Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A good car seat ensures your baby is safe, secure and comfortable when you're on the road. Which is the best for your baby?
With features like latch hooks, load legs, and belt routes to consider, picking the right infant car seat isn't easy. Here's what you need to be aware of in order to make the right buying decision for your family.
Easy to Use
You'll want to select an option that is easy to install and use whether you're buying a car seat for a newborn or upgrading from your toddler's seat. Think about the size and weight of your child, the seat's fit in the car, and any extra features, like lay-flat options that can also be used as stroller.
Infant-only seats can be a good option for newborns because they tend to be smaller and fit more comfortably than convertible car seats. They come with a harness that can help your child's head during an accident, which will lessen the strain on their neck or the spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who intend to keep their babies rear-facing as long as possible because most models let children ride in a rear-facing position until they weigh 30 pounds or more. If you choose to purchase a convertible car seat, look for one that is compliant with the federal safety standards and has a weight limit of 50 pounds or more.
When looking for a car seat, it's important to remember that even though all carseats must conform to strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models on the market. Select a car seat that has been approved by a reputable company or company. Also, look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and a variety of recline positions. Certain car seats provide extra padding on the shoulder strap and around the buckle to ensure your child is comfy during long road trips. If you drive a smaller car opt for a narrow infant seat like the Clek Liing, which is just 17 inches in width and is easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, which can be used with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great option for families who want a simple 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 a secure, lightweight infant car seat to take your little one on long trips or simply need to ensure your child is comfortable for the duration of a ride There are some key aspects that are important to keep in mind. First, think about the height and weight limit of your infant car seat. This will determine the maximum time your child is able to safely stay in the seat. Look for a model which goes up to the 90th centile of your child's height before turning 1. Also, think about whether you might want to put blankets or coats on the straps of the harness. The AAP cautions against this, since heavy clothing may compress in a crash and leave the straps loose to restrain your child, thereby increasing the chance of injuries.
It is also important to consider whether your car seat can be secured via the LATCH system or a belt for your vehicle, and if it is compatible with other travel systems or strollers. A seat that can easily fit on a base that is compatible is the best option if you plan to use it for the majority of your car trips and will save you time and energy by not having to remove it and put it back in place every time you drive.
In our testing the Best of the Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned high marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with reviewers affirming that it "has everything you need for a quick and painless installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that open from the base and change to green when fully connected, as well as a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and an adjustable foot with springs.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another excellent option. We found it to be as user-friendly and affordable as models costing twice as much. Its adjustable headrest in five positions, which grows with your child's growth as well as its buckle holders with magnetic buckles, and its no-rethread harness have been praised by our test subjects.
The Maxi-Cosi jade is the perfect choice for infants, thanks to its unique 180-degree sleep position. This allows them to rest comfortably and for longer on journeys. It has also been praised for its safety by consumer advocate Which? ADAC awarding it the highest laboratory score for car seats for infants.
Rear-facing Options
In the majority of automobiles, the most secure place for a baby is the rear seat. The seat in the middle is the furthest from any potential impact and will safeguard your child best in an accident. You should select a car seat for infants that allows your child to ride in a rear-facing position for around one year. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest fits snugly against your child's head and chest. The best way to accomplish this is to talk to an experienced 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 select for your newborn will be a major investment, and you'll be using it for many years. You'll want to choose a seat that has a good crash test score as well as an analysis score. It should also have features that will keep your baby comfy. The Clek LIing is an excellent choice for parents looking for a rear-facing infant seat that's affordable. It scored high in our analysis and sensor test. It has an easy-to-use LATCH system that changes color to show when the buckle straps are properly attached to the car, and a load-leg to help prevent frontal collisions.
Strategist senior editor and mom of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit with her daughters, who both went from birth until age 6. The seat's adjustable height and length allow it to fit all children, from tall to short. It's a great option for a variety of vehicles. It has a low, 50-pound limit on rear-facing weight. The seat also converts into a booster seat, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter up to the time she was 10 years old.
Nuna RAVA is another affordable option. It does not come with a base like most other seats, but is still very simple and quick to install using either method, thanks to its rigid LATCH connectors that slide out from the bottom of the seat and automatically turn green when secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for babies, thanks to a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to fasten the straps without having to remove your child from the seat. It also comes with a six-position recline that LaBracio found useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing
Children's necks can be held by the back of the seat in front-facing seats, rather than being pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This protects them from collisions with other vehicles as well. Most car seats allow infants to sit rear-facing until they weigh more than 20 pounds and one year old. However, a lot of experts recommend that children remain rear-facing for as long as possible--their neck muscles and bones will become stronger when they're ready to move to an forward-facing seat.
When looking for options for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the i-Size requirements and have a padded harness pocket, and a padded headrest. Consider buying a car seat that can grow with your child, and then become a booster. Some models have an all-in-one option that allows the child to be moved from a rear-facing car seats (with tether and harness) to a forward-facing car seat with a harness, and then into a booster seat.
It's also important to determine whether the seat will fit in your vehicle, particularly when you have a limited trunk space or a vehicle with an uninspiring clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat as well as the vehicle owner's manual for the best fit.
Also, make sure you choose a car seat that provides comfortable and adequate support for your child's body--long trips in the car will be more bearable in the event that they rest comfortably. This may include features like a reclining seat back as well as a five-point harness that tightens from the rear of your seat and a variety of recline positions.
After you've narrowed your options down, you'll need to consider the policies regarding crash replacement of the car seats you're looking at. They can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to an individual case review.
Once you've done your research and determined what type 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 book an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you find the right car seat for your baby.