How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn

The best car seat for newborn car seat for newborns is one that meets federal safety standards, fits in your car, has useful features (like turning into a stroller) and fits within your budget. You should also make sure that the car seat can be easily inserted into and out of any vehicle, especially when you're constantly switching between rental cars, taxis or grandparents' vehicles.

Safety

A high-quality car seat will come with additional features that are above the federal safety standards. They include padded inserts for the head and shoulders and also air-repellent fabric to keep them cool while driving in hot weather.

Another important safety consideration is the ease to set up and use the seat. Ideally, you should be able to snap it in place with little effort and with clear indicators that it's secure, level, and positioned properly.

There are features that will aid in this process including belt guides and built-in lockoffs that will help you align the car seat with your vehicle's seatbelt. Also, you should avoid buying used car seats, as they might not be crash-tested or have been in an accident and might not protect your child. If you have to purchase a used car seat, make sure it's on the expiration date and isn't being sold by a private seller who does not have proof of ownership.

It is also important to remember that you should only leave your baby in the car seat for up to two hours a day, unless you are in a flat position. This will help prevent strain on the spine of your child, and ensure that they are able to breathe regularly.

The choice of a car seat for infants is a major investment, so you'll want to make sure that it has a long duration. Select a seat that will grow with your child's development and last through toddlerhood to teens. One product that our testers for parents loved was the Axkid One i-Size, which is suitable from birth and can be used for up to 7 years.

Nuna pipa air rx is a second alternative that can be used for a lengthy period of time. It has a 360-degree rotation, which means you can switch it from rear-facing to front-facing as your child grows. It's also among the lightest car seats that rotate on the market and weighs less than nine pounds without its base. It's a great option for parents who need to move their baby between vehicles frequently or plan to use it for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives, and trips with grandparents.

Comfort

It is important that your child is comfortable in their car seat both while they are in it and when you install it. Look for straps that are padded to fit comfortably on their shoulders, and soft fabric that is comfortable on their tummy, especially when they are in the seat for long trips.

The most effective car seat for infants is also easy to use. Some have premium LATCH connectors that feature a SuperCinch force multiplier and tightener. Some have spring-loaded leveling legs and belt paths to make installation without a base simpler than ever. Other features allow you to adjust the headrest and harness height which is crucial as your child grows.

Cosatto All in All Rotate is a good example. Our testers from our parent company scored it a 10 out of 10. It features a clear, simple interface, no-rethread, easy-to adjust harness, a 360-degree rotation and recline lock indicators. This means that you can change between forward and rear-facing positions as your baby grows without needing to remove the seat and replace it.

Another example is the Nuna Pipa Air rx which our parents loved for its ease of use, comfort and its versatility. Its cushioned shoulder straps and headrests are designed to accommodate the head of your infant and comes with pillows that are soft for your comfort. It can be used in a back-facing position until your child is at the maximum weight or height limit. Then, it converts into an infant stroller.

A high-quality car seat will be durable, and some will even come with a warranty. Find a seat that has robust materials and plenty of padding to safeguard your baby from accidents and an aluminum frame that suffocates the force of impact and a "crumple zone" to prevent damage. It should be easy to clean since accidents are likely to happen with children. Find a car seat with removable seat covers and a machine-washable pad to make cleanup a breeze.

Easy of Use

It is essential that a car seat is simple to install and use, particularly in the event that it will be used in multiple vehicles periodically. To make it as easy as possible look for features like the quick-release belt and an indicator that shows the condition of the latch (e.g. green for locked) and a user manual that is easy to read.

The best car seats for newborns of The Bump winner also comes with several practical extras that our parent testers adored, such as the headrest and harness that are padded as well as a plush fabric cup holder. It also comes with a reclining feature that allows your child to be seated in a more ergonomic position for longer journeys. It can also be used with a compatible buggy to create a complete travel system, which is perfect if you intend to travel for extended periods of time.

The seat is suitable for babies from birth. Our panelists found this car seat to be easy to install and adjust. It features recline locks and an excellent connector that has a SuperCinch tightener. This made it simple to ensure your child's safety. It's designed to be easily moved from side to side in the vehicle without the necessity of tools.

One of our most loved features is the recline feature that allows you to easily get your cheap infant car seats into and out of the car. This is especially useful when you are suffering from back pain or drive a smaller car. It also comes with an adjustable drink holder that can be reversible, as well as a handy storage compartment for toys and snacks.

The seat weighs less than nine pounds and can be installed with or without its base. It can be rotated 180 degrees. This is a great option if you're limited in space or suffer from back pain. Our panelists were thrilled by this new feature, which was a finalist in our 2021 Mother&Baby awards.

This is an excellent option for those looking to transform their car seats into strollers for an affordable cost. Its sleek design and high-quality fabric will also stand the test of time. Just don't forget to wash your cover frequently because smashed yogurt spills, biscuits, and the occasional sick toddler accident will be sure to leave their marks!

Design

Car seat designs are as varied as the cars they're used in. Some parents opt to not use an infant car seat in favor of convertible models. However, the majority of new mothers are looking for something that will grow with their child into the toddler years. The most flexible choice is an all-in-one infant car seat that allows you to switch between forward-facing and rear-facing. It typically has a greater weight and height limit, and can also be used as a booster when your child is old enough.

The ideal car seat for a newborn car seat is lightweight, making it easy to lift from the base and transport your child. The Maxi-Cosi Coral is available in only a few colors, however it comes with a wide array of safety features and is light (8.4 pounds including canopy and seat inserts). Nuna PIPA URbN is another model that stands out as it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards best car seats for infants Car Seat Group category, thanks to high-end features like the Dream drape and a canopy that covers the entire area with UPF 50+.

The design of the base and seat should be taken into consideration. Some car seats have a base that locks into the buckles for seat belts. Others have steel reinforced connectors for LATCH that flip out of the sides of the base once properly joined. These were useful for parents, especially when the vehicle only had front-facing seatbelts.

Some infant car seats can also be utilized with a regular seatbelt that is not base-less this is a great benefit for parents who regularly use taxis or travel with their baby. The Nuna TODL NEXT was a popular choice among our testers who are parents. It can be used with or without the base, and it has a smooth swivel, which allows you to easily get your baby inside and out.

Additionally, the design of a car seat is important. It should fit into your car. (See our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're in search of a new infant car seat that can grow along with your child's growth into a booster seat pick a model with an adjustable backrest as well as side impact protection. It's also worth checking that your chosen infant car seat is iSize certified and has the proper car seat attachment points as per UK law.