How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn

The most suitable car seat for a newborn is one that meets all federal safety standards and fits in your car. It should also have convenient extras, such as the capability to convert into a stroller, and be within your budget. It's also important to ensure that the baby car seat clicks into and out of your car easily, particularly if you often change between trips to the taxi or in rental cars and grandparents' vehicles.

Safety

A high-quality car seat will have extra features that are above the federal safety standards. These include padded inserts for the shoulders and head and air-repellent fabrics that help keep them cool in hot car and side-impact safety.

Another important safety consideration is how easy it is to set up and use the seat. Ideally, the seat must be simple to install and use, with clear indicators of its height, position, and security.

There are many features that will make this easier like belt guides and built-in lockoffs which will assist you in aligning the car seat with the seat belt of your vehicle. Avoid buying used car seats that might not have been tested for safety, or which might have been involved in an accident. They may not be Safe & Stylish Baby Car Seats for Every Family for your child. If you have to purchase a used one, make sure it's not expired and isn't being sold by an individual who does not have proof of ownership.

It's also important to keep in mind that you should only leave your baby in the car seat for up to two hours a day, unless you are in a flat position. This will prevent strain on the spine of your child, and ensure that they have a chance to breathe regularly.

You'll want a seat to last a long time, because it's a major investment. Select a seat that will grow with your child's development and last from toddlerhood through the teen years. One that our parent testers liked was the Axkid One i-Size, which is suitable from the time of birth and can be used until 7 years old.

The Nuna pipa air rx is an alternative that can be used for a lengthy time. It can rotate 360 degrees making it possible to change it from rear-facing into front-facing as the child grows. It's also among the lightest-weight car seats on the market and weighs less than 9 pounds without its base. It's an excellent choice for parents who need to move their infant frequently between vehicles or are planning to take it on taxi rides, holiday fly-drives and trips with grandparents.

Comfort

A good infant car seat will be comfortable for your baby, both in the seat and when you install it. Look for padded straps which are comfortable to wear around their shoulders, and look for plush fabric that feels good beneath their stomachs. This is especially important in the event that you plan to use the seat for a long time.

The most effective infant car seat is also simple to use. Some have premium LATCH connectors with a SuperCinch force multiplier and tightener. Others come with spring-loaded leveling legs as well as belt paths to make installation without a base easier than ever. Other features allow you to adjust the harness height and headrest, which is especially crucial as your child grows.

One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate that our testers from the past gave a 10/10 for its ease of use. It features a simple, clear interface and an easy-to-adjust no-rethread harness and also a recline lock indicator and 360-degree rotation. This means you can switch between forward and rear-facing positions as your child grows without needing to remove the seat and replace it.

Nuna Pipa Aire Rx is a different example. Our parents who tested it were impressed by its comfort, simplicity and versatility. Its padding for the shoulder straps and headrest are designed to support the head of your baby and includes pillows that are soft for your comfort. It can be placed in a rear-facing position until your child reaches the maximum weight limit or height. Then, it transforms into a stroller.

A quality car seat is durable, and many come with a guarantee. Find a seat that has solid materials and plenty of padding to safeguard your baby from accidents as well as the steel frame that can absorb the force of impact and a "crumple zone" to reduce the risk of damage. It is important to keep it clean, as accidents are sure to happen when you have children. To simplify cleaning, look for a car seat that has removable covers and an easy-to-clean pad.

Easy to Use

A car seat must be easy to install and use, especially if you're likely to be using it in the same vehicle from time to time. Look for features like a quick-release buckle, a gauge that displays the state of the latch system (e.g., green for locked) and a clear, easy-to-read guide to make it as easy as possible.

The Best of The Bump winner also comes with several practical extras that our parent testers adored, such as a padded harness and headrest with a plush material and a cup holder. It also features a recline feature that allows your child to be seated in a more comfortable position for longer trips. It can be paired with a compatible buggy to make an entire travel system. This is ideal when you plan to travel for a long time.

Suitable from birth, our panelists found this car seat simple to install and adjust. It has recline lock indicators and an exclusive LATCH connector with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener which made securing your child quick and simple. It's also designed to be moved from side to side in the vehicle without the necessity of tools.

The reclining feature allows you to carry your child out and into the vehicle. This is especially useful if you suffer from back problems or drive a car with a small size. It also comes with a reversible drink holder, as well as a handy storage compartment for snacks and toys.

The seat is lightweight and can be used with or without the base. It also rotates 180 degrees, which can be a real lifesaver if you are in a tight space or are suffering from back pain. Our panelists were thrilled by this feature, which earned a spot in our 2021 Mother&Baby awards.

This is a great choice for those who want to transform their car seats into strollers at an affordable cost. Its sleek design and premium materials will stand up to the test of time. Just don't forget to wash your cover frequently because smashed biscuits, yoghurt spills and the occasional sick toddler accident are sure to leave a footprints!

Design

The styles of car seats are as varied as the vehicles they're installed in. While some parents opt to not use infant car seats and opt for a convertible model, most new moms want a product that can continue to grow with their child into toddlerhood. The most versatile option is an all-in one baby car seat, which allows you to change between forward-facing and rear-facing. It typically has a higher weight and height restriction and can also be used as a booster when your child is old enough.

The ideal car seat for infants for babies is light and easy to take off the base while your child is inside. Our parent testers loved the Maxi-Cosi Coral, which is only available in a handful of colors, but has a lot of safety features and is super lightweight (at 8.4 pounds with seat inserts and canopy). Other standout models include the Nuna PIPA URbN, winner of Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for best car seat for newborn uk Car Seat Group 0/0+, thanks to its high-end extras like the Dream drape and UPF 50+ full-coverage canopy.

The design of the base and seat must be taken into consideration. Some car seats come with an attached base that is locked into the vehicle seat belt buckles. Some have steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that flip out of the sides of the base once properly attached. Parents found these convenient particularly if their vehicle had only front-facing seatbelts and no ISOFIX anchor points.

Some infant car seats can also be used with a regular seatbelt, but without the base this is a great benefit for parents who regularly travel by taxi or travel with their child. The Nuna TODL NEXT was a favorite among our testers who are parents. It can be used with or without the base, and has a smooth swivel that allows you to easily get your baby inside and out.

Other important design considerations are whether the car seat is a lie flat design, and how well it is compatible with your car (see our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're in search of an infant car seat that can develop with your child's development to become a booster seat, choose a model that has a reclined backrest and side impact protection. It's also worth checking that your selected infant car seat is iSize certified and has the proper car seat attachment points, as per UK law.