Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A good car seat will ensure your baby is safe and comfortable on the road. Which is the most suitable for your child?
Choosing the right infant car seats can be difficult. There are many features to consider such as latch hooks, belt pathways, and load legs. Here's what you must be aware of in order to make the right choice for your family.
Ease of Use
You'll want to choose a model that's easy to set up and use, whether you're purchasing an infant car seat for your newborn or upgrading from your toddler's car seat. Take into consideration the weight and size of your child, the seat's fit in your car, and any extra features, like a lay-flat option which can also be used as stroller.
Infant-only seats are a good option for infants because they're generally narrower than convertible car seats and can fit babies more comfortably. They also provide a harness that supports your child's delicate head in a crash and reduces strain on their neck and the spinal cord.
car seat for newborn pushchairsandprams are great for parents who plan to keep their infants rear-facing for as long as is possible since most of these models allow children to sit in a rear-facing position up to the point that they weigh 30 pounds or more. Look for a convertible seat that meets federal safety regulations and has an upper limit of at least 50 pounds.
When shopping for a car seat it's important to remember that, even though all car seats must be in compliance with the strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models on the market. To avoid the stress and danger of a dangerous or defective seat, choose one that's certified by a reputable company or a reputable organization, and also look for recalls in the past and complaints from manufacturers.
The top-rated car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and a variety of recline positions. Some even have additional padding in the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your newborn remain comfortable on long journeys. If you have a smaller vehicle choose an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing one, which is less than 17 inches wide and easy to install in most cars. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby that is designed to be used with strollers made by UPPAbaby, is another excellent option for families who need a simple car seat that is simple to use. Its auto-retracting straps EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and no-rethread harness make it easy to use on every car journey.
Safety Features
It is important to consider the following aspects when selecting the best infant car seat. If you're looking to ensure that your child is comfortable during the entire journey or you are looking for a light and safe car seat for your child to take on long trips, you need to keep in mind a few characteristics. Take into consideration the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can safely be in the car seat and so, choose a seat that goes up to at least your child's 90th percentile measurement prior to when they turn one. Also, think about whether you'd like to use blankets or coats over the straps of the harness. The AAP advises against this, because thick clothing could cause a collapse and leave the straps loose to secure your child, thereby increasing the chance of injuries.
Other things to consider include whether you plan to install your car seat using a vehicle belt or the LATCH system, and whether it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. If you intend to use your car seat for a majority of your driving it's best to pick one that is easily fitted onto the base that is compatible with it. This will save you time and energy since you won't need to take off and reinstall the seat every time you use the car.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, was praised in our tests for its ease of installation and its ability to adjust. Testers said it "has everything needed for a quick, painless installation." This includes premium LATCH connectors that flip out from the base and become green when connected, as well as a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener as well as an adjustable foot with springs.
Another option is the Baby Trend's budget-friendly Secure-Lift, which we've found to be as simple to use as other models that cost twice as much. Its adjustable headrest in five positions that adapts to your child's development as well as its buckle holders that are magnetic, and its no-rethread harness have been praised by our testers.
The Maxi-Cosi jade is a great option for newborns because of its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position which allows them to stay asleep longer and more comfortably during road trips. It is also praised for its safety by consumer advocate Which? calling it 'one of the safest infant car seats available' and ADAC giving it the highest lab score for a car seat that is suitable for infants.
Rear-facing Options
In the majority of automobiles, the most secure place for a baby is the rear center seat. The center seat is furthest away from any potential impact, and can protect your baby best in an accident. If you can, select an infant car seat that lets your child ride rear-facing until about an year old. It's also important to make sure the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest is secure against your child's head and chest. The easiest way to do this is to consult an accredited child safety technician who will provide you with the most current guidelines for car seat use and installation. Find one in your area here.
Selecting an infant car seat for your infant is a huge investment that you'll likely use for a very long duration, so you'll need to choose a seat with an amazing crash test sensor and score as well as features to keep your child comfortable. The Clek Liing is a great choice to parents looking for a low-cost rear-facing infant car seat. It scored highly in both our sensor and analysis tests. It has a simple LATCH system that has a color change indication that indicates how buckle straps are securely attached to the car, and a load leg that can help prevent frontal crashes.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, used the Graco Extend2Fit to fit her daughters who were both from birth up to age six. The seat's adjustable harness height as well as length help it fit all children from short to tall. It's an excellent choice for a wide range of vehicles. It is a light, 50-pound weight limit for rear-facing children. It also converts into an adult seat that Trolio used with her youngest daughter up to the time she reached 10 years old. old.
Another affordable option is the Nuna RAVA. It does not have a base as the majority of seats, however it is still extremely simple and quick to install using either method, thanks to its rigid LATCH connectors, which flip out from the bottom of the seat and automatically turn green once secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is suitable for infants with a no rethread harness. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps without having to remove your child from the car seat. It also has an adjustable recline of six positions which LaBracio discovered useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing
In front-facing seats, children's necks are cradled in the back of the seat instead of being pushed forward on the car seat that is hard. This position protects them in collisions with the sides. Most car seats allow children to ride rear-facing until they weigh over 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, be sure they meet the iSize standards, have a padded harness pocket and a padded seat headrest. Be sure to check the maximum height and weight limit and think about purchasing a car seat that can be able to grow with your child until they are an adult booster seat. Some models come with 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 is also important to think about whether the seat fits your vehicle, particularly if you have a small trunk space or a vehicle with a low clearance. Check the car seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure that the seat is the most appropriate fit.
Find a car seat that provides good support and comfort for your child. Long journeys in the vehicle will be more enjoyable if they can sleep comfortably. This may include features like a reclining seat back and a five-point harness that can tighten from the back of your seat, and a variety of recline positions.
After narrowing your options down, you should consider the crash replacement policies of the car seats you're considering. They can differ from the manufacturer's replacement policy, to a case-by-case analysis.
After you've done some study and determined the type of car seat you'd like then you can begin shopping. You can also ask friends with children for recommendations. You can also book an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you find the right car seat for your newborn.