Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A quality car seat will ensure your baby is safe and comfortable while on the road. Which is the best for your baby?
Choosing the right infant car seat can be difficult. There are many features to consider such as latch hooks, belt pathways, and load legs. Here's what you need to be aware of to make the best purchase for your family.
Simple to Use
If you're in the market for a baby car seat for your newborn or if you're upgrading from a toddler's car seat, you'll want a model that is easy to set up and use. Think about the size and weight of your child, the seat's fit in your car, and any other features, like the lay-flat option that can also be used as a stroller.
Infant-only seats are a great option for babies as they're generally smaller than convertible car seats and fit newborns more snugly. They also come with a harness that supports your child's head, which is fragile in a crash, which can reduce tension on their neck and spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are great for parents who wish to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they want. Most models allow the child to ride rear-facing until 30 pounds or greater. Choose a convertible car seat that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government and has a an upper limit of at least 50 pounds.
When looking for a car seat, it's important to consider that while all car seats must meet the strict NHTSA safety standards There are a variety of different models available on market. Choose a seat that is certified by a reputable organization or company. Also, check for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The most rated car seats for newborns feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding and a variety of recline positions. Some also offer additional padding around the buckle and on the shoulder harness to help your baby remain comfortable on long journeys. If you have a smaller vehicle choose an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing, which is less than 17 inches wide and is easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max, that can be used in conjunction together with UPPAbaby Strollers is a great choice for families who want a simple car seat. The harness that retracts automatically, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all simple to use.
Safety Features
Whether you're looking for an infant safe, lightweight car seat to take your child on long trips or simply want to ensure that your child is comfortable during the duration of a ride, a few key features are important to keep in mind. First, think about the height and weight limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can be safe in the seat, so look for a model that goes up to at least your child's 90th percentile measurement prior to when they turn one. Also, think about whether infant car seats best 'd prefer to put blankets or coats over the harness straps. The AAP warns against this because thick clothing can be compressed in the event of a crash, making straps too loose for your child to be secured, increasing the chance of injuries.
You should also consider whether your car seat will be installed via the LATCH system or a belt for your vehicle or if it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. A seat that can easily be fitted onto a base that is compatible is ideal if you plan to use it for the majority of your car rides and will save you time and energy by not having to remove it and put it back in place every time you use the vehicle.
In our testing the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with reviewers saying it "has everything you need for a fast and easy installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that can be flipped out from the base and become green when connected, plus a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener as well as a spring-loaded leveling foot.
Another great option is the budget-friendly Baby Trend Secure-Lift We've found it to be just as simple to use as other models that cost twice as much. Its five-position adjustable headrest, which grows with your child's development and its magnetic buckle holders and no-rethread harness have been highly praised by our testers.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is the perfect choice for infants, thanks to its unique sleeping position of 180 degrees. This lets them rest comfortably and for longer on travel. It is also highly praised for its safety by 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 center seat is furthest away from any potential collision, and will shield your baby in the event of an accident. It is recommended to choose an infant car seat that allows your child to sit rear-facing for about one year. It's also crucial to make sure the car seat is correctly installed and that the headrest is placed comfortably against your child's chest and head. Find a certified child passenger technician who can give you the most up-to date recommendations for car seat installation and use. Find the nearest one here.
Choosing the right car seat for your baby is a major investment that you'll probably use for a long period of time, so you'll want to choose a seat with an excellent crash test sensor and score, as well as features to ensure your child's comfort. The Clek Liing is a great option for parents who are looking for a budget-friendly rear-facing infant car seat. It scored high in our analysis and sensor test. It comes with an easy-to-use LATCH system that changes color to show that the buckle straps have been correctly secured to the car, and a load-leg that helps prevent frontal collisions.
Strategist senior editor and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her two daughters, who both went from birth to age 6. The harness's adjustable height and size allows it to accommodate children of all sizes, including taller ones. It's a good choice for a wide range of vehicles. It also is a light, 50-pound limit on rear-facing weight. Plus, it converts to an adult seat that Trolio used with her oldest daughter up until she was 10 years old. young.
Another option that is reasonably priced is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't have a base, but it is still easy to put in using the LATCH connectors, which are rigid. They slide off the bottom and then turn green when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is a comfortable baby seat with a no rethread harness. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps without having to remove your child from the car seat. It also has a six-position recline that LaBracio discovered useful.
Forward-Facing Options
In front-facing seats the necks of children are held in the seat back, instead of being pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This is a way to protect them from collisions with the sides. Most car seats allow infants as young as 20 pounds and 1 year of age to sit rearward. Many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing for as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time to switch to a front-facing seat.
When considering options for forward-facing car seat, ensure that they meet i-Size requirements, have a padded head rest, and a large harness pocket. Check the maximum height and weight limit, and consider purchasing a car seat that can grow with your child into a booster seat. Some models have an all-in-one feature that lets the child to be moved from an rear-facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat that has a harness and then to a booster seat.
It's also important to consider whether the seat will fit your vehicle, particularly when you have a limited trunk space or a car with an uninspiring clearance. Check the car seat's dimensions and the owner's manual for the most appropriate fit.
Finally, you should look for a car seat that provides adequate support and comfort for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be less stressful when they are able to rest comfortably. This could include features like the ability to recline the seat back as well as a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of the seat, and a range of recline positions.
Once you've narrowed your options, consider the policies regarding crash replacement for the car seat you're looking at. These can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by-case analysis.
After you've done some research and determined the type of car seats you'd like to purchase You can begin looking. Check out the selection at your local baby store or online retailer, and ask family members who have 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 infant.