Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A well-designed car seat ensures your baby is safe, comfortable and secure on the road. Which one is the best for your newborn?
Selecting the best infant car seats isn't easy. There are a lot of options to think about, including latch hooks, belt paths, and load legs. Here's what you should consider to make the right decision for your family.
User-Friendliness
You'll need to choose a model that's easy to install and use, whether you're buying a car seat for your newborn or upgrading your toddler's seat. Think about the size of the base and the car, how well the seat is suited to your baby's weight and height, and convenient extra features like a lay-flat option that can also double as a bassinet for your stroller.
Infant-only seats are an ideal option for infants because they are typically smaller and fit more comfortably than convertible car seats. They come with a harness that can help your child's head during an accident, which will reduce the stress 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 want. Most models allow children to rear-facing for 30 pounds or more. 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 is important to keep in mind that even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards, there are many different models available. Pick a seat certified by a trusted organization or company. Also, check for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The top-rated car seats for babies feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding and a range of recline positions. Some also offer additional padding around the buckle and on the shoulder harness to help your newborn stay comfortable during long journeys. If you're in a smaller vehicle, consider an infant car seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches in width, and can be easily installed in all vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max which can be used together with UPPAbaby Strollers is a great choice for families who want an easy car seat. The harness that retracts automatically, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all easy to use.
Safety Features
There are the following aspects when selecting the right infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure your child is safe throughout the entire journey or you are looking for a lightweight, safe car seat for your child to use for long journeys, it's essential to keep in mind some of the characteristics. Consider the weight and height limits of your infant seat. This will determine the length of time your baby can safely be in the seat. Find a model which goes up to your child's 90th centile measurement before turning 1. Also, think about whether you'd like to put blankets or coats on the straps of the harness. The AAP warns against this since thick clothing could be compressed during a crash, leaving straps too loose for your child to be secured and increase the chance of injuries.
You should also think about whether your car seat can be secured using the LATCH system or a belt on a vehicle, and if it is compatible with other travel systems or strollers. If you plan to use your seat for most of your driving it's best to pick one that can easily fit on the base that is compatible with it. This will save you time and energy because you won't have to remove and reinstall your seat each time you drive.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which was awarded Best of The Bump, was praised in our testing for its ease of installation and adjustment. Testers stated that it "has everything needed to ensure a fast, easy installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that flip out from the base and change to green when fully connected, as well as a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and an adjustable foot with springs.
Another great option is the budget-friendly Baby Trend Secure-Lift that we've found to be as simple to use as other models that cost twice as much. Our test subjects have praised it for its five-position, height-adjustable headrest that grows with your baby, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.
The Maxi-Cosi jade is an excellent choice for babies because of its unique sleeping position of 180 degrees. This lets them sleep comfortably and longer during travel. It's also praised for its safety, with consumer champion Which? ADAC awarded it the highest laboratory 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 center seat is the most away from any impact, and can protect your baby from harm in the event of an accident. You should select an infant car seat which allows your child to sit backwards for around one year. It's also crucial to make sure the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest fits comfortably against your child's head and chest. Get a certified child-passenger technician who can provide you with the most current suggestions for car seat installation and use. Find one near you here.
Selecting an infant car seat for your infant is a major investment that you'll probably use for a very long time, so you'll want to select one that has an impressive crash test sensor and score as along with features to ensure your child's comfort. The Clek LIing is a great choice for parents seeking a rear-facing infant seat that's affordable. It scored very high in both our analysis and sensor tests. It has a simple LATCH system with an indicator that changes color and indicates how buckle straps are properly attached to the car, and a load leg that helps to prevent frontal collisions.
Strategist senior editor and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her two daughters who both grew from birth until age 6. The harness's adjustable height and size allow it to accommodate children of all sizes, including taller ones. The seat is suitable for various vehicles, and it has an upper limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, it can be converted into an adult seat, which Trolio used with her oldest daughter up to the time she reached 10 years old. young.
Another option that is affordable is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't have a base like many other seats, but is still very quick and easy to install using either method with its rigid LATCH connectors that flip out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green once secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for babies, thanks to a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to secure the straps without removing your child from the seat. LaBracio also liked the recline that has six positions.
Options with a Forward-Facing
Children's necks can be held by the seat back in front-facing seats instead of being pushed forward onto the car seat. This also helps protect children from side-impacts better. Car seats typically allow infants up to 20 pounds and one year old to ride backwards. Many experts recommend that kids remain rear-facing as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time for them to transition to a front-facing seat.
If you are looking at alternatives for forward-facing car seat, ensure they meet iSize 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 can grow with your child into the position of a booster seat. 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 onto a booster seat.
It's also important to consider whether the seat will fit your vehicle, particularly in the case of a tiny trunk space or a vehicle with an uninspiring clearance. Check the car seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure that the seat is the best fit.
Finally, you should look for a car seat that has adequate support and comfort for your child's body. Long trips in the car will be less stressful when they are able to rest comfortably. This may include features such as an adjustable headrest and a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.
After you've narrowed your options down, you'll need to consider the crash replacement policies of the car seats you're considering. These could be anything from a manufacturer's replacement policy, to a specific case review.
After you've done your homework and determined the type of car seat you're looking at now is the time to start shopping around. Take top rated baby car seats at the options available at your local baby store or online retailer and ask your friends who have young children for recommendations. You can also schedule a consultation with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you locate the perfect car seat for your infant.