Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A good car seat can keep your baby secure and comfortable while on the road. Which is the most suitable for your child?
With features such as latch hooks, load legs, and belt paths to consider, selecting the best infant car seat isn't easy. Here's what you need to be aware of to make the best choice for your family.
Ease of Use
You'll need to choose an option that is easy to set up and use, whether you're buying an infant car seat for a new baby or upgrading from your toddler's seat. Think about the size and weight of your child, the size of the seat that will fit in the car and any other features, like the lay-flat option that can also be used as stroller.
Infant-only seats are a great choice for small babies because they're typically narrower than convertible car seats and can fit newborns more snugly. 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 the spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who want to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they can. Most models allow children to rear-facing for 30 pounds or more. If infant car seat travel opt for a convertible car seat, look for one that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government 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 comply with strict NHTSA standards, there are many different models available. To avoid the hassle and risk of a defective or dangerous seat, choose one that's certified by a reputable company or organization, and check for recent recalls and complaints from manufacturers.
The best car seats for babies feature 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 infant remain comfortable on long travel. If you have a smaller vehicle choose a narrow infant seat like the Clek Liing that is just 17 inches wide and easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mesa Max, which is designed to be used with strollers from UPPAbaby, is a ideal option for families that require a car seat with no fuss that is easy to use. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all simple to use.
Safety Features
If you're in search of a secure, lightweight infant car seat to take your child on long journeys or need to ensure your child is comfortable for the duration of a trip There are some key aspects that are important to keep in mind. First, think about the height and weight limit of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can be safe in the seat So, you should look for a model that goes up to minimum your child's 90th percentile measurement prior to when they turn 1. Consider whether you want to cover a blanket or coat over the straps of the harness. The AAP cautions against this as thick clothing can shrink during a crash, leaving the straps too loose for your child to be secured and increase the risk of injury.
Other factors to consider are whether you intend to install your car seat using a vehicle belt or the LATCH system, and if it's compatible other strollers or travel systems. A car seat that is able to fit on a base that is compatible is the best option if you plan to use it for a majority of your car trips in order to save time and energy by not having to take it off it and put it back in place every time you use your vehicle.
In our tests, the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with reviewers commenting that it "has everything you need for a quick and easy installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that flip out from the base and become green when connected, as well as a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener as well as an adjustable foot with springs.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another great option. We found it to be simple to use and affordable as models that cost twice more. Our testers have been raving about its five-position, height-adjustable headrest that adapts to the size of your baby harness, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade makes an excellent choice for babies, thanks to its unique 180-degree sleep position. This allows them to sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on road trips. It is also highly praised for its safety by consumer champion Which? declaring it to be one of the most secure infant car seats on the market as well as ADAC giving it their highest lab rating for a car seat for infants.
Rear-facing Options
In most cars, the most secure spot for a newborn is in the rear center seat. The seat in the center is furthest away from any potential impact, and will protect your baby best in an accident. If you can, choose a car seat for infants that allows your baby to ride rear-facing until about a year old. It's also important to make sure the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest is secure against your child's chest and head. Find a certified child passenger technician who can provide you with the most current guidelines for car seat installation and use. Find one in your area here.
Selecting a car seat for your newborn is a huge investment that you'll likely use for a long duration, so you'll need to choose a seat with an impressive crash test sensor and analysis score as well as features to ensure your child's comfort. The Clek Liing is a great choice to parents looking for a low-cost rear-facing infant car seat. It scored extremely high in both our analysis and sensor tests, has an easy-to-use LATCH system that comes with an indicator that changes color and shows how buckle straps are attached properly to the car, as well as a load leg that helps stop 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 adjustable harness height and size allows it to fit children of all sizes as well as taller ones. It's a good choice for a wide range of vehicles. It also comes with a modest 50-pound limit on rear-facing weight. It also converts into a booster 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 does not have a base, however it is still easy to put in using the LATCH connectors that are rigid. They slide out of the bottom and then turn green when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is comfortable for babies without rethreads. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps, without removing your baby from the car seat. It also has a six-position recline, which LaBracio found to be useful.
Forward-Facing Options
Children's necks can be cradled by the seat back in front-facing seats rather than being pushed forward on the hard seat of a vehicle. This also helps protect them better in side crashes. Car seats typically allow infants to sit rear-facing until they weigh more than 20 pounds and one year old. However, a lot of experts recommend that children remain rear-facing as long as they can because their neck muscles and bones will become stronger when they're ready for a forward-facing car seat.
When looking at options for forward-facing car seat, ensure that they meet i-Size requirements, have a cushioned head rest, and a deep harness pocket. Make sure you know the maximum height and weight limits and think about purchasing an automobile seat that can expand with your child to an adult booster seat. Some models have an all-in-one feature that allows your child to move 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 will fit your vehicle well, especially when you have a limited trunk space or a car with an uninspiring clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and vehicle owner's manual for the most appropriate fit.
Also, make sure you choose a car seat that has adequate support and comfort for your child's body. Long trips in the car will be easier if they can sleep comfortably. This may include features such as a reclining seat back and a five-point harness that can tighten from the rear of your seat and a variety of recline positions.
After narrowing your options down, you'll want to look at the policies regarding crash replacement of the car seats you're looking at. These policies can vary from the manufacturer's replacement policy, to a case-by -case review.
After you've done your research and determined the type of car seats you want then you can begin shopping. Look through the selections at your local baby store or online retailer, and ask your friends who have young children for their recommendations. You can also book an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you locate the perfect car seat for your newborn.