Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A well-designed car seat ensures your baby is secure, comfortable and safe while on the road. Which one is the best for your baby?

With features such as latch hooks, load legs, and belt paths to consider, choosing the right car seat for your infant can be a challenge. Here's everything you need to consider to make the right decision for your family.

Easy of Use

Whether you're shopping for an infant car seat for your baby or if you're upgrading from a toddler's car seat, you'll need one that is easy to install and use. Consider the size and weight of your child, the seat's fit in the car, and any extra features, like lay-flat options that can also be used as stroller.

Infant-only chairs are a good option for infants because they're generally smaller than convertible car seats and can fit infants more comfortably. They also come with a harness that supports your child's delicate head in the event of a crash which reduces the strain on their neck and spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are great for parents who want to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they want. The majority of models allow children to rear-facing for 30 pounds or greater. Find a convertible seat that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government and has a an upper minimum of 50 pounds.

It's important to keep it in mind that, despite the fact that all car seats must meet strict NHTSA standards, there are many different models available. Choose a seat that is certified by a trusted organization or company. Also, check for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

Top-rated car seats are made with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and several recline positions. Some even have additional padding around the buckle and on the shoulder harness to help your infant remain comfortable on long journeys. If you have a smaller vehicle, look for a smaller infant car seat newborn seat, such as the Clek Liing, which is under 17 inches wide and easy to install in most vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mesa Max, which is specifically designed to work with strollers made by UPPAbaby, is another great choice for families who need a simple car seat that's easy to use. Its auto-retracting straps EZ buckle and connectors for lower anchors that are premium with guides, and no-rethread harness make it easy to use for any car journey.

Safety Features

Whether you're looking for an infant safe, lightweight car seat to take your baby for long drives or want to make sure your child is comfortable for the duration of a ride There are some key aspects that are important to keep in mind. First, think about the height and weight limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the car seat and so, consider a model that is able to reach minimum your child's 90th percentile measurement before they turn one. Also, consider whether you'd prefer to put a coat or blanket over the straps of your harness. The AAP advises against this, since thick clothing can compress in a crash and make the straps too loose to hold your child, thereby increasing the chance of injuries.

You should also consider whether your car seat will be fitted using the LATCH system or a belt on a vehicle, and if it is compatible with other strollers or travel systems. If you intend to use your seat for most of your car rides it's best to pick one that fits easily onto a base compatible with it. This will save you time and energy as you won't have to remove and reinstall the seat every time you drive.

In our tests, the best infant car seat of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned high marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with reviewers commenting that it "has everything you need for a fast and easy installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that flip out of the base, and turn green once fully connected. Also included are a SuperCinch strap tightener that increases the force of the strap as well as spring-loaded leveling feet.

Another option that is worth considering is the affordable Baby Trend Secure-Lift, which we've found to be as simple to use as other models that cost twice as much. The adjustable headrest that can be adjusted to five positions that grows with your child's development and its buckle holders with magnetic buckles and no-rethread harness have been praised by our testers.

The Maxi-Cosi jade is a ideal choice for babies due to its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position, which allows them to sleep longer and more comfortably during travel. It has also been highly praised for its safety by consumer advocate Which? ADAC giving it the highest laboratory rating for infant car seats.

rear facing infant car seat-facing Options

In most cars, the safest place for a baby is the rear seat. The seat in the middle is the furthest from any impact that could occur and will shield your child Best Car Seat For Newborn in a crash. You should select an infant car seat which allows your child to ride rear-facing for about an entire year. It's also important to ensure the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest is secure against your child's chest and head. The most efficient way to do this is to consult an accredited child safety technician, who will give you the most current recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one near you here.

The car seat you choose for your newborn will be a major investment, and you'll use it for a long time. You'll want to choose a seat with a high crash test score and an analysis score. It should also come with features to keep your baby comfortable. The Clek LIing is a great choice for parents seeking an infant seat with a rear view that is affordable. It scored well in our sensor and analysis test, has an easy LATCH system that changes color to show when the buckle straps are properly secured to the car and a load-leg that helps prevent frontal collisions.

Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, opted for the Graco Extension2Fit to fit her daughters who were both from birth up to age six. The harness's adjustable height and size allows it to be adapted to children of all sizes, including taller ones. The seat is suitable for many vehicles, and it has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, it can be converted into an adult seat, which Trolio used with her youngest daughter up until she was 10 years old. young.

Another option that is affordable 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 of the bottom and then turn green when the seat is secured 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 found the six-position recline useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing

In front-facing seats children's necks are held in the back of the seat, instead of being pushed forward on the hard seat of a vehicle. This protects them from collisions with other vehicles as well. The majority of car seats allow infants 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 will be stronger when it's time to move to an front-facing seat.

If you are looking at alternatives for forward-facing car seat, ensure that they meet i-Size requirements, have a padded head rest, and a spacious harness pocket. Make sure you know the maximum height and weight limits and consider buying a car seat that will 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 change 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 car with a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and the owner's manual for the best fit.

Also, make sure you choose a car seat that has good support and comfort for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be less stressful if they can rest comfortably. This may include features such as reclined headrests, a five-point harness that can be tightened from the rear of the seat, and a wide range of recline positions.

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

After you've done some study and determined what kind of car seat you'd like then you can begin shopping. Take a look at the options available at your local baby store or online retailer, and ask your family members who have children for their recommendations. You can also book an Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you choose the best car seat for your baby.