Which is the best car seat for Newborn Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A good car seat will keep your baby safe, comfortable and secure while on the road. But which one is most suitable for your baby?
With features such as latch hooks, load legs, and belt routes to consider, picking the right infant car seat can be a challenge. Here's what you should think about to make the best car seat for newborn decision for your family.
Ease of Use
If you're in the market for a baby car seat for your baby or if you're upgrading from a toddler's car seat, you'll want an option that is simple to set up and use. Consider the size of the seat base and the car, as well as how the seat is suited to your baby's weight and height, as well as convenient extra features like a lay-flat option that can double as a bassinet for a stroller.
infant car seat rear facing-only seats can be a great option for babies because they are typically shorter and fit more comfortably than convertible car seats. They also come with a harness that supports your child's fragile head in the event of a collision which reduces the tension on their neck and spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are great for parents who want to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they are able to. Most models allow the child to rear-facing for 30 pounds or more. Choose a convertible car seats newborn seat that meets federal safety regulations and has an upper minimum of 50 pounds.
It is important to keep in mind that even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards there are a myriad of models available. Pick a seat approved by a reputable company or company. Also, be sure to look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The top-rated car seats for newborns feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding and a range of recline positions. Certain car seats provide additional padding on the shoulder strap and near the buckle to ensure your child is comfy during long road trips. If you have a smaller vehicle opt for a smaller rotating infant car seat seat, such as the Clek Liing, which is under 17 inches wide and easy to install in most vehicles. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, which can be used with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great choice for families who want a simple car seat. 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 every car trip.
Safety Features
If you're looking for a safe, lightweight infant car seat to take your child for long drives or want to make sure your child is comfortable during the duration of a ride, a few key features are important to keep in mind. Consider first the height and weight limit of your infant car seat. This will determine the maximum time your baby can safely be in the seat. Choose a seat that is able to accommodate the 90th centile of your child's height before turning one. Also, think about whether you'd prefer to put blankets or coats on the straps of your harness. The AAP warns against this since heavy clothing may be compressed in the event of a crash, making the straps loose enough for your child to be restrained, increasing the risk of injuries.
Other considerations include whether you intend to install your car seat using a belt on your vehicle or the LATCH system and if it's 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 a majority of your journeys, as you'll save time and energy by not having to take it off it and put it back in place every time you use the vehicle.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which was awarded Best of The Bump, scored top rated baby car seats marks in our tests for its ease of installation and adjustment. Testers said it "has everything needed to make a quick and easy installation." This includes premium LATCH connectors that flip out from the base and change to green when fully connected, plus a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and a spring-loaded leveling foot.
Another great option is the budget-friendly Baby Trend Secure-Lift, which we've found to be just as simple to use as other models that cost twice as much. Its adjustable headrest in five positions that adapts to your child's growth as well as its magnetic buckle holders, and its harness that doesn't rethread have been praised by our test subjects.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is a great choice for newborns because of its unique 180-degree sleep position. This lets them sleep comfortably and longer during travel. It's also been lauded for its safety, with consumer champion Which? ADAC awarded it the highest laboratory rating for car seats for infants.
Rear-facing Options
In the majority of automobiles, the most secure place for a baby is the rear seat. The center seat is the most away from any impact, and can protect your baby in the event of an accident. If you can, opt for a car seat that allows your baby to sit rear-facing up to a year old. It is also important to make sure the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest is placed perfectly against your child's chest and head. The most efficient way to do this is to speak with a certified child passenger safety technician who will give you the most current recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one near you here.
Selecting the right car seat for your newborn is a significant investment that you'll probably use for a very long period of time, so it's important to choose a seat with an impressive crash test sensor and analysis score, as in addition to features that will keep your child safe. The Clek LIing is a great choice for parents looking for an infant seat with a rear view that is affordable. It scored well in our sensor and analysis test. It comes with a simple LATCH system that changes color to show when the buckle straps have been properly attached to the car, and a load-leg that helps prevent frontal collisions.
Strategist senior editor and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her two daughters who both went from birth to age 6. The seat's adjustable height and length help it fit a range of children, from tall to short. The seat is suitable for numerous vehicles, and has an upper limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, it can be converted into an adult seat that Trolio used with her oldest daughter up until she turned 10 years young.
Nuna RAVA is a similar alternative. It doesn't have a base, however it is still easy to install using the LATCH connectors, which are rigid. They flip out from the bottom and turn green when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for babies, thanks to a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that make it simple to attach the straps without taking your baby from the seat. LaBracio also discovered the recline with six positions to be useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing Focus
In front-facing seats children's necks are held in the seat back, instead of being pushed forward on the hard seat of a vehicle. This position also protects them from injuries in side crashes. Car seats typically allow infants up to 20 pounds and 1 year of age to sit backwards. Many experts recommend that kids remain rear-facing as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time to move to an front-facing seat.
If you're looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, be sure they meet the i-Size standards with a padded seat pocket, and a padded headrest. Check the maximum height and weight limit and consider buying an automobile seat that can be able to grow with your child until they are a booster seat. Certain models have an all-in-one feature that allows your child to move from a rear-facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward facing car seat.
It is important to consider whether the car seat will fit in your vehicle, particularly if it has a small trunk or low clearance. Check the dimensions of the car seat and owner's manual of the vehicle to ensure the most appropriate fit.
Finally, you should look for a car seat that has adequate support and comfort for your child's body--long trips in the car will be easier in the event that they rest comfortably. This can include features like reclined headrests and a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of the seat and a variety of recline positions.
Once you've narrowed down your options, you should consider crash replacement policies for the car seat you're considering. These policies can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by -case review.
After you've done some study and decided what type of car seats you'd like to purchase, you can start shopping. You can also ask your friends with children for recommendations. You can also schedule a consultation with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you locate the perfect car seat for your infant.