Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns

A rear-facing infant seat is the safest option for infants. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer when installing the car seat.

The car seat base should be a bit reclined which helps keep the baby's head back and the chest away from the chin, decreasing the risk of positioning asphyxia.

Types

When choosing the best car seat for infants there are two primary types to consider. An infant car seat and a convertible baby seat car seat. Both have pros and cons. It really is a matter of preference and how the seat is used. If you intend to use the seat as a part of a travel system and you'll be moving between vehicles often the infant car seat cheap car seat may be more suitable. If you are looking for an automobile seat that will develop with your child as they become a booster or beyond the age of a convertible seat, it is the best option.

Infant car seats are designed for newborns and babies and are designed to be used in the reverse facing position. This is the safest travel option for small children. They are also generally less expensive than convertible seats, but they can have a shorter lifespan. Most seats must be replaced once your child is at the weight or height limit (which can differ greatly between seats) or if their age group is reached.

Convertible baby seats, or all-in-one car seats, as they are often called are designed to accommodate your infant from birth up through their toddler years and on into their school years. Some are able to be used as a forward facing infant car seat-facing seat or a rear-facing one.

Many of the best car seats for infants can be converted and come with a range of features, such as a smooth rotation function with easy harness adjustment, and an foam base made of EPS, which is basically Styrofoam. These features are well-liked by parents because they make it easier for parents to take their infants in and out of their seats, while ensuring that their child is comfortable and safe.

When selecting a car seat, you need to make sure it's compatible with your vehicle and has LATCH for ease of installation. Also, you should look for safety features like shock-absorbing material and side impact protection. If you're uncertain about what type of seat is right for your family, speak to an experienced car seat technician. They can guide you through the choices and help you select the appropriate seat for your child.

Safety

If you're looking for a baby car seat convertible car seat, baby-ready travel systems, you need to make sure that the product you choose meets stringent safety standards. This is especially important for babies, since they are lighter and smaller than older children. Find the seat with a five-point safety harness that is attached between the legs in the crotch, around the waist and below the shoulders when the child is rear-facing or above the shoulders when the child is forward-facing. This will secure your child, preventing them from being thrown out of the seat in the event of a crash or sudden stop.

It is recommended to look for an item that is connected to the vehicle using either lower anchors or seat belts, and has an upper tether that stops the car seat from moving forward in the event of a crash, and possibly obstructing the child's breathing. Also, make sure that the recline angle of the seat is in the right direction. Infants can easily become trapped in a seat which is too forward.

Be sure to follow all manufacturer's guidelines regarding proper installation for your specific model. It is a good idea to check with a certified car seat inspection technician during your pregnancy and/or right after the birth of your child. This professional can ensure an excellent installation.

It is also a aspect to take into consideration. If you are planning to use a stroller frequently then you should think about an infant car seat and stroller combo that clicks together seamlessly. This is a great choice for parents with a busy schedule, since it is easy to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller and vice versa while running errands or taking an outing with the family.

Finally, always make sure you place your seat on hard surfaces (like car seat bases or a car) and do not place it on soft ones like couches or beds or a couch, as these could cause the seat to tip over, possibly hurting or even killing your child. In the event of an infant or baby's seat being left unattended, it could cause on soft surfaces could cause the suffocation of your child.

Easy to Use

The best protection is possible when the car seat is used correctly every time. Unfortunately, a significant number of injuries in car seats are caused by mistakes. These include not following product instructions, incorrect installation or using accessories from aftermarket, and placing the child in an improper position.

A quality infant car seat will have clear instructions for installing and features that help to ensure proper usage. Certain brands, like CYBEX have visual indicators or click sounds that confirm that the seat is installed correctly. This is crucial as studies have revealed that the incorrect use of car seats is the cause of up to half of all injuries related to car seats.

You should also keep in mind that you should not leave your child in a car seat or carrier even if it's only for a few minutes. Unsupervised children in a safety seat may fall and land on soft surfaces such as couches or beds and cause serious injuries or even death. The seats can also be flipped over onto their sides, resulting in an inability to breathe.

Choosing the best car seats infant car seat for your baby depends on many factors, including lifestyle and longevity. All-in-one models are cheaper initially however they may not suit smaller infants as well and be less flexible than a booster or convertible car seat. A lightweight, easy to install seat is crucial for parents who travel often. Urban dwellers may prefer a seat which can be put in taxis, Uber, or other vehicle that does not have the base.

A seat that integrates with strollers can be an excellent option for parents who want to minimize the amount of equipment they have to carry around town or during flight. This is especially the case in the event that you intend to commute by public transport frequently and reside in a large city. A lot of seats can be connected to UPPAbaby's strollers for easy, comfortable commuting. You should also be aware of how easy it is to put your preferred seat on vehicles with no lower anchors or tether connectors as they are less common.

Convenience

Many infant car seats are compatible with stroller travel systems which allows you to create a complete solution to ensure the safety of your child. This makes it simple to move a baby who is sleeping from your car to a stroller even in the worst weather or at night. Always secure the seat before leaving the car. It's unsafe to leave it in your car or on the street. Your baby could be injured if they exit the seat without supervision.

Car seats for infants are specially designed for babies and babies who are smaller. They have a snug and secure fit, and plenty of padding for safety and comfort. They're generally lighter than convertible car seats, making them easier to carry over short distances. Most infant car seats are designed to be used rear facing, which is endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the most secure position for young children.

They have a shorter life span than convertible car seats. Children usually outgrow their infant seats between nine months and a year. It is possible that you will have to upgrade your car seat to a convertible version sooner than you thought.

A safe infant car seat should have a strap flat against the child’s chest as well as over their hips with the chest clip positioned on the child's armpit. The crotch buckle must be flat across the child's thighs. Some models come with removable and adjustable inserts that allow parents to get the perfect fit.

When choosing an infant car seat, it is important to remember that babies can be trapped if the straps are loose or are not fastened. It's also risky to allow a child to be in a car without a guardian. Choose a seat that has the ability to lock off your vehicle, or that has an integrated locking mechanism.

Our experts test car seats to ensure they have the best safety features. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor of Consumer Reports, has the most experience in car seat installation and rating. He is joined by Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Editor, and Abriah Wolfford, Senior Review Analyst, who have been testing seats since 2016. Our team's expertise and knowledge will help you choose the best car seat for your child and vehicle.