Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A good car seat will keep your baby secure and comfortable while driving. But which one is most suitable for your infant?
Choosing the right infant car seats can be difficult. There are many options to think about, including latch hooks, belt paths, and load legs. Here's what you must know to make the best choice for your family.
Easy of Use
You'll need to choose one that is easy to install and use whether you're buying an infant car seat for a newborn or upgrading from your toddler's seat. Consider the size and weight of your child, the seat's fit in your car, and any extra features, like the lay-flat option that can also be used as stroller.
Infant-only seats are a good option for babies as they're generally narrower than convertible car seats and can fit babies more comfortably. They come with a harness to ensure your child's head is supported in an accident, which can 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 can. The majority of models allow the child to sit rear-facing until the weight is 30 pounds or greater. Look for a convertible seat that meets the safety standards of the federal government and has a a weight limit of at least 50 pounds.
When looking for a car seat it's important to consider that even though all carseats must meet the strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models on the market. Choose a seat that is approved by a reputable company or company. Also, look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The
best car seats infant car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and various recline positions. Certain car seats provide extra padding on the shoulder strap and close to the buckle to ensure your child is comfy during long road trips. If you drive a smaller car opt for a narrow infant seat like the Clek Liing, which is less than 17 inches wide and is easy to install in most cars. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max which can be used with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great option 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
It is important to consider some aspects when selecting an infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure your child is comfortable during the entire ride or are looking for an easy-to-use and safe
car seat newborn seat for your child to take on long journeys, it's essential to keep in mind a few features. Consider the weight and height limits of your infant seat. This will determine the maximum time your baby can safely be in the seat. Choose a seat that can be used up to the 90th centile of your child's height prior to turning 1. Also, consider whether you might want to put blankets or coats over the straps of the harness. The AAP warns against this since thick clothing can shrink during a crash, leaving straps too loose for your child to be secured and increase the chance of injuries.
It is also important to consider whether your car seat can be secured using the LATCH system or a belt for your vehicle or if it's compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. A seat that can easily be fitted onto a base that is compatible is the best option if you plan to use it for a majority of your car trips in order to save time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it every time you use the vehicle.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which was awarded Best of The Bump, received top marks during our testing for its ease of installation and its ability to adjust. Testers stated that it "has everything needed to ensure a fast, easy 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 great option is the budget-friendly Baby Trend Secure-Lift, which we've found to be as simple to use as models that cost twice as much. Its five-position adjustable headrest that grows with your child's growth as well as its buckle holders with magnetic buckles, and its no-rethread harness have been highly praised by our testers.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is the perfect choice for infants, thanks to its unique sleeping position of 180 degrees. This allows them to sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on travel. It has also been praised for its safety by the consumer advocate Which? calling it 'one of the most secure infant car seats on the market and ADAC giving the highest lab rating for a car seat that is suitable for infants.
Rear-facing Options
In most automobiles, the most secure place for a baby is the rear center seat. The center position is farthest from any possible impact and will safeguard your child the best in the event of a crash. If you are able, select an infant car seat that allows your baby to ride rear-facing until they're about a year old. It's also important to ensure the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest is snug against your child's head and chest. The easiest way to do this is to talk to an accredited child safety technician who will give you the most current recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your locality here.
The car seat you choose for your
newborn car seat insert will be a major purchase, and you'll use it for many years. You'll want a seat that has a high crash test score and an analysis score. It should also include features to keep your baby at ease. The Clek Liing is a great choice for parents who are looking for an affordable rear-facing infant car seat. It scored high in our analysis and sensor test, has an easy LATCH system that changes color to show that the buckle straps are properly attached to the car. It also has a load-leg to help prevent frontal collisions.
Strategist senior editor and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters, who both went from birth to age 6. The seat's adjustable harness height as well as length allow it to fit all children from short to tall. The seat is suitable for various vehicles, and it has an upper limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Plus, it converts to a booster seat, which Trolio used with her youngest daughter up until she turned 10 years old.
Nuna RAVA is a different, affordable alternative. It doesn't have a base like most other seats, but is still extremely quick and easy to install using either method, thanks to its rigid LATCH connectors, which flip out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green when connected to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for babies, thanks to an unrethread harness that is not rethread and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to fasten the straps without having to remove your child from the seat. It also has an adjustable recline of six positions, which 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 on the car seat. This is a way to protect them from collisions with the sides. Car seats typically allow children to ride rear-facing until they weigh more than 20 pounds and a year old. Many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing for as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time for them to transition to an front-facing seat.
If you are looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, ensure they meet the iSize standards and have a padded harness pocket, and a padded headrest for the seat. Think about buying a car seat that can expand with your child and become a booster. Some models have an all-in-one feature that allows you to move your child from a rear-facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing seat with a harness, and then into a booster seat.
It is also important to think about whether the car seat will fit well in your vehicle, particularly if it has a small trunk or a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and the owner's manual to ensure the most appropriate fit.
Finally, you should look for a car seat that provides 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 such as reclined headrests, a five-point harness that can be adjusted from the back of the seat, and a wide range of recline positions.
After you've narrowed your options down, you should consider the policies regarding crash replacement of the car seats you're looking at. These can be anything from a manufacturer's replacement policy to an individual case review.
After you've done some research and determined what kind of
Car Seat For Newborn seats you want then you can begin shopping. Look through the selections at your local baby store or online retailer, and ask parents of young children for their recommendations. You can also arrange an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you find the right car seat for your infant.