Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A well-designed car seat will keep your baby safe and comfortable on the road. Which is the most suitable for your child?
Choosing the right infant car seat can be difficult. There are so many features to take into consideration, such as latch hooks, belt pathways, and load legs. Here’s what you should think about to make the best choice for your family.
Easy of Use
You’ll need to choose a model that’s easy to install and use whether you’re purchasing an infant car seat for your newborn or upgrading from your toddler’s car seat. Take into consideration the weight and size of your child, the seat’s fit in the car, and any additional features, like lay-flat options that can also be used as stroller.
Infant-only seats can be an ideal option for infants because they tend to be smaller and fit more snugly than convertible car seats. They also provide a harness that supports your child’s delicate head in the event of a crash and reduces stress on their neck and spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who want 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 decide on a convertible car seat, you should look for one that meets the safety standards of the federal government and has a weight limit of 50 pounds or more.
When looking for a car seat, it’s important to consider that while all car seats must be in compliance with the strict NHTSA safety standards There are plenty of different models available on the market. Select a car seat that has been certified by a reputable organization or company. Also, look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The top-rated car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and a variety of recline positions. Some of them also have padding near the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your infant carrier seat remain comfortable on long journeys. If you have a small vehicle, think about a small infant car seat like the Clek Liing. It’s less than 17 inches wide, and is able to be installed in most automobiles. The UPPAbaby Mesa Max, which is designed to be used with UPPAbaby strollers, is another great choice for families who want a no-fuss car seat that is simple to use. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all easy to use.
Safety Features
Whether you’re looking for an infant safe, lightweight car seat to take your child on long trips or simply need to ensure your child is comfortable for the duration of a trip there are a few important aspects that are worth keeping in mind. First, think about the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the seat. Look for a model that can be used up to the 90th percentile of your child’s height prior to turning 1. Think about whether you’d like to drape a blanket or coat over the harness straps. The AAP cautions against this as thick clothing could compress during a crash, leaving the straps loose enough for your child to be secured which increases the risk of injury.
Other considerations include whether you intend to install your car seat with a vehicle belt 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 is best to select one that is easily fitted onto a base compatible with it. This will save you time and energy because you won’t need to take off and reinstall the seat every time you drive.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which was awarded Best of The Bump, scored top rated infant car seats marks in our tests for its ease of installation and adjustment. Testers stated that it “has everything needed for a quick, painless installation.” This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that can be removed from the base, and turn green when they are fully connected. Also included are a SuperCinch force multiplier strap tightener as well as a spring-loaded leveling feet.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another excellent option. We found it to be easy to use and as affordable as other models that cost twice as much. Its adjustable headrest in five positions that adapts to your child’s development, its magnetic buckle holders, and its harness that doesn’t rethread have been praised by our test subjects.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is fantastic choice for newborns because of its unique 180-degree flat sleep position, which allows them to sleep longer and more comfortably on road trips. It’s also been lauded for its safety, with consumer champion Which? calling it ‘one of the most secure infant car seats on the market and ADAC giving it their highest lab rating for a car seat that is suitable for infants.
Rear-facing Options
In most vehicles, a newborn’s safest position is in the rear seat at the center. The center seat is furthest away from any potential impact, and can protect your baby from harm in the event of an accident. If possible, you should opt for a car seat that allows your baby to sit rear-facing up to an year old. It’s also crucial to ensure that the car seat is correctly installed and that the headrest fits perfectly against your child’s head and chest. Consult 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 choice of an infant car seat for your baby is a significant investment that you’ll probably use for a very long duration, so you’ll need to choose one with an amazing crash test sensor and score, as well as features to ensure your child’s comfort. The Clek LIing is an excellent choice for parents looking for an infant seat with a rear view that is affordable. It scored well in our analysis and sensor test. It has a simple LATCH system that changes color to indicate that the buckle straps are correctly secured to the car and a load-leg that helps prevent frontal collisions.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, used the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters who were both born up to the age of six. The harness’s adjustable height and size allows it to accommodate children of all sizes, including taller ones. It’s an excellent choice for a wide range of vehicles and has a low, 50-pound weight limit for rear-facing children. Additionally, the seat can be converted into a booster seat, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter up to the time she was 10 years old.
Nuna RAVA is a different, affordable option. It does not have a base as the majority of seats, however it 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. They then automatically turn green once secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for babies, with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to secure the straps without removing your child from the seat. LaBracio also found the six-position recline 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 car seat that is hard. This is a way to protect them from side collisions as well. Car seats typically allow infants up to 20 pounds and one year old to sit rearward. Many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when it’s time to switch to the front-facing seat.
When considering options for forward-facing car seats make sure they meet i-Size specifications, have a padded head rest, and a large harness pocket. Be sure to check the maximum height and weight limits and think about purchasing a car seat that can be able to grow with your child until they are a booster seat. Some models have an all-in-one option that allows you to move your child from a rear-facing car seat (with tether and harness) to a forward-facing car seat with a harness and then onto a booster seat.
It’s also important to consider whether the seat will fit in your vehicle properly, particularly when you have a limited trunk space or a car with an uninspiring clearance. Make sure you check the dimensions of the car seat as well as the owners’ manuals for your vehicle to determine the most appropriate fit.
Find a car seat that offers good infant car seats support and comfort for your child. Long trips in the vehicle will be more enjoyable when they can rest comfortably. This may include features such as reclined seat backs and a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of your seat, and a variety of recline positions.
Once you’ve narrowed your options, consider the policies on crash replacement for the car seat you’re thinking of buying. They can be anything from a manufacturer’s replacement policy to a personal case review.
After you’ve done your research and determined the type of car seat you’d like You can begin looking. You can also ask family members who have children to recommend. You can also schedule a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you choose the right car seat for your baby.
