efficient way to do this is to consult a certified child passenger safety technician, who can provide you with up-to-date recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your locality here.
Selecting the right car seat for your baby is a huge investment that you'll likely use for a long period of duration, so you'll need to choose a seat with an impressive crash test sensor and analysis score, as well as features to keep your child comfortable. The Clek Liing is a great option for parents looking for a budget-friendly rear-facing infant car seat. It scored extremely high in both our sensor and analysis tests. It has a simple LATCH system that comes with a color change indication that indicates when the buckle straps are securely attached to the car, and an extra load leg to help prevent frontal crashes.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, opted for the Graco Extension2Fit to fit her daughters who were both born until age six. The seat's adjustable harness height as well as length make it suitable for the needs of a variety of children from short to tall. It's a good option for a wide range of vehicles and has a low, 50-pound limit on rear-facing weight. It also converts into an adult seat that Trolio used with her oldest daughter until she was 10 years old. old.
Nuna RAVA is another affordable option. It doesn't have a base like many other seats, but is still very simple and quick to install by using either of the rigid LATCH connectors that flip out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green when connected to the vehicle. The RAVA is a comfortable baby seat with a no rethread harness. Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to secure the straps, without removing your child from the car seat. It also comes with the ability to recline in six positions which LaBracio discovered useful.
Forward-Facing Options
In front-facing seats the necks of children are held in the seat back, rather than pushed forward on the hard seat of a vehicle. This also helps protect them from injuries in side crashes. Most car seats allow infants as young as 20 pounds and one year of age to ride in the rear. However, many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as they can because their neck muscles and bones will become stronger when they're ready to switch to a forward-facing car seat newborn seat.
When looking at options for forward-facing car seat, ensure that they meet i-Size requirements, have a padded head rest, and a spacious harness pocket. Check the maximum height and weight limit, and consider purchasing an automobile seat that can be able to grow with your child until they are the position of a booster seat. Certain 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 car seat.
It's also important to determine whether the seat fits your vehicle, particularly when you have a limited trunk space or a vehicle with a low clearance. Check the dimensions of the car seat as well as the owners' manuals for your vehicle to determine the most appropriate fit.
Lastly, look for a car seat that has adequate support and comfort for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be less stressful in the event that they sleep comfortably. This can include features like reclined seat backs, a five point harness that can be tightened from the back of your seat, and a range of recline positions.
Once you've narrowed down your options, consider crash replacement policies for the car seat you're thinking of buying. These can vary from the manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by-case review.
After you've done some study and decided what type of car seat you'd like then you can begin shopping. You can also ask family members with children for recommendations. You can also book a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to assist you in choosing the best car seat for your baby.