Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A quality car seat can keep your baby secure and comfortable on the road. Which one is the most suitable for your baby?

With features such as latch hooks, load legs, and belt paths to consider, selecting the best infant car seat can be a challenge. Here's what you must know to make the best buying decision for your family.

Ease of Use

Whether you're shopping for a car seat for your infant for your newborn or if you're upgrading from an infant car seat newborn car seat, you'll need one that is easy to install and use. Think about the size of the base and the car, how well the seat fits your baby's weight and height, and convenient extra features like the lay-flat option that can double as a bassinet for a stroller.

Infant-only seats can be a good option for newborns because they tend to be shorter and fit more snugly than convertible seats. They have a harness to help your child's head during an accident, which will lessen the strain on their neck or spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who want to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they are able to. The majority of models allow children to sit rear-facing until the weight is 30 pounds or greater. If you choose to purchase a convertible car seat, look for one that complies with the safety standards of the federal government and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more.

When you're looking for a car seat, it's important to keep in mind that even though all carseats must meet strict NHTSA safety standards There are a variety 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 reputable company or a reputable organization, and also look for recalls in the past and complaints from the manufacturer.

The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and several recline positions. Some also offer additional padding near the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your infant stay comfortable during long road trips. If you have a smaller vehicle, look for a smaller infant seat, 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, that is compatible 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 on every car journey.

Safety Features

There are some aspects when selecting the best infant car seat. If you're looking to ensure your baby is safe throughout the entire journey or you are looking for a light and safe car seat for your child to take on long journeys, it's essential to think about some of the features. First, consider the height and weight limit of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child is able to safely stay in the seat. Find a model which goes up to the 90th centile of your child's height before turning one. Think about whether you'd like to cover a blanket or coat over the harness straps. The AAP warns against this because heavy clothing may be compressed during a crash, leaving the straps too loose for your child to be secured which increases the risk of injuries.

Other factors to consider are whether you plan to install your car seat with a belt on your vehicle or the LATCH system and if it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. If you plan to use your seat for most of your driving, it's best to choose one that can easily fit on the base that is compatible with it. This will save you time and energy since you won't have to remove and reinstall the seat 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 for a quick, painless installation." This includes premium LATCH connecters that flip out of the base, and turn green once fully connected. Also included is a SuperCinch strap tightener that increases the force of the strap and a spring-loaded leveling feet.

Another option is the Baby Trend's budget-friendly Secure-Lift that we've found to be just as easy to use as other models that cost twice as much. Its adjustable headrest in five positions, which grows with your child's development as well as its buckle holders with magnetic buckles and no-rethread harness have been praised by our test subjects.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade is ideal choice for babies due to its unique 180-degree flat sleep position, which allows them to stay asleep longer and more comfortably on travel. It's also been praised for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? ADAC awarded it the highest lab rating for car seats for infants.

Rear-facing Options

In most cars the most secure position for infants is in the middle rear seat. The seat in the middle is the furthest from any possible impact and will protect your child from harm in an accident. If you can, opt for a car seat that allows your baby to ride rear facing infant car seat-facing until about a year old. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest is secure against your child's chest and head. Consult a certified child passenger technician who can give you the most current suggestions for car seat installation and use. Find one in your locality here.

Choosing a car seat for your infant is a major purchase that you'll likely be using for a long duration, so you'll need to select one that has an amazing 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 an infant car seat in front seat rear-facing seat that is affordable. It scored very high in both our sensor and analysis tests. It has a simple LATCH system that has an indicator that changes color and shows how buckle straps are properly attached to the car, and a load leg that helps to prevent frontal collisions.

Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, utilized the Graco Extension2Fit to fit her daughters who were both born up to the age of six. The adjustable harness size and height allows it to accommodate children of all sizes and heights, including taller ones. It's a great choice for a wide range of vehicles. It has a low, 50-pound weight limit for rear-facing children. It also converts into an adult seat, which Trolio used with her youngest daughter up until she was 10 years old. old.

Nuna RAVA is a similar option. It does not come with a base like most other seats, but is still simple to put in using either method with its rigid LATCH connectors that flip out from the bottom of the seat. They then automatically turn green when connected to the vehicle. The RAVA is comfortable for babies with a no rethread harness. Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to secure the straps without having to remove your child from the car 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 cradled in the back of the seat rather than pushed forward on the hard seat of a vehicle. This position also protects them better in side crashes. The majority of car seats allow children to ride rear-facing until they weigh more than 20 pounds and a year old. Many experts advise that children remain rear-facing for as long as they can. 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, make sure they meet the i-Size standards, have a padded harness pocket, and a cushioned headrest for the seat. Be sure to check the maximum height and weight limit and consider buying a car seat that can be able to grow with your child until they are the position of a booster seat. Certain models come with an all-in-one feature that allows the child to be moved from an rear-facing car seat (with tether and harness) to a forward facing infant car seat-facing seat that has a harness and then onto the booster seat.

It is also important to think about whether the car seat will fit in your vehicle, particularly in the case of a small trunk or low clearance. Make sure you check the dimensions of the car seat as well as the vehicle owner's manual for the most appropriate fit.

Finally, you should look for an automobile seat that offers comfortable and adequate support for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be more bearable if they can sleep comfortably. This may include features like the ability to recline the seat back, a five point harness that can tighten from the rear of your seat and a variety of recline positions.

Once you've narrowed down your options, think about the policies on crash replacement for the car seat you're looking at. They can range from a manufacturer’s replacement policy to a personal case review.

After you've done some study and determined what kind of car seats you'd like to purchase then you can begin shopping. Take a look at the options available at your local baby store or online retailer and ask your friends who have young children to get their suggestions. You can also book a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to assist you in choosing the right car seat for a newborn.