Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A quality car seat will keep your baby safe and secure while on the road. Which is the best for your baby?

With features such as latch hooks, load legs and belt paths to consider, selecting the right infant car seat can be daunting. Here's everything you need to think about to make the best decision for your family.

Easy to Use

You'll need to choose a model that's easy to install and use whether you're buying an infant car seat for your newborn or upgrading from your toddler's car seat. Consider the size of the base and the car, how well the seat will fit your child's weight and height, as well as additional features that are convenient, such as the lay-flat option that can also double as a bassinet for your stroller.

Infant-only chairs are a good infant car seats choice for small babies because they're generally narrower than convertible car seats and can fit newborns more snugly. They have a harness to ensure your child's head is supported in an accident, which could reduce the strain on their neck or the spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are great for parents who wish to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they can. The majority of models allow the child to rear-facing for 30 pounds or greater. Look for a convertible seat that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government and has a an upper minimum of 50 pounds.

It's important to keep it in mind that, despite the fact that all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards There are a variety of models available. Pick a seat certified by a trusted organization or company. Also, look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

Top-rated car seats are made with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and several recline positions. Some car seats come with extra padding on the shoulder straps and close to the buckle to keep your baby comfortable during long roadtrips. If you have a smaller vehicle opt for a smaller infant car seat travel seat, such as the Clek Liing that is less than 17 inches in width and is easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mesa Max, which is specifically designed to work with UPPAbaby strollers, 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 connectors for lower anchors that are premium with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it easy to use for every car journey.

Safety Features

You should consider a few features when choosing the best infant car seat. If you're looking to ensure your child is comfortable during the entire journey or you are looking for a lightweight, safe car seat for your child to take on long trips, you need to consider certain features. Consider the weight and height limits of your infant seat. This will determine the length of time your baby can safely be in the seat. Look for a model that is able to accommodate the 90th percentile of your child's height before turning 1. Consider whether you would like to cover a blanket or coat on the harness straps. The AAP warns against this because thick clothing could shrink in the event of a crash, making the straps loose enough for your child to be restrained which increases the risk of injury.

Other factors to consider are whether you plan to install your car seat using a belt on your vehicle or the LATCH system and whether it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. If you plan to use your seat for the majority of your driving it is best car seat For newborn to select one that fits easily onto an appropriate base. This will reduce time and energy because you won't need to take off and reinstall the seat every time you use the car.

The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which was awarded Best of The Bump, received top marks in our testing for its ease of installation and adjustments. Testers said it "has everything you need for a quick, painless installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that flip out of the base and turn green when they are fully connected. Also included are a SuperCinch strap tightener for force multipliers and a spring-loaded leveling feet.

The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another excellent option. We found it to be easy to use and as affordable as other models that cost twice as much. Its adjustable headrest in five positions that adapts to your child's growth as well as its magnetic buckle holders, and its harness that doesn't rethread have been praised by our test subjects.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade is an excellent choice for babies due to its unique 180-degree sleep position. This lets them sleep comfortably and longer during journeys. It's also praised for its safety, with consumer champion Which? declaring it to be one of the most secure infant car seats available and ADAC awarding it the highest lab score for an infant car seat.

Rear-Facing Options

In most vehicles the most secure position for infants is in the middle rear seat. The center position is farthest from any possible impact and will shield your child best in an accident. If you can, opt for a car seat that allows your baby to ride rear-facing until they're about a year old. It's also crucial to ensure that the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest is placed perfectly against your child's chest and head. The easiest way to do this is to consult an experienced child passenger safety technician who will provide you with up-to-date recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find the nearest one here.

The choice of the right car seat for your baby is a major purchase that you'll likely be using for a very long duration, so you'll need to select one that has an excellent crash test sensor and score as in addition to features that will ensure your child's comfort. The Clek Liing is a great choice for parents who are looking for a low-cost rear-facing infant car seat. It scored highly in both our sensor and analysis tests, has an easy-to-use LATCH system with an indicator that changes color and shows how buckle straps are attached properly to the car, as well as a load leg that can help prevent frontal crashes.

Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, used the Graco Extend2Fit to fit her daughters, who were both born up to the age of six. The adjustable harness height and size allow it to fit children of all sizes as well as taller ones. It's a great option for a variety of vehicles. It is a light, 50-pound limit on rear-facing weight. Plus, the seat converts into a booster seat, which Trolio used for her daughter's oldest until she was 10 years old.

Another option that is affordable is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't come with an base, but it is still easy to install with the LATCH connectors, which are rigid. They flip out from the bottom and then turn green when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for infants, with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to attach the straps without taking your child from the seat. LaBracio also found the six-position recline 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 car seat that is hard. This protects them from collisions with other vehicles as well. Most car seats allow children to ride rear-facing until they are over 20 pounds and one year old. Many experts advise that children remain rear-facing for as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time for them to transition to a front-facing seat.

If you are looking at alternatives for forward-facing car seat, ensure that they meet i-Size requirements, have a cushioned head rest, and a large harness pocket. Consider buying a car seat that can grow with your child and eventually become a booster. Some models have an all-in-one option that allows the child to be moved from a rear-facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing seat with a harness, and then to the booster seat.

It's also important to determine whether the seat will fit in your vehicle, particularly when you have a limited trunk space or a car with a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and vehicle owner's manual for the most appropriate fit.

Look for a car-seat that offers good support and comfort to your child. Long trips in the car will be more enjoyable when they can 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.

Once you've narrowed your options, consider the policies on crash replacement for the car seat you're thinking of buying. These can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by -case review.

Once you've done your research and determined what kind of car seat you're looking at now is the time to start shopping around. Take a look at the options available at your local baby store or online retailer and ask family members who have children for their recommendations. You can also arrange a consultation with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you choose the best car seat for your infant.