Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A well-designed car seat will ensure your baby is safe and secure while on the road. But which one is best for your newborn?

With features such as latch hooks, load legs and belt routes to consider, picking the best infant car seat isn't easy. Here's everything you need consider to make the right decision for your family.

Easy of Use

If you're in the market for an infant car seats cheap car seat for your baby or if you're upgrading from an infant car seat, you'll want one that is easy to set up and use. Consider the size of the seat base and the car, as well as how the seat is suited to your baby's weight and height, as well as additional features that are convenient, such as the lay-flat option that doubles as a stroller bassinet.

Infant-only seats can be a good option for newborns since they are generally shorter and fit more snugly than convertible seats. They come with a harness that can help your child's head during an accident, which could reduce the stress on their neck or the spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are great for parents who want to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they want. The majority of models allow children to rear-facing for 30 pounds or more. Look for a convertible seat that is compliant with federal safety standards and has a a weight limit of at least 50 pounds.

When you're looking for a car seat, it's important to keep in mind that even though all carseats must meet the strict NHTSA safety standards There are a variety of different models available on the market. To avoid the burden and risk of a dangerous or defective seat, choose one that's certified by a reliable company or a reputable organization, and also look for recent recalls and complaints from the manufacturer.

The best car seat for newborn car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and various recline positions. Some car seats offer additional padding on the shoulder straps and around the buckle to ensure your child is at ease during long road trips. If you drive a smaller car opt for a smaller infant seat, such as the Clek Liing that is just 17 inches wide and is easy to install in most vehicles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby that is designed to be used with UPPAbaby strollers, is another ideal option for families that require a car seat with no fuss that's easy to use. The harness that retracts automatically, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all simple to use.

Safety Features

You should consider a few features when choosing an infant car seat. If you want to ensure your child is safe throughout the entire ride or are looking for an easy-to-use and safe car seat for your child to use on long trips, you need to think about some of the characteristics. First, think about the height and weight limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the car seat and so, choose a seat that goes up to minimum your child's 90th percentile measurement before they turn one. Also, think about whether you might want to put blankets or coats over the harness straps. The AAP warns against this since heavy clothing may be compressed in the event of a crash, making the straps too loose for your child to be secured which increases the chance of injury.

You should also think about whether your car seat can be fitted with the LATCH system, or a vehicle belt or if it's compatible with other travel systems or strollers. If you plan to use your car seat for a majority of your journeys in the car, it's best car seats newborn to choose one that is easily fitted onto the base that is compatible with it. This will save you time and energy as you won't have to remove and reinstall the seat each time you take a trip in the car.

In our testing, the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with users saying it "has everything you need for a quick and simple installation." This includes premium LATCH connecters that slide out of the base and turn green once fully connected. Additionally, there is a SuperCinch force multiplier strap tightener and a spring-loaded leveling feet.

The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another excellent option. We found it to be as user-friendly and affordable as models that cost twice as much. Our test subjects have praised it for its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that adapts to the size of your baby harness, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi jade is a ideal choice for babies due to its unique 180-degree flat sleep position, which allows them to sleep longer and more comfortably on travel. It has also been highly praised for its safety by consumer advocate Which? ADAC giving it the highest lab rating for car seats for infants.

Rear-facing Options

In the majority of cars the most secure position for infants is in the rear seat at the center. The seat in the center is most away from any impact, and can protect your baby from harm in the event of an accident. You should choose a car seat for infants that allows your child to sit in a rear-facing position for around an entire year. It's also important to ensure the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest fits against your child's head and chest. The most efficient way to do this is to talk to an experienced child passenger safety technician, who can give you the most current recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your locality here.

Choosing an infant car seat for your rotating infant car seat is a major investment that you'll probably use for a long time, so you'll want to select one that has an impressive crash test sensor and analysis score as along with features to ensure your child's comfort. The Clek Liing is a great choice to parents looking for a low-cost rear-facing infant car seat. It scored highly in our sensor and analysis test. It comes with an easy LATCH system that changes color to show that the buckle straps have been properly secured to the car. It also has a load-leg to help prevent frontal collisions.

Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, utilized the Graco Extension2Fit to fit her daughters, who were both from birth up to the age of six. The seat's adjustable harness height and length help it fit a range of children from tall to short. It's a good option for a wide range of vehicles. It also has a low, 50-pound rear facing infant car seat-facing weight limit. Plus, it converts to an adult seat, which Trolio used with her youngest daughter up until she was 10 years old. old.

Nuna RAVA is another affordable alternative. It does not have a base as most other seats, but is still quick and easy to install by using either of the rigid LATCH connectors, which flip out from the bottom of the seat. They then automatically turn green when secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is a comfortable baby seat with a no rethread harness. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps, without having to take your child from the car seat. It also features an adjustable recline of six positions, which LaBracio found useful.

Forward-Facing Options

In front-facing seats children's necks are held in the back of the seat, instead of being pushed forward by a hard vehicle seat. This is a way to protect them from collisions with other vehicles as well. Most car seats allow infants weighing up to 20 pounds and one year of age to ride rearward. However, many experts recommend that children ride rear-facing as long as they can because their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when they're ready to switch to a forward-facing seat.

When considering options for forward-facing car seats ensure they meet iSize requirements, have a cushioned head rest, and a spacious harness pocket. Consider buying a car seat that will grow with your child and become a booster. Some models have an all-in-one feature that allows you to move your child from a rear-facing car seats (with tether and harness) to a forward-facing seat that has a harness and then to a booster seat.

It is also important to think about whether the car seat will fit in your vehicle, especially if it has a small trunk or low clearance. Make sure to check the seat's dimensions and the owner's manual for the most appropriate fit.

Also, make sure you choose an automobile seat that offers adequate support and comfort for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be more bearable if they can sleep comfortably. This may include features such as a reclining headrest, a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of the seat and a variety of recline positions.

After you've narrowed your options down, you'll need to consider the policies regarding crash replacement of the car seats you're considering. 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 seat you'd like then you can begin shopping. Check out the selection at your local baby store or online retailer and talk to parents of young children for their recommendations. You can also book a consultation with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you locate the perfect car seat for your newborn.