How to Choose the
Best Car Seat Newborn
The best car seat newborn is one that is compliant with federal safety standards, fits your vehicle, comes with useful extras (like changing into the stroller) and works with your budget. It's also worth checking that the baby car seat clicks into and out of your car without difficulty especially if you frequently shift between taxis or rides in rental cars or grandparents vehicles.
Safety
Car seats are designed to ensure your baby is safe, and a good one should come with additional features that go beyond the safety standards set by the federal government. They include padded inserts for the head and shoulders and air-repellent fabrics that help keep them cool in hot car, and side-impact protection.
Another important safety consideration is the ease to install and use the seat. Ideally, you want to be capable of snapping it in place with minimum effort, and with clear signs that it's secure and level, as well as positioned properly.
Look for features that make it easier to do this, such as built-in lock offs and belt guides that can help you line up the car seat with the seatbelt. It is also important to avoid buying used car seats, as they might not have been crash-tested or have been in an accident and may not protect your child. If you have to buy an old car seat, ensure that it is not expired. an expiration and that the seller isn't an individual who does not have evidence of ownership.
One other thing to keep in mind is that it's best to only leave your infant in the car seat for a maximum of two hours per day, unless they are lying down in a supine position. This is to prevent the spine from becoming strained and ensure that they are able to breathe regularly.
You'll need a seat that can last for a long time as it is a significant investment. Pick a seat that can develop with your child's age and last from toddlerhood to teens. Our testers for parents were satisfied with the Axkid i-Size. It is suitable for children from birth, and can be used until age 7.
The Nuna pipa aire rx is another option that can be used for a lengthy time. It rotates 360 degrees, so you can change it from front-facing to rear-facing as the child grows. It's also among the lightest rotating car seats on the market and weighs less than 9 pounds without its base. It's the perfect option for parents who regularly move their children between vehicles or plan on using it for taxi rides, fly-drive holidays, and trips to grandparent's homes.
Comfort
A good infant car seat will be comfortable for your baby both when they are in the seat as well as when you install it. Look for padded straps that fit snugly on their shoulders. Also, look for soft fabric that feels comfortable under their tummy, especially if they will be in the seat for long rides.
The
best infant seat car seat for infants is also easy to use. Some have premium LATCH connectors with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, spring-loaded leveling feet and belt paths that make putting them on without the base easier than ever. Other features let you adjust the headrest and harness height which is crucial as your child grows.
One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate test, which our parents gave a 10/10 for ease of use. It has a clear, simple interface, a no-rethread, easy-to-change harness, 360-degree rotation, and recline lock indicators. You can easily switch your child's position from front-facing to rear-facing as they grow, without having to remove and replace the seat.
Another example is the Nuna Pipa Air rx which our parents loved for its ease of use, comfort and versatility. Its padded shoulder straps as well as headrest are designed to support your
newborn car seat insert's head and includes a soft infant cushion to ensure they are comfortable. It can be used in a rear-facing position until your child reaches the maximum weight or height limit. It then converts into the position of a stroller.
A quality car seat is sturdy and some come with a warranty. Look for a seat with sturdy materials and plenty of padding to safeguard your baby from any accidents as well as a steel frame that absorbs the force of impact and a "crumple zone" to help prevent crash damage. It is important to keep it clean as accidents are bound to happen with the growing age of a child. Find car seats that have removable seat covers and a pad that is machine washable to make cleanup a breeze.
Simple to Use
A car seat must be easy to install and use especially if you're going to be using it in an alternate vehicle at times. Look for features like a quick-release buckle, an indicator that indicates the state of the latch system (e.g., green for locked) and a clear, easy-to-read guide to make it as easy as you can.
The
best car seat infant of The Bump winner also has a number of practical extras that our parent testers loved, including an padded headrest and padded harness, plush fabric and a cup holder. It also has a reclining feature that allows your child to sit in an ergonomic position for longer trips. It can be paired with a compatible buggy to make a complete travel system. This is perfect when you plan to travel for a long duration.
It is suitable from birth. Our panelists found this car seat to be easy to set up and adjust. It comes with recline lock indicators and a premium LATCH connector with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, which makes securing your child quick and simple. It's also designed to be easily shifted from side-to-side in the vehicle without the necessity of tools.
One of our top features is the recline feature that allows you to easily take your baby in and out of the car. This is especially useful if you suffer from back problems or have a small car. It also comes with an adjustable cup holder that can be reversible and a handy storage compartment for snacks and toys.
The seat weighs just nine pounds and can be used with or without its base. It also rotates 180 degrees, which could be a lifesaver when you are in a tight space or struggle with back pain. Our panelists were impressed by this feature, which won a spot in our 2021 Mother&Baby awards.
It's a great choice for anyone looking to transform their car seat into a stroller at an affordable cost. Its sleek design and high-quality fabric will stand the test of time also. Just don't forget to wash your cover often, as squashed yogurt spills, biscuits, and the occasional sick toddler accident will be sure to leave a marks!
Design
The designs of car seats are as diverse as the vehicles they're installed in. Some parents opt to not use an infant car seats in favor of a convertible model. However, most new mothers prefer a product that will develop with their child as they reach toddlerhood. The most flexible option is an all-in one baby car seat, which allows you to switch between rear-facing and forward-facing. It usually has a higher weight and height limit and can be used as a booster once your child is old enough.
The ideal car seat for infants for babies is light and easy to remove from the base while your child is inside. The Maxi-Cosi Coral is available in only a few colors, but it has a number of safety features and is lightweight (8.4 pounds, including seat inserts and canopy). Other models that stand out are the Nuna PIPA URbN and the Nuna PIPA URbN, which was a winner of Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Car Seat Group 0/0+ with its high-end extras like the Dream drape and full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy.
The design of the base and the seat should be taken into consideration. For instance, some car seats have a specific base that locks into the buckles of the seat belts as well as others with steel-reinforced LATCH connectors that flip out from the sides of the base and turn green when attached correctly. These were useful for parents, particularly if the vehicle only had front-facing seat belts.
Some infant car seats can be utilized with a regular seatbelt, but without the base, which is a bonus for parents who often take taxis or need to travel with their infant. The Nuna TODL NEXT was a favorite among our testers who are parents. It can be used with or without the base, and features an easy swivel that makes it easier to take your baby in and out.
Other important design considerations are whether a car seat has a flat design, and how well it fits into your particular car (see our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're looking for a new infant car seat that can develop with your child's development into a booster seat pick a model with a reclining backrest and side impact protection. It's also worth checking that the
infant car seats that swivel car seat is iSize certified and has the proper car seat attachment points in accordance with UK law.
