Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns

For newborns with a rear-facing infant car seat is the safest option. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer when installing the car seat.

The car seat's base should be slightly reclined, which helps to naturally keep the baby's head tucked back and the chin away from their chest, decreasing the risk of positioning asphyxia.

Types

There are two types of car seats that are suitable for infants. There are two types of car seats that are suitable for infants that include an infant car seat and a convertible car seat. Both have their advantages and drawbacks however it all depends on your the individual preference and how you plan on using the seat. If you want to use the seat as part of a travel system and will be switching between vehicles frequently, then an infant car seat could be the best choice. If, however, you prefer the idea of an extremely durable car seat that will grow with your child into the stage of a booster seat the age of an convertible car seat could be the better choice.

Infant car seats are made specifically for infants and newborns and are placed in the rear position, which is the safest method for traveling for small infants. They are generally cheaper, but they have a shorter lifespan than convertible car seats. They will most likely require replacement once your child is at their weight limit or height (which can differ widely between seats) or if they reach the maximum of their age group.

Convertible car seats, also known as all-in-one car seats are designed to take your baby from birth through their toddler years and on into their school years. Some of them can be used as a forward-facing seat or a rear-facing one.

A lot of the top car seats for newborns can be converted and come with various features, like smooth rotation, easy harness adjustment and an EPS foam base that is basically Styrofoam. Parents love these features because they make getting their children in and out of the car seat easier, while also ensuring their children are kept comfortable and safe.

It is crucial to make sure that the car seat you select is compatible with your vehicle, and it also has LATCH for easy installation. It is also important to check for safety features such as shock-absorbent material and side impact protection. Get a certified car seat specialist if aren't sure which car seat is best car seats newborn for your family. They will guide you through the options and help you pick the appropriate seat for your baby.

Safety

If you're looking for an infant car seat, convertible car seat or baby-ready travel systems it is essential to ensure that the model you select meets the strictest safety standards. This is especially crucial for infants as they are smaller and lighter than older children. Find the seat with a five-point safety harness that can be stowed between the legs in the crotch, around the waist and below the shoulders when the child is facing rearwards or above the shoulders when the child is facing forward. This will stop your child from being thrown from the seat in the event of an abrupt stop or crash.

It is recommended to seek out a seat that can be secured to the vehicle with either lower anchors or seat belt, and offers a top tether that prevents the car seat from moving forward during a crash and potentially obstructing breathing of the child. Be sure that the recline angle is right as well, since newborns can easily become trapped in a seat that's too high up.

It is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure the proper installation of your car seat. It's a good idea check with a certified car seat inspection technician during your pregnancy and/or immediately after the birth of your child. A professional can guarantee a perfect installation.

Another thing to think about is compatibility with strollers. If you plan to use your stroller often, consider an infant car and stroller combination that connects seamlessly. This is an excellent option for busy parents as it allows them to easily transfer their child from the stroller to their car and vice versa while they are running around doing errands.

Always place your seat on a hard surface (such as a car seat or base) and not on a soft surface, such as the bed or sofa or a bed, as this could cause it to tip over. This could result in your child being injured, or even killed. Unattended infant/baby seats or carriers on soft surfaces may also cause the suffocation of your child.

Easy of Use

The best protection is only possible if the car seat is utilized correctly every time. Unfortunately, a lot of injuries in car seats result from errors. This includes not following the manufacturer's instructions, improper installation and use of aftermarket accessories and putting the child into an incorrect position.

A good infant car seat will have clear instructions for installing and features that will ensure proper use. Certain brands, like CYBEX have visual indicators or click sounds to confirm that the car seat has been installed correctly. This is crucial as studies have revealed that the incorrect use of a car seat could be responsible for up to 50% of all car seat-related injuries.

It is also important to remember that you should not leave your child in the car seat of an infant or carrier out of your vehicle even for a brief duration. Unattended, a baby seat (enquiry) in a car seat or carrier can fall onto soft surfaces such as couches or beds, and cause serious injury or even death. The seats could also tip over on their sides, resulting in an inability to breathe.

The best infant car seat is determined by a number of factors, including your lifestyle and the long-term durability of the seat. A all-in-one model may be less expensive initially, but may not fit smaller babies as well and is less flexible than a convertible car seat or booster. A lightweight baby car seat, simple to install seat is vital for parents who frequently travel. Urban dwellers may prefer a seat that can be put in taxis, Uber, or other vehicle that does not have the base.

Additionally, a seat that is compatible with strollers is an ideal option for new parents who wish to reduce the amount of equipment they have to carry around town or during airplane flights. This is true in the event that you intend to commute via public transport often and live in a big city. Many seats can be paired with strollers from UPPAbaby for simple, and simple commutes. It is important to pay attention to how easy it is to mount your chosen seat on vehicles without lower anchors or tether connectors because they aren't as popular.

Convenience

Many infant car seat that swivels car seats are compatible with stroller travel systems that allow you to design a a complete solution for child safety. This makes it much easier to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller during bad weather or at night. Just make sure you always ensure that the seat is secured in the stroller before you leave. If you leave it in the car or on the street isn't safe and can let your child exit the stroller without supervision which could cause injuries.

Infant car seats are made specifically for babies and infants with smaller sizes, offering snug and secure fittings and plenty of padding to ensure safety and comfort. They are usually lighter than convertible car seat which makes them more convenient to transport over short distances. The majority of infant car seats are made to be used rear facing, which is endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the safest position for children in the early years.

However, they have shorter lifespans than convertible car seats. Children usually outgrow their infant seats between nine months and one year. This means that you might need to upgrade to a convertible car seat sooner than expected.

A good infant car seat travel car safety seat will have a strap that is flat against the chest of the child, over their hips and with the chest clip positioned at the child’s armpit. The crotch buckle must be flat across the child's thighs. Some models have removable and adjustable inserts to assist parents to maintain this recommended fit.

When selecting an infant car seat, it's important to be aware that children can be trapped if the straps are loose or unfastened. It's also unsafe to leave a child unattended in a car seat, so make sure you choose one with an option to lock off your vehicle or an integrated lock.

The car seats we test are designed to offer the best possible safety features. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor at Consumer Reports has the most experience in car seat installation and rating. He is joined by Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Editor, and Abriah Wolfford, Senior Review Analyst, who have been testing seats since 2016. Our team's expertise and knowledge will help you select the right seat for both your child and your vehicle.