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 the best for your baby?
With features such as latch hooks, load legs, and belt routes to consider, picking the right car seat for your infant can be daunting. Here's what you must be aware of to make the best choice for your family.
Ease of Use
You'll want to choose one that is easy to set up and use, whether you're buying a car seat for your newborn or upgrading from your toddler's seat. Take into consideration the weight and size of your child, the size of the seat that will fit in the car, and any additional features, such as the lay-flat option that can also be used as stroller.
Infant-only seats are an ideal option for infants because they tend to be smaller and fit more comfortably than convertible car seats. They also have a harness that can support your child's delicate head in a crash and reduces strain on their neck and spinal cord.
Convertible car seat are ideal for parents who wish to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they can. Most models allow the child to ride rear-facing until 30 pounds or more. If you choose to purchase a convertible car seat, you should look for one that meets federal safety standards and has a weight limit of 50 pounds or more.
When shopping for a car seat, it's important to remember that even though all carseats must be in compliance with strict NHTSA safety standards There are a variety of different models on the market. To avoid the hassle and risk of a dangerous or defective seat, make sure you choose one certified by a reputable company or organization, and then look for recalls or manufacturer complaints.
The top-rated car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and several recline positions. Some of them also have padding near the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your baby remain comfortable on long travel. If you're in a smaller vehicle, think about an infant car seat that is narrow like the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches in width, and is able to be installed in a variety of automobiles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby, which is specifically designed to work with UPPAbaby strollers, is another ideal option for families that want a no-fuss car seat that is simple to use. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all very easy to use.
Safety Features
It is important to consider a few features when choosing the best infant car seat. If you want to ensure that your child is comfortable during the entire journey or are in search of an easy-to-use car seat that is safe for your child to take on long trips, it's important to think about some of the characteristics. First, consider the height and weight limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can be safe in the car seat and so, choose a seat that can be adjusted to at least your child's 90th percentile measurement before they turn one. Consider whether you want to put a blanket or coat over the straps of the harness. The AAP advises against this, since thick clothing can be compressed in a crash and leave the straps loose to hold your child, thereby increasing the risk of injuries.
Other factors to consider are whether you're planning to attach your car seat using a vehicle belt or the LATCH system, and whether it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. A car seat that is able to fit on a base that is compatible is the best option if you plan to use it for the majority of your car trips, as you'll save time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it each time you drive.
In our tests the Best of the Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with testers affirming that it "has everything you need for a quick and simple installation." This includes premium LATCH connecters that can be removed from the base, and then turn green when they are fully connected. Also included is a SuperCinch force multiplier strap tightener and spring-loaded leveling feet.
Another option that is worth considering is the Baby Trend's budget-friendly Secure-Lift We've found it to be just as simple to use as models that cost twice as much. The adjustable headrest that can be adjusted to five positions, which grows with your child and its buckle holders with magnetic buckles, and its no-rethread harness have been praised by our test subjects.
The Maxi-Cosi jade is a ideal choice for babies due to its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position, which allows them to stay asleep longer and more comfortably during travel. It's also been lauded for its safety, with consumer champion Which? saying it's one of the safest infant car seats on the market and ADAC awarding it their highest lab rating for an infant car seat.
Rear-facing Options
In most vehicles the most secure position for infants is in the middle rear seat. The center seat is the most away from any collision, and will shield your baby best in an accident. You should choose a car seat for infants that allows your child to sit backwards for around one year. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest fits against your child's chest and head. Get a certified child-passenger technician who can provide you with the most up-to date suggestions for car seat installation and use. Find the nearest one here.
The car seat you select for your infant is a significant investment, and you'll use it for many years. You'll want a seat that has a good crash test score as well as an analysis score. It should also have features to ensure your baby is comfortable. The Clek Liing is a great option to parents looking for a low-cost rear-facing infant car seat. It scored highly in both our analysis and sensor tests. It comes with a simple LATCH system that has an indicator that changes color and shows when the buckle straps are securely attached to the car, and an extra load leg to help stop frontal collisions.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, used the Graco Extend2Fit to fit her daughters who were both from birth up to the age of six. The adjustable harness height and size allows it to be adapted to children of all sizes as well as taller ones. The seat is compatible with various vehicles, and it has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, the seat can be converted into a booster, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter up to the time she was 10 years old.
Another option that is affordable is the Nuna RAVA. It does not have a base as the majority of seats, however it is still simple and quick to install by using either of the rigid LATCH connectors that flip out from the bottom of the seat. They then automatically turn green when secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is suitable for infants without rethreads. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps, without having to take your child from the car seat. pushchairsandprams.uk has the ability to recline in six positions, which LaBracio found to be useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing
In front-facing seats children's necks are held in the back of the seat, rather than pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This protects them from collisions with the sides. Most car seats allow infants to ride rear-facing until they are over 20 pounds and one year old. However, many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing for as long as they can, as their neck muscles and bones will become stronger by the time they're ready for an forward-facing seat.
If you are looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, be sure they meet the i-Size requirements with a padded seat pocket and a padded headrest for the seat. Make sure you know the maximum height and weight limits and consider buying a car seat that can grow with your child into the position of a booster seat. Some models have an all-in-one feature that allows you to transfer your child from a rear-facing car seat (with tether and harness) to a forward-facing seat with a harness and then into a booster seat.
It's also important to determine whether the seat fits your vehicle well, especially if you have a small trunk space or a vehicle 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 most appropriate fit.
Look for a car-seat that provides good support and comfort for your child. Long journeys in the vehicle are more enjoyable if they are able to sleep comfortably. This can include features like the ability to recline the seat back and a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of the seat, and a range of recline positions.
After narrowing down your options, you should consider the policies regarding crash replacement for the car seat you're considering. They can be anything from a manufacturer's replacement policy, to a specific case review.
After you've done some study and decided what type of car seat you'd like, you can start shopping. Take a look at the options available at your local baby store or online retailer and ask family members who have 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 baby.