How to Choose the Best Car Seat newborn car seat insert

The best car seat newborn (click here to find out more) is one that is compliant with federal safety standards, fits your car, has useful features (like turning into a stroller) and works with your budget. Also, make sure that the car seat can be easily inserted into and out of any vehicle, particularly if you are frequently switching between taxis, rental cars or the vehicles of your grandparents.

Safety

A high-quality car seat will come with additional features that go above and beyond safety standards of the federal government. These include padded inserts for the shoulders and head, air-repellent fabrics to help keep them cool in hot vehicles and side-impact protection.

Another important aspect to consider is how easy it is to set up and use the seat. Ideally, the seat should be simple to install and use, and with clear indicators of its height, position, and security.

Look for features that make it easier to accomplish this, such as built-in locks and belt guides that assist you line up the car seat with the seatbelt. Avoid purchasing used car seats that may not have been tested for safety or have been involved in an accident. They might not be safe for your child. If you must buy a used one ensure that it's on the expiration date and isn't being sold by an individual seller who doesn't have proof of ownership.

It is also important to remember that you should only leave your child in the car seat for up to two hours per day, unless it is in an upright position. This is to avoid the spine from becoming strained and ensure that they are able to breathe regularly.

Selecting a car seat for your infant is a major investment, therefore you'll need to make sure that it has a lengthy life span. Choose a seat that will expand with your child's development and last from toddlerhood through teens. One of the ones our parents liked was the Axkid One i-Size, which is suitable from the time of birth and can be used for up to 7 years.

The Nuna pipa air rx is a different option that can be used for a long time. It can rotate 360 degrees making it possible to change it from front-facing to rear-facing as your child grows. It's also one of the lightest rotating car seats available and weighs less than nine pounds without its base. It's a great choice for parents who move their child frequently between cars or are planning to make use of it for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives and trips with grandparents.

Comfort

A well-designed infant car seat will be comfortable for your child, both when they are in the seat as well as when you are installing it. Choose padded straps that fit snugly around their shoulders, and look for plush fabric that feels good under their tummy. This is particularly important when you intend to use the seat for a long time.

The best infant car seats are simple to use. Some have premium LATCH connectors that feature a SuperCinch force multiplier and tightener. Others come with spring-loaded leveling legs and belt paths that make installing without a base much easier than ever. Other features can help you adjust the harness height and headrest, which is important as your child grows.

One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate that our testers from the past scored 10/10 for its ease of use. It has a clear and simple interface, no-rethread, easy-to adjust harness, a 360-degree rotation, and recline lock indicator. This allows you to switch from rear-facing to forward-facing as your baby grows, without needing to take the seat off and replace it.

Nuna Pipa Aire Rx is another example. Our parent testers loved it for its comfort, simplicity and versatility. Its cushioned shoulder straps and headrests are designed to accommodate the head of your infant and includes an extra soft pillow to ensure comfort. It can be placed in a rear-facing position until your child reaches the maximum weight or height limit. Then, it converts to the position of a stroller.

A good car seat will be durable and many have a warranty. Look for a seat that has plenty of padding and sturdy materials to safeguard your child from accidents. It should also come with an aluminum frame to withstand impact energy, and a "crumple area" to prevent crash damage. It is also easy to clean as messes are inevitable when you have a baby. Find car seats that have removable seat covers and a machine-washable pad to make cleaning easy.

Ease of Use

A car seat must be simple to install and use particularly if you're likely to use it in a different vehicle from time to time. Look for features like a quick-release buckle, a gauge that indicates the status of the latch system (e.g., green for locked) and a user-friendly manual to make it as easy as you can.

The Best of The Bump winner includes a variety of useful features that our parents appreciated, including a padded headrest and harness, plush fabric, and the cup holder. It has a reclining function that allows your child to sit in an ergonomic position on longer journeys. It can also be used in conjunction with a buggy that is compatible to create a complete travel system, which is ideal if you are planning to travel for long durations of time.

It is suitable from birth. Our panelists found this car seat simple to set up and adjust. It comes with an indicator for recline and a premium LATCH connector with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, which makes securing your child quick and easy. It can also be moved from side to side in the vehicle without tools.

The reclining feature allows you to take your baby in and out of the vehicle. This is especially useful for those with back problems or drive a smaller car. It also has a reversible cup holder and a handy storage compartment for toys and snacks.

The seat is lightweight and can be used in conjunction with or without the base. It can also be rotated around 180 degrees. This is a fantastic option if you're limited on space or suffer from back pain. Our panelists were thrilled by this new feature which earned a spot in our 2021 Mother&Baby awards.

This is a great choice for those looking to convert their car seats into strollers at affordable prices. Its streamlined design and high-quality fabric will last for a long time, too. Be sure to wash your cover frequently, as squashed biscuits, yoghurt spills, and the occasional sick toddler accident is sure to leave their mark!

Design

Car seat designs are as diverse as the vehicles they're placed in. Some parents prefer to skip infant car seats and opt for convertible models, the majority of new moms want something that can develop with their baby as they reach toddlerhood. All-in-one car seats are most flexible and allow you to switch from rear-facing to forward-facing. It typically has a greater height and weight limit, and it can be used as a booster seat when your child is ready for one.

The ideal car seat for infants for babies is light and easy to take off the base with your child inside. Our parents loved the Maxi-Cosi Coral, which is only available in a handful of colours, but offers plenty of safety features and is super light (at 8.4 pounds with seat inserts and canopy). Nuna PIPA URbN is another model that stands out, as it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best car seat inserts for newborns Seat Group category, thanks to features that are high-end, like the Dream drape and a canopy that covers the entire area with UPF 50+.

The design of the base and seat must also be considered. For instance, some car seats come with a base that locks into the buckles on the seat belts, while others have steel-reinforced LATCH connectors which flip out from the sides of the base and turn green when they are attached correctly. These were useful for parents, especially if the vehicle only had front-facing seat belts.

Some infant carrier seat car seats are compatible with standard seatbelts that do not have the base. This is an excellent feature for parents who travel frequently or take taxis with their infants. Our parent testers really liked the Nuna TODL NEXT which can be used with or without its base. It features a smooth swivel movement that makes it easy to get your child in and out of the seat.

Additionally, the design of a car seat is important. It should fit into your car. (See our guide on car seat compatibility). If you're looking for an infant car seat that can grow with your baby into a booster, look for one with a reclining headrest and side impact protection. Check that the infant car seat you select is iSize compliant and has the appropriate car seat attachment points in accordance with UK law.