Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A well-designed car seat will keep your baby secure, comfortable and safe while on the road. Which one is best for your baby?
With features such as latch hooks, load legs, and belt paths to consider, selecting the best infant car seat can be a challenge. Here's everything you need think about to make the best choice for your family.
Easy of Use
You'll want to choose one that is easy to install and use, whether you're purchasing an infant car seat for a newborn or upgrading from your toddler's seat. Consider the size and weight of your child, the seat's fit in the car and any additional features, such as lay-flat options 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 fit infants more comfortably. They come with a harness to support your child's head in an accident, which will reduce the strain on their neck or spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who plan to keep their children rear-facing for as long as they can 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, look for one that is compliant with the federal safety standards and has a weight limit of 50 pounds or more.
It's important to keep it in mind that, even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards There are a variety of models available. Select a car seat that has been approved by a reputable company or company. Also, be sure to look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The most rated car seats for infants have skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding, and a variety of recline positions. Some even have additional padding near the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your baby stay comfortable during long journeys. If you drive a smaller car opt for an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing, which is less than 17 inches in width and is easy to install in most vehicles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby, which is specifically designed to work with strollers from UPPAbaby, is a great choice for families who want a no-fuss car seat that is simple to use. Its auto-retracting straps EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and no-rethread harness make it easy to use for any car trip.
Safety Features
Whether you're looking for a secure, lightweight infant car seat to take your child on long trips or simply want to make sure your baby is comfortable for the duration of a trip There are some key aspects that are worth considering. Consider first the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine the maximum time your child can safely spend in the seat. Find a model which goes up to the 90th centile of your child's height before turning 1. Think about whether you'd like to cover a blanket or coat on the straps of your harness. The AAP recommends against this since heavy clothing may compress in a crash and leave the straps too loose to secure your child, thereby increasing the chance of injuries.
It is also important to consider whether your car seat can be installed via the LATCH system or a belt on a vehicle, and if it is compatible with other strollers or travel systems. A car seat that can 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 every time you use the vehicle.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, received top marks in our testing for its ease of installation and adjustments. Testers said it "has everything needed for a quick, painless installation." This includes premium LATCH connectors that can be flipped out from the base and become green when connected, and a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and a spring-loaded leveling foot.
Another great option is the affordable Baby Trend Secure-Lift We've found it to be just as simple to use as models that cost twice as much. Our test participants have praised it for its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that grows with your baby harness, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is a ideal choice for babies because of its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position, which allows them to sleep longer and more comfortably during travel. It is also praised for its safety by consumer advocate Which? calling it 'one of the safest infant car seats available' and ADAC awarding it the highest lab score for a car seat for infants.
Rear-facing Options
In most vehicles, a newborn's safest position is in the rear seat at the center. The center seat is most away from any impact, and will protect your baby from harm in the event of an accident. If possible, you should opt for a car seat that allows your baby to sit rear-facing up to an year old. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest fits against your child's head and chest. Consult a certified child passenger technician who will provide you with the most up-to-date recommendations for car seat installation and use. Find one in your locality here.
Selecting a car seat for your baby is a significant purchase that you'll likely be using for a long period of time, so it's important to choose one with an excellent crash test sensor and analysis score as along with features to ensure your child's comfort. The Clek Liing is a great option for parents looking for a budget-friendly rear-facing infant car seat. It scored high in our sensor and analysis test. It comes with an easy LATCH system that changes color to show whether the buckle straps are correctly secured to the car and a load-leg to help prevent frontal collisions.
Senior editor of the Strategist magazine and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her two daughters who both went from the time of birth until age 6. The adjustable harness height and size allow it to be adapted to children of all sizes, including taller ones. It's an excellent choice for a wide range of vehicles. It is a light, 50-pound weight limit for rear-facing children. Additionally, it can be converted into a booster seat, which Trolio used with her youngest daughter up until she was 10 years old. old.
Another option that is affordable is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't come with a base, but it's still easy to install using the LATCH connectors that are rigid. They can be flipped out from the bottom and then turn green when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is comfortable for babies with no rethread harness. Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to secure the straps, without having to take your baby from the car seat. LaBracio also discovered the recline with six positions to be useful.
Forward-Facing Options
Necks of children can be cradled by the back of the seat in front-facing seats instead of being pushed forward onto a hard vehicle seat. This position protects them in collisions with other vehicles as well. Car seats typically allow infants to sit rear-facing until they are over 20 pounds and one year old. However, many experts recommend that children ride rear-facing as long as they can, as their neck muscles and bones will become stronger when they're ready to move to a forward-facing seat.
When looking for options for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the iSize standards, have a padded harness pocket, and a padded seat headrest. Make sure you know the maximum height and weight limit and consider buying a car seat that will be able to grow with your child until they are an adult booster seat. Some models have an all-in-one feature that allows you to move your child from a rear-facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing seat with a harness and then into the booster seat.
It is important to consider whether the car seat will fit in your vehicle, especially if it has a small trunk or low clearance. Check the dimensions of the car seat as well as the owner's manual of the vehicle to ensure the best fit.
Finally, you should look for an automobile seat that offers adequate support and comfort for your child's body--long trips in the car will be easier when they are able to sleep comfortably. This can include features like a reclining headrest or a five-point harness which can be adjusted from the back of the seat and a wide range of recline positions.
After narrowing your options down, you'll need to consider the policies for replacement in case of a crash of the car seats you're looking at. These can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by-case analysis.
After you've done your research and determined what kind of car seat you'd like then you can begin shopping. You can also ask family members with young children for recommendations. You can also arrange an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you find the right car seat for your infant.