Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A good car seat will keep your baby safe and secure while driving. Which one is the most suitable for your baby?
Selecting the best infant car seats isn't easy. There are many features to take into consideration, such as latch hooks, belt pathways, and load legs. Here's what you should be aware of to make the best choice for your family.
Easy to Use
Whether you're shopping for a car seat for your infant for your newborn or upgrading from a toddler's car seat, you'll want a model that is easy to install and use. Take into consideration the size of the base and the car, as well as how the seat will fit your child's weight and height, and convenient extra features like a lay-flat option that doubles as a stroller bassinet.
Infant-only chairs are an ideal option for infants because they are typically narrower and fit them more comfortably than convertible car seats. They come with a harness to help your child's head during an accident, which will reduce the strain on their neck or spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are great for parents who wish to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they are able to. The majority of models allow children to rear-facing for 30 pounds or greater. If you decide on a convertible car seat, search for one that is compliant with the federal safety standards and has a weight limit of 50 pounds or more.
It's important to keep in mind that, despite the fact that all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards there are a myriad of models available. To avoid the hassle and risk of a defective or dangerous seat, select one that's approved by a reputable business or organization, and check for recalls or complaints from manufacturers.
Top-rated car seats are made with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and several recline positions. Some car seats come with extra padding on the shoulder straps and near the buckle to ensure your child is comfy during long road trips. If you have a smaller vehicle choose an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing one, which is just 17 inches wide and easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, which can be used together with UPPAbaby Strollers is a great choice for families in search of an easy car seat. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all simple to use.
Safety Features
If you're looking for an infant safe, lightweight car seat to take your baby on long trips or simply want to make sure your child is comfortable for the duration of a trip there are a few important aspects that are worth considering. Be aware of the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child is able to safely stay in the seat. Choose a seat which goes up to the 90th percentile of your child's height prior to turning 1. Consider whether you want to put an overcoat or blanket over the harness straps. The AAP cautions against this, because thick clothing could cause a collapse and leave the straps too loose to hold your child, thereby increasing the risk of injuries.
It is also important to consider whether your car seat can be secured using the LATCH system or a belt on a vehicle, and if it is compatible with other travel systems or strollers. If you plan to use your seat for most of your driving it's best to pick one that is easily fitted onto the base that is compatible with it. This will reduce time and energy since you won't have to remove and reinstall your seat each time you use the car.
In our tests, the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with testers saying it "has everything you need to have a quick and simple installation." This includes premium LATCH connecters that can be removed from the base, and then turn green once fully connected. Also included is a SuperCinch strap tightener for force multipliers as well as a 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. infant car seats cheap have applauded it for its five-position, height-adjustable headrest that grows with your baby harness, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is great option for newborns due to its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position which allows them to stay asleep longer and more comfortably on travel. It's also been lauded for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? calling it 'one of the safest infant car seats on the market and ADAC giving it the highest lab score for a car seat that is suitable for infants.
Rear-Facing Options
In the majority of automobiles, the most secure place for a baby is the back seat. The center position is farthest from any impact that could occur and will safeguard your child the best in the event of the event of a crash. It is recommended to choose a car seat for infants that allows your child to sit backwards for around an entire year. It's also important to ensure the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest is secure against your child's chest and head. Find a certified child passenger technician who can provide you with the most up-to-date recommendations for car seat installation and use. Find one near you here.
The car seat you pick for your baby is a significant purchase, and you'll use it for many years. You'll want to choose a seat with a high crash test score as well as an analysis score. It should also come with features to ensure your baby is comfy. The Clek LIing is an excellent choice for parents seeking an infant seat with a rear view that is affordable. It scored very high in both our sensor and analysis tests. It has a simple LATCH system that comes with an indicator that changes color and indicates how buckle straps are attached properly to the car, and a load leg that helps prevent frontal crashes.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, utilized the Graco Extension2Fit to fit her daughters who were both from birth up to age six. The harness's adjustable height and size allows it to accommodate children of all sizes and heights, including taller ones. It's a good option for a variety of vehicles and is a light, 50-pound rear-facing weight limit. Plus, it converts to a booster seat, which Trolio used with her oldest daughter up to the time she reached 10 years old. old.
Another affordable option is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't come with a base, but it is still simple to install with the LATCH connectors that are rigid. They slide out of the bottom and turn green automatically when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is comfortable for babies without rethreads. Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to secure the straps without having to take your baby from the car seat. It also features a six-position recline, which LaBracio discovered useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing
In front-facing seats children's necks are held in the seat back, instead of being pushed forward on the car seat that is hard. This is a way to protect them from side collisions as well. The majority of car seats allow infants weighing up to 20 pounds and 1 year old to sit in the rear. However, a lot of experts recommend that children ride rear-facing as long as they can because their neck muscles and bones will become stronger by the time they're ready to move to a forward-facing car seat.
When considering options for forward-facing car seat, make sure they meet i-Size requirements, have a cushioned head rest, and a spacious harness pocket. Consider purchasing a car seat that can expand with your child and become a booster. Some models come with an all-in-one feature that allows your child to 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 will fit well in your vehicle, especially in the case of a small trunk or a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat as well as the vehicle owner's manual for the most appropriate fit.
Also, make sure you choose an automobile seat that offers comfortable and adequate support for your child's body. Long trips in the car will be less stressful in the event that they sleep comfortably. This may include features such as reclined headrests and a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of the seat and a wide range of recline positions.
Once you've narrowed down your options, think about the policies regarding 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 your research and decided what type of car seats you'd like to purchase then you can begin shopping. You can also ask your friends with children for recommendations. You can also schedule an Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to assist you in choosing the best car seat for your baby.