Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A car seat that is safe and secure ensures your baby is safe, comfortable and secure while 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 infant car seat can be daunting. Here's what you need to know to make the best choice for your family.

Easy of Use

If you're looking for a baby car seat for your newborn or upgrading from an infant car seat, you'll want a model that is easy to install and use. Consider the size of the base and the car, how the seat will fit your child'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 great option for babies since they are generally shorter and fit more snugly than convertible seats. They have a harness to help your child's head during an accident, which can reduce the strain on their neck or spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are ideal for parents who intend to keep their infants rear-facing as long as possible because most models allow children to sit in a rear-facing position until they're 30 pounds or greater. Find a convertible seat that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government and has a a weight minimum of 50 pounds.

It's important to keep in mind that, despite the fact that all car seats must meet strict NHTSA standards, there are many different models available. Pick a seat approved by a reputable company or company. Also, check for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and several recline positions. Some also offer additional padding in the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your newborn stay comfortable during long journeys. If you have a small vehicle, consider an infant car seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing. It's less than 17 inches wide, and is able to be installed in all automobiles. The UPPAbaby Mesa Max, which is specifically designed to work with strollers made by UPPAbaby, is another ideal option for families that want a no-fuss car seat that's easy to use. The harness that retracts automatically, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all very 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 during the entire journey or you are looking for a light, safe car seat for your child to use on long trips, you need to think about some of the aspects. Be aware of the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine the length of time your baby can safely be in the seat. Look for a model that is able to accommodate the 90th percentile of your child's height prior to turning 1. Consider whether you would like to cover an overcoat or blanket over the straps of the harness. The AAP recommends against this since heavy clothing may compress in a crash and leave the straps loose to hold your child, thereby increasing the chance of injuries.

Other things to consider include whether you plan 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 most of your car rides it's best to pick one that can easily fit on a base compatible with it. This will save you time and energy since you won't have to remove and reinstall the seat every time you take a trip in the car.

The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which was awarded Best of The Bump, scored top marks during our testing for its ease of installation and adjustment. Testers stated that it "has everything you need to ensure a fast, easy installation." This includes premium LATCH connectors that can be flipped out from the base and change to green when fully connected, as well as a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and a spring-loaded leveling foot.

Another 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. Our test participants have praised it for its five-position, height-adjustable headrest that adapts to the size of your baby harness, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix i-Size Car Seat: Lightweight Essential Black Jade makes the perfect choice for infants, thanks to its unique sleeping position of 180 degrees. This allows them to sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on journeys. It has also been highly praised for its safety by consumer advocate Which? saying it's one of the safest infant car seats available' and ADAC giving it their highest lab rating for an infant car seat.

Rear-Facing Options

In the majority of cars, the safest place for a newborn is in the back seat. The center position is farthest from any impact that could occur and will safeguard your child best in an accident. You should choose a car seat for infants that allows your child to sit in a rear-facing position for around an entire year. It's also crucial to make sure the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest fits snugly against your child's head and chest. The most efficient way to do this is to speak with an experienced 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 car seat you choose for your baby will be a major investment, and you'll use it for many years. You'll want to choose a seat that has a good crash test score as well as an analysis score. It should also include features that will keep your baby comfortable. The Clek LIing is an excellent choice for parents looking for an infant car seat cheap rear-facing seat that is affordable. It scored very high in both our analysis and sensor tests, has an easy-to-use LATCH system that comes with the ability to change colors that shows when the buckle straps are attached properly to the car, as well as an extra load leg to help stop frontal collisions.

Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, utilized the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters who were both born until age six. The harness's adjustable height and size allow it to accommodate children of all sizes, including taller ones. The seat is compatible with various vehicles, and it has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. The seat also converts into a booster, which Trolio used for her daughter's oldest until she was 10 years old.

Nuna RAVA is a similar option. It doesn't have a base, however it is still easy to put in using the LATCH connectors that are rigid. They flip out of the bottom and then turn green when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for babies, with the harness being non-rethread and has magnetic buckle holders that make it simple to fasten the straps without having to remove your child from the seat. It also has an adjustable recline of six positions which LaBracio found useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing

Children's necks can be cradled by the back of the seat in front-facing seats, rather than being pushed forward onto a hard vehicle seat. This position protects them in collisions with the sides. Most car seats allow infants up to 20 pounds and one year of age to ride rearward. However, many experts suggest that children ride rear-facing as long as they can, as their neck muscles and bones will be stronger by the time they're ready for a forward-facing seat.

If you are looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, ensure they meet the i-Size requirements, have a padded harness pocket, and a cushioned seat headrest. Think about buying a car seat that can grow with your child, and then become a booster. Certain models come with an all-in-one option that allows you to move your child from a rear-facing car seat (with tether and harness) to a forward-facing seat with a harness and then to a booster seat.

It's also important to consider whether the seat will fit your vehicle properly, particularly when you have a limited trunk space or a car with a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat as well as the vehicle owner's manual for the most appropriate fit.

Lastly, look for a car seat that has 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 the ability to recline the seat back as well as a five-point harness that can tighten from the rear of your seat and a variety of recline positions.

After narrowing your options down, you'll need to consider the crash replacement policies of the car seats you're thinking of buying. These can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by-case review.

After you've done your homework and decided on the type of car seat you're interested in now is the time to start shopping around. You can also ask your friends who have children to recommend. You can also arrange a consultation with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you find the right car seat for your infant.