Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A car seat that is safe and secure keeps your baby safe, secure and comfortable when you're on the road. Which one is the best for your newborn?
With features like latch hooks, load legs, and belt paths to consider, selecting the best infant car seat can be daunting. Here's what you should be aware of to make the best buying decision for your family.
Easy of Use
If you're looking for an infant car seat for your newborn or if you're upgrading from a toddler's car seat, you'll need a model that is easy to set up and use. Think about the size of the seat base and the car, as well as how the seat is suited to your baby's height and weight, and useful extra features such as the lay-flat option that can also double as a bassinet for your stroller.
Infant-only seats are a great choice for small babies because they're generally smaller than convertible car seats and can fit newborns more snugly. They also provide a harness that supports your child's head, which is fragile in a crash, which can reduce strain on their neck and the spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who intend to keep their babies rear-facing for as long as they can because the majority of these models allow children to ride in a rear-facing seat until 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.
It is important to keep in mind that, even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards There are a variety of models available. Select a car seat that has been approved by a reputable company or company. Also, be sure to look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The top-rated car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and several recline positions. Certain car seats provide extra padding on the shoulder strap and near the buckle to ensure your child is comfortable during long roadtrips. If you have a smaller vehicle, look for a smaller infant seat, such as the Clek Liing that is under 17 inches in width and is easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, that is compatible in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great choice for families who want a simple car seat. The harness that retracts automatically, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all simple to use.
Safety Features
You should consider some aspects when selecting the best infant car seat. If you're looking to ensure that your child is safe throughout the entire journey or are in search of an easy-to-use, safe car seat for your child to use on long trips, it's important to think about a few aspects. First, think about the height and weight limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can be safe in the seat, so choose a seat 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 blankets or coats over the harness straps. The AAP warns against this because heavy clothing may compress during a crash, leaving the straps loose enough for your child to be secured and increase the chance of injuries.
Other things to consider include whether you're planning to attach your car seat with a belt on your vehicle or the LATCH system, and if it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. If you intend to use your seat for the majority of your journeys in the car it is best to select one that is easily fitted onto the base that is compatible with it. This will help you save time and energy because you won't have to remove 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 top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with reviewers affirming that it "has everything you need to have a quick and easy installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that slide out of the base and turn green once they're fully connected. Additionally, there is a SuperCinch strap tightener that increases the force of the strap as well as a spring-loaded leveling feet.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another option worth considering. We found it to be as simple to use and affordable as models that cost twice as much. The adjustable headrest that can be adjusted to five positions, which grows with your child's development, its buckle holders with magnetic buckles, and its no-rethread harness have been highly praised by our testers.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is a great option for newborns due to its unique 180-degree flat sleep position, which allows them to stay asleep longer and more comfortably on road trips. It is also highly praised for its safety by 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 for infants.
Rear-facing Options
In the majority of automobiles, the most secure place for a newborn is the back seat. The position in the center is the most secure from any impact that could occur and will protect your child the best in the event of an accident. It is recommended to choose a car seat for infants that allows your child to ride backwards for around 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 best way to accomplish this is to speak with an experienced child passenger safety technician who will provide you with the most current guidelines for car seat use and installation. Find the nearest one here.
The car seat you select for your newborn is a significant investment, and you'll be using it for a long time. You'll want a seat that has a high crash test score and analysis score. It should also include features to ensure your baby is at ease. The Clek Liing is a great option for parents looking for an affordable rear-facing infant car seat. It scored high in our sensor and analysis test. infant car seat in front seat has a simple LATCH system that changes color to show that the buckle straps are properly secured to the car. It also has an extra load leg that helps avoid frontal collisions.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, used the Graco Extension2Fit to fit her daughters, who were both born until age six. The seat's adjustable harness height and length allow it to fit the needs of a variety of children, from tall to short. It's a good choice for a wide range of vehicles. It has a low, 50-pound limit on rear-facing weight. The seat also converts into a booster, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter until she was 10 years old.
Nuna RAVA is a similar alternative. It does not have an base, but it's still easy to install using the LATCH connectors, which are rigid. They flip out from the bottom and turn green automatically when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is comfortable for babies without rethreads. Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to secure the straps, without having to remove your child from the car seat. LaBracio also discovered the recline with six positions to be useful.
Forward-Facing Options
In front-facing seats children's necks are held in the seat back, instead of being pushed forward by the hard seat of a vehicle. This is a way to protect them from collisions with other vehicles as well. The majority of car seats allow children to ride rear-facing until they weigh over 20 pounds and a year old. However, many experts recommend that children remain rear-facing for as long as they can, as their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when they're ready for an forward-facing seat.
When considering options for forward-facing car seats, make sure they meet i-Size requirements, have a cushioned 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 be able to grow with your child until they are an adult 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 is also important to think about whether the car seat is a good fit in your vehicle, particularly when it has a narrow trunk or a low clearance. Make sure you check the dimensions of the car seat and owners' manuals for your vehicle to determine the best fit.
Finally, you should look for a car seat that provides good 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 the ability to recline the seat back as well as a five-point harness that can be tightened from the rear of your seat and a range of recline positions.
After you've narrowed your options down, you should consider the policies for replacement in case of a crash 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 some research and determined the type of car seats you'd like to purchase, you can start shopping. You can also ask friends with children for recommendations. You can also book a consultation with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you locate the perfect car seat for your baby.