Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A car seat that is safe and secure keeps your baby secure, comfortable and safe when you’re on the road. Which one is the most suitable for your baby?

The right choice for infant car seats isn’t an easy task. There are so many features to consider such as latch hooks, belt paths, and load legs. Here’s what you should be aware of to make the right decision for your family.

Easy of Use

Whether you’re shopping for an infant car seats that swivel car seat for your newborn or upgrading from an infant car seat, you’ll need a model that is easy to install and use. Consider the size of the base and the car, how the seat will fit your child’s weight and height, as well as useful extra features such as a lay-flat option that doubles as a stroller bassinet.

Infant-only seats can be an ideal option for infants because they are typically shorter and fit more snugly than convertible seats. They come with a harness to help your child’s head during an accident, which could reduce the stress on their neck or spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who intend to keep their children rear-facing as long as possible because most models allow children to ride in a rear-facing seat until they’re 30 pounds or more. If you choose to purchase a convertible car seat, look for one that meets federal safety standards and has a weight limit of 50 pounds or more.

It’s important to keep it in mind that even though all car seats must meet strict NHTSA standards, there are many different models to choose from. Choose a seat that is certified by a reputable organization 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 several recline positions. Some of them also have padding around the buckle and on the shoulder harness to help your newborn remain comfortable on long travel. If you drive a smaller car choose a smaller infant seat, such as the Clek Liing that is less than 17 inches in width and is easy to install in most vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max that is compatible together with UPPAbaby Strollers is a great choice for families looking for a simple car seat. The harness that retracts automatically, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all easy to use.

Safety Features

There are the following aspects when selecting the right infant car seat. If you’re looking to ensure your child is comfortable throughout the journey or are in search of an easy-to-use and safe car seat for your child to use for long trips, it’s important to consider a few aspects. Consider the weight and height limits of your infant seat. This will determine how long your child is able to safely stay in the seat. Find a model that can be used up to the 90th percentile of your child’s height prior to turning 1. Consider whether you would like to put a blanket or coat on the straps of the harness. The AAP cautions against this, since thick clothing can cause a collapse and leave the straps too loose to restrain your child, increasing the chance of injury.

Other things to consider include whether you’re planning to attach your car seat with belts on your vehicle or the LATCH system and if it’s compatible other strollers or travel systems. If you plan to use your seat for the majority of your driving it’s best car seat for Newborn to pick one that fits easily onto the base that is compatible with it. This will reduce time and energy as you won’t have to take out and reinstall the seat each time you drive.

In our tests the best car seats for newborns uk of the Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for its ease of installation and adjustments, with reviewers affirming that it “has everything you need for a fast and simple installation.” It comes with premium LATCH connectors that can be flipped out from the base and become green when connected, as well as a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and a spring-loaded leveling foot.

Another option is the budget-friendly Baby Trend Secure-Lift, which we’ve found to be just as simple to use as models that cost twice as much. Our test participants have praised it for its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that can be adjusted to fit your child’s height, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi jade is a great option for newborns due to its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position which lets them sleep longer and more comfortably during road trips. It has also been acknowledged for its safety by the consumer advocate Which? calling it ‘one of the safest infant car seats on the market’ and ADAC awarding the highest lab rating for a car seat that is suitable for infants.

Rear-Facing Options

In the majority of automobiles, the most secure place for a newborn is in the rear center seat. The seat in the middle is the furthest from any impact that could occur and will safeguard your child the best car seat newborn in the event of an accident. You should choose a car seat for infants that allows your child to ride backwards for around one year. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest fits perfectly against your child’s chest and head. The best car seats for newborns way to accomplish this is to consult a certified child passenger safety technician, who will provide you with up-to-date recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one near you here.

The choice of a car seat for your newborn is a huge investment that you’ll probably use for a very long period of time, so it’s important to choose one with an excellent crash test sensor and analysis score as in addition to features that will ensure your child’s comfort. The Clek Liing is a great option to parents looking for a low-cost rear-facing infant car seat. It scored high in our sensor and analysis test, has an easy-to-use LATCH system that changes color to indicate whether the buckle straps have been correctly secured to the car and a load-leg that helps prevent frontal collisions.

Strategist senior editor and mom of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her two daughters who both went from the time of birth until age 6. The adjustable harness height and size allows it to be adapted to children of all sizes and heights, including taller ones. The seat is compatible with numerous vehicles, and has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Plus, the seat converts into a booster, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter up to the time she was 10 years old.

Another affordable option is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn’t come with an base, but it is still easy to put in using the rigid LATCH connectors. They flip out from the bottom and turn green automatically when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for infants, with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that make it simple to attach the straps without taking your child from the seat. It also has an adjustable recline of six positions that LaBracio discovered useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing

In front-facing seats the necks of children are held in the seat back, rather than pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This protects them from side collisions as well. Car seats typically allow infants as young as 20 pounds and 1 year of age to ride in the rear. Many experts suggest 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 looking for options for forward-facing seats, ensure they meet the i-Size requirements, have a padded harness pocket, and a padded seat headrest. Consider purchasing a car seat that can grow with your child and become a booster. Certain models come with an all-in-one feature that allows you to transfer your child from an rear-facing car seat (with tether and harness) to a forward-facing seat with a harness, and then into a booster seat.

It’s important to also consider whether the car seat is a good fit in your vehicle, especially in the case of a small trunk or a low clearance. Make sure to check the seat’s dimensions and the owner’s manual for the most appropriate fit.

Also, make sure you choose a car seat inserts for newborns seat that has adequate support and comfort for your child’s body–long trips in the car will be easier when they are able to rest comfortably. This may include features such as a reclining headrest or a five-point harness which can be adjusted from the rear of the seat, and a wide range of recline positions.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, think about 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 review.

After you’ve done some research and determined what kind of car seat you’d like, you can start shopping. You can also ask your friends with young children for recommendations. You can also arrange an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you find the right car seat for your baby.