Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A well-designed car seat ensures your baby is safe, comfortable and secure on the road. Which is the best for your baby?

With features such as latch hooks, load legs and belt paths to consider, selecting the right car seat for your infant isn't easy. Here's what you need to know to make the best choice for your family.

Easy to Use

You'll want to select one that is easy to install and use whether you're buying a car seat for your newborn or upgrading from your toddler's seat. Think about the size and weight of your child, the seat's fit in the car, and any other features, like the lay-flat option that can also be used as a stroller.

Infant-only chairs are a great option for babies since they are generally shorter and fit more snugly than convertible car seats. They also have a harness that can support your child's fragile head in a crash and reduces stress on their neck and the spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who intend to keep their children rear-facing for as long as is possible because the majority of these models allow children to sit in a rear-facing seat until they weigh 30 pounds or more. If you opt for a convertible car seat, search for one that is compliant with federal safety standards 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 car seats must conform to strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models available on the market. Pick a seat certified by a trusted organization or company. Also, look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and various recline positions. Certain car seats provide additional padding on the shoulder strap and around the buckle to keep your baby comfy during long road trips. If you drive a smaller car choose a smaller infant car seat travel seat, such as the Clek Liing that is just 17 inches in width and is easy to install in most vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max, which can be used together with UPPAbaby Strollers is a great option for families in search of a simple car seat. Its auto-retracting straps EZ buckle, premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it simple to use for any car journey.

Safety Features

Whether you're looking for a safe, lightweight baby car seat infant car seat uk car seat to take your child for long drives or want to ensure that your child is comfortable during the duration of a trip There are some key aspects that are worth considering. Consider first the height and weight limit of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can be safely in the seat and so, choose a seat that can be adjusted to minimum 90th percentile before they turn 1. Think about whether you'd like to put a blanket or coat on the straps of your harness. The AAP warns against this because thick clothing could shrink in the event of a crash, making the straps too loose for your child to be secured, increasing the chance of injuries.

Other factors to consider are whether you're planning to attach your car seat using belts on your vehicle or the LATCH system and whether it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. If you intend to use your seat for the majority of your car rides, it's best car seats infant to choose one that is easily fitted onto the base that is compatible with it. This will save you time and energy since you won't have to remove and reinstall your seat each time you use the car.

The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, was praised in our tests for its ease of installation and its ability to adjust. Testers said it "has everything you need for a quick, painless installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that can be removed from the base and turn green when they are fully connected. Additionally, there is a SuperCinch strap tightener for force multipliers and a spring-loaded leveling feet.

The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another great option. We found it to be as user-friendly and affordable as models that cost twice as much. Its five-position adjustable headrest that adapts to your child and its magnetic buckle holders, and its no-rethread harness have been praised by our test subjects.

The Maxi-Cosi jade is a great choice for newborns, thanks to its unique 180-degree sleeping position. This lets them rest comfortably and for longer on journeys. It has also been praised for its safety by consumer advocate Which? declaring it to be one of the most secure infant car seats available as well as ADAC awarding it the highest lab score for an infant car seat.

Rear-facing Options

In most cars, the most secure spot for a newborn is the rear seat. The position in the center is the most secure from any possible impact and will shield your child best in an accident. If you are able, choose a car seat for infants that allows your baby to ride rear-facing until they're about an year old. It's also important to ensure the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest is secure against your child's chest and head. The best car seats way to accomplish this is to talk to a certified child passenger safety technician who will provide you with up-to-date recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your locality here.

The choice of the right car seat for your newborn is a major investment that you'll likely use for a very long time, so you'll want to choose a seat with an impressive crash test sensor and analysis score as along with features to ensure your child's comfort. The Clek Liing is a great choice to parents looking for an affordable rear-facing infant car seat. It scored highly in our sensor and analysis test. It has an easy LATCH system that changes color to indicate that the buckle straps are properly secured to the car and a load-leg to help prevent frontal collisions.

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

Another option that is reasonably priced is the Nuna RAVA. It does not have a base, however it is still simple to put in using the rigid LATCH connectors. They slide out from the bottom and turn green when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is suitable for infants with a no rethread harness. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps, without having to take your child from the car seat. It also features a six-position recline, which LaBracio found useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing Focus

In front-facing seats children's necks are held in the back of the seat instead of being pushed forward by the hard seat of a vehicle. This is a way to protect them from collisions with other vehicles as well. The majority of car seats allow infants weighing up to 20 pounds and 1 year old to ride rearward. 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 to switch to the front-facing seat.

When considering options for forward-facing car seats ensure that they meet i-Size requirements, have a padded head rest, and a large harness pocket. You should consider buying a car seat that can expand with your child and eventually become a booster. Some models have an all-in-one feature that allows you to move your child from an rear-facing car seat (with tether and harness) to a forward-facing seat that has a harness and then onto the booster seat.

It's also important to determine whether the seat will fit in your vehicle, particularly in the case of a tiny trunk space or a car with an uninspiring clearance. Make sure you check the dimensions of the car seat as well as the owners' manuals for your vehicle to determine the best fit.

Lastly, look for a car seat that provides good support and comfort for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be more bearable if they can sleep comfortably. This may include features such as a reclining headrest or a five-point harness which can be tightened from the rear of the 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 looking at. These can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a personal case review.

Once you've done your research and determined the kind of car seat you're looking at It's time to begin looking around. You can also ask your friends with young children for recommendations. You can also request an Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to assist you in choosing the right car seat for your baby.