Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A well-designed car seat can keep your baby secure and comfortable while on the road. Which one is the best for your baby?
Choosing the right infant car seats isn’t an easy task. There are many features to take into consideration, such as latch hooks, belt paths and load legs. Here’s what you should think about to make the best decision for your family.
Simple to Use
Whether you’re shopping for an infant car seat for your baby or if you’re upgrading from an older car seat, you’ll want an option that is simple to set up and use. Take into consideration the size of the seat base and the car, how well the seat will fit your child’s weight and height, as well as useful extra features such as the lay-flat option that can also double as a bassinet for your stroller.
Infant-only seats are a great option for babies because they tend to be shorter and fit more comfortably than convertible car seats. They have a harness to ensure your child’s head is supported in an accident, which will reduce the stress on their neck or spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who wish to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they can. The majority of models let the child ride rear-facing until 30 pounds or more. Look for a convertible seat that complies with the safety standards of the federal government and has a an upper minimum of 50 pounds.
It is important to keep in mind that, even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards there are a myriad of models available. Choose a seat that is approved by a reputable company or company. Also, be sure to look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
Top-rated car seats are made with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and a variety of recline positions. Some of them also have padding near the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your infant remain comfortable on long road trips. If you have a smaller vehicle choose an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing one, which is under 17 inches wide and is easy to install in most cars. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby that is specifically designed to work with UPPAbaby strollers, is another excellent option for families who want a no-fuss car seat that is simple to use. Its auto-retracting straps, EZ buckle and connectors for lower anchors that are premium with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it simple to use for any car trip.
Safety Features
It is important to consider a few features when choosing the right infant car seat. If you want to ensure that your child is safe throughout the entire journey or are in search of a lightweight and safe car seat for your child to use for long journeys, it’s essential to keep in mind certain aspects. Consider the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can be safely in the seat, so choose a seat that is able to reach minimum 90th percentile measurement prior to when they turn 1. Consider whether you want to put a blanket or coat on the harness straps. The AAP recommends against this since heavy clothing may compress in a crash and make the straps too loose to restrain your child, increasing the chance of injuries.
It is also important to consider whether your car seat will be fitted using the LATCH system or a belt on a vehicle or if it’s compatible with other travel systems or strollers. A seat that can easily fit on a base that is compatible is ideal if you intend to use it for the majority of your car trips, as you’ll save time and energy by not having to take it off it and put it back in place every time you use the vehicle.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, scored top marks in our testing for its ease of installation and its ability to adjust. Testers said it «has everything you need for a quick, painless installation.» This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that can be removed from the base and turn green once they’re fully connected. Additionally, there is a SuperCinch strap tightener that increases the force of the strap as well as 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. Our test subjects have been raving about its five-position, height-adjustable headrest that grows with your baby, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.
The Maxi-Cosi jade is the perfect choice for infants due to its unique sleeping position of 180 degrees. This lets them sleep comfortably and longer during travel. It’s also been praised for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? ADAC awarded it the highest laboratory rating for car seats for infants.
Rear-facing Options
In most automobiles, the most secure place for a newborn is the rear seat. The center seat is the most away from any collision, and will shield your baby from harm in the event of an accident. If you can, choose a car seat for infants that lets your child sit rear-facing up to an year old. It’s also crucial to ensure that the car seat is correctly installed and that the headrest is placed snugly against your child’s head and chest. The best car seats for newborns way to accomplish this is to talk to a certified child passenger safety technician, who will provide you with the most current guidelines for car seat use and installation. Find the nearest one here.
The car seat you pick for your infant car seat cheap will be a major investment, and you’ll use it for many years. You’ll want a seat with a high crash test score and an analysis score. It should also come with features to ensure your baby is comfy. The Clek LIing is an excellent choice for parents looking for an infant rear-facing seat that is affordable. It scored extremely high in both our analysis and sensor tests. It has a simple LATCH system with a color change indication that indicates when the buckle straps are properly attached to the car, as well as a load leg that helps prevent frontal crashes.
Senior editor of the Strategist magazine and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit with her daughters, who both went from birth to age 6. The seat’s adjustable harness height as well as length allow it to fit all children from short to tall. The seat is compatible with many vehicles, and it has the weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, the seat can be converted into a booster, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter until she was 10 years old.
Another option that is affordable is the Nuna RAVA. It does not have a base, however it is still easy to put in using the LATCH connectors that are rigid. They flip off the bottom and turn green automatically when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is a comfortable baby seat with no rethread harness. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps, without having to take your baby from the car seat. LaBracio also liked the recline that has six positions.
Options with a Forward-Facing Focus
Children’s necks can be held by the back of the seat in front-facing seats instead of being pushed forward onto a hard vehicle seat. This position protects them in side collisions as well. The majority of car seats allow infants weighing up to 20 pounds and 1 year old to ride in the rear. Many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it’s time for them to transition to a front-facing seat.
If you are looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, ensure they meet the i-Size requirements and have a padded harness pocket, and a padded headrest. Be sure to check the maximum height and weight limits, and consider purchasing a car seat that can expand with your child to the position of a booster seat. Certain models come with an all-in-one option that allows you to transfer your child from an rear-facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat with a harness, and then onto a booster seat.
It is also important to think about whether the seat fits your vehicle properly, particularly if you have a small trunk space or a car with a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and the owner’s manual for the best infant seat fit.
Look for a car-seat that provides good support and comfort for your child. Long journeys in the car will be more enjoyable if they can rest comfortably. This may include features like the ability to recline the seat back as well as a five-point harness that tightens from the back of your seat, and a range of recline positions.
After narrowing your options down, you’ll want to look at the crash replacement policies of the car seats you’re considering. These can range from a manufacturer’s replacement policy to a personal case review.
After you’ve done your homework and decided on the kind of car seat you’re looking for now is the time to start shopping around. You can also ask family members with young children for recommendations. You can also request an Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you select the best car seat for a newborn.