Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A quality car seat will ensure your baby is safe and secure while on the road. But which one is best for your newborn?

Selecting the best infant car seats isn't an easy task. There are so many options to think about, including latch hooks, belt pathways, and load legs. Here's what you should consider to make the right decision for your family.

Simple to Use

If you're in the market for a car seat for your infant for your baby or upgrading from an older car seat, you'll want a model that is easy to set up and use. Think about the size and weight of your child, the size of the seat that will fit in the car and any extra features, such as the lay-flat option that can also be used as a stroller.

Infant-only chairs are a good option for newborns because they tend to be narrower and fit them more snugly than convertible seats. They come with a harness to ensure your child's head is supported in an accident, which will reduce the strain on their neck or the spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are great for parents who want to keep their babies rear-facing as long as possible because most models allow children to ride in a rear-facing seat until they're 30 pounds or more. Choose a convertible car seat that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government and has a a weight limit of at least 50 pounds.

When shopping for a car seat, it's important to keep in mind that while all car seats must meet strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models available on market. To avoid the hassle and risk of a defective or dangerous seat, make sure you choose one approved by a reputable business or organization, and then look for recent recalls and manufacturer complaints.

The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and several recline positions. Some also offer additional padding near the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your newborn stay comfortable during long journeys. If you have a smaller vehicle choose a smaller infant seat, such as the Clek Liing, which is under 17 inches wide and easy to install in most vehicles. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, which can be used together with UPPAbaby Strollers is a great option for families looking for a simple car seat. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all easy to use.

Safety Features

It is important to consider a few features when choosing an infant car seat. If you're looking to ensure your child is comfortable during the entire journey or are in search of an easy-to-use, safe car seat for your child to use for long trips, you need to consider a few characteristics. Consider first the height and weight limit of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the seat. Choose a seat that is able to accommodate the 90th centile of your child's height before turning 1. Consider whether you would like to cover an overcoat or blanket over the straps of the harness. The AAP recommends against this since thick clothing can be compressed in a crash and leave the straps too loose to hold your child, thereby increasing the chance of injuries.

Other things to consider include whether you're planning to attach your car seat using a vehicle belt or the LATCH system, and whether it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. A car seat that is able to fit onto a compatible base is the best option if you plan to use it for a majority of your Nania Racer Isofix Car Seat: Group 1-3 in Black trips, as you'll save time and energy by not having to take it off it and reinstall it every time you use your vehicle.

In our tests the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with testers saying it "has everything you need for a fast and painless installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that slide out of the base, and then turn green once they're fully connected. Also included is a SuperCinch strap tightener that increases the force of the strap and spring-loaded leveling feet.

Another option is the affordable Baby Trend Secure-Lift We've found it to be just as simple to use as models that cost twice as much. Our test subjects have been raving about its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that grows with your baby harness, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade is a great option for newborns due to its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position which allows them to sleep longer and more comfortably during travel. It's also praised for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? calling it 'one of the most secure infant car seats available' 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 rear seat. The seat in the middle is the furthest from any possible impact and will safeguard your child the best in the event of a crash. If possible, you should choose a car seat for infants that lets your child ride rear-facing until they're about an year old. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest is snug against your child's head and chest. Find a certified child passenger technician who can give you the most current suggestions for car seat installation and use. Find one near you here.

Selecting the right car seat for your baby is a major investment that you'll likely use for a long duration, so you'll need to choose a seat with an impressive crash test sensor and score as in addition to features that will keep your child comfortable. The Clek Liing is a great option for parents who are looking for an affordable rear-facing infant car seat. It scored well in our sensor and analysis test, has a simple LATCH system that changes color to indicate whether the buckle straps are properly secured to the car and a load-leg to help prevent frontal collisions.

Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, utilized the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters, who were both born up to the age of six. The adjustable harness height and size allows it to accommodate children of all sizes as well as taller ones. The seat is compatible with various vehicles, and it has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. It also converts into a booster seat, which Trolio used with her youngest daughter up until she turned 10 years young.

Nuna RAVA is a similar option. It doesn't have a base like many other seats, but is still simple to put in using either method, thanks to its rigid LATCH connectors, which flip out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green when secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is a comfortable Baby Seat [Www.Pushchairsandprams.Uk] with a no rethread harness. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps without removing your child from the car seat. It also features the ability to recline in six positions that LaBracio discovered useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing Focus

Children's necks can be held by the back of the seat in front-facing seats, rather than being pushed forward onto the hard seat of a vehicle. This position protects them in side collisions as well. Most car seats allow infants as young as 20 pounds and 1 year old to ride backwards. Many experts advise that children remain rear-facing for as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time to move to a front-facing seat.

When considering options for forward-facing car seats make sure they meet i-Size requirements, have a padded head rest, and a deep harness pocket. Be sure to check the maximum height and weight limit and consider buying a car seat that will expand with your child to a booster seat. Certain models come with an all-in-one feature that allows you to move your child from a rear-facing car seats (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing seat that has a harness and then onto a booster seat.

It is important to consider whether the car seat is a good fit in your vehicle, particularly when it has a narrow trunk or low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat as well as the vehicle owner's manual for the best fit.

Find a car seat that provides good support and comfort to your child. Long trips in the vehicle are more enjoyable if they are able to rest comfortably. This may include features such as an adjustable headrest or a five-point harness which can be adjusted from the rear 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 considering. These could be anything from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a personal case review.

After you've done your homework and determined what kind of car seat you're looking at now is the time to start looking around. Look through the selections at your local baby store or online retailer and ask parents of young children to get their suggestions. You can also schedule an Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you choose the best car seat for a newborn.