Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A well-designed car seat keeps your baby safe, secure and comfortable when you're on the road. Which is the most suitable for your child?
The right choice for infant car seat isn't easy. There are a lot of options to think about, including latch hooks, belt paths, and load legs. Here's everything you need to consider to make the right decision for your family.
Easy of Use
You'll need to choose one that is easy to install and use whether you're buying a car seat for a newborn or upgrading your toddler's seat. Consider the size and weight of your child, the size of the seat that will fit in your car, and any other features, such as a lay-flat option which can also be used as stroller.
Infant-only seats are a great choice for small babies because they're generally narrower than convertible car seats and can fit newborns more snugly. They come with a harness that can support your child's head in an accident, which can reduce the strain on their neck or the spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who plan to keep their infants rear-facing as long as possible since most of these models allow children to ride in a rear-facing seat until they weigh 30 pounds or more. If you opt for a convertible car seat, you should look for one that meets the safety standards of the federal government and has a weight limit of 50 pounds or more.
When shopping for a car seat, it's important to keep in mind that while all car seats must be in compliance with the strict NHTSA safety standards There are a variety of different models available on the market. To avoid the hassle and risk of a dangerous or defective seat, select one that's certified by a reliable company or organization, and then look for recalls in the past and complaints from the manufacturer.
The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and several recline positions. Some even have additional padding near the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your baby stay comfortable during long travel. If you're driving a small vehicle, think about a narrow infant car seat like the Clek Liing. It's less than 17 inches in width, and can be easily installed in all automobiles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max that can be used in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great choice for families who want an easy car seat. Its auto-retracting straps, EZ buckle, premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it easy to use for every car trip.
Safety Features
There are some aspects when selecting an infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure your child is safe throughout the entire ride or are looking for a light and safe car seat for your child to use on long trips, you need to keep in mind a few aspects. Consider first the height and weight limit of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can safely be in the car seat, so look for a model that is able to reach at least your child's 90th percentile measurement prior to when they turn 1. Consider whether you might want to put blankets or coats on the straps of the harness. The AAP recommends against this since heavy clothing may compress in a crash and leave the straps too loose to secure your child, increasing the chance of injuries.
You should also consider whether your car seat will be secured with the LATCH system, or a belt for your vehicle or if it's compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. If you plan to use your car seat for a majority of your car rides it's best to pick one that is easily fitted onto a base compatible with it. This will reduce time and energy because you won't need to take off and reinstall the seat every time you drive.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which was awarded Best of The Bump, scored top marks in our tests for its ease of installation and its ability to adjust. Testers said it "has everything needed for a quick, painless installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that flip out from the base and become green when connected, as well as a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener as well as a spring-loaded leveling foot.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another great option. We found it to be user-friendly and affordable as models that cost twice more. Its five-position adjustable headrest that adapts to your child's development and its buckle holders with magnetic buckles, and its no-rethread harness have been praised by our testers.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is fantastic choice for newborns due to its unique 180-degree flat sleep position, which allows them to stay asleep longer and more comfortably during travel. It has also been highly praised for its safety by consumer advocate Which? ADAC awarded it the highest laboratory rating for infant car seats.
Rear-Facing Options
In most vehicles, a newborn's safest position is in the rear seat at the center. The center seat is closest to any collision, and will shield your baby best in an accident. You should choose a car seat for infants that allows your child to be in a rear-facing position for around an entire year. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest is secure against your child's head and chest. The best way to accomplish this is to speak with an experienced child passenger safety technician, who can provide you with the most current guidelines for car seat use and installation. Find one in your area here.
The car seat you select for your baby will be a major investment, and you'll be using it for a long time. You'll want a seat with a high crash test score and an analysis score. It should also have features to keep your baby at ease. The Clek Liing is a great option for parents looking for a low-cost rear-facing infant car seat. It scored extremely high in both our sensor and analysis tests. It comes with a simple LATCH system that comes with a color change indication that indicates whether the buckle straps are properly attached to the car, and a load leg that helps stop frontal collisions.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, opted for the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters, who were both born up to age six. The harness's adjustable height and size allows it to accommodate children of all sizes and heights, including taller ones. It's a great option for a wide range of vehicles. It has a low, 50-pound weight limit for rear-facing children. Plus, it converts to an adult seat, which Trolio used with her oldest daughter up to the time she reached 10 years old. young.
Another option that is reasonably priced is the Nuna RAVA. It does not come with a base like many other seats, but is still extremely simple and quick to install using either method with its rigid LATCH connectors that slide out from the bottom of the seat. They then automatically turn green once secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is suitable for infants without rethreads. Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to secure the straps without removing your baby from the car seat. It also comes with a six-position recline that LaBracio found useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing
In front-facing seats, children's necks are cradled in the seat back, instead of being pushed forward by the hard seat of a vehicle. This is a way to protect them from collisions with the sides. Most car seats allow infants to sit rear-facing until they weigh over 20 pounds and a year old. Many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time for them to transition to a front-facing seat.
If car seat newborn pushchairsandprams are looking at alternatives for forward-facing car seat, ensure they meet iSize requirements, have a padded head rest, and a spacious harness pocket. You should consider buying a car seat which can grow with your child and become a booster. Some models have 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 also important to think about whether the car seat will fit in your vehicle, particularly when it has a narrow trunk or a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and the owner's manual to ensure the best fit.
Lastly, look for a car seat that has good support and comfort for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be more bearable when they are able to rest comfortably. This could include features such as reclined headrests, a five-point harness that can be adjusted from the back of the seat and a wide range of recline positions.
After narrowing down your options, think about the policies regarding crash replacement for the car seat you're thinking of buying. They can differ from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by-case analysis.
After you've done some study and determined what kind of car seats you'd like to purchase You can begin looking. Look through the selections at your local baby store or online retailer, and ask parents of young children for recommendations. You can also request an Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you select the right car seat for your newborn.