Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A good car seat will ensure your baby is secure and comfortable while driving. But which one is most suitable for your baby?
Selecting the best infant car seat can be difficult. There are a lot of features to take into consideration, such as latch hooks, belt pathways, and load legs. Here's everything you need consider to make the right choice for your family.
Easy of Use
If you're in the market for an infant car seat for your newborn or if you're upgrading from an older car seat, you'll want one that is easy to install and use. Think about the size and weight of your child, the size of the seat that will fit in the car, and any extra features, such as a lay-flat option which can also be used as stroller.
Infant-only seats are a good choice for small babies because they're typically narrower than convertible car seats and can fit infants more comfortably. They also have the safety of a harness to protect your child's head, which is fragile in the event of a collision which reduces the tension on their neck and the spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are great for parents who plan to keep their infants rear-facing for as long as they can because most models allow children to ride in a rear-facing position up to the point that they weigh 30 pounds or more. Choose a convertible car seat that complies with federal safety standards and has a an upper limit of at least 50 pounds.
When looking for a car seat, it's important to consider that while all car seats must meet the strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models available on the market. Select a car seat that has been approved by a reputable company or company. Also, look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The best car seats for babies feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding, and a range of recline positions. Some car seats offer extra padding on the shoulder straps and near the buckle to keep your baby at ease during long road trips. If you're driving a small vehicle, think about a small infant car seat like the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches wide, and can be easily installed in most vehicles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby, which is specifically designed for use with UPPAbaby strollers, is another ideal option for families that want a no-fuss car seat that is easy to use. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all simple to use.
Safety Features
There are a few features when choosing an infant car seat. If you want to ensure your baby is comfortable throughout the ride or are looking for a lightweight, safe car seat for your child to use on long journeys, it's essential to think about some of the features. Consider first the height and weight limit of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can be safely in the car seat, so consider a model that goes up to minimum your child's 90th percentile measurement prior to when they turn 1. Consider whether you would like to cover a blanket or coat on the straps of the harness. The AAP advises against this, since thick clothing can be compressed in a crash and leave the straps loose to hold your child, increasing the chance of injury.
You should also consider whether your car seat will be installed using the LATCH system or a belt for your vehicle or if it's compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. If you intend to use your seat for most of your car rides it's best to pick one that is easily fitted onto an appropriate base. This will reduce time and energy since you won't need to take off and reinstall the seat each time you drive.
In our testing, the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for its ease of installation and adjustments, with reviewers affirming that it "has everything you need to have a quick and simple installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that can be removed from the base and turn green when they are fully connected. Additionally, there is a SuperCinch force multiplier strap tightener as well as a spring-loaded leveling foot.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another excellent option. We found it to be as user-friendly and affordable as other models that cost twice as much. Our testers have applauded it for its five-position, height-adjustable headrest that grows with your baby with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is a great choice for newborns, thanks to its unique sleeping position of 180 degrees. This lets them sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on travel. It's also praised for its safety, with consumer champion Which? saying it's one of the safest infant car seats available and ADAC giving it the highest lab score for a car seat for infants.
Rear-facing Options
In the majority of cars, a newborn's safest position is in the rear seat at the center. The seat in the middle is the furthest from any potential impact and will safeguard your child the best in the event of an accident. You should choose an infant car seat that allows your child to ride rear-facing for about a year. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest fits against your child's head and chest. The easiest way to do this is to consult an experienced child passenger safety technician who will give you the most current recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find the nearest one here.
Selecting an infant car seat for your infant is a major investment that you'll probably use for a long period of time, so it's important to select one that has an excellent crash test sensor and analysis score, as in addition to features that will keep your child safe. The Clek Liing is a great option to parents looking for a budget-friendly rear-facing infant car seat. It scored very high in both our sensor and analysis tests. It has a simple LATCH system that has the ability to change colors that shows when the buckle straps are properly attached to the car, as well as a load leg that helps prevent frontal crashes.
Strategist senior editor and mom of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters who both grew from birth to age 6. The seat's adjustable harness height and length allow it to fit a range of children from short to tall. infant car seat rear facing is compatible with numerous vehicles, and has the weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, it can be converted into an adult seat, which Trolio used with her oldest daughter until she turned 10 years older.
Nuna RAVA is a different, affordable option. It does not have a base, but it is still easy to install using the LATCH connectors that are rigid. They can be flipped off the bottom and then turn green when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for babies, thanks to an unrethread harness that is not rethread and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to fasten the straps without having to remove your child from the seat. It also comes with the ability to recline in six positions which LaBracio found to be useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing
Necks of children can be cradled by the seat back in front-facing seats instead of being pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This also helps protect children from side-impacts better. The majority of car seats allow infants to ride rear-facing until they weigh over 20 pounds and one 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 switch to a front-facing seat.
When looking at options for forward-facing car seats, ensure that they meet i-Size specifications, have a padded head rest, and a spacious harness pocket. Check the maximum height and weight limit and consider buying a car seat that will expand with your child to an adult booster seat. Some models come with 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 also important to think about whether the seat fits your vehicle well, especially in the case of a tiny trunk space or a car with a low clearance. Check the car seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure the best fit.
Look for a car-seat that provides adequate support and comfort to your child. Long trips in the car will be more enjoyable when they can rest comfortably. This may include features such as a reclining headrest or a five-point harness which can be adjusted from the rear of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.
After narrowing down your options, consider the policies regarding crash replacement for the car seat you're looking at. These can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by-case analysis.
After you've done your research and decided what type of car seats you want, you can start shopping. Look through the selections at your local baby store or online retailer and ask friends who have young children to get their suggestions. You can also book an Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to assist you in choosing the right car seat for your baby.