Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A well-designed car seat ensures your baby is safe, secure and comfortable while on the road. Which is the most suitable for your child?
With features such as latch hooks, load legs, and belt paths to consider, selecting the right car seat for your infant can be a challenge. Here's what you need to be aware of to make the best choice for your family.
Easy to Use
You'll need to choose one that is easy to install and use, whether you're purchasing an
infant car seats cheap car seat for a newborn or upgrading from your toddler's car seat. Think about the size and weight of your child, the size of the seat that will fit in your car, and any other features, like lay-flat options that can also be used as a stroller.
Infant-only seats can be a good option for newborns since they are generally shorter and fit more snugly than convertible car seats. They also come with the safety of a harness to protect your child's delicate head in a crash and reduces stress on their neck and spinal cord.
Convertible
car seat for newborn seats are great for parents who intend to keep their children rear-facing for as long as they can since most of these models allow children to sit in a rear-facing position until they're 30 pounds or more. Choose a convertible car seat that complies with federal safety standards and has a an upper limit of at least 50 pounds.
When you're looking for a car seat it's important to consider that while all car seats must conform to the strict NHTSA safety standards There are a variety of different models available on the market. Choose a seat that is certified by a reputable organization or company. Also, be sure to look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
Top-rated car seats are made with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and several recline positions. Certain car seats provide additional padding on the shoulder strap and around the buckle to keep your
baby seat comfy during long road trips. If you drive a smaller car, look for a smaller infant seat, such as the Clek Liing that is just 17 inches wide and is easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, that is compatible in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great choice for families in search of an easy car seat. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all simple to use.
Safety Features
If you're looking for an infant safe, lightweight car seat to take your child on long trips or simply need to ensure your child is comfortable for the duration of a trip There are some key aspects that are worth keeping in mind. First, think about the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can be safely in the car seat, so choose a seat that can be adjusted to minimum your child's 90th percentile measurement prior to when they turn one. Consider whether you want to put an overcoat or blanket over the straps of your harness. The AAP warns against this since heavy clothing may shrink during a crash, leaving the straps too loose for your child to be restrained and increase the risk of injury.
You should also consider whether your car seat can be fitted with the LATCH system, or a belt on a vehicle, and if it is compatible with other strollers or travel systems. A car seat that can fit on a base that is compatible is ideal if you intend to use it for a majority of your journeys, as you'll save time and energy by not having to take it off it and put it back in place every time you use your vehicle.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which was awarded Best of The Bump, was praised in our tests 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 can be removed from the base, and turn green when they are fully connected. Also included is a SuperCinch strap tightener that increases the force of the strap as well as a spring-loaded leveling feet.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another excellent option. We found it to be as simple to use and affordable as models costing twice more. Our testers have been raving about its five-position, height-adjustable headrest that can be adjusted to fit your child's height harness, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is a great choice for newborns, thanks to its unique sleeping position of 180 degrees. This lets them sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on journeys. It's also been praised for its safety, with consumer champion Which? calling it 'one of the most secure
infant car seats on the market as well as ADAC awarding it their highest lab rating for an infant car seat.
Rear-Facing Options
In most cars, the most secure spot for a newborn is the rear center seat. The seat in the center is closest to any impact, and can protect your baby in the event of an accident. If you can, select an
cheap infant car seats car seat that allows your baby to ride rear-facing until about a year old. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest is secure against your child's chest and head. The easiest way to do this is to talk to an accredited child safety technician, who will give you the most current recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find the nearest one here.
The car seat you pick for your infant will be a major investment, and you'll be using it for a long time. You'll want to choose a seat that has a high crash test score and an analysis score. It should also include features to ensure your baby is comfortable. The Clek Liing is a great choice for parents who are looking for a low-cost rear-facing infant car seat. It scored well in our analysis and sensor test. It comes with an easy-to-use LATCH system that changes color to show whether the buckle straps have been correctly secured to the car and an extra load leg that helps avoid frontal collisions.
Strategist senior editor and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit with her daughters who both went from birth to age 6. The seat's adjustable harness height and length help it fit all children from tall to short. The seat is compatible with numerous vehicles, and has the weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, it can be converted into a booster seat, which Trolio used with her oldest daughter up to the time she reached 10 years old. young.
Another option that is affordable is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't come with a base, but it's still easy to install with the LATCH connectors that are rigid. They flip off the bottom and then turn green when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is a comfortable
baby seat without rethreads. Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to secure the straps without having to take your child from the car seat. LaBracio also found the six-position recline useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing
In front-facing seats the necks of children are held in the back of the seat, rather than pushed forward on the hard seat of a vehicle. This also helps protect them from injuries in side crashes. The majority of car seats allow infants up to 20 pounds and one year old to ride in the rear. Many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time to move to a front-facing seat.
When looking at options for forward-facing car seat, make sure they meet i-Size requirements, have a padded head rest, and a deep harness pocket. Be sure to check the maximum height and weight limits and consider buying a car seat that can expand with your child to the position of a booster seat. Some models come with an all-in-one feature that lets your child change from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat.
It is also important to think about whether the seat fits your vehicle well, especially in the case of a tiny trunk space or a vehicle with an uninspiring clearance. Check the dimensions of the car seat and owners' manuals for your vehicle to determine the most appropriate fit.
Finally, you should look for a car seat that has good support and comfort for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be more bearable if they can sleep comfortably. This could include features such as an adjustable headrest or a five-point harness which can be tightened from the rear of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.
Once you've narrowed down your options, you should consider crash replacement policies for the car seat you're thinking of buying. They can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to an individual case review.
After you've done your research and determined the type of car seats you want then you can begin shopping. Take a look at the options available at your local baby store or online retailer and talk to parents of young children for their recommendations. You can also arrange an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you find the right car seat for your baby.