Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A good car seat will keep your baby safe and secure on the road. Which one is best for your baby?
Choosing the right
portable infant car seat car seat isn't easy. There are so many options to think about, including latch hooks, belt paths and load legs. Here's what you must be aware of to make the best choice for your family.
Easy of Use
You'll want to select a model that's easy to install and use whether you're purchasing an infant car seat for a newborn or upgrading from your toddler's seat. Consider the size of the base and the car, how well the seat will fit your child's weight and height, as well as additional features that are convenient, such as the 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 smaller and fit more snugly than convertible car seats. They come with a harness to help your child's head during an accident, which could lessen the strain on their neck or spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are great for parents who wish to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they are able to. The majority of models allow the child to ride rear-facing until 30 pounds or greater. Find a convertible seat that meets federal safety regulations and has an upper minimum of 50 pounds.
When shopping for a car seat it's important to keep in mind that, even though all car seat for newborn (
check out this blog post via Cucq) seats must conform to the strict NHTSA safety standards There are a variety of different models available on the market. Select a car seat that has been approved by a reputable company or company. Also, check for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The best car seats for babies feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding, and a range of recline positions. Some also offer additional padding near the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your newborn remain comfortable on long travel. If you're in a smaller vehicle, you should consider a narrow infant car seat like the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches wide and can be easily installed in all automobiles. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, that is compatible with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great option for families looking for an easy car seat. Its auto-retracting straps, EZ buckle and connectors for lower anchors that are premium with guides, and no-rethread harness make it easy to use for any car journey.
Safety Features
It is important to consider some aspects when selecting the best infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure that your child is comfortable during the entire journey or you are looking for a lightweight car seat that is safe for your child to take on long journeys, it's essential to keep in mind some of the features. First, think about the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the seat and so, consider a model that is able to reach minimum your child's 90th percentile before they turn one. Also, consider whether you might want to wear blankets or coats on the straps of your harness. The AAP cautions against this, since heavy clothing may be compressed in a crash and leave the straps loose to secure your child, thereby increasing the risk of injuries.
You should also consider whether your car seat can be fitted with the LATCH system, or a belt on a vehicle or if it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. A car seat that is able to 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 each time you use the vehicle.
In our tests, the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned
top rated baby car seats marks for its ease of installation and adjustments, with testers affirming that it "has everything you need for a fast and painless installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that flip out of the base, and turn green when they are fully connected. Also included are a SuperCinch strap tightener for force multipliers and spring-loaded leveling feet.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another great option. We found it to be as simple to use and affordable as other models that cost twice as much. Its adjustable headrest in five positions that adapts to your child and its buckle holders that are magnetic, and its harness that doesn't rethread have been praised by our test subjects.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade makes a great choice for newborns because of its unique sleeping position of 180 degrees. This lets them sleep comfortably and longer during journeys. It's also been praised for its safety, with consumer champion Which? saying it's one of the most secure infant car seats on the market and ADAC giving the highest lab rating for an infant car seat.
Rear-Facing Options
In most vehicles the safest place for a newborn is in the rear seat at the center. The seat in the center is closest to any impact, and will protect your baby from harm in the event of an accident. If you are able, choose a car seat for infants that allows your baby to ride rear-facing until they're about a year old. It's also important to make sure the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest is secure against your child's chest and head. Find a certified child passenger technician who can give you the most up-to-date recommendations for car seat installation and use. Find one in your locality here.
The car seat you select for your newborn is a significant investment, and you'll use it for a long time. You'll want to choose a seat with a high crash test score and analysis score. It should also include features to ensure your baby is comfortable. The Clek LIing is a great choice for parents seeking a rear-facing infant seat that's affordable. 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 indicates how buckle straps are properly attached to the car, and an extra load leg to help to prevent frontal collisions.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, used the Graco Extension2Fit to fit her daughters, who were both from birth up to age six. The seat's adjustable harness height and length help it fit the needs of a variety of children, from tall to short. The seat is compatible with many vehicles, and it has the weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. The seat also converts 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 alternative. It doesn't come with a base, but it is still easy to install using the LATCH connectors that are rigid. They flip out of the bottom and turn green automatically when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for babies, with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to secure the straps without removing your
top rated baby car seats from the seat. LaBracio also liked the recline that has six positions.
Options with a Forward-Facing Focus
In front-facing seats, children's necks are cradled in the back of the seat rather than pushed forward on the hard seat of a vehicle. This is a way to protect them from collisions with the sides. The majority of car seats allow infants weighing up to 20 pounds and 1 year of age to ride backwards. Many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time to switch to the front-facing seat.
When looking at options for forward-facing car seats, ensure they meet iSize specifications, have a padded head rest, and a large harness pocket. Think about purchasing a car seat that can expand with your child and become a booster. Certain models come with an all-in-one feature that allows the child to be moved from a rear-facing car seats (with tether and harness) to a forward-facing seat that has a harness and then onto a booster seat.
It is also important to think about whether the seat fits your vehicle well, especially if you have a small trunk space or a vehicle with a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and vehicle owner's manual for the most appropriate fit.
Choose a car seat that offers good support and comfort to your child. Long journeys in the car will be more enjoyable when they are able to sleep comfortably. This can include features like reclined seat backs and a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of your seat, and a variety of recline positions.
After narrowing your options down, you should consider the policies for replacement in case of a crash of the car seats you're looking at. These can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by-case review.
Once you've done your research and determined what kind of car seat you're interested in It's time to begin shopping around. You can also ask family members who have children to recommend. You can also book an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you locate the perfect car seat for your infant.
