Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

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

Choosing the right infant car seat isn't easy. There are so many features to consider such as latch hooks, belt paths and load legs. Here's what you should consider to make the right decision for your family.

Simple to Use

Whether you're shopping for an infant car seat for your newborn or if you're upgrading from an older car seat, you'll need one that is easy to install and use. Take into consideration the weight and size of your child, the size of the seat that will fit in the car and any additional features, like lay-flat options that can also be used as a stroller.

Infant-only seats can be a great option for babies because they are typically shorter and fit more snugly than convertible seats. They come with a harness to help your child's head during an accident, which can lessen the strain on their neck or the spinal cord.

Convertible car seat are ideal for parents who want to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they are able to. The majority of models let the child rear-facing for 30 pounds or greater. If you decide on a convertible car seat, search for one that is compliant with the federal safety standards and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more.

It's important to keep it in mind that, even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards there are a myriad of models to choose from. To avoid the hassle and risk of a dangerous or defective seat, choose one that's approved by a reputable business or organization, and then look for recalls in the past and complaints from manufacturers.

The most rated car seats for newborns feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding, and a variety of recline positions. Some of them also have padding in the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your newborn remain comfortable on long road trips. If you have a smaller vehicle, look for a narrow infant seat like the Clek Liing one, which is under 17 inches wide and is easy to install in most cars. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, which can be used together with UPPAbaby Strollers is a great option for families who want an easy car seat. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all simple to use.

Safety Features

It is important to consider the following aspects when selecting the right infant car seat. If you're looking to ensure that your child is comfortable throughout the journey or are in search of a light car seat that is safe for your child to use for long trips, you need to keep in mind certain features. Be aware of the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the seat. Look for a model which goes up to your child's 90th centile measurement prior to turning 1. Also, think about whether you might want to wear a coat or blanket over the harness straps. The AAP warns against this since thick clothing could be compressed in the event of a crash, making the straps loose enough for your child to be restrained which increases the risk of injury.

You should also consider whether your car seat can be secured with the LATCH system, or a belt on a vehicle or if it's compatible with other travel systems or strollers. A seat that can easily fit onto a compatible base is ideal if you plan to use it for a majority of your car rides and will save you time and energy by not having to take it off it and reinstall it each time you drive.

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 stated that it "has everything needed to ensure a fast, easy installation." This includes premium LATCH connectors that can be flipped out from the base and change to green when fully connected, and a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and an adjustable foot with springs.

Another option is the Baby Trend's budget-friendly Secure-Lift, which we've found to be just as easy to use as models that cost twice as much. Our test subjects have applauded it for its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that can be adjusted to fit your child's height, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade is fantastic choice for newborns because of its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position, which lets them sleep longer and more comfortably on road trips. It's also praised for its safety, with consumer champion Which? declaring it to be one of the safest infant car seat best car seats on the market' and ADAC awarding the highest lab rating for a car seat that is suitable for infants.

Rear-facing Options

In most automobiles, the most secure place for a newborn is the back seat. The seat in the center is most away from any impact, and will protect your baby best in an accident. If you can, select an infant car seat travel car seat that lets your child ride rear-facing until about a year old. It's also important to make sure the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest is secure against your child's chest and head. Get a certified child-passenger technician who can give you the most up-to-date suggestions for car seat installation and use. Find the nearest one here.

The car seat newborn seat you select for your newborn will be a major investment, and you'll use it for many years. You'll want a seat that has a good crash test score as well as an analysis score. It should also come with features that will keep your baby comfortable. The Clek LIing is an excellent option for parents who are looking for an infant car seat in front seat seat with a rear view that is affordable. It scored very high in both our analysis and sensor tests. It comes with a simple LATCH system that comes with a color change indication that shows when the buckle straps are properly attached to the car, as well as an extra load leg to help prevent frontal crashes.

Senior editor of the Strategist magazine and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her two daughters, who both went from birth until age 6. The seat's adjustable harness height and length allow it to fit a range of children from tall to short. It's a good choice for a wide range of vehicles. It also is a light, 50-pound limit on rear-facing weight. Plus, it converts to an adult seat that Trolio used with her oldest daughter up until she was 10 years old. older.

Nuna RAVA is a different, affordable option. It doesn't have a base, but it's still easy to install with the LATCH connectors that are rigid. They can be flipped off the bottom and turn green when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for babies, with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to secure the straps without removing your baby from the seat. It also features an adjustable recline of six positions that LaBracio discovered useful.

Forward-Facing Options

Necks of children can be cradled by the back of the seat in front-facing seats instead of being pushed forward onto a hard vehicle seat. This also helps protect children from side-impacts better. Car seats typically allow children to ride rear-facing until they weigh more than 20 pounds and a year old. However, many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as possible--their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when they're ready to switch to a forward-facing car seat.

When looking for options for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the i-Size requirements, have a padded harness pocket and a padded headrest. Think about buying a car seat for newborn seat that can expand with your child and eventually become a booster. Certain models come with an all-in-one feature that lets you to transfer your child from a rear-facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing seat with a harness and then into a booster seat.

It's also important to determine whether the seat will fit in your vehicle properly, particularly if you have a small trunk space or a vehicle with a low clearance. Check the dimensions of the car seat as well as the owners' manuals for your vehicle to determine the most appropriate fit.

Lastly, look for a car seat that has good support and comfort for your child's body. Long trips in the car will be less stressful when they are able to sleep comfortably. This can include features like a reclining headrest and a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.

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

After you've done some research and determined the type of car seats you want, you can start shopping. You can also ask friends who have children to recommend. You can also book an Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you select the right car seat for your newborn.