Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A well-designed car seat will keep your baby secure, comfortable and safe on the road. Which is the best for your baby?

With features like latch hooks, load legs, and belt paths to consider, choosing the right car seat for your infant isn't easy. Here's what you should know to make the best purchase for your family.

Simple to Use

You'll want to select one that is easy to install and use, whether you're buying an infant car seat for a new baby or upgrading your toddler's car seat. Take into consideration the weight and size of your child, the size of the seat that will fit in the car and any other features, such as the lay-flat option that can also be used as a stroller.

Infant-only seats are a good option for newborns because they tend to be shorter and fit more snugly than convertible seats. They also have a harness that can support your child's fragile head in the event of a collision and reduces tension on their neck and the spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who intend to keep their infants rear-facing for as long as is possible since most of these models let children ride in a rear-facing position until they're 30 pounds or more. Find a convertible seat that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government and has a an upper limit of at least 50 pounds.

It's important to keep in mind that, even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards there are a myriad of models to choose from. Pick a seat certified by a reputable organization or company. Also, look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

The best car seats (head to Pku) are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and a variety of recline positions. Certain car seats provide extra padding on the shoulder strap and around the buckle to keep your baby at ease during long road trips. If you have a small vehicle, consider an infant car seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing. It's less than 17 inches wide, and can be easily installed in all automobiles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby, which is specifically designed to work with UPPAbaby strollers, is another ideal option for families that need a simple car seat that is simple to use. Its auto-retracting straps EZ buckle, premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it easy to use on every car trip.

Safety Features

There are the following aspects when selecting an infant carrier seat car seat. Whether you want to ensure your child is comfortable throughout the ride or are looking for a lightweight car seat that is safe for your child to use on long trips, you need to think about a few characteristics. First, consider the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can be safe in the seat, so consider a model that goes up to minimum 90th percentile before they turn 1. Consider whether you might want to wear blankets or coats on the straps of the harness. The AAP advises against this, because thick clothing could cause a collapse and make the straps too loose to secure your child, increasing the chance of injuries.

It is also important to consider whether your car seat will be secured using the LATCH system or a belt on a vehicle or if it's compatible with other travel systems or strollers. If you intend to use your car seat for a majority of your car rides, it's best to choose one that can easily fit on a base compatible with it. This will help you save time and energy because you won't have to take out and reinstall your seat each time you drive.

The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, was praised during our testing for its ease of installation and adjustment. Testers stated that it "has everything needed to ensure a fast, easy installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that can be flipped out from the base and turn green when fully connected, plus a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and a spring-loaded leveling foot.

The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another great option. We found it to be as user-friendly and affordable as models that cost twice more. Our testers have praised it for its five-position, height-adjustable headrest that can be adjusted to fit your child's height, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi jade is a great option for newborns due to its unique 180-degree flat sleep position, which allows them to sleep longer and more comfortably during road trips. It has also been highly praised for its safety by the consumer advocate Which? ADAC awarding it the highest laboratory score for car seats for infants.

rear facing infant car seat-facing Options

In the majority of cars, the safest place for a newborn is in the rear center seat. The center seat is the furthest away from any potential impact, and will protect your baby best in an accident. If you can, opt for a car seat that allows your baby to sit rear-facing up to a year old. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest is placed snugly against your child's head and chest. The most efficient way to do this is to speak with an accredited child safety technician who will provide you with up-to-date recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your area here.

The car seat you select for your newborn is a significant investment, and you'll be using it for a long time. You'll want a seat that has a high crash test score and analysis score. It should also include features to keep your baby at ease. The Clek LIing is a great option for parents who are seeking a rear-facing infant car seat that swivels seat that's affordable. It scored extremely high in both our analysis and sensor tests, has an easy-to-use LATCH system with an indicator that changes color and indicates when the buckle straps are attached properly to the car, as well as a load leg that can help to prevent 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 allow it to fit all children, from tall to short. It's a great choice for a wide range of vehicles. It comes with a modest 50-pound rear-facing weight limit. Plus, it converts to a booster seat, which Trolio used with her youngest daughter up to the time she reached 10 years old. young.

Another option that is reasonably priced is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't have an base, but it is still simple to put in using the LATCH connectors, which are rigid. They slide out of the bottom and turn green automatically when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is suitable for infants without rethreads. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps, without removing your baby from the car seat. It also comes with the ability to recline in six positions which LaBracio found to be useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing

In front-facing seats children's necks are held in the seat back, rather than pushed forward on the hard seat of a vehicle. This position protects them in collisions with other vehicles as well. The majority of car seats allow infants as young as 20 pounds and 1 year of age to ride in the rear. Many experts advise that children remain rear-facing for as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when it's time to move to an front-facing seat.

If you're looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the i-Size requirements and have a padded harness pocket and a padded seat headrest. Think about buying a car seat that can grow with your child and become a booster. Some models have an all-in one feature that lets your child go from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat.

It's also important to consider whether the seat will fit your vehicle, particularly in the case of a tiny trunk space or a vehicle with a low clearance. Make sure to check the seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure that the seat is the best fit.

Finally, you should look for a car seat that has good support and comfort for your child's body--long trips in the car will be easier in the event that they sleep comfortably. This may include features such as an adjustable headrest, a five-point harness that can be adjusted from the back of the seat and a wide range of recline positions.

After narrowing your options down, you'll need to consider the crash replacement policies of the car seats you're thinking of buying. These policies can vary from the manufacturer's replacement policy, to a case-by-case review.

Once you've done your research and decided on the kind of car seat you're looking at now is the time to start shopping around. You can also ask friends with young children for recommendations. You can also schedule an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you locate the perfect car seat for your newborn.