Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A good car seat will keep your baby safe and comfortable while driving. Which one is the most suitable for your child?

Choosing the right infant car seat isn't an easy task. There are so many features to take into consideration, such as latch hooks, belt paths and load legs. Here's what you should be aware of to make the right choice for your family.

Easy of Use

If you're in the market for a baby car seat for your baby or upgrading from a toddler's car seat, you'll want one that is easy to set up and use. Take into consideration the size of the seat base and the car, as well as how the seat is suited to your baby's height and weight, and convenient extra features like a lay-flat option that doubles as a stroller bassinet.

infant car seat travel-only seats can be a good option for newborns because they are typically shorter and fit more comfortably than convertible car seats. They also come with a harness that supports your child's head, which is fragile in a crash and reduces tension on their neck and spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who wish to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they want. Most models allow children to rear-facing for 30 pounds or greater. If you decide on a convertible car seat, search for one that meets federal safety standards and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more.

When you're looking for a car seat it's important to remember that, even though all car seats must conform to the strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models available on market. Choose a seat that is certified by a reputable organization or company. Also, check for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

The Best Car seat for newborn car seats for babies feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding and a range of recline positions. Some of them also have padding near the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your infant stay comfortable during long journeys. If you have a small vehicle, think about a narrow infant car seat, such as the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches in width, and is easily installed in a variety of automobiles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby that is specifically designed to work with strollers made by UPPAbaby, is another great choice for families who want a no-fuss car seat newborn seat that is simple 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 on every car trip.

Safety Features

There are the following aspects when selecting the right infant car seat. If you're looking to ensure your child is safe throughout the entire ride or are looking for an easy-to-use and safe car seat for your child to use for long trips, you need to think about certain characteristics. Be aware of the weight and height limits of your infant seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the seat. Look for a model which goes up to the 90th percentile of your child's height before turning one. Also, consider whether you'd like to put a coat or blanket over the straps of your harness. The AAP cautions against this as thick clothing can compress during a crash, leaving straps too loose for your child to be secured and increase the risk of injuries.

Other considerations include whether you intend to install your car seat using a vehicle belt or the LATCH system, and whether it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. A seat that can easily fit onto a compatible base is the best option if you plan to use it for a majority of your car rides and will save you time and energy by not having to remove it and put it back in place every time you use your vehicle.

In our testing the Best of the Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top rated baby car seats marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with reviewers affirming that it "has everything you need for a fast and painless 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 that is worth considering is the affordable Baby Trend Secure-Lift, which we've found to be just as easy to use as models that cost twice as much. 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 is great option for newborns because of its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position, which allows them to sleep longer and more comfortably during travel. It's also been praised for its safety, with consumer champion Which? ADAC awarding it the highest lab rating for car seats 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 middle is the furthest from any impact that could occur and will protect your child from harm in a crash. You should choose an infant car seat that allows your child to sit in a rear-facing position for around an entire year. It's also important to ensure the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest fits against your child's chest and head. The easiest way to do this is to talk to a certified child passenger safety technician who will provide you with the most current guidelines for car seat use and installation. Find the nearest one here.

Selecting a car seat for your infant is a significant investment that you'll likely use for a long duration, so you'll need to choose a seat with an amazing crash test sensor and score as well as features to ensure your child's comfort. The Clek LIing is an excellent choice for parents seeking an infant seat with a rear view that is affordable. It scored well in our analysis and sensor test, has a simple LATCH system that changes color to show whether the buckle straps have been correctly secured to the car. It also has a load-leg that helps prevent frontal collisions.

Strategist senior editor and mom of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her two daughters, who both went from birth until age 6. The seat's adjustable height and length make it suitable for the needs of a variety of children, from tall to short. It is suitable for many vehicles, and it has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Plus, the seat converts into a booster, which Trolio used for her daughter's oldest until she was 10 years old.

Another option that is reasonably priced is the Nuna RAVA. It does not have a base as the majority of seats, however it is still very simple and quick to install using either method, thanks to its rigid LATCH connectors, which flip out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green when secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for infants, with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that make it simple to attach the straps without taking your child from the seat. It also comes with a six-position recline that LaBracio discovered useful.

Options with a forward facing infant car seat-Facing

In front-facing seats the necks of children are held in the back of the seat instead of being pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This also helps protect them better in side crashes. Car seats typically allow children to ride rear-facing until they weigh over 20 pounds and one year old. However, many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as they can because their neck muscles and bones will be stronger by the time they're ready to move to an forward-facing seat.

If you're looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, ensure they meet the i-Size standards with a padded seat pocket, and a padded headrest. Consider purchasing a car seat that will grow with your child, and then become a booster. Some models have an all-in one feature that allows your child to change from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat.

It is important to consider whether the car seat is a good fit in your vehicle, particularly in the case of a small trunk or a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and the owner's manual to ensure that the seat is the best fit.

Look for a car-seat that offers good support and comfort to your child. Long journeys in the car will be more enjoyable when they are able to rest comfortably. This may include features like a reclining seat back, a five point harness that tightens from the rear of your seat and a variety of recline positions.

Once you've narrowed your choices down, you should consider the policies regarding crash replacement of the car seats you're thinking of buying. These can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by-case analysis.

After you've done your homework and determined the 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 ask family members who have children to get their suggestions. You can also arrange an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you locate the perfect car seat for your infant car seat best.