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 is the best for your baby?
Selecting the best infant car seats isn't easy. There are a lot of features to consider such as latch hooks, belt paths and load legs. Here's what you must be aware of in order to make the right choice for your family.
Easy of Use
You'll want to select one that is easy to install and use whether you're buying an infant car seat for your newborn or upgrading your toddler's seat. Take into consideration the weight and size of your child, the seat's fit in your car, and any additional features, such as the lay-flat option that can also be used as stroller.
Infant-only seats are a great option for babies since they are generally smaller and fit more snugly than convertible car seats. They have a harness to ensure your child's head is supported in an accident, which could reduce the strain on their neck or the spinal cord.
Convertible car seat are ideal for parents who wish to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they can. The majority of models let the child ride rear-facing until 30 pounds or more. Look for a convertible seat that is compliant with federal safety standards and has a an upper minimum of 50 pounds.
When looking for a car seat it's important to remember that, even though all car seats 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, choose one that's certified by a reliable company or organization, and check for recalls or manufacturer complaints.
The best car seats for infants have skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding and a range of recline positions. Some even have additional padding in the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your baby remain comfortable on long travel. If you have a smaller vehicle choose a smaller infant seat, such as the Clek Liing one, which is less than 17 inches wide and easy to install in most vehicles. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, which can be used together with UPPAbaby Strollers is a great option for families who want 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 trip.
Safety Features
There are the following aspects when selecting the best
infant car seat travel car seat. If you're looking to ensure your child is comfortable throughout the journey or you are looking for a light and safe car seat for your child to take on long trips, you need to keep in mind some of the features. First, think about the height and weight limit of your infant car seat. This will determine the length of time your child is able to safely stay in the seat. Look for a model which goes up to the 90th percentile of your child's height prior to turning 1. Think about whether you'd like to cover an overcoat or blanket over the straps of your harness. The AAP recommends against this since thick clothing can cause a collapse and leave the straps too loose to secure your child, thereby increasing the risk of injuries.
You should also think about whether your car seat will be fitted via the LATCH system or a belt on a vehicle or if it's compatible with other travel systems or strollers. If you plan to use your seat for most of your driving it is
best car seat for newborn to select one that fits easily onto a base compatible with it. This will save you time and energy because you won't need to take off and reinstall your seat each time you drive.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which was awarded Best of The Bump, was praised in our tests for its ease of installation and adjustment. Testers said it "has everything needed to ensure a fast, easy installation." This includes premium LATCH connecters that flip out of the base, and turn green once fully connected. Additionally, there is a SuperCinch force multiplier strap tightener as well as a spring-loaded leveling foot.
Another option that is worth considering is the Baby Trend's budget-friendly Secure-Lift, which we've found to be just as easy to use as other models that cost twice as much. Its five-position adjustable headrest that adapts to your child's development and its buckle holders with magnetic buckles and no-rethread harness have been praised by our testers.
The Maxi-Cosi jade is a fantastic choice for newborns due to its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position which allows them to stay asleep longer and more comfortably on road trips. It's also been praised for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? declaring it to be one of the safest infant car seats available' and ADAC giving it their 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 rear seat. The center seat is most away from any collision, and will shield your baby from harm in the event of an accident. It is recommended to choose an infant car seat that allows your child to sit rear-facing for about 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 head and chest. Get a certified child-passenger technician who can give you the most current guidelines for car seat installation and use. Find one in your area here.
The
car seat newborn insert seat you pick for your
rotating infant car seat is a significant investment, and you'll use it for many years. You'll want one that has a good crash test score as well as an analysis score. It should also come with features that will keep your baby comfy. The Clek Liing is a great option for parents who are looking for an affordable rear-facing
infant car seats best car seat. It scored highly in our analysis and sensor test. It has an easy-to-use LATCH system that changes color to show whether the buckle straps have been properly attached to the car, and an extra load leg that helps avoid frontal collisions.
Senior editor of the Strategist magazine and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her two daughters who both grew from birth until age 6. The harness's adjustable height and size allows it to be adapted to children of all sizes as well as taller ones. It's a great option for a variety of vehicles. It also is a light, 50-pound limit on rear-facing weight. The seat also converts into a booster, which Trolio used for her daughter's oldest until she was 10 years old.
Nuna RAVA is a similar alternative. It does not have a base, however it's still easy to install using the rigid LATCH connectors. They slide out from the bottom and then turn green when the seat is attached 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 baby from the car seat. It also has an adjustable recline of six positions that LaBracio found to be useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing
In front-facing seats the necks of children are held in the seat back, instead of being pushed forward by the car seat that is hard. This position also protects them from injuries in side crashes. Most car seats allow infants to sit rear-facing until they weigh more than 20 pounds and a year old. Many experts advise that children remain rear-facing for as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when it's time to move to an front-facing seat.
If you are looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, ensure they meet the iSize standards, have a padded harness pocket, and a padded headrest for the seat. Be sure to check the maximum height and weight limit and think about purchasing a car seat that can grow with your child into the position of a booster seat. Some models come with an all-in-one feature that lets your child change from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat.
It is important to consider whether the car seat is a good fit in your vehicle, especially if it has a small trunk or a low clearance. Check the car seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure the most appropriate fit.
Finally, you should look for a car seat that provides comfortable and adequate support for your child's body--long trips in the car will be less stressful in the event that they sleep comfortably. This can include features like a reclining headrest or a five-point harness which can be tightened from the rear of the seat, and a wide range of recline positions.
Once you've narrowed down your options, think about crash replacement policies for the car seat you're thinking of buying. They can be anything from a manufacturer's replacement policy to an individual case review.
After you've done some study and determined the type of car seat you'd like then you can begin shopping. You can also ask your friends with 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 car seat swivel.
