Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A good car seat can keep your baby safe and secure on the road. Which one is the most suitable for your infant?
With features like latch hooks, load legs, and belt paths to consider, choosing the best infant car seat isn't easy. Here's everything you need think about to make the best choice for your family.
Easy of Use
You'll need to choose an option that is easy to install and use, whether you're buying a car seat for your newborn or upgrading your toddler's seat. Think about the size and weight of your child, the seat's fit in your car, and any other features, like a lay-flat option which can also be used as a stroller.
Infant-only chairs are a good option for babies as they're generally narrower than convertible car seats and can fit newborns more snugly. They also have a harness that supports your child's delicate head in the event of a collision which reduces the stress on their neck and the spinal cord.
Convertible car seat are ideal for parents who wish to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they want. Most models allow children to ride rear-facing until 30 pounds or greater. If you decide on a convertible car seat, look for one that complies with the 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 keep in mind that, even though all car seats must be in compliance with strict NHTSA safety standards There are plenty of different models available on market. Choose a seat that is approved by a reputable company or company. Also, be sure to look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
Top-rated car seats are made with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and a variety of recline positions. Some also offer additional padding in the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your baby stay comfortable during long road trips. If you have a small vehicle, you should consider an infant car seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches wide, and is easily installed in most automobiles. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, that is compatible in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great choice for families looking for a simple car seat. Its auto-retracting straps, EZ buckle and connectors for lower anchors that are premium with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it simple to use on every car journey.
Safety Features
If you're looking for an infant safe, lightweight car seat to take your little one for long drives or need to ensure your baby is comfortable for the duration of a trip There are some key aspects that are important to keep in mind. Be aware of the weight and height limits of your infant seat. This will determine the maximum time your child can safely spend in the seat. Choose a seat which goes up to your child's 90th centile measurement prior to turning 1. Consider whether you'd prefer to wear blankets or coats on the straps of the harness. The AAP cautions against this as heavy clothing may compress during a crash, leaving the straps loose enough for your child to be restrained and increase the risk of injury.
Other considerations include whether you're planning to attach your car seat using belts on your vehicle or the LATCH system and if it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. A car seat that can fit onto a compatible base is ideal if you plan to use it for a majority of your car trips in order to save time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it every time you use your vehicle.
In our testing the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with testers saying it "has everything you need to have a quick and painless installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that can be flipped out from the base and become green when connected, and a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener and an adjustable foot with springs.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another option worth considering. We found it to be as simple to use and affordable as models that cost twice as much. Our test participants have applauded it for its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that grows with your baby harness, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.
The Maxi-Cosi jade is an excellent choice for babies due to its unique sleeping position of 180 degrees. This allows them to sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on travel. It's also praised for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? calling it 'one of the safest infant car seats on the market and ADAC awarding the highest lab rating for a car seat for infants.
Rear-facing Options
In most cars, the most secure spot for a newborn is in the back seat. The center seat is the most away from any collision, and will shield your baby best in an accident. If you can, select an infant car seat that allows your baby to sit rear-facing up to one year old. It is also essential to make sure the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest is placed comfortably against your child's head and chest. Find a certified child passenger technician who can give you the most up-to-date guidelines for car seat installation and use. Find one in your area here.
Selecting a car seat for your newborn is a huge purchase that you'll likely be using for a long period of time, so you'll want to choose one with an amazing crash test sensor and score as well as features to keep your child comfortable. infant car seat cheap is a great option for parents looking for an affordable rear-facing infant car seat. It scored very high in both our sensor and analysis tests, has an easy-to-use LATCH system with the ability to change colors that shows how buckle straps are properly attached to the car, as well as a load leg that helps prevent frontal crashes.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, utilized the Graco Extension2Fit to fit her daughters, who were both born up to age six. The seat's adjustable harness height and length help it fit the needs of a variety of children from short to tall. It is suitable for various vehicles, and it has the weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, the seat can be converted into a booster seat, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter up to the time she was 10 years old.
Nuna RAVA is a similar option. It does not come with a base like many other seats, but is still extremely simple and quick to install by using either of the rigid LATCH connectors that slide out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green once secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is comfortable for babies with a no rethread harness. Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to secure the straps without removing your baby from the car seat. LaBracio also found the six-position recline useful.
Forward-Facing Options
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 is a way to protect them from collisions with the sides. The majority of car seats allow infants to sit rear-facing until they weigh over 20 pounds and a year old. However, many experts recommend that children remain rear-facing as long as possible--their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when they're ready for a forward-facing seat.
If you're looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, be sure they meet the iSize standards and have a padded harness pocket and a padded headrest for the seat. Consider buying a car seat that will grow with your child and eventually become a booster. 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 car seat is a good fit in your vehicle, particularly if it has a small trunk or a low clearance. Check the car seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure the best fit.
Finally, you should look for a car seat that has comfortable and adequate support for your child's body--long trips in the car will be more bearable when they are able to sleep comfortably. This could include features like the ability to recline the seat back as well as a five-point harness that can tighten from the back of the seat, and a range 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 be anything from a manufacturer's replacement policy, to a specific case review.
After you've done some study and determined the type of car seats you'd like to purchase, you can start shopping. Check out the selection at your local baby store or online retailer, and ask your family members who have children for recommendations. You can also schedule an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you choose the best car seat for your infant.