Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A quality car seat will keep your baby safe and comfortable while driving. Which one is the most suitable for your baby?

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

Simple to Use

You'll want to select a model that's easy to set up and use, whether you're buying an infant car seat newborn insert seat for your newborn or upgrading your toddler's car seat. Consider the size of the base and the car, how the seat is suited to your baby's weight and height, and convenient extra features like the lay-flat option that can double as a bassinet for a stroller.

Infant-only seats are a great option for babies as they're generally smaller than convertible car seats and fit newborns more snugly. They have a harness to ensure your child's head is supported in an accident, which can reduce the strain on their neck or spinal cord.

Convertible car seat For newborn seats are great for parents who wish to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they are able to. The majority of models allow children to ride rear-facing until 30 pounds or greater. Find a convertible seat that complies with federal safety regulations and has a weight limit of at least 50 pounds.

It is important to keep in mind that, despite the fact that all car seats must meet strict NHTSA standards There are a variety of models available. To avoid the burden and risk of a dangerous or defective seat, choose one that's approved by a reputable business or organization, and check for recalls or complaints from manufacturers.

The top-rated car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and several recline positions. Some car seats come with extra padding on the shoulder straps and near the buckle to ensure your child is comfortable during long roadtrips. If you have a small vehicle, consider an infant car seat that is narrow like the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches wide, and is able to be installed in a variety of vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mesa Max, which is specifically designed to work with strollers made by UPPAbaby, is another ideal option for families that want a no-fuss car seat that is easy to use. Its auto-retracting straps, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it easy to use for any car journey.

Safety Features

If you're in search of an infant safe, lightweight car seat to take your child for long drives or need to ensure your baby is comfortable for the duration of a ride, a few key features are important to keep in mind. Consider 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 the 90th percentile of your child's height prior to turning 1. Also, think about whether you'd prefer to use blankets or coats over the straps of your harness. The AAP warns against this because heavy clothing may be compressed in the event of a crash, making the straps too loose for your child to be restrained, increasing the chance of injury.

It is also important to consider whether your car seat can be fitted with the LATCH system, or a belt on a vehicle or if it's compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. If you intend to use your seat for most of your car rides it's best to pick one that fits easily onto the base that is compatible with it. This will save you time and energy since you won't have to take out and reinstall the seat each time you take a trip in the car.

In our tests the Best of the Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with testers affirming that it "has everything you need for a quick and easy installation." This includes premium LATCH connectors that open from the base and become green when connected, plus a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener as well as an adjustable foot with springs.

The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another option worth considering. We found it to be as user-friendly and affordable as other models that cost twice more. Our test participants have applauded it for its five-position, height-adjustable headrest that adapts to the size of your baby with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi jade is a great choice for newborns due to its unique sleeping position of 180 degrees. This lets them rest comfortably and for longer on journeys. It's also been lauded for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? ADAC giving it the highest laboratory score for infant car seats.

Rear-facing Options

In most cars, the most secure spot for a newborn is in the rear facing infant car seat seat. The seat in the middle is the furthest from any possible impact and will protect your child the best in the event of a crash. If possible, you should select an infant car seat that allows your baby to ride rear-facing until they're 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. Consult a certified child passenger technician who can give you the most up-to date guidelines for car seat installation and use. Find one in your area here.

Selecting an infant car seat for your baby is a huge purchase that you'll likely be using for a long period of time, so you'll want to choose one with an impressive crash test sensor and score, as along with features to ensure your child's comfort. The Clek Liing is a great option to parents looking for a low-cost rear-facing infant car seat. It scored highly in our sensor and analysis test. It has a simple LATCH system that changes color to show when the buckle straps have been correctly secured to the car, and a load-leg that helps prevent frontal collisions.

Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, opted for the Graco Extend2Fit to fit her daughters who were both from birth up to age six. The harness's adjustable height and size allows it to fit children of all sizes and heights, including taller ones. The seat is suitable for various vehicles, and it has the weight limit of 50 pounds rear facing infant car seat-facing. Additionally, the seat can be converted into a booster, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter until she was 10 years old.

Nuna RAVA is a different, affordable option. It doesn't have a base like the majority of seats, however it is still simple and quick to install using either method, thanks to its rigid LATCH connectors, which flip out from the bottom of the seat and automatically turn green when connected to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for infants, with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to fasten the straps without having to remove your baby from the seat. LaBracio also found the six-position recline useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing Focus

In front-facing seats, children's necks are cradled in the back of the seat instead of being pushed forward by the car seat that is hard. This position also protects them better in side crashes. Car seats typically allow infants as young as 20 pounds and 1 year old to ride in the rear. However, many experts recommend that children ride rear-facing as long as they can, as their neck muscles and bones will become stronger when they're ready to switch to a forward-facing car seat.

When considering options for forward-facing car seats ensure they meet iSize specifications, have a padded head rest, and a spacious harness pocket. Think about purchasing a car seat that will grow with your child and eventually become a booster. Certain models have an all-in-one feature that lets your child change from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat.

It is also important to think about whether the car seat will fit in your vehicle, particularly when it has a narrow trunk or a low clearance. Make sure to check the seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure the best fit.

Also, make sure you choose an automobile seat that offers comfortable and adequate support for your child's body. Long trips in the car will be less stressful in the event that they rest comfortably. This could include features like a reclining seat back and a five-point harness that tightens from the back of your seat, and a variety of recline positions.

Once you've narrowed your choices down, you should consider the crash replacement policies of the car seats you're thinking of buying. These can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy, to a specific case review.

After you've done some study and determined the type of car seats you'd like to purchase You can begin looking. Look through the selections at your local baby shop or online, and talk to family members who have children to get their suggestions. You can also schedule a consultation with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you locate the perfect car seat for your newborn.