Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns

A rear-facing infant car seat is the safest option for newborns. It's vital to follow the instructions of the manufacturer when installing the car seat.

The base of the car seat should be a bit reclined which aids in keeping the baby's head back and the chest away from the chin, lessening the risk of asphyxia.

Types

There are two kinds of car seats that are suitable for infants. A baby car seat and convertible lightweight baby car seat car seats. Both have advantages and disadvantages. It depends on your personal preference and the way in which the seat is utilized. If you plan to utilize the seat as part of an overall travel system and you'll be moving between vehicles frequently the infant car seat could be the best choice. If you are looking for a car seat that can grow with your child and become a booster or beyond the age of a convertible seat, it is the best car seats choice.

Infant car seats are made for babies and newborns and are used in the backwards facing position. This is the safest travel option for small children. These seats are typically cheaper, but they have a shorter life span than convertible car seat. Most seats must be changed once your child is at the maximum weight or height (which will vary widely between seats) or if their age group is reached.

Convertible car seats, also referred to as all-in-one carseats, are designed to carry your infant from their birth through their toddler years and into their school years. Some can be used as a forward-facing seat or a rear-facing seat.

Many of the best infant carrier car seat convertible car seats for infants are equipped with a variety of features. These include a smooth rotation feature, a simple harness adjustment, and a base made of EPS foam, which is similar to Styrofoam. Parents love these features because they make getting their infants in and out of the seat easier, while ensuring that their children are safe and secure.

When you are choosing a car seat, it's important to check that it is compatible with your vehicle and has LATCH for ease of installation. Also, you should look for safety features such as shock-absorbent material and side impact protection. If you're unsure about the type of car seat that is right for your family, consult a certified car seat technician. They'll be able to talk about your options and help you select the right seat for your baby.

Safety

You should always check whether the model you choose is safe and meets the strictest standards, regardless of whether you are looking for a convertible car seat or infant car seat, or an infant travel system that is ready for your baby. This is especially important for babies, since they are lighter and smaller than older children. Look for a seat with five-point harnesses that are attached beneath the shoulders (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing) and between the legs and around the crotch. This will stop your child from being thrown out of the seat in the event of a sudden stop or crash.

Ideally, you'll also choose seats that are secured to the vehicle by either lower anchors or a seat belt, and offers the option of a top tether to prevent the car seat from moving forward during the event of a crash, and possibly obstructing breathing for the child. Make sure the recline angle is right, too, as newborns are prone to getting trapped in a seat that is too high up.

The most important thing is to follow all manufacturer's guidelines regarding the proper installation of your particular model. It's recommended to work with a certified car seat inspection technician during pregnancy and/or following the birth of your child, as this expert can assist you to ensure that your installation is flawless every time.

Another factor to think about is compatibility with strollers. If you plan to use your stroller frequently, consider an infant car and stroller combination that clicks seamlessly together. This is a great option for parents with busy schedules as it allows them to easily transfer their child from the stroller into the car and vice versa, while running on errands.

Always place your seat on a solid surface (such as a car seat or base) and never on a soft one like a sofa or bed or a bed, as this could cause it to tip over. This could lead to your child being injured, or even killed. In the event that you leave your baby's infant or baby's car seat or carrier unattended on soft surfaces may result in the suffocation of your child.

Easy of Use

The best protection is only possible only if the car seat has been utilized correctly every time. Unfortunately, many car seat injuries are caused by mistakes. These include not following the product instructions, improper installation, using aftermarket accessories, and putting the child into an improper position.

To help reduce the risk of a mistake, a quality infant car seat will come with easy-to-read instructions for installation and features that allow you to ensure proper usage. Certain brands, such as CYBEX have even included visual indicators and click sounds to ensure that the seat is installed correctly. This is important because studies have shown that incorrect use of a car seat could be responsible for as much as 50% of car seat-related injuries.

You should also remember that you must never leave your infant in the car seat or in a carrier even if it's only for a few minutes. Unsupervised, a baby in a car seat or carrier can fall onto soft surfaces such as couches or beds, causing serious injuries or even death. The seats can also be flipped over onto their sides, leading to an inability to breathe.

The ideal infant car seat depends on a number of factors, including your lifestyle and the longevity of the seat. A one-piece model is cheaper upfront but may not fit smaller babies as well and is less adaptable than a convertible car seat or booster. A lightweight Baby car Seat, easy to install seat is essential for parents who travel often. Urban dwellers may prefer a seat that can be put in taxis, Uber, or other vehicle that does not have the base.

Additionally, a seat that integrates with strollers can be a great option for new parents who want to minimize the amount of equipment they have to carry around town, or during flight. This is especially true if you plan to commute via public transport often and live in a big city. Many seats can be attached to UPPAbaby's strollers to facilitate simple journeys. Be sure to be aware of how easy it is to put your chosen seat on vehicles that do not have lower anchors or tether connectors as they are less common.

Convenience

Many infant car seats are compatible with stroller travel systems that allow you to design a a complete solution for child safety. This makes it easy to transfer a sleeping baby from your car to a stroller, even in the worst conditions and at night. Make sure to secure the seat prior to taking off. It's not safe to leave it in the car, or on the street. Your child could be injured if they exit the seat without supervision.

Infant car seats are specifically made for infants and babies who are smaller. They provide a snug and secure fit, and plenty of padding to ensure comfort and security. They are generally lighter than a convertible car seats which makes them more convenient to transport over short distances. The majority of baby car seats can be used with rear-facing, this is the recommended position by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

They have a shorter lifespan than convertible car seats. Children typically outgrow their infant seats between nine months and one year. This means that you may require convertible car seats sooner than you expected.

A good infant car safety seat should include a strap that is flat against the child's chest, over their hips and with the chest clip positioned at the child’s armpit. The crotch buckle must be flat across the child's thighs. Some models have adjustable and removable inserts to assist parents to maintain this recommended fit.

It's important to remember that if the straps are not secured or tight, babies can be strangled. It's also not safe to leave a child alone in a car seat so choose one that has the option of locking off your vehicle or a built-in lock.

The car seats our experts test are designed to provide the highest level of safety. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor of Consumer Reports has the most experience with car seat installation and rating. He is joined by Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Editor, and Abriah Wolfford Senior Review Analyst who have been testing seats since 2016. Our team's expertise and knowledge will help you choose the best seat for your child and your vehicle.