Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A well-designed car seat can keep your baby safe and secure while on the road. Which is the best for your baby?
Choosing the right infant car seat isn't easy. There are so many features to take into consideration, such as latch hooks, belt paths and load legs. Here's everything you need to be aware of to make the right decision for your family.
Easy of Use
If you're in the market for a car seat for your infant for your newborn or upgrading from an older car seat, you'll want an option that is simple to install and use. Consider the size of the seat base and the car, how the seat fits your baby's height and weight, and useful extra features such as an option to lay flat that can double as a bassinet for a stroller.
Infant-only chairs are a great option for babies since they are generally narrower and fit them more snugly than convertible seats. They have a harness to help your child's head during an accident, which can reduce the strain on their neck or the spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are great for parents who intend to keep their children rear-facing for as long as they can because the majority of these models let children ride in a rear-facing position up to the point that they're 30 pounds or more. If you opt for a convertible car seat, search for one that meets 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 consider that while all car seats must be in compliance with the strict NHTSA safety standards There are a variety of different models available on market. To avoid the stress and danger of a dangerous or defective seat, choose one that's certified by a reputable company or organization, and check for recalls in the past and complaints from the manufacturer.
The top-rated car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and several recline positions. Some also offer additional padding around the buckle and on the shoulder harness to help your newborn remain comfortable on long journeys. If you're in a smaller vehicle, think about a small infant car seat like the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches wide and is easily installed in all vehicles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby that is specifically designed for use with strollers from UPPAbaby, is a great choice for families who require a car seat with no fuss 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 for any car trip.
Safety Features
If you're looking for an infant safe, lightweight car seat to take your little one on long trips or simply need to ensure your child is comfortable during the duration of a trip There are some key aspects that are important to keep in mind. Consider first car seat for newborn and weight limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can safely be in the car seat, so look for a model that is able to reach at least your child's 90th percentile before they turn 1. Also, think about whether you'd prefer to wear a coat or blanket over the harness straps. The AAP cautions against this, since thick clothing can be compressed in a crash and leave the straps too loose to secure your child, thereby increasing the chance of injury.
You should also think about whether your car seat can be fitted via the LATCH system or a belt on a vehicle and if it's compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. If you intend to use your seat for the majority of your driving, it's best to choose one that can easily fit on a base compatible with it. This will save you time and energy since you won't have to take out and reinstall the seat every time you take a trip in the car.
In our tests the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned high marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with users saying it "has everything you need for a quick and easy installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that slide out of the base and turn green once fully connected. Also included is a SuperCinch force multiplier strap tightener and spring-loaded leveling feet.
Another great option is the affordable Baby Trend Secure-Lift, which we've found to be just as simple to use as other models that cost twice as much. The adjustable headrest that can be adjusted to five positions, which grows with your child's growth and its buckle holders with magnetic buckles, and its no-rethread harness have been praised by our test subjects.
The Maxi-Cosi jade is a great choice for newborns because of its unique 180-degree sleeping position. This lets them sleep comfortably and longer during journeys. It has also been acknowledged for its safety by consumer champion Which? ADAC awarding it the highest laboratory rating for infant car seats.
Rear-Facing Options
In most cars, the most secure spot for a newborn is in the back seat. The position in the center is the most secure from any impact that could occur and will shield your child best in a crash. It is recommended to choose an infant car seat which allows your child to ride in a rear-facing position for around an entire year. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest is snug against your child's chest and head. Get a certified child-passenger technician who can give you the most up-to-date recommendations for car seat installation and use. Find the nearest one here.
The car seat you choose for your newborn will be a major purchase, and you'll use it for a long time. You'll want a seat that has a high crash test score as well as an analysis score. It should also come with features that will keep your baby at ease. The Clek LIing is a great option for parents who are looking for a rear-facing infant seat that's affordable. It scored highly in our sensor and analysis test, has a simple LATCH system that changes color to indicate when the buckle straps have been correctly secured to the car. It also has a load-leg to help prevent frontal collisions.
Strategist senior editor and mom of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her two daughters who both went from birth until age 6. The harness's adjustable height and size allows it to accommodate children of all sizes as well as taller ones. It is suitable for many vehicles, and it has an upper limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, the seat can be converted into a booster seat, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter until she was 10 years old.
Another option that is affordable is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't come with a base, however it is still simple to install with the LATCH connectors, which are rigid. They slide off the bottom and turn green automatically when the seat is 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 removing your baby from the car seat. It also features the ability to recline in six positions which LaBracio discovered useful.
Forward-Facing Options
Children's necks can be cradled by the seat back in front-facing seats, rather than being pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This protects them from collisions with other vehicles as well. Most car seats allow infants weighing up to 20 pounds and one year of age to sit backwards. However, a lot of experts recommend that children remain rear-facing as long as they can because their neck muscles and bones will become stronger when they're ready for an forward-facing seat.
When looking at options for forward-facing car seats, ensure they meet iSize specifications, have a padded head rest, and a large harness pocket. Think about buying a car seat which will grow with your child, and then become a booster. Some models have an all-in-one feature that lets your child go 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 is a good fit in your vehicle, especially if it has a small trunk or a low clearance. 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 a car seat that provides adequate support and comfort for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be less stressful when they are able to sleep comfortably. This could include features such as a reclining headrest, a five-point harness that can be adjusted from the back of the seat, and a wide range of recline positions.
After narrowing your options down, you should consider the policies for replacement in case of a crash of the car seats you're considering. These policies can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by -case review.
After you've done your homework and decided on the kind of car seat you're interested in It's time to begin looking around. Check out the selection at your local baby shop or online, and ask family members who have children for their recommendations. You can also book a consultation with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you choose the best car seat for your baby.