Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A good car seat will keep your baby safe and secure while on the road. Which one is the best infant car seat for your baby?

Selecting the best infant car seats can be difficult. There are a lot of features to take into consideration, such as latch hooks, belt paths and load legs. Here's what you need to know to make the best purchase for your family.

Ease of Use

If you're looking for a baby car seat for your baby or if you're upgrading from an infant car seat, you'll want a model that is easy to set up and use. Take into consideration the size of the base and the car, how well the seat is suited to your baby's weight and height, and additional features that are convenient, such as a lay-flat option that doubles as a stroller bassinet.

Infant-only seats are a good option for babies as they're generally smaller than convertible car seats and can fit infants more comfortably. They have a harness to help your child's head during an accident, which will lessen the strain on their neck or spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who want to keep their children rear-facing for as long as they can because the majority of these models allow children to sit in a rear-facing position until they're 30 pounds or greater. If you opt for a convertible car seat, look for one that complies with the safety standards of the federal government and has a weight limit of 50 pounds or more.

When you're looking for a car seat it's important to consider that even though all carseats must be in compliance with strict NHTSA safety standards There are plenty of different models available on the market. Pick a seat approved by a reputable company or company. Also, check for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

Top-rated car seats are made with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and several recline positions. Some even have additional padding near the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your baby stay comfortable during long travel. If you have a smaller vehicle opt for an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing that is less than 17 inches wide and easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max which can be used together with UPPAbaby Strollers is a great option for families who want an easy car seat. The harness that retracts automatically, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all easy to use.

Safety Features

It is important to consider the following aspects when selecting an infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure your baby is comfortable throughout the journey or you are looking for an easy-to-use and safe car seat for your child to use on long trips, it's important to consider some of the characteristics. Consider first the height and weight limits of your infant car seat. This will determine the maximum time your child can safely spend in the seat. Look for a model that can be used up to your child's 90th centile measurement prior to turning 1. Think about whether you'd like to drape an overcoat or blanket over the straps of your harness. The AAP warns against this because thick clothing can be compressed during a crash, leaving the straps too loose for your child to be restrained, increasing the chance of injuries.

You should also think about whether your car seat will be secured with the LATCH system, or a belt for your vehicle, and if it is compatible with other strollers or travel systems. A seat that can easily fit on a base that is compatible is ideal if you intend to use it for the majority of your car rides, as you'll save time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it each time you use the vehicle.

In our testing the Best of the Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned high marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with users commenting that it "has everything you need for a fast and simple installation." This includes premium LATCH connectors that flip out from the base and become green when connected, and a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener as well as a spring-loaded leveling foot.

Another great option is the budget-friendly Baby Trend Secure-Lift, which we've found to be as simple to use as other models that cost twice as much. The adjustable headrest that can be adjusted to five positions, which grows with your child's development, its buckle holders that are magnetic and no-rethread harness have been praised by our test subjects.

The Maxi-Cosi jade is a ideal choice for babies because of its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position, which allows them to stay asleep longer and more comfortably on travel. It's also praised for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? saying it's one of the safest rotating infant car seat car seats on the market as well as ADAC awarding it the highest lab score for an infant car seats best car seat.

Rear-facing Options

In the majority of automobiles, the most secure place for a baby is the rear center seat. The center seat is furthest away from any potential collision, and will shield your baby from harm in the event of an accident. You should select an infant car seat which allows your child to ride backwards for around a year. It's also important to make sure the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest is snug against your child's head and chest. 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 one in your locality here.

The car seat you choose for your infant car seat travel will be a major investment, and you'll use it for a long time. You'll want a seat with a high crash test score as well as an analysis score. It should also come with features that will keep your baby at ease. The Clek Liing is a great choice for parents who are looking for a budget-friendly rear-facing infant car seat. It scored very high in both our sensor and analysis tests. It comes with a simple LATCH system with 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 to prevent frontal collisions.

Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, opted for the Graco Extension2Fit to fit her daughters, who were both born up to the age of six. The adjustable harness height and size allows it to accommodate children of all sizes and heights, including taller ones. The seat is suitable for many vehicles, and it has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, the seat can be converted into a booster, which Trolio used for her daughter's oldest until she was 10 years old.

Nuna RAVA is a different, affordable alternative. It does not have a base as most other seats, but is still extremely simple to put in using either method with its rigid LATCH connectors, which flip out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green once secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is a comfortable baby seat without rethreads. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps without removing your child from the car seat. LaBracio also liked the recline that has six positions.

Forward-Facing Options

In front-facing seats, children's necks are cradled in the back of the seat rather than pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This protects them from collisions with other vehicles as well. The majority of car seats allow infants up to 20 pounds and 1 year of age to ride backwards. Many experts advise that children remain rear-facing for as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when it's time for them to transition to an front-facing seat.

If you're looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the iSize standards with a padded seat pocket and a padded headrest. Make sure you know the maximum height and weight limit, and consider purchasing a car seat that will grow with your child into a booster seat. Certain models come with an all-in-one feature that allows you to transfer your child from an rear-facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat with a harness, and then into the booster seat.

It's also important to determine whether the seat will fit your vehicle, particularly in the case of a tiny trunk space or a car with an uninspiring 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.

Finally, you should look for a car seat that has adequate support and comfort for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be easier if they can rest comfortably. This may include features such as reclined headrests or a five-point harness which can be adjusted from the back of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.

Once you've narrowed your options, consider the policies on crash replacement for the car seat you're looking at. These could range from a manufacturer’s replacement policy to an individual case review.

Once you've done your research and decided on the kind of car seat you're looking at now is the time to start shopping around. Check out the selection at your local baby shop or online, and talk to family members who have children to get their suggestions. You can also request a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to assist you in choosing the best car seat for your newborn.