Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns

For newborns with a rear-facing infant car seat is the safest option. If a car seat is installed incorrectly, it can lead to injuries or even death, so it is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer when installing.

The base of the car seat should be slightly retracted. This will help to keep the baby seat's head and chin off their chest, reducing the risk of sustaining asphyxia in a position.

Types

When it comes to choosing the best car seat for infants there are two primary types to take into consideration. A baby car seat and a convertible baby car seat. Both have their pros and drawbacks However, it comes down to the individual preference and how you plan on using the seat. If you are planning to use the seat as part of a travel system, and will be changing vehicles often, an infant car seat may be better suited. If you're looking for an extremely durable car seat that will grow with your child to an adult booster seat and beyond then a convertible car seat may be better.

Infant car seats are specifically designed for newborns and babies and are designed to be used in the backwards facing position. This is the safest choice for children who are small. They are generally less expensive, but have a shorter lifespan than convertible car seats. They will most likely need to be replaced once your child is at their weight limit or height (which can differ widely between seats) or when they reach the top of their age group limit.

Convertible baby chairs, or all-in-one car seats as they are often called, are designed to take your baby from birth through their toddler years and into their school age years. They are typically used as a forward or rear-facing seat, and some can be transformed into an adult booster seat.

A lot of the top car seats for babies can be converted and come with a range of features, including a smooth rotation function with easy harness adjustment, and an EPS foam base that is basically Styrofoam. These features are a favorite among parents due to the fact that they make it easier to get their babies into and out of their seats, while still ensuring that their child is safe and comfortable.

It is crucial to make sure that the car seat you choose is compatible with your vehicle, and it also has LATCH to allow for simple installation. Also, you should look for safety features, such as shock-absorbing material and side impact protection. Get a certified car seat specialist if you aren't sure which newborn car seat insert seat is best for your family. They'll be able to guide about your options and help you select the perfect seat for your infant.

Safety

Always ensure that the model you select is safe and meets the strictest standards, whether you are looking for convertible car seats or infant car seat, or an infant travel system that is ready for your baby. This is especially important for newborns as they are smaller and lighter than older children. Find the seat with five-point safety harnesses that can be stowed between the legs between the crotch and below the shoulders when the child is facing rearwards or above the shoulders when the child is forward-facing. This will protect your child from being thrown from the seat in the event of a sudden stop or crash.

You should also consider a car seat that is secured to the vehicle by lower anchors or a seat belt. It should also include an upper tether that will stop the seat from moving forward in the event of a collision, and blocking a child's airway. Make sure the recline angle is right, too, as newborns are often trapped in a seat that is too upright.

Most importantly, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the proper installation of your specific model. It's recommended to collaborate with an approved car seat inspector during pregnancy or after the birth of your child, since this expert can assist you to achieve a flawless installation every time.

It is also a factor to think about. If you are planning to use a stroller frequently you should consider a baby car seat and stroller combo that can be connected seamlessly. This is a great choice for parents who are busy, since it makes it easy to move your child from the car to the stroller and vice versa while running errands or taking a family walk.

Also, make sure you place your seat on solid surfaces (like car seat bases or a car) and do not place it on soft ones like couches or beds, as these can cause the seat to tip over, potentially injuring or even killing your child. Unattended infant/baby seats or carriers on soft surfaces could cause suffocation.

Simple to Use

A car seat will only provide the highest level of protection if it is used properly every time. Unfortunately, a significant number of injuries involving car seats are caused by errors. This includes not following the manufacturer's instructions, incorrect installation or using accessories from aftermarket, and placing the child in an improper position.

A good infant car seats car seat for infants will come with clear instructions for installation as well as features that will ensure proper usage. Some brands, like CYBEX include visual indicators and click sounds that ensure that the seat is installed correctly. This is crucial as studies have shown incorrect use of car seats can be responsible for up to 50% of injuries that are related to car seats.

It is important to keep in mind that you should not leave your infant in a car seat or carrier, even if it is just for a short period of time. Unattended, a baby in a car seat that is safe or carrier could fall on soft surfaces like couches or beds, causing serious injuries or even death. The seats could also tip over on their sides which can cause an inability to breathe.

The ideal infant car seat depends on many factors, including your lifestyle and the long-term durability of the seat. A one-piece model is less expensive initially, but might not be suitable for smaller infants as well and is less adaptable than a convertible car seat or booster. If parents intend to travel frequently, a lightweight, easy-to-install seat is a must for urban dwellers, while suburban parents will likely want a seat that can be easily installed without a base and can be used in a taxi or Uber.

Additionally, a seat that is compatible with strollers is an excellent option for parents who wish to reduce the amount of equipment they'll need to carry around town or on flight. This is true if you plan to commute by public transport frequently and live in a big city. A lot of seats can be connected to strollers from UPPAbaby for simple, 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, since they are not as common.

Convenience

Many infant car seats work with stroller travel systems, allowing you to create a complete solution to ensure the safety of your child. This makes it simple to move a sleepy baby from your car seats by age to a stroller even in rainy weather and at night. Always secure the seat before leaving the car. It's not safe to leave it in the car or on the road. Your baby could be injured if they exit the seat without supervision.

Car seats for infants are designed specifically for newborns and infants with smaller sizes, offering snug and secure fittings with plenty of padding for safety and comfort. They're generally lighter than convertible car seats, making them easy to carry over short distances. The majority of baby car seats can be used rear-facing, which is the position recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

However they are less durable than convertible car seats. Children usually outgrow their infant seats between nine months and a year. This means that you could need to upgrade to a convertible car seat sooner than you anticipated.

A quality infant car seat will have straps for harnesses that lie flat against the child's chest and over their hips, with the chest clip at armpit level and the crotch buckle laid flat across their thighs. Some models have adjustable and removable inserts to assist parents to maintain this recommended fit.

It's important to remember that if the straps are loose or unfastened children could be strangled. It's also unsafe to leave your child unattended in a car seat, so choose one that has a lockoff feature for your vehicle or an integrated lock.

The car seats that our experts test are designed to offer the best possible safety features. Bob Hoffman, our Senior Review Editor has more car seat installation and scoring experience than anyone else and is joined by mom of two boys Wendy Schmitz, Senior Reviews Editor, and Abriah Wofford an Analyst for Senior Reviews who has been testing seats since 2016. Our team's expertise and knowledge can help you find the perfect seat for your child as well as your vehicle.