Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A well-designed car seat will ensure your baby is secure and comfortable while driving. Which one is the best for your newborn?

The right choice for infant car seats isn't an easy task. There are many features to take into consideration, such as latch hooks, belt pathways, and load legs. Here's what you need to be aware of to make the best buying decision for your family.

Easy of Use

You'll want to select a model that's easy to set up and use, whether you're buying an infant car seat uk car seat for your newborn or upgrading from your toddler's car seat. Consider the size and weight of your child, the seat's fit in the car, and any other features, like a lay-flat option which can also be used as a stroller.

portable infant car seat-only chairs are an ideal option for infants since they are generally narrower and fit them more comfortably than convertible car seats. They come with a harness that can ensure your child's head is supported in an accident, which can reduce the stress on their neck or spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are great for parents who intend to keep their children rear-facing for as long as is possible since most of these models allow children to ride in a rear-facing seat until they weigh 30 pounds or more. If you opt for a convertible car seat, look for one that complies with the federal safety standards and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more.

It's important to keep in mind that, even though all car seats must meet strict NHTSA standards there are a myriad of models available. To avoid the stress and danger of a defective or dangerous seat, make sure you choose one certified by a reputable company or a reputable organization, and also look for recalls in the past and manufacturer complaints.

The most rated car seats for infants have skin-friendly fabrics, 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 baby remain comfortable on long journeys. If you have a small vehicle, you should 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 most automobiles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max which can be used with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great choice for families who want an easy car seat. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all very easy to use.

Safety Features

You should consider some aspects when selecting an infant car seat for travel car seat. If you're looking to ensure your child is comfortable during the entire journey or you are looking for an easy-to-use and safe car seat for your child to use for long trips, you need to keep in mind some of the features. Take into consideration the weight and height limits of your cheap infant car seats seat. This will determine how long your baby can be safely in the seat, so choose a seat that can be adjusted to at least your child's 90th percentile before they turn 1. Think about whether you'd like to put a blanket or coat over the straps of your harness. The AAP cautions against this, because thick clothing could be compressed in a crash and leave the straps too loose to secure your child, thereby increasing the risk of injuries.

It is also important to consider whether your car seat can be secured with the LATCH system, or a belt on a vehicle, and if it is compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. If you intend to use your seat for the majority of your car rides it is best to select one that is easily fitted onto an appropriate base. This will help you save time and energy because you won't have to take out and reinstall your seat each time you take a trip in the car.

In our testing the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for its ease of installation and adjustments, with testers saying it "has everything you need for a quick and easy 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 a spring-loaded leveling foot.

Another option is the affordable Baby Trend Secure-Lift, which we've found to be just as simple to use as models that cost twice as much. Its adjustable headrest in five positions that adapts to your child's growth, its buckle holders with magnetic buckles, and its no-rethread harness have been praised by our testers.

The Maxi-Cosi jade is the perfect choice for infants because of its unique sleeping position of 180 degrees. This lets them rest comfortably and for longer on road trips. It is also highly praised for its safety by the consumer advocate Which? ADAC awarded it the highest laboratory rating for car seats for infants.

Rear-facing Options

In the majority of cars, the safest place for a newborn is in the rear center seat. The center position is farthest from any impact that could occur and will safeguard your child from harm in a crash. If you can, opt for a car seat that allows your baby to ride rear-facing until about an year old. It's also important to ensure the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest is snug against your child's chest and head. Find a certified child passenger technician who will provide you with the most current guidelines for car seat installation and use. Find one in your locality here.

Selecting the right car seat for your infant is a significant purchase that you'll likely be using for a long period of time, so it's important to choose a seat with an impressive crash test sensor and analysis score as in addition to features that will keep your child safe. The Clek LIing is an excellent option for parents who are seeking an infant seat with a rear view that is affordable. It scored highly in our sensor and analysis test. It comes with an easy-to-use LATCH system that changes color to indicate whether the buckle straps have been properly secured to the car, and an extra load leg that helps avoid frontal collisions.

Senior editor of the Strategist magazine and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters, who both went from birth to age 6. The seat's adjustable harness height and length make it suitable for the needs of a variety of children from tall to short. The seat is compatible with many vehicles, and it has the weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Plus, it converts to a booster seat, which Trolio used with her youngest daughter up until she turned 10 years young.

Nuna RAVA is another affordable option. It does not have a base, however it is still simple to install using the rigid LATCH connectors. They flip off the bottom and turn green automatically when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat 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. It also features an adjustable recline of six positions, which LaBracio discovered useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing

Children's necks can be cradled by the back of the seat in front-facing seats rather than being pushed forward on the hard seat of a vehicle. This protects them from collisions with the sides. Most car seats allow infants as young as 20 pounds and 1 year old to ride backwards. However, many experts recommend that children remain rear-facing as long as possible--their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when they're ready for a forward-facing car 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 large harness pocket. Check the maximum height and weight limit and consider buying a car seat that will expand with your child to the position of a booster seat. Certain models come with an all-in-one option that allows you to transfer your child from a rear-facing Car seat for newborn seats (with tether and harness) to a forward-facing seat with a harness, and then to a booster seat.

It is also important to think about whether the seat will fit in your vehicle properly, particularly if you have a small trunk space or a car with a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat as well as the owners' manuals for your vehicle to determine the most appropriate fit.

Choose a car seat that offers good support and comfort for your child. Long trips in the vehicle will be more enjoyable if they can rest comfortably. This can include features such as a reclining seat back and a five-point harness that tightens from the rear of your seat and a variety of recline positions.

After you've narrowed your options down, you'll need to consider the policies for replacement in case of a crash of the car seats you're looking at. These policies can vary from the manufacturer's replacement policy, to a case-by-case review.

Once you've done your research and determined what kind of car seat you're interested in, it's time to start looking around. Look through the selections at your local baby store or online retailer, and talk to parents of young children to get their suggestions. You can also book an appointment for a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you choose the best car seat for your baby.