How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn

The best car seats car seat newborn car seat is one that meets federal safety standards, fits your car, has useful features (like turning into a stroller) and fits within your budget. It's also worth checking that the infant car seat can be inserted into and out of your car with ease especially if you frequently change between trips to the taxi or in hire cars and grandparents' vehicles.

Safety

Car seats are designed to ensure your baby is safe and a quality one should come with additional features that go beyond federal safety standards. These include padded inserts on the head and shoulders as well as air-repellent fabric to keep them cool while driving in hot weather.

Another crucial safety aspect is the ease to install and use the seat. Ideally, the seat should be easy to install and use, and with clear indicators of its level and position as well as security.

There are many features that aid in this process, such as belt guides and built-in lockoffs which will assist you in aligning the car seat to the seat belt of your vehicle. Also, you should avoid purchasing used car seats, as they might not be tested for safety or have been involved in an accident and may not protect your child. If you must purchase an used car seat ensure that it has an expiration and that the seller isn't an individual who does not have evidence of ownership.

It's also important to remember that you should only leave your baby in the car seat up to two hours per day, unless it is in a flat position. This will reduce strain on the spine of your child and ensure they are able to breath regularly.

You'll want a seat that will last for a long time, as it is a significant investment. Pick a seat that can develop with your child's development and last from toddlerhood to the teen years. One of the ones our parents loved was the Axkid One i-Size that is suitable from birth and is able to be used until 7 years old.

The Nuna pipa air rx is an alternative that can be used for a long time. It is 360-degree in rotation that means you can switch it from rear-facing to front-facing as your child grows. It's also among the most light-weight car seats on the market, weighing less than nine pounds. It's a great choice for parents who move their child frequently between cars or are planning to take it on taxi rides, holiday fly-drives and trips with grandparents.

Comfort

It is crucial that your baby is at ease in their car seat, both when they are in it and when you install it. Find straps with padding that fit comfortably on their shoulders and plush fabric that feels comfortable under their stomach, particularly if they will be in the seat for long drives.

The best infant car seats are also simple to use. Some have premium LATCH connectors with a SuperCinch force multiplier tightener. Some also come with spring-loaded leveling legs and belt paths that make installing without a base much easier than ever. Other features will help you adjust the harness height and headrest, which is particularly crucial as your child grows.

One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate that our testers from the past gave a 10/10 for its ease of use. It has a clear, simple interface, no-rethread, easy-to-change harness, 360-degree rotation, and a recline lock indication. You can easily switch your child's seat from front-facing to rear-facing as they grow without the need to take off and replace the seat.

Another instance is the Nuna Pipa air rx which our parent testers loved for its ease of use, comfort and flexibility. Its padded shoulder straps as well as headrest are designed to support your baby's head and comes with an infant pillow that is soft to keep them comfy. It can be used as a rear-facing car seat up until your baby reaches the maximum height or weight limits and can also be converted into a stroller without the need for a separate adapter.

A high-quality car seat will last and some come with a guarantee. Choose an item that is made up of padding and durable materials to protect your child from any injuries. It should also have an aluminum frame to withstand impact energy, and an "crumple area" to prevent crash damage. It must be easy to clean since accidents are likely to happen with the growing age of a child. Choose car seats that have removable seat covers and a pad that is machine washable to make cleanup a breeze.

User-Friendliness

It's important that a car seat be easy to install and use, especially if it will be used in different vehicles periodically. Look for features like a quick-release buckle, an indicator that indicates the state of the latch system (e.g. green for locked) and a clear, easy-to-read guide to make it as stress-free as is possible.

The Best of The Bump winner also comes with several practical extras that our parent testers adored, such as a padded harness and headrest as well as a plush fabric cup holder. It has a reclining function that lets your child sit in a comfortable and ergonomic position during longer journeys. It can be used in conjunction with a buggy that is compatible to create an entire travel system. This is a great option if you are planning to travel for a long duration.

Our panelists found that this car seat was easy to install and adjust. It comes with a recline lock and an upgraded connector that comes with a SuperCinch tightener. This made it simple to ensure your child's safety. It can also be moved from side to side in the vehicle without the use of tools.

One of our top features is the recline feature that helps you take your baby in and out of the car. This is particularly useful if you suffer from back issues or drive a car with a small size. It also features a reversible drink holder, as well as a convenient storage compartment for snacks and toys.

The seat is light and can be used in conjunction with or without the base. It can be rotated 180 degrees. This is a great feature if you are limited on space or suffer from back pain. This new feature impressed our panelists, and was selected for inclusion in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.

It's a great option for those who want to transform their car seat into a stroller for an affordable cost. Its streamlined design and high-quality fabric will endure the test of time also. Make sure to clean your cover frequently, as squashed biscuits, yoghurt spills and the occasional sick toddler accident is certain to leave a footprints!

Design

Car seat designs are as varied as the cars they're installed in. Some parents opt to not use an baby car seats and opt for convertible models. However, most new mothers want something that will develop with their child as they reach the age of toddlerhood. The most flexible choice is an all-in-one infant car seat, which allows you to change between forward-facing and rear-facing. It typically has a higher weight and height limit, and it can be used as a booster seat when your child is old enough to need one.

An ideal infant car seat newborn is lightweight, making it easy to lift from the base and then carry your child. The Maxi-Cosi Coral is available in only a handful of colors, however it comes with a wide array of safety features, and is lightweight (8.4 pounds, including canopy and seat inserts). Nuna PIPA URbN is another model that stands out as it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Car Seat Group category, thanks to high-end features like the Dream drape and a canopy that covers the entire area with UPF 50+.

The design of the base and the seat should also be considered. Some car seats come with an attached base that is locked into the vehicle buckles for seat belts. Some have steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that slide out of the sides of the base when properly attached. Parents have found these to be convenient especially when the vehicle only had front-facing seatbelts, and no ISOFIX anchor points.

Some infant car seats are compatible with regular seatbelts, but without the base. This is an excellent feature for parents who frequently travel or take taxis with their babies. Our parent testers really liked the Nuna TODL NEXT which can be used with or without its base and features a smooth swivel movement that makes it simple to get your child out and in the seat.

Also, the design of a car seat is important. It should fit into your car. (See our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're looking for a car seat that can grow with your baby into a booster, choose one that has a reclining headrest and side impact protection. It's also worth checking that the infant car seat is i-Size compliant and uses the correct car seat attachment points, according to UK law.