Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A car seat that is safe and secure keeps your baby safe, secure and comfortable while on the road. Which one is the most suitable for your baby?
Selecting the best infant car seat s can be difficult. There are a lot of options to think about, including latch hooks, belt paths, and load legs. Here's everything you need consider to make the right choice for your family.
Ease of Use
You'll want to select a model that's easy to install and use whether you're buying an infant car seat for a new baby or upgrading your toddler's seat. Consider the size of the seat base and the car, how the seat is suited to your baby's weight and height, and convenient extra features like a lay-flat option that can double as a bassinet for a stroller.
Infant-only seats can be a good option for newborns because they tend to be shorter and fit more snugly than convertible car seats. They also come with a harness that can support your child's head, which is fragile in a crash which reduces the stress on their neck and spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are great for parents who intend to keep their babies rear-facing as long as possible since most of these models allow children to sit in a rear-facing position until they're 30 pounds or greater. Choose a convertible car seat that complies with federal safety standards and has a the weight minimum of 50 pounds.
It's important to keep it in mind that, even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards, there are many different models to choose from. To avoid the hassle and risk of a defective or dangerous seat, select one that's approved by a reputable business or organization, and check for recalls or complaints from manufacturers.
The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and various recline positions. Some also offer additional padding near the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your infant stay comfortable during long road trips. If you're driving a small vehicle, consider a narrow infant car seat like the Clek Liing. It's less than 17 inches wide, and is able to be installed in all vehicles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby, which is specifically designed to work with UPPAbaby strollers, is another great choice for families who want a no-fuss car seat that's easy to use. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all simple to use.
Safety Features
You should consider some aspects when selecting an infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure your baby is safe throughout the entire journey or are in search of a lightweight, safe car seat for your child to use for long trips, you need to consider certain features. First, think about the height and weight limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the car seat So, you should choose a seat that is able to reach minimum 90th percentile before they turn 1. Also, consider whether you might want to put blankets or coats on the straps of your harness. The AAP warns against this since thick clothing could compress in the event of a crash, making the straps too loose for your child to be restrained which increases the chance of injury.
Other things to consider include whether you intend to install your car seat using a belt on your vehicle or the LATCH system, and if it's compatible other strollers or travel systems. If you plan to use your seat for the majority of your journeys in the car it's best to pick one that fits easily onto a base compatible with it. This will help you save time and energy since you won't need to take off and reinstall the seat every time you take a trip in the car.
In our tests the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for its ease of installation and adjustments, with testers affirming that it "has everything you need for a fast and painless installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that can be flipped out from the base and become green when connected, plus a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener as well as an adjustable foot with springs.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another option worth considering. We found it to be simple to use and affordable as other models that cost twice as much. The adjustable headrest that can be adjusted to five positions that adapts to your child's development as well as its magnetic buckle holders and no-rethread harness have been highly praised by our test subjects.
The Maxi-Cosi jade is a fantastic choice for newborns because of its unique 180-degree flat sleep position, which allows them to stay asleep longer and more comfortably on road trips. It has also been acknowledged for its safety by consumer advocate Which? ADAC giving it the highest lab rating for car seats for infants.
Rear-Facing Options
In most cars the safest place for a newborn is the center rear seat. The center position is farthest from any potential impact and will protect your child best in a crash. If you are able, select an infant car seat that lets your child sit rear-facing up to a year old. It is also essential to make sure the car seat is correctly installed and that the headrest is placed snugly against your child's chest and head. The easiest way to do this is to talk to an experienced child passenger safety technician who will provide you with the most current guidelines for car seat use and installation. Find one near you here.
Choosing the right car seat for your baby is a major purchase that you'll likely be using for a long period of duration, so you'll need to choose one with an impressive crash test sensor and analysis score, as along with features to ensure your child's comfort. The Clek LIing is an excellent option for parents who are seeking an infant seat with a rear view that is affordable. It scored very high in both our sensor and analysis tests, has an easy-to-use LATCH system that comes with an indicator that changes color and shows whether the buckle straps are securely attached to the car, and an extra load leg to help prevent frontal crashes.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, used the Graco Extend2Fit to fit her daughters, who were both born up to the age of six. The seat's adjustable height and length make it suitable for all children, from tall to short. The seat is suitable for numerous vehicles, and has an upper limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Plus, it converts to an adult seat that Trolio used with her youngest daughter up until she turned 10 years older.
Nuna RAVA is another affordable option. It doesn't have a base, but it is still simple to install using the LATCH connectors that are rigid. They flip out of the bottom and turn green when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is suitable for infants without rethreads. Magnetic buckle holders make 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
Children's necks can be cradled by the back of the seat in front-facing seats rather than being pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This position protects them in collisions with the sides. Car seats typically allow infants up to 20 pounds and one year old to sit backwards. However, many experts suggest that children ride rear-facing as long as possible--their neck muscles and bones will become stronger when they're ready to move to an forward-facing seat.
If you are looking at alternatives for forward-facing car seat, ensure that they meet i-Size specifications, have a padded head rest, and a large harness pocket. Be sure to check the maximum height and weight limit and consider buying a car seat that can be able to grow with your child until they are an adult booster seat. Some models have an all-in-one feature that lets your child go from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward facing car seat.
It is also important to think about whether the seat will fit in your vehicle, particularly in the case of a tiny trunk space or a vehicle 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 most appropriate fit.
Find a car seat that offers good support and comfort for your child. Long trips in the vehicle will be more enjoyable when they can rest comfortably. This could include features such as a reclining headrest and a five-point harness that can be adjusted from the back of the seat and a variety of recline positions.
After narrowing down your options, you should consider the policies regarding crash replacement for the car seat you're looking at. These policies can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by -case review.
After you've done your homework and determined the kind of car seat you're interested in, it's time to start shopping around. Check out the selection at your local baby store or online retailer and ask parents of young children for their recommendations. You can also book an Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you select the best car seat for a newborn.