Which is the
Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A good car seat will keep your baby safe, comfortable and secure when you're on the road. Which one is the
best infant seat for your baby?
With features like latch hooks, load legs and belt paths to consider, selecting the
best car seats newborn infant car seat isn't easy. Here's what you should know to make the
best car seat for newborn uk purchase for your family.
Simple to Use
If you're looking for a car seat for your infant for your baby or upgrading from an infant car seat, you'll want one that is easy to install and use. Think about the size and weight of your child, the size of the seat that will fit in your car, and any extra features, such as the lay-flat option that can also be used as a stroller.
Infant-only seats can be a great option for babies because they are typically shorter and fit more snugly than convertible seats. They have a harness to support your child's head in an accident, which will reduce the strain on their neck or spinal cord.
Convertible car seat are ideal for parents who want to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they can. Most models let the child ride rear-facing until 30 pounds or greater. If you decide on a convertible car seat, you should look for one that meets the safety standards of the federal government and has a weight limit of 50 pounds or more.
It's important to keep it in mind that, even though all car seats must meet strict NHTSA standards, there are many different models available. Choose a seat that is certified by a reputable organization 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 even have additional padding around the buckle and on the shoulder harness to help your infant stay comfortable during long travel. If you're driving a small vehicle, you should consider a small
infant car seat swivel car seat like the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches in width, and can be easily installed in a variety of automobiles. The UPPAbaby Mesa Max, which is specifically designed for use with strollers from UPPAbaby, is a excellent option for families who need a simple car seat that is simple to use. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all simple to use.
Safety Features
It is important to consider some aspects when selecting the best infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure your child is comfortable throughout the journey or you are looking for an easy-to-use car seat that is safe for your child to use for long trips, you need to keep in mind certain aspects. Consider the weight and height limits of your infant seat. This will determine the length of time your child can safely spend in the seat. Look for a model which goes up to the 90th percentile of your child's height before turning 1. Think about whether you'd like to cover a blanket or coat over the straps of the harness. The AAP recommends against this since heavy clothing may cause a collapse and leave the straps loose to hold your child, increasing the risk of injury.
Other considerations include whether you intend to install your car seat using a vehicle belt or the LATCH system, and if it's compatible other strollers or travel systems. A car seat that is able to fit on a base that is compatible is ideal if you plan to use it for the majority of your car trips and will save you 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 reviewers commenting that it "has everything you need to have a quick and painless installation." This includes premium LATCH connectors that open from the base and turn green when fully connected, and a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener as well as an adjustable foot with springs.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another option worth considering. We found it to be as user-friendly and affordable as models costing twice as much. Its adjustable headrest in five positions that grows with your child's development and its buckle holders that are magnetic and no-rethread harness have been highly praised by our testers.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade makes an excellent choice for babies because of its unique 180-degree sleeping position. This allows them to sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on journeys. It's also been lauded for its safety, with consumer champion Which? saying it's one of the most secure infant car seats on the market' and ADAC awarding the highest lab rating for a car seat for infants.
Rear-Facing Options
In most automobiles, the most secure place for a newborn is in the rear seat. The seat in the middle is the furthest from any impact that could occur and will safeguard your child from harm in a crash. It is recommended to choose an infant car seat which allows your child to ride in a rear-facing position for around one year. It's also important to ensure the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest is snug against your child's head and chest. Find a certified child passenger technician who will provide you with the most current guidelines for
car seats newborn seat installation and use. Find one in your area here.
The car seat you pick for your newborn is a significant purchase, and you'll use it for many years. You'll want to choose a seat with a high crash test score as well as an analysis score. It should also include features to keep your baby comfy. The Clek LIing is a great choice for parents looking for a rear-facing infant seat that's affordable. It scored extremely high in both our analysis and sensor tests. It has a simple LATCH system that comes 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 to prevent frontal collisions.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, utilized the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters, who were both from birth up to the age of six. The harness's adjustable height and size allows it to be adapted to children of all sizes, including taller ones. It's a good choice for a wide range of vehicles. It also has a low, 50-pound weight limit for rear-facing children. Additionally, it can be converted into a booster seat, which Trolio used with her youngest daughter up until she turned 10 years older.
Another option that is reasonably priced is the Nuna RAVA. It does not have a base, however it's still easy to install using the LATCH connectors that are rigid. They slide out from the bottom and turn green automatically when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is a comfortable baby seat with a no rethread harness. Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to secure the straps, without having to remove your baby from the car seat. LaBracio also found the six-position recline useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing
Necks of children can be cradled by the back of the seat in front-facing seats rather than being pushed forward onto the hard seat of a vehicle. This is a way to protect them from collisions with the sides. Most car seats allow infants to ride rear-facing until they weigh over 20 pounds and one year old. Many experts recommend that kids remain rear-facing as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time to switch to a front-facing seat.
When looking at options for forward-facing car seats make sure they meet i-Size requirements, have a cushioned head rest, and a large harness pocket. Consider buying a car seat which can expand with your child and become a booster. Some models have an all-in-one option that allows the child to be moved from an rear-facing car seat (with tether and harness) to a forward-facing car seat with a harness, and then into the booster seat.
It's also important to consider whether the seat fits your vehicle well, especially in the case of a tiny trunk space or a car with a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and the owner's manual for the most appropriate fit.
Lastly, look for a car seat that provides comfortable and adequate support for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be less stressful in the event that they sleep comfortably. This could include features such as a reclining headrest and a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of the seat and a wide range of recline positions.
After you've narrowed your options down, you'll want to look at the policies regarding crash replacement of the car seats you're considering. They can differ from the manufacturer's replacement policy, to a case-by-case review.
After you've done your research 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 talk to parents of young children for recommendations. You can also schedule an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you locate the perfect car seat for your baby.
