Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A car seat that is safe and secure will keep your baby safe, comfortable and secure when you're on the road. Which is the best for your baby?
Choosing the right infant car seats isn't easy. There are so many options to think about, including latch hooks, belt paths, and load legs. Here's everything you need to consider to make the right choice for your family.
User-Friendliness
Whether you're shopping for a baby car seat for your newborn or if you're upgrading from an infant car seat, you'll need a model that is easy to install and use. Think about the size of the base and the car, as well as how the seat fits your baby's height and weight, and additional features that are convenient, such as a lay-flat option that doubles as a stroller bassinet.
Infant-only seats can be a great option for babies since they are generally shorter and fit more comfortably than convertible car seats. They also come with the safety of a harness to protect your child's delicate head in the event of a collision which reduces the stress on their neck and the spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who want to keep their babies rear-facing for as long as is possible because most models let children ride in a rear-facing position until they weigh 30 pounds or more. If you opt for a convertible car seat, look for one that complies with the federal safety standards and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more.
It's important to keep in mind that, even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards there are a myriad of models available. To avoid the stress and danger of a dangerous or defective seat, choose one that's approved by a reputable business or organization, and then look for recalls or complaints from manufacturers.
The best car seats for infants have skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding, and a range of recline positions. Some even have additional padding around the buckle and on the shoulder harness to help your baby stay comfortable during long road trips. If you have a smaller vehicle, look for a narrow infant seat like the Clek Liing one, which is under 17 inches wide and is easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max which can be used in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great choice for families looking for a simple car seat. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all very easy to use.
Safety Features
There are a few features when choosing the best infant car seat. If you're looking to ensure your baby is comfortable during the entire journey or you are looking for a light car seat that is safe for your child to take on long journeys, it's essential to keep in mind some of the characteristics. Consider first the height and weight limit of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can be safely in the seat So, you should choose a seat that is able to reach minimum 90th percentile measurement prior to when they turn 1. Consider whether you would like to put an overcoat or blanket over the straps of the harness. The AAP warns against this because thick clothing could compress during a crash, leaving the straps too loose for your child to be secured, increasing the risk of injury.
It is also important to consider whether your car seat will be installed using the LATCH system or a belt for your vehicle, and if it is compatible with other travel systems or strollers. If you plan to use your seat for the majority of your journeys in the car, it's best to choose one that can easily fit on the base that is compatible with it. This will save you time and energy because you won't have to take out and reinstall your seat each time you drive.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, received top marks in our tests for its ease of installation and adjustments. Testers said it "has everything needed to ensure a fast, easy installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that can be removed from the base and turn green once they're fully connected. Also included are a SuperCinch strap tightener that increases the force of the strap and spring-loaded leveling feet.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another option worth considering. We found it to be easy to use and as affordable as models costing twice more. Its five-position adjustable headrest that adapts to your child, its buckle holders with magnetic buckles and no-rethread harness have been highly praised by our test subjects.
The Maxi-Cosi jade is a ideal choice for babies because of its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position, which allows them to stay asleep longer and more comfortably during travel. It's also been lauded for its safety, with consumer champion Which? ADAC awarded it the highest laboratory rating for infant car seats.
Rear-facing Options
In the majority of cars the most secure position for infants is in the rear seat at the center. The seat in the center is closest to any impact, and will protect your baby in the event of an accident. If you can, select an infant car seat that lets your child ride rear-facing until they're about a year old. It's also crucial to ensure that the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest is placed comfortably against your child's chest and head. The best way to accomplish this is to consult an accredited child safety technician, who can provide you with the most current guidelines for car seat use and installation. Find one in your area here.
The car seat you choose for your newborn is a significant investment, and you'll use it for many years. You'll want a seat that has a good crash test score and an analysis score. It should also include features to ensure your baby is comfy. The Clek LIing is a great choice for parents looking for a rear-facing infant seat that's affordable. It scored well in our sensor and analysis test. It has an easy-to-use LATCH system that changes color to show that the buckle straps are properly attached to the car and a load-leg to help prevent frontal collisions.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, used the Graco Extend2Fit to fit her daughters who were both from birth up to the age of six. The seat's adjustable harness height as well as length help it fit a range of children, from tall to short. It's an excellent option for a wide range of vehicles. It also has a low, 50-pound weight limit for rear-facing children. Additionally, it can be converted into an adult seat that Trolio used with her oldest daughter up until she was 10 years old. old.
Another option that is reasonably priced is the Nuna RAVA. It does not come with a base like many other seats, but is still extremely simple to put in using either method, thanks to its rigid LATCH connectors, which flip out from the bottom of the seat. They then automatically turn green when secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for babies, thanks to a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to attach the straps without taking your child from the seat. It also comes with a six-position recline that LaBracio found useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing
In front-facing seats, children's necks are cradled in the back of the seat instead of being pushed forward by the hard seat of a vehicle. This position also protects them better in side crashes. The majority of car seats allow infants to ride rear-facing until they are over 20 pounds and one year old. Many experts advise that children remain rear-facing for as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when it's time for them to transition to a front-facing seat.
When considering options for forward-facing car seats ensure they meet iSize requirements, have a padded head rest, and a deep harness pocket. Be sure to check the maximum height and weight limit, and consider purchasing a car seat that will be able to grow with your child until they are a booster seat. Certain models have an all-in-one feature that lets your child move from a rear-facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat.
It's important to also consider whether the car seat is a good fit in your vehicle, especially if it has a small trunk or low clearance. Make sure you check the dimensions of the car seat and vehicle owner's manual for the most appropriate fit.
Finally, you should look for a car seat that provides comfortable and adequate support for your child's body. Long trips in the car will be less stressful if they can sleep comfortably. good infant car seats www.pushchairsandprams.uk could include features such as a reclining seat back, a five point harness that can be tightened from the back of your seat, and a range of recline positions.
After narrowing down your options, you should consider the policies on crash replacement for the car seat you're considering. These policies can vary from the manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by-case analysis.
After you've done your research and determined the type of car seat you'd like, you can start shopping. Take a look at the options available at your local baby store or online retailer and ask parents of young children for their recommendations. You can also book an appointment for a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to assist you in choosing the best car seat for a newborn.