How to Choose the best infant car seat car seat newborn car seat insert (listen to this podcast)

The best car seat newborn is one that is compliant with federal safety standards, fits in your vehicle, has convenient extras (like turning into strollers) and fits within your budget. It's also worth checking that the car seat for your baby clicks into and out of your car without difficulty, particularly if you often shift between taxis or rides in rental cars or grandparents' vehicles.

Safety

A high-quality car seat comes with extra features that are above the safety standards of the federal government. These include padded inserts on the head and shoulders and air-repellent fabrics to keep them cool when driving in hot temperatures.

Another crucial safety aspect is the ease to set up and use the seat. Ideally, the seat should be easy to install and use, and with clear indicators of its height, position, and security.

There are many features that can make this easier including belt guides and built-in lockoffs which will assist you in aligning the car seat with the seat belt of your vehicle. Avoid buying used car seats that might not have been tested for crash or have been involved in an accident. They may not be safe for your child. If you have to purchase a used car seat be sure that it has an expiration date and isn't being sold by an individual who doesn't have evidence of ownership.

It is also important to remember that you should only allow your baby in the car seat up to two hours a day, unless you are in a flat position. This will prevent strain on the spine of your child and ensure they are able to breath regularly.

You'll want a seat to last for a long time, as it is a significant investment. Choose a seat that will expand with your child's development and last through toddlerhood to the teen years. Our parents were satisfied with the Axkid i-Size. It is suitable for children as young as birth and can be used until age 7.

The Nuna pipa aire rx is another option that can be used for a long time. It rotates 360 degrees, so you can change it from front-facing to rear-facing as your child grows. It is also one of most light-weight car seats available, weighing less than nine pounds. It's the perfect option for parents who often transfer their babies between vehicles or plan to use it for taxi rides, fly-drive holidays, and trips to grandparent's homes.

Comfort

It is crucial that your baby feels at ease in their car seat, both in it and when you install it. Find straps with padding that are comfortable to wear on their shoulders and plush fabric that is comfortable on their stomach, especially when they are in the seat for long drives.

The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. Some have LATCH connectors of premium quality that feature a SuperCinch force multiplier tightener. Some also have spring-loaded leveling legs and belt paths that make installing without a base easier than ever. Other features can help you adjust the height of your harness and headrest, which is important as your child gets older.

One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate test, which our parents gave 10 out of 10 for ease of use. It has a simple, clear interface and an easy-to-adjust, no-rethread harness and also recline lock indicators and 360-degree rotation. It is possible to easily change your child from rear-facing to front-facing as they grow without the need to take off and replace the seat.

Nuna Pipa Aire Rx is a similar example. Our testers who were parents loved it for its comfort simple and adaptability. Its padded headrest and shoulder straps are designed to accommodate the head of your newborn and includes pillows that are soft for your comfort. It can be used as an rear facing infant car seat-facing car seat until your baby hits the max height or weight limits and then it can be converted into a stroller without the need for a separate adapter.

A high-quality car seat will be durable and many come with a guarantee. Look for a seat with robust materials and plenty of padding to protect your baby from accidents, as well as a steel frame that absorbs impact energy and a "crumple zone" to reduce the risk of damage. It must be easy to clean as accidents are bound to happen with children. Choose car seats with removable seat covers and a machine-washable pad to make cleaning easy.

Easy of Use

A car seat must be simple to use and install particularly if you're likely to use it in an alternate vehicle from time to time. Look for features like a quick-release buckle, a gauge that shows the status of the latch system (e.g. green for locked) and a clear, easy-to-read guide to make it as stress-free as you can.

The Best of The Bump winner includes a variety of useful features, which our parent testers appreciated, including a padded headrest and harness, plush fabric and cup holders. It features a reclining function that lets your child sit in a comfortable position on longer journeys. It can also be used in conjunction with an appropriate buggy to make a complete travel system, which is ideal if you are planning to travel for long durations of time.

The seat is suitable for babies from birth. Our panelists found this car seat easy to set up and adjust. It comes with recline locks and an upgraded connector that comes with a SuperCinch tightener. This made it simple to ensure your child's safety. It can also be moved from side to side in the vehicle without the use of tools.

One of our top features is the reclining feature that makes it easier to get your infant in and out of the car. This is especially helpful for those with back problems or drive a smaller car. It also comes with a reversible cup holder and a handy storage pocket for toys and snacks.

The seat weighs just nine pounds and can be set up with or without its base. It can be rotated 180 degrees. This is a fantastic option if you're limited in space or suffer from back pain. Our panelists were impressed by this new feature, which won a spot in our 2021 Mother&Baby awards.

It's a great option for those who want to transform their car seat into a stroller for an affordable cost. Its sleek design and high-end material will also stand the test of time. Be sure to clean the cover regularly because yoghurt spills, biscuits that have been crushed, and even sickening toddler accidents can leave a mark.

Design

The styles of car seats are as varied as the vehicles they're installed in. While some parents choose to leave infant car seats out in favour of a convertible model, most new moms want a product that can continue to grow with their child into toddlerhood. The most flexible option is an all-in one baby car seat, which allows you to change between rear-facing and forward-facing. It usually has a higher weight and height limit and can also be used as a booster once your child is old enough.

A great car seat for your infant newborn car seat is lightweight which makes it easy to lift it from the base and carry with your child. Our parent testers loved the Maxi-Cosi Coral, which is only available in a couple of colors, but comes with plenty of safety features and is incredibly lightweight (at 8.4 pounds with seat inserts and canopy). Other standout models include the Nuna PIPA URbN, winner of Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for best car seat infant Car Seat Group 0/0+ due to its premium extras like the Dream drape and UPF 50+ full-coverage canopy.

The design of the seat and base should be considered as well. Some car seats come with bases that lock into the buckles for seat belts. Others have steel reinforced connectors for LATCH which flip out of the sides of the base when properly attached. Parents appreciated these connectors particularly if their car only had front-facing seatbelts and no ISOFIX anchor points.

Some infant car seat cheap car seats can be used with a regular seatbelt that is not base-less that is great for parents who often use taxis or travel with their baby. Our testers with parents really liked the Nuna TODL NEXT which can be used with or without its base. It includes a smooth swivel motion that makes it easy to get your baby out and in the seat.

Additionally, the design of car seats is vital. It should be able to fit in your car. (See our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're looking for a car seat that can develop with your baby until an adult, select a model with a reclining headrest and side impact protection. It's also worth checking that the infant car seat is i-Size compliant and uses the correct car seat attachment points according to UK law.