Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A good car seat will keep your baby safe, secure and comfortable when you're on the road. Which one is the best car seat infant for your baby?

With features like latch hooks, load legs, and belt paths to consider, choosing the right car seat for your infant can be a challenge. Here's everything you need be aware of to make the right choice for your family.

Easy of Use

If you're in the market for a baby car seat for your baby or upgrading from a toddler's car seat, you'll want one that is easy to set up and use. Take into consideration the weight and size of your child, the seat's capacity in your car, and any extra features, such as a lay-flat option which can also be used as a stroller.

Infant-only chairs are a great option for babies because they are typically shorter and fit more comfortably than convertible car seats. They also have a harness that can support your child's head, which is fragile in a crash and reduces tension on their neck and the spinal cord.

Convertible car seats by age seats are perfect for parents who wish to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they can. The majority of models allow children to ride rear-facing until 30 pounds or more. Find a convertible seat that is compliant with federal safety regulations and has an upper minimum of 50 pounds.

It's important to keep it in mind that even though all car seats must meet strict NHTSA standards, there are many different models to choose from. Select a car seat that has been approved by a reputable company or company. Also, be sure to look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

The most rated car seats for newborns feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding, and a variety of recline positions. Some even have additional padding in the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your infant remain comfortable on long journeys. If you have a small vehicle, think about an infant car seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches wide and is able to be installed in most automobiles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max, that can be used in conjunction in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great option for families looking for a simple car seat. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all very easy to use.

Safety Features

There are a few features when choosing the right infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure that your child is comfortable during the entire ride or are looking for an easy-to-use car seat that is safe for your child to use on long trips, you need to keep in mind some of the features. Be aware of the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child is able to safely stay in the seat. Look for a model that can be used up to the 90th centile of your child's height before turning one. Consider whether you'd prefer to use blankets or coats over the straps of the harness. The AAP advises against this, because thick clothing could cause a collapse and leave the straps too loose to hold your child, increasing the risk of injury.

You should also consider whether your car seat will be installed using the LATCH system or a vehicle belt and if it's compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. A car seat for newborn seat that can fit onto a compatible base is the best option if you plan to use it for a majority of your car rides in order to save time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it every time you use the vehicle.

The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, scored top marks in our testing for its ease of installation and adjustment. Testers stated that it "has everything needed to ensure a fast, easy installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that flip out from the base and turn green when fully connected, as well as a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and an adjustable foot with springs.

Another option that is worth considering is the budget-friendly Baby Trend Secure-Lift, which we've found to be just as simple to use as models that cost twice as much. Our testers have applauded it for its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that grows with your baby harness, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade is the perfect choice for infants because of its unique 180-degree sleep position. This allows them to sleep comfortably and longer during journeys. It's also been praised for its safety, with consumer champion Which? declaring it to be one of the most secure infant car seats available and ADAC awarding it the highest lab score for a car seat that is suitable for infants.

Rear-Facing Options

In most cars the safest place for a newborn is in the rear seat at the center. The center seat is the furthest away from any potential collision, and will shield your baby seat in the event of an accident. If possible, you should opt for a car seat that lets your child ride rear-facing until they're about a year old. It is also important to ensure that the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest fits snugly against your child's head and chest. The best way to accomplish this is to speak with an accredited child safety technician, who can provide you with up-to-date recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one near you here.

The car seat you choose for your baby will be a major investment, and you'll be using it for many years. You'll want a seat with a high crash test score and analysis score. It should also have features to keep your baby comfortable. The Clek LIing is an excellent option for parents who are looking for an infant rear-facing seat that is affordable. It scored highly in our sensor and analysis test, has an easy LATCH system that changes color to show that the buckle straps are properly attached to the car, and an extra load leg that helps avoid 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 the age of six. The seat's adjustable height and length allow it to fit the needs of a variety of children from tall to short. It's an excellent option for a wide range of vehicles. It also is a light, 50-pound rear-facing weight limit. The seat also converts into a booster, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter up to the time she was 10 years old.

Nuna RAVA is a different, affordable option. It does not have a base, but it is still easy to install with the LATCH connectors, which are rigid. They slide out of the bottom and then turn green when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is suitable for infants with a no rethread harness. Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to secure the straps without having to remove your child from the car seat. LaBracio also liked the recline that has six positions.

Options with a Forward-Facing

In front-facing seats, children's necks are cradled in the back of the seat, instead of being pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This protects them from collisions with other vehicles as well. Most car seats allow infants as young as 20 pounds and one year of age to sit backwards. However, many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing for as long as they can, as their neck muscles and bones will be stronger by the time they're ready to switch to an forward-facing seat.

When looking at options for forward-facing car seats newborn seats ensure they meet iSize requirements, have a padded head rest, and a large harness pocket. You should consider buying a car seat which will grow with your child, and then become a booster. Some models have an all-in-one feature that allows you to transfer your child from an rear-facing car seat (with tether and harness) to a forward-facing seat that has a harness and then to a booster seat.

It is important to consider whether the car seat is a good fit in your vehicle, particularly if it has a small trunk or a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and owner's manual of the vehicle to ensure the best fit.

Find a car seat that provides good support and comfort for your child. Long drives in the vehicle will be more enjoyable if they are able to sleep comfortably. This can include features such as a reclining seat back, a five point harness that can be tightened from the back of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.

Once you've narrowed down your options, consider the policies regarding crash replacement for the car seat you're looking at. They can differ from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by -case review.

Once you've done your research and determined the type of car seat you're looking for It's time to begin looking around. You can also ask your friends who have children to recommend. You can also schedule an appointment for a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to assist you in choosing the right car seat for a newborn.