How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn

The best car seats for newborns car seat newborn is one that meets federal safety standards, fits in your car, has useful features (like changing into the stroller) and fits within your budget. You should also make sure that the car seat can be easily clicked into and out of any vehicle, especially if you are frequently switching between taxis, rental cars or the vehicles of your grandparents.

Safety

A quality car seat will have extra features that go above and beyond safety standards of the federal government. These include padded cushions on the shoulders and head and also air-repellent fabric to keep them cool when driving in hot weather.

Another important safety consideration is how easy it is to set up and use the seat. Ideally, the seat must be simple to install and use, and with clear indicators of its level, position, and security.

Find features that make it easier to do that, like built-in locks and belt guides that help to align the car seat with the vehicle's seatbelt. Avoid purchasing used car seats that may not have been crash-tested or been involved in an accident. They may not be safe for your child. If you have to buy a used car seat, make sure that it has an expiration and that the seller isn't a private person who has no proof of ownership.

Another thing to bear in your mind is to only leave your infant in the car seat for up to two hours per day unless they're in a lying-flat position. This will help prevent strain on the spine of your child, and ensure that they are able to breath regularly.

Selecting a car seat for your infant car seat that swivels is a significant investment, so you'll want to make sure that it has a lengthy duration. Select a seat that will expand with your child and last from toddlerhood to teen years. Our testers for parents were satisfied with the Axkid i-Size. It is suitable for children as young as birth, and is able to be used up to age 7.

The Nuna pipa air rx is a different option that can be used for a long time. It has a 360-degree rotation which means that you can switch it from rear-facing to front-facing as your child grows. It's also one of the lightest rotating car seats on the market, and weighs less than nine pounds without its base. It's a great choice for parents who need to move their baby between vehicles frequently or plan to make use of it for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives, and trips with grandparents.

Comfort

A quality infant car seat will be comfortable for your baby, both when they are in the seat and when you install it. Find straps with padding that fit comfortably on their shoulders, and soft fabric that feels comfortable under their stomach, especially when they are in the seat for long trips.

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

One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate, which our parent testers gave a 10/10 for ease of use. It features an easy-to-use interface and an easy-to-adjust no-rethread harness, as well as an indicator for recline and 360-degree rotation. This allows you to switch between forward and rear-facing positions as your baby grows without needing to remove the seat and replace it.

Another instance is the Nuna Pipa Air rx which our testers who were parents loved for its convenience, comfort and versatility. Its padding for the headrest and shoulder straps are designed to accommodate the head of your newborn and comes with an extra soft pillow to ensure comfort. It can be used as an rear-facing car seat until your baby hits the max height or weight limit, and it converts into a stroller without the need for an additional adapter.

A high-quality car seat is sturdy and some even come with a guarantee. Choose the seat with plenty of padding and sturdy materials to safeguard your child from any accidents. It should also include steel frames to absorb the force of impact as well as a "crumple area" to avoid damage from a crash. It is important to keep it clean as accidents are bound to happen with the growing age of a child. Look for car seats that have removable seat covers and a machine-washable pad to make cleanup a breeze.

User-Friendliness

It is crucial that the car seat you choose to purchase is easy to install and use, especially when it is going to be used in multiple vehicles periodically. Look for features such as a quick-release buckle, an indicator that displays the state of the latch system (e.g. green for locked) and a clear, easy-to-read guide to make it as easy as you can.

The best car seats newborn of The Bump winner comes with a number of practical features that our testers for parents appreciated, including a padded headrest and harness, plush fabric and a cupholder. It also features a recline feature that allows your child to be seated in a more comfortable position for longer travels. It can be combined with a compatible buggy for a complete travel system. This is perfect for those who plan to travel for a long duration.

The seat is suitable for babies from birth. Our panelists found this car seat simple to set up and adjust. It comes with an indicator for recline and an exclusive LATCH connector with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener that made securing your child quick and easy. It can also be moved from side to side of the vehicle without the need for tools.

The recline feature allows you to carry your child out and into the vehicle. This is particularly helpful for those with back problems or are driving a smaller vehicle. It also has the ability to reversibly hold your cup and a handy storage compartment for toys and snacks.

The seat is light and can be used in conjunction with or without the base. It can also be rotated around 180 degrees. This is a great option if you're limited in space or have back pain. This feature was a big hit with our panelists and was awarded a place in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.

It's a great choice for anyone looking to transform their car seat into a stroller for an affordable cost. Its sleek design and premium fabric will last for a long time as well. Make sure to clean the cover frequently because yoghurt spills and biscuits that have been crushed, or even sick accidents with toddlers will leave their footprints.

Design

Car seats come in a variety of designs as the cars they're installed in. While some parents opt to leave infant car seats out to opt for convertible models, most new moms want something that will continue to grow with their child into toddlerhood. The most versatile option is an all-in-one baby car seat that lets you switch between forward-facing and rear-facing. It usually has a higher height and weight limit, and it is often used as a booster seat once your child is ready for one.

The ideal infant car seat for newborns is lightweight and easy to take off the base with your child inside. Our parents loved the Maxi-Cosi Coral, which is only available in a handful of colors, but has a lot of safety features and is extremely light (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 seats infant Car Seat Group 0/0+ with its high-end extras like the Dream drape and UPF 50+ full-coverage canopy.

The seat's design and the base should be considered. For example, some car seats use a special base that is secured to the vehicle's seat belt buckles as well as others with LATCH connectors made of steel that slide out from the sides of the base and turn green when attached correctly. Parents have found these to be convenient, especially if their car only had front-facing seatbelts and no ISOFIX anchor points.

Certain infant car seats work with standard seatbelts that do not have the base. This is a great feature for parents who frequently travel or travel with their children. Our testers with parents really liked the Nuna TODL NEXT which can be used with or without the base. It has a smooth swivel mechanism that makes it easy to get your baby into and out of the seat.

Other important design considerations are whether the car seat is a flat design, and how well it will fit into your specific car (see our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're looking for an infant car seat newborn that will develop with your baby until an adult, select a model with a reclining headrest and side impact protection. Make sure that the baby car seat you pick is iSize compatible and has the proper car seat attachment points in accordance with UK law.