Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns

For infants who are rear-facing, the rear-facing infant car seat is the safest option. Incorrectly using a car seat can lead to injuries or even death, so it's important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer when installing.

The car seat base should be a bit reclined which aids in keeping the baby's head back and chin off their chest decreasing the risk of positioning asphyxia.

Types

When choosing a car seat for newborns There are two main kinds to be considered. There are two kinds of car seats that are suitable for infants such as an infant car seat and a baby convertible car seat. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, but it really is a matter of the individual preference and how you plan on using the seat. If you intend to use the seat as a part of a travel system and will be switching between vehicles often the infant car seat might be the better choice. If you want an automobile seat that will expand with your child and become a booster or even beyond an adult, a convertible car seat is the best choice.

infant car seats on sale car seats are designed specifically for newborns and infants and are always used in the rear-facing position, which is the safest method of travel for the little babies. They are also typically less expensive than convertible car seats, but may have a shorter lifespan. Most seats must be replaced when your child reaches the weight or height limit (which can differ greatly between seats) or when their age group is reached.

Convertible baby seats, also known as all-in-one car seat as they are sometimes referred to are designed to accommodate your infant from birth through their toddler years and into their school age years. They can usually be used as a forward-facing or rear-facing seat, and some can be transformed into an adult booster seat.

Many of the best car seats for babies are convertible and have various features, such as smooth rotation with easy harness adjustment, and an EPS foam base that is basically Styrofoam. These features are a favorite among parents as they make it easier for parents to get their babies into and out of their seats, while still ensuring their child is comfortable and safe.

When selecting a car seat, it's important to make sure it's compatible with your vehicle and comes with LATCH for easy installation. It's also important to check the safety features, like shock-absorbing materials and side impact protection. Consult a qualified car seat specialist if you are unsure about which seat is the best one for your family. They'll be able to talk you through your options and help you select the right seat for your infant.

Safety

If you're in the market for a baby car seat, convertible car seat or Baby Seat-ready travel systems it is essential be sure that the one you choose meets stringent safety standards. This is particularly important for babies, since they are lighter and smaller than older children. Look for a seat with a five-point harness that attaches below the shoulders (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing) and between the legs and around the crotch. This secures your child and prevents them from being thrown out of the seat during an accident or sudden stop.

Ideally, you'll also seek out a seat that can be connected to the vehicle using either lower anchors or seat belts, and also has the option of a top tether to prevent the car seat from moving forward in an accident and could block breathing of the child. Also, make sure that the recline angle of the seat is in the right direction. Newborns can easily get stuck in a seat that is too upright.

It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure the proper installation of your particular model. It's a good idea consult a certified car-seat inspection technician during your pregnancy or shortly after the birth of your baby. A qualified professional can ensure a perfect installation.

Another factor to consider is compatibility with strollers. If you intend to frequently use your stroller then you should think about an infant car and stroller combo that works seamlessly. This is a great choice for parents who are busy, since it makes it easy to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller and back while you run errands, or take an outing with the family.

Always place your seat on solid surfaces (like car seat bases or a car) and never place it on soft surfaces, such as couches or beds, as these can cause the seat to tip over, potentially hurting or even killing your child. Unattended infant/baby seats or carriers on soft surfaces could cause suffocation.

Easy to Use

The best protection is only possible when the car seat is utilized correctly every time. Unfortunatelly, many car seat injuries are caused by errors. This includes not following the manufacturer's instructions, improper installation, using aftermarket accessories, and putting the child in an incorrect position.

To minimize the risk of error, a reliable infant car seat will have easy-to-read installation instructions and features that allow you to ensure correct usage. Some brands, like CYBEX include visual indicators and click sound that confirm the seat is installed correctly. This is crucial because studies have revealed that the incorrect use of car seats is responsible for as much as half of all injuries related to car seats.

You should also keep in mind that you should not leave your child in the car seat or in a carrier, even if it is just for a short period of time. Unattended, a baby in a safety car seat or carrier can fall onto soft surfaces like couches or beds and cause serious injury or even death. The seats may also tip over on their sides which can cause the death of a child.

Choosing the best car seat for your newborn is dependent on a variety of factors, such as lifestyle and longevity. All-in-one models are cheaper in the beginning however they may not suit smaller infants as well and be less flexible than a convertible or booster car seat. A lightweight, easy to install seat is crucial for parents who travel frequently. Urban dwellers may prefer a seat that can be used in a taxi, Uber, or other vehicle that does not have the base.

A seat that is attached to strollers is a great choice for new parents who are looking to reduce the amount of baggage they need to carry around the city or on flights. This is especially true when you plan to travel via public transport often and live in a major city. A lot of seats can be connected to strollers from UPPAbaby for simple, comfortable commutes. It is important to be aware of how simple it is to mount the seat you want to use on vehicles that do not have lower anchors or tether connectors as they are less common.

Convenience

Many infant car seats can also be connected to a stroller system to create an entire child safety solution. This makes it easy to move a baby who is sleeping from your car to a stroller, even in bad weather or at night. Make sure to secure the seat in the stroller prior to you leave. If you leave it in the car or on the street isn't a good idea and could allow your baby to exit the seat without supervision which could cause injury.

Infant car seats are made specifically for infants and smaller infants, featuring snug and secure fittings and plenty of padding for safety and comfort. They tend to be lighter than convertible car seat which makes them more convenient to carry over short distances. The majority of infant car seats are made to be used rear-facing, which is endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the safest position for young children.

However they have a shorter life span than convertible car seats. In general, children outgrow infant car seats between nine months and a year. You might need to upgrade your car seat to a convertible version sooner than you thought.

A good infant car seats that swivel car seat will come with straps for harnesses that lie flat against the child's chest, and also over their hips and the chest clip at the armpit level, and the crotch buckle lying flat across their thighs. Some models come with removable and adjustable inserts that allow parents to attain the ideal fit.

When selecting an rotating infant car seat car seat, it is important to remember that babies could be trapped if the straps are loose or not secured. It's also unsafe to leave your child unattended in a car seat, so make sure you choose one with an option to lock off your vehicle or a built-in lock.

Our experts test car seats to make sure they're fitted with the highest safety features. Bob Hoffman, our Senior Review Editor has more car seat installation and scoring experience than anyone on the planet and is joined by the mother of two boys Wendy Schmitz, Senior Reviews Editor, and Abriah Wofford, a Senior Review Analyst who has been testing seats since 2016. Our team's knowledge and expertise can help you find the perfect seat for your child as well as your vehicle.