Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A good car seat will keep your baby secure, comfortable and safe when you're on the road. Which one is best for your baby?

With features such as latch hooks, load legs, and belt paths to consider, selecting the best infant car seat can be a challenge. Here's what you should be aware of to make the best purchase for your family.

Simple to Use

Whether you're shopping for a baby car seat newborn insert seat for your newborn or upgrading from a toddler's car seat, you'll need an option that is simple to set up and use. Think about the size and weight of your child, the seat's capacity in the car and any other features, like lay-flat options that can also be used as a stroller.

Infant-only chairs are a good option for infants because they're generally smaller than convertible car seats and can fit infants more comfortably. They come with a harness to help your child's head during an accident, which can reduce the strain on their neck or spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are ideal for parents who want to keep their children rear-facing for as long as is possible because the majority of these models allow children to sit in a rear-facing position until they weigh 30 pounds or more. Find a convertible seat that meets federal safety standards and has a an upper minimum of 50 pounds.

It's important to keep in mind that, even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards There are a variety of models available. Select a car seat that has been 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 various recline positions. Some also offer additional padding around the buckle and on the shoulder harness to help your baby stay comfortable during long travel. If you have a small vehicle, think about an infant car seat that is narrow like the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches in width, and is easily installed in all vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max, which can be used with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great option for families who want a simple car seat. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all simple to use.

Safety Features

Whether you're looking for a safe, lightweight infant car seat to take your baby on long journeys or want to ensure that your child is comfortable during the duration of your ride There are some key aspects that are important to keep in mind. Consider first the height and weight limits of your infant car seat. This will determine the maximum time your baby can safely be in the seat. Find a model that is able to accommodate your child's 90th centile measurement prior to turning 1. Consider whether you would like to put a blanket or coat on the straps of your harness. The AAP recommends against this since heavy clothing may compress in a crash and make the straps too loose to restrain your child, thereby increasing the risk of injury.

You should also consider whether your car seat can be secured via the LATCH system or a belt for your vehicle and if it's compatible with other travel systems or strollers. A seat that can easily 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.

The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, scored top marks during our testing for its ease of installation and adjustments. Testers said it "has everything you need to make a quick and easy installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that slide out of the base, and turn green once they're fully connected. Also included are a SuperCinch strap tightener for force multipliers as well as a spring-loaded leveling foot.

Another great option is the Baby Trend's budget-friendly Secure-Lift We've found it to be just as simple to use as models that cost twice as much. Its adjustable headrest in five positions, which grows with your child's development, its magnetic buckle holders and no-rethread harness have been praised by our testers.

The Maxi-Cosi jade is a great option 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 praised for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? calling it 'one of the safest infant car seats on the market' and ADAC giving it the highest lab score for a car seat for infants.

Rear-facing Options

In the majority of cars the safest place for a newborn is in the rear seat at the center. The center seat is the most away from any impact, and can protect your baby in the event of an accident. If you are able, choose a car seat for infants that lets your child sit rear-facing up to an year old. It's also important to ensure the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest is secure against your child's head and chest. The easiest way to do this is to talk to an experienced child passenger safety technician, who will give you the most current recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find the nearest one here.

The choice of an infant car seat for travel car seat for your infant is a major investment that you'll likely use for a long duration, so you'll need to select one that has an amazing crash test sensor and analysis score, as well as features to ensure your child's comfort. The Clek Liing is a great option for parents who are looking for an affordable rear-facing infant car seat. It scored very high in both our analysis and sensor tests. It comes with a simple LATCH system with an indicator that changes color and indicates how buckle straps are properly attached to the car, as well as a load leg that can help stop frontal collisions.

Senior editor of the Strategist magazine and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters who both went from birth until age 6. The adjustable harness height and size allow it to fit children of all sizes, including taller ones. It's a good option for a wide range of vehicles and is a light, 50-pound weight limit for rear-facing children. Additionally, it can be converted into a booster seat that Trolio used with her youngest daughter up until she was 10 years old. older.

Another option that is affordable is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't come with a base, but it is still easy to put in using the LATCH connectors, which are rigid. They flip off the bottom and then turn green when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for infants, with an unrethread harness that is not rethread and magnetic buckle holders that make it simple to secure the straps without removing your child from the seat. It also has an adjustable recline of six positions that LaBracio discovered useful.

Forward-Facing Options

In front-facing seats, children's necks are cradled in the back of the seat instead of being pushed forward on the car seat that is hard. This protects them from collisions with other vehicles as well. The majority of car seats allow infants to ride rear-facing until they weigh more than 20 pounds and a year old. However, many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as they can because their neck muscles and bones will be stronger by the time they're ready for a forward-facing seat.

When looking for options for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the i-Size standards, have a padded harness pocket, and a padded headrest. Make sure you know the maximum height and weight limits and consider buying an automobile seat that can expand with your child to a booster seat. Some models have an all-in-one option that allows you to transfer your child from a rear-facing car seat (with tether and harness) to a forward-facing car seat with a harness, and then onto a booster seat.

It is important to consider whether the car seat will fit well in your vehicle, especially when it has a narrow trunk or a low clearance. Check the dimensions of the car seats by age seat as well as the owners' manuals for your vehicle to determine the most appropriate fit.

Finally, you should look for a car seat that provides adequate support and comfort for your child's body--long trips in the car will be easier in the event that they rest comfortably. This can include features such as a reclining seat back and a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.

After narrowing your options down, you'll need to consider the policies for replacement in case of a crash of the car seats you're looking at. These can be anything from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a personal case review.

After you've done some study and determined what kind of car seats you want then you can begin shopping. You can also ask family members with children for recommendations. You can also schedule a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to assist you in choosing the best car seat for your newborn.