Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A quality car seat can keep your baby safe and comfortable while on the road. Which one is the most suitable for your infant?

The right choice for 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 must be aware of in order to make the right choice for your family.

Easy of Use

Whether you're shopping for an infant car seat for your newborn or if you're upgrading from an infant car seat, you'll want a model that is easy to set up and use. Consider the size and weight of your child, the seat's fit in your car, and any additional features, like a lay-flat option which can also be used as a stroller.

Infant-only chairs are a good option for infants because they're typically narrower than convertible car seats and can fit newborns more snugly. They come with a harness to ensure your child's head is supported in an accident, which could reduce the stress on their neck or spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are great for parents who intend to keep their babies rear-facing for as long as they can because the majority of these models let children ride in a rear-facing position up to the point that they're 30 pounds or more. If you decide on a convertible car seat, search for one that meets the federal safety standards and has a weight limit of 50 pounds or more.

When shopping for a car seat, it's important to consider that, even though all car seats must meet the strict NHTSA safety standards There are plenty of different models available on the market. To avoid the stress and danger of a dangerous or defective seat, choose one that's certified by a reliable company or a reputable organization, and also look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and various recline positions. Some even have additional padding near the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your newborn stay comfortable during long road trips. If you're in a smaller vehicle, you should consider a small infant car seat like the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches wide, and is able to be installed in all vehicles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby, which is designed to be used with strollers from UPPAbaby, is a great choice for families who want a no-fuss car seat that is simple to use. The harness that retracts automatically, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all simple to use.

Safety Features

Whether you're looking for a safe, lightweight infant car seat to take your little one on long journeys or want to make sure your child is comfortable for the duration of a ride there are a few important aspects that are worth considering. Take into consideration the weight and height limits of your infant seat. This will determine how long your child can safely be in the seat So, you should look for a model that can be adjusted to at least your child's 90th percentile measurement prior to when they turn one. Consider whether you would like to drape a blanket or coat on the straps of your harness. The AAP cautions against this, since heavy clothing may be compressed in a crash and leave the straps loose to restrain your child, thereby increasing the chance of injury.

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

In our tests, the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned high marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with reviewers saying it "has everything you need for a fast and simple installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that flip out of the base and turn green when they are fully connected. Additionally, there is a SuperCinch force multiplier strap tightener and a spring-loaded leveling feet.

Another great option is the budget-friendly Baby Trend Secure-Lift, which we've found to be as simple to use as other models that cost twice as much. The adjustable headrest that can be adjusted to five positions that grows with your child, its buckle holders that are magnetic and no-rethread harness have been highly praised by our testers.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade is ideal choice for babies because of its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position which allows them to sleep longer and more comfortably during travel. It has also been praised for its safety by consumer champion Which? saying it's one of the safest infant car seats on the market and ADAC giving it the highest lab score for an infant car seat.

Rear-Facing Options

In the majority of cars, the most secure spot for a newborn is the rear seat. The position in the center is the most secure from any possible impact and will safeguard your child the best car seats newborn in the event of a crash. If you are able, select an infant car seat that lets your child sit rear-facing up to a 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 chest and head. The best way to accomplish this is to speak with an accredited child safety technician, who will provide you with up-to-date recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find the nearest one here.

The car seat you select for your infant will be a major investment, and you'll be using it for a long time. You'll want a seat that has a high crash test score and an analysis score. It should also have features that will keep your baby at ease. The Clek Liing is a great choice for parents who are looking for an affordable rear-facing infant car seat for newborn (research by the staff of Greit) seat. It scored extremely high in both our sensor and analysis tests, has an easy-to-use LATCH system that has the ability to change colors that indicates how buckle straps are properly attached 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 Extension2Fit to fit her daughters who were both born until age six. The seat's adjustable height and length allow it to fit a range of children from short to tall. The seat is compatible with various vehicles, and it has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. The seat also converts into a booster seat, which Trolio used for her daughter's oldest until she was 10 years old.

Nuna RAVA is a different, affordable option. It doesn't come with a base, however it is still simple to install using the rigid LATCH connectors. They slide out from the bottom and turn green automatically when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is comfortable for babies with no rethread harness. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps, without having to remove your child from the car seat. It also comes with the ability to recline in six positions that LaBracio found useful.

Forward-Facing Options

In front-facing seats the necks of children are held in the seat back, rather than pushed forward on the hard seat of a vehicle. This protects them from collisions with other vehicles as well. Car seats typically allow infants as young as 20 pounds and one year of age to ride rearward. However, many experts recommend that children ride rear-facing as long as they can, as their neck muscles and bones will be stronger by the time they're ready to move to an forward-facing seat.

If you are looking at alternatives for forward-facing car seats, make sure they meet i-Size requirements, have a cushioned head rest, and a spacious harness pocket. Check the maximum height and weight limits and think about purchasing a car seat that will be able to grow with your child until they are a booster seat. Certain models come with an all-in-one option that allows the child to be moved from a rear-facing car seats (with tether and harness) to a forward-facing seat with a harness and then to 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 an uninspiring clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and the owner's manual to ensure the most appropriate fit.

Lastly, look for a car seat that has comfortable and adequate support for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be less stressful when they are able to sleep comfortably. This can include features like reclined headrests, a five-point harness that can be tightened from the rear 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. They can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a personal case review.

Once you've done your research and decided on the kind of car seat you're looking at, it's time to start looking around. You can also ask your friends with young children for recommendations. You can also arrange a consultation with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you locate the perfect car seat inserts for newborns seat for your infant.