Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A car seat that is safe and secure keeps your baby car seat safe, secure and comfortable when you're on the road. But which one is most suitable for your infant?

Selecting the best infant car seats can be difficult. There are many features to take into consideration, such as latch hooks, belt paths, and load legs. Here's what you must be aware of to make the best choice for your family.

Easy of Use

If you're looking for a baby car seat for your baby or upgrading from an older car seat, you'll need one that is easy to set up and use. Consider the size and weight of your child, the seat's fit in the car, and any additional features, like a lay-flat option which can also be used as stroller.

infant car seat-only seats are a great option for infants because they're generally smaller than convertible car seats and fit infants more comfortably. They come with a harness to help your child's head during an accident, which will lessen the strain on their neck or the spinal cord.

Convertible car seat are ideal for parents who want to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they want. Most models let the child sit rear-facing until the weight is 30 pounds or more. Choose a convertible car seat that complies with the safety standards of the federal government and has a an upper minimum of 50 pounds.

When shopping for a car seat it's important to consider that even though all carseats must conform to the strict NHTSA safety standards There are a variety of different models available on the market. To avoid the stress and danger of a defective or dangerous seat, select one that's certified by a reputable company or a reputable organization, and also look for recent recalls and manufacturer complaints.

Top-rated car seats are made with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and a variety of recline positions. Some even have additional padding around the buckle and on the shoulder harness to help your baby remain comfortable on long journeys. If you drive a smaller car, look for a smaller infant seat, such as the Clek Liing one, which is under 17 inches in width and is easy to install in most vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mesa Max, which is specifically designed for use with strollers made by UPPAbaby, is another excellent option for families who want a no-fuss car seat that is simple to use. Its auto-retracting straps EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it easy to use for every car journey.

Safety Features

If you're in search of an infant safe, lightweight car seat to take your little one on long trips or simply want to make sure your child is comfortable during the duration of a trip, a few key features are worth considering. First, consider the height and weight limits of your infant car seat for newborn seat. This will determine the maximum time your baby can safely be in the seat. Choose a seat which goes up to the 90th percentile of your child's height before turning 1. Also, think about whether you might want to put a coat or blanket over the harness straps. The AAP cautions against this as thick clothing can be compressed during a crash, leaving the straps loose enough for your child to be secured and increase the chance of injuries.

You should also think about whether your car seat will be fitted using the LATCH system or a vehicle belt, and if it is compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. If you plan to use your seat for the majority of your car rides, it's best to choose one that fits easily onto an appropriate base. This will save you time and energy as you won't have to remove and reinstall the seat every time you drive.

In our testing the Best of the Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for its ease of installation and adjustments, with reviewers commenting that it "has everything you need to have a quick and simple installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that can be removed from the base, and turn green once fully connected. Also included are a SuperCinch strap tightener for force multipliers and a spring-loaded leveling foot.

The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another excellent option. We found it to be user-friendly and affordable as other models that cost twice more. Our testers have been raving about its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that grows with your baby harness, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade is a fantastic choice for newborns because of its unique 180-degree flat sleep position, which lets them sleep longer and more comfortably on travel. It's also been lauded for its safety, with consumer champion Which? saying it's 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 the majority of automobiles, the most secure place for a newborn is the back seat. The center seat is the closest to any impact, and will protect your baby best in an accident. If you are able, opt for a car seat that lets your child ride rear-facing until they're about one year old. It is also important to make sure the car seat is correctly installed and that the headrest fits perfectly against your child's chest and head. Consult a certified child passenger technician who can provide you with the most up-to-date recommendations for car seats newborn seat installation and use. Find one in your area here.

Choosing a car seat for your infant is a huge purchase that you'll likely be using for a very long duration, so you'll need to select one that has an impressive crash test sensor and score, as in addition to features that will ensure your child's comfort. The Clek LIing is a great option for parents who are looking for an infant seat with a rear view that is affordable. It scored extremely high in both our analysis and sensor tests. It comes with a simple LATCH system that has an indicator that changes color and indicates how buckle straps are properly attached to the car, as well as a load leg that can help stop frontal collisions.

Senior editor of the Strategist magazine and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her two daughters, who both went from the time of birth until age 6. The adjustable harness height and size allow it to be adapted to children of all sizes, including taller ones. The seat is compatible with numerous vehicles, and has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Plus, the seat converts into a booster seat, which Trolio used for her daughter's oldest until she was 10 years old.

Nuna RAVA is a different, affordable option. It doesn't come with an base, but it is still easy to put in using the rigid LATCH connectors. They flip out from the bottom and then turn green when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for babies, with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that make it simple to secure the straps without removing your baby from the seat. It also features the ability to recline in six positions that LaBracio found to be useful.

Forward-Facing Options

Necks of children can be cradled by the seat back in front-facing seats instead of being pushed forward onto the hard seat of a vehicle. This position protects them in side collisions as well. Most car seats allow infants up to 20 pounds and one year old to sit rearward. Many experts recommend that kids remain rear-facing as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when it's time for them to transition to the front-facing seat.

When looking at options for forward-facing car seats make sure they meet i-Size specifications, have a padded head rest, and a deep harness pocket. Check the maximum height and weight limit and think about purchasing a car seat that can be able to grow with your child until they are a booster seat. Certain models come with an all-in-one feature that lets the child to be moved from a rear-facing car seats (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat with a harness, and then to a booster seat.

It is also important to think about whether the car seat will fit in your vehicle, particularly in the case of a small trunk or a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and owners' manuals for your vehicle to determine the most appropriate fit.

Look for a car-seat that provides good support and comfort to your child. Long trips in the car will be more enjoyable when they are able to sleep comfortably. This may include features such as a reclining headrest, a five-point harness that can be adjusted from the rear of the seat, and a wide range of recline positions.

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

After you've done some research and decided what type of car seat you'd like then you can begin shopping. You can also ask family members with young children for recommendations. You can also schedule a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to assist you in choosing the right car seat for your newborn.