Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A good car seat will ensure your baby is safe and secure on the road. But which one is most suitable for your baby?
With features like latch hooks, load legs and belt routes to consider, picking the right infant car seat isn't easy. Here's everything you need consider to make the right choice for your family.
Simple to Use
You'll need to choose a model that's easy to set up and use, whether you're purchasing an infant car seat for a new baby or upgrading from your toddler's seat. Consider the size of the seat base and the car, how the seat is suited to your baby's height and weight, and convenient extra features like an option to lay flat that doubles as a stroller bassinet.
Infant-only seats are a great option for infants because they're typically narrower than convertible car seats and can fit infants more comfortably. They also come with a harness that can support your child's head, which is fragile in the event of a crash, which can reduce strain on their neck and the spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are ideal for parents who plan to keep their children rear-facing as long as possible because most models let children ride in a rear-facing position until they weigh 30 pounds or more. If you decide on a convertible car seat, search for one that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government and has a weight limit of 50 pounds or more.
When looking for a car seat it's important to consider that even though all carseats must meet the strict NHTSA safety standards There are a variety of different models available on market. To avoid the burden and risk of a dangerous or defective seat, make sure you choose one certified by a reliable company or organization, and check for recalls or complaints from manufacturers.
Top-rated car seats are made with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and a variety of recline positions. Some also offer additional padding around the buckle and on the shoulder harness to help your infant remain comfortable on long journeys. If you drive a smaller car choose a narrow infant seat like the Clek Liing one, which is just 17 inches wide and is easy to install in most cars. The UPPAbaby Mesa Max, which is specifically designed to work with UPPAbaby strollers, is another great choice for families who need a simple car seat that's easy to use. Its auto-retracting straps EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it easy to use for every car journey.
Safety Features
If you're looking for an infant safe, lightweight car seat to take your child on long trips or simply want to make sure your child is comfortable during the duration of your ride There are some key aspects that are worth keeping in mind. Consider first the height and weight limits of your infant car seat . This will determine the maximum time your child is able to safely stay in the seat. Choose a seat that is able to accommodate the 90th centile of your child's height before turning 1. Consider whether you'd like to wear blankets or coats on the straps of the harness. The AAP recommends 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.
Other factors to consider are whether you plan to install your car seat with belts on your vehicle or the LATCH system, and if it's compatible other strollers or travel systems. If you intend to use your seat for the majority of your driving it's best to pick one that is easily fitted onto the base that is compatible with it. This will help you save time and energy as you won't need to take off and reinstall the seat each time you use 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 testers commenting that it "has everything you need to have a quick and easy installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that slide out of the base and turn green once fully connected. Additionally, there is a SuperCinch strap tightener that increases the force of the strap as well as spring-loaded leveling feet.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another great option. We found it to be as simple to use and affordable as models that cost twice more. Its five-position adjustable headrest, which grows with your child as well as its buckle holders with magnetic buckles, and its no-rethread harness have been praised by our test subjects.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is fantastic choice for newborns because of its unique 180-degree flat sleep position, which allows them to stay asleep longer and more comfortably during travel. It is also praised for its safety by the consumer advocate Which? ADAC awarded it the highest laboratory score for infant car seats.
Rear-facing Options
In most automobiles, the most secure place for a newborn is the rear seat. The seat in the center is most away from any collision, and will shield your baby from harm in the event of an accident. If you can, choose a car seat for infants that lets your child ride rear-facing until they're about a year old. 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. Find a certified child passenger technician who can give you the most up-to-date recommendations for car seat installation and use. Find one in your area here.
The car seat you choose for your baby is a significant investment, and you'll use it for many years. You'll want to choose a seat that has a high crash test score and analysis score. It should also have features that will keep your baby comfy. The Clek LIing is a great option for parents who are looking for an infant seat with a rear view that is affordable. It scored high in our analysis and sensor test. It has an easy LATCH system that changes color to indicate that the buckle straps have been properly secured to the car and an extra load leg that helps avoid frontal collisions.
Strategist senior editor and mom of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters who both grew from birth until age 6. The seat's adjustable harness height as well as length help it fit all children from tall to short. The seat is compatible with many vehicles, and it has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. It also converts into an adult seat, which Trolio used with her youngest daughter up to the time she reached 10 years old. young.
Nuna RAVA is another affordable option. It does not have a base as most other seats, but is still simple to put in by using either of the rigid LATCH connectors, which flip out from the bottom of the seat and automatically turn green when connected to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for babies, thanks to the harness being non-rethread and has magnetic buckle holders that allow you to attach the straps without taking your child from the seat. It also comes with an adjustable recline of six positions that LaBracio found useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing
Children's necks can be held by the back of the seat in front-facing seats instead of being pushed forward on the car seat. This also helps protect children from side-impacts better. The majority of car seats allow infants to sit rear-facing until they weigh more than 20 pounds and one year old. Many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when it's time to switch to a front-facing seat.
If you are looking at alternatives for forward-facing car seat, ensure they meet iSize requirements, have a cushioned head rest, and a large harness pocket. Think about buying a car seat which can expand with your child, and then become a booster. Certain models come with an all-in-one feature that allows the child to be moved from a rear-facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat with a harness, and then to the booster seat.
It's also important to determine whether the seat will fit your vehicle well, especially if you have a small trunk space or a vehicle with a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and the owner's manual to ensure the best fit.
Look for a car-seat that provides adequate support and comfort for your child. Long drives in the car will be more enjoyable if they are able to rest comfortably. This could include features such as a reclining headrest or a five-point harness which can be adjusted from the rear of the seat, and a wide range of recline positions.
Once you've narrowed your options, you should consider the policies regarding crash replacement for the car seat you're considering. These can vary from the manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by-case analysis.
After you've done your research and determined what kind of car seats you want, you can start shopping. Look through the selections at your local baby shop or online, and ask family members who have children for their recommendations. You can also schedule an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you locate the perfect car seat for your baby.