Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns

A rear-facing infant seat is the most safest option for newborns. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer when installing a car seat.

The base of the car seat should be a little reclined which aids in keeping the baby's head tucked back and the chest away from the chin, reducing the risk of positional asphyxia.

Types

When selecting the best car seat for infants, there are two main types to take into consideration. An infant car seat and a convertible baby car seat. Both have their pros and disadvantages however it all comes down to the individual preference and how you intend to use the seat. If you intend to use the seat as part of an auto travel system and you will be changing vehicles frequently, an infant car seat might be the best choice. If you are looking for a car seat that can develop with your child as they become a booster or beyond, a convertible seat is the best choice.

Infant car seats are designed for babies and infants and are used in the backwards facing position. This is the most secure option for traveling with small children. They are also typically less expensive than convertible car seats, but they can have a shorter life span. They will most likely require replacement once your child is at their weight or height limits (which may differ between seats) or if they reach the maximum of their age group limit.

Convertible car seats, also known as all-in-one carseats are designed to take your infant from their birth to their toddler years, and on into their school years. They can usually be used as a forward or rear-facing seat, and some may be transformed into a booster seat.

Many of the best convertible car seats designed for infants will come with a variety of features. These include a smooth rotating infant car seat feature, a simple harness adjustment and a base made of EPS foam which is similar to Styrofoam. These features are popular with parents because they make it simpler to take their infants in and out of their seats, while still ensuring that their child is secure and comfortable.

When selecting a car seat, it's essential to ensure that it's compatible with your vehicle and features LATCH for easy installation. It is also important to check for safety features such as shock-absorbent material and side impact protection. Find a reputable car seat specialist if you are unsure about which seat is the best car seat for newborn one for your family. They will guide you through the options and help you pick the best seat for your baby.

Safety

Whether you're shopping for a car seat for your infant, convertible car seat or baby-friendly travel systems it is important to make sure that the product you select meets the strictest safety standards. This is particularly crucial for infants as they weigh less and are smaller than older children. Find a seat that has a five-point safety harness that is attached between the legs, around the crotch and below the shoulders when the child is facing rearwards or above the shoulders when the child is forward-facing. This secures your child, stopping them from being thrown from the seat during an accident or sudden stop.

You'll also want to find a car seat that is attached to the vehicle using lower anchors or a seat belt. It should also come with top tethers, which stops the seat from moving forward in a crash, and obstructing a child's airway. Make sure the recline angle is correct also, as infants are often trapped in a car seat that's too upright.

Be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions regarding the proper installation of your specific model. It's recommended to work with a certified car seat inspection technician during pregnancy and/or after the birth of your child. this professional can help you get the perfect installation every time.

Another factor to consider is compatibility with strollers. If you are planning to use your stroller frequently, consider an infant car and stroller combination that connects seamlessly. This is a great option for busy parents because it lets them easily transfer their baby from the stroller to their car, and vice versa, while running errands.

Always ensure that your seat is on a hard surface (such as a car seat or base) and never on a soft surface, such as beds or sofas, as this can cause it to tip over. This could result in your child being injured or even dying. Unattended infant/baby seats or carriers on soft surfaces could cause the suffocation of your child.

Ease of Use

The best car seats newborn protection is possible when the car seat is properly used every time. Unfortunately, a lot of car seat injuries are caused by errors. This includes not following the manufacturer's instructions, improper installation or using accessories from aftermarket, and putting the child into an improper position.

A high-quality car seat for infants will come with clear instructions for installing and features that will to ensure proper usage. Certain brands, such as CYBEX, even have visual indicators and click sounds that ensure that the seat is installed correctly. This is important because studies have found that improper use of car seats can be responsible for up to 50% of injuries that are related to car seats.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that you should never leave your baby in the car seat of an infant or a Baby Seat carrier in a vehicle even for a short period of time. Unsupervised, a baby in a car seat or carrier may fall on soft surfaces such as couches or beds, and cause serious injuries or even death. The seats may also fall on their side, resulting in suffocation.

Selecting the right infant car seat best car seat for your newborn depends on many factors, such as lifestyle and longevity. All-in-one car seats are less expensive in the beginning however they might not suit smaller infants as well and be less flexible than a convertible or a booster car seat. For parents who plan to travel often an easy-to-install, lightweight seat is essential and urban dwellers will likely want a seat that can be easily installed without a base and can be used in taxis or Uber.

A seat that is attached to strollers is a excellent option for families who are looking to minimize the amount of baggage they need to carry around town or on airplane flights. This is true when you plan to travel via public transport often and reside in a large city. A lot of seats can be attached to UPPAbaby's strollers to facilitate comfortable commutes. It is important to be aware of how easy it is to mount your chosen seat 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 much easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller during bad weather or at night. Always secure the seat before driving off. If you leave it in the car or on the streets isn't secure and could let your child leave the seat unattended, which could lead to injury.

Infant car seats are specifically designed for newborns and smaller babies. They have a snug and secure fit and plenty of padding for security and comfort. They're typically lighter than convertible car seats, making them easier to carry for short distances. Most infant car seats are designed to be used rear facing infant car seat facing which is recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the most secure position for children in the early years.

They have a shorter lifespan than convertible car seats. Typically, children outgrow their infant car seats between the ages of nine months and one year. This means that you may need to upgrade to convertible car seats earlier than expected.

A good infant car safety seat should have a strap flat against the chest of the child over their hips, and with the chest clip located in the armpit of the child. The crotch buckle must be flat across the child's thighs. Some models have removable and adjustable inserts that help parents maintain this recommended fit.

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

Our experts test car seats to ensure they're fitted with the highest safety features. Bob Hoffman, our Senior Review Editor, has more car seat installation and scoring expertise than anyone else, and he's joined by the mother of two boys Wendy Schmitz, Senior Reviews Editor and Abriah Wofford an Analyst for Senior Reviews who's been testing seats since 2016. Our team's expertise and knowledge will assist you in choosing the best car seat for your child and your vehicle.