Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A car seat that is safe and secure will keep your baby secure, comfortable and safe while on the road. Which one is most suitable for your child?
With features like latch hooks, load legs and belt paths to consider, selecting the right infant car seat isn't easy. Here's what you should be aware of to make the best purchase for your family.
User-Friendliness
You'll want to choose an option that is easy to set up and use, whether you're buying an infant car seat for a newborn or upgrading your toddler's car seat. Think about the size of the seat base and the car, how the seat will fit your child's weight and height, and additional features that are convenient, such as a lay-flat option that can also double as a bassinet for your stroller.
Infant-only chairs are a good option for newborns because they are typically shorter and fit more snugly than convertible seats. They come with a harness that can ensure your child's head is supported in an accident, which will reduce the stress on their neck or the spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who intend to keep their children rear-facing for as long as is possible because the majority of these models allow children to sit in a rear-facing position until they're 30 pounds or greater. Choose a convertible car seat that meets the safety standards of the federal government and has a the weight minimum of 50 pounds.
 When shopping for a car seat it's important to keep in mind that, even though all car seats must meet strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models on the market. To avoid the burden and risk of a dangerous or defective seat, select one that's certified by a reputable company or a reputable organization, and also look for recalls or manufacturer complaints.
The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and several recline positions. Certain car seats provide extra padding on the shoulder strap and close to the buckle to keep your baby at ease 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 less than 17 inches wide and is easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max, that is compatible together with UPPAbaby Strollers is a great option for families in search of a simple car seat. Its auto-retracting straps EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it easy to use for any car trip.
Safety Features
You should consider a few features when choosing an infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure your child is comfortable during the entire journey or you are looking for a lightweight, safe car seat for your child to use for long trips, it's important to think about a few features. First, think about the height and weight limit of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can be safe in the seat, so choose a seat that goes up to minimum 90th percentile before they turn one. Consider whether you would like to cover a blanket or coat on the straps of your harness. The AAP cautions against this, since thick clothing can compress in a crash and leave the straps loose to secure your child, increasing the risk of injuries.
It is also important to consider whether your car seat will be secured with the LATCH system, or a belt for your vehicle, and if it is compatible with other strollers or travel systems. If you intend to use your seat for the majority of your car rides it's best to pick one that is easily fitted onto an appropriate base. This will save you time and energy since you won't have to remove and reinstall your seat each time you drive.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which was awarded Best of The Bump, was praised in our tests for its ease of installation and adjustment. Testers said it "has everything you need for a quick, painless installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that can be flipped out from the base and turn green when fully connected, as well as a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and a spring-loaded leveling foot.
Another option is the Baby Trend's budget-friendly Secure-Lift, which we've found to be as simple to use as models that cost twice as much. Our test subjects have been raving about its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that can be adjusted to fit your child's height with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders.
The Maxi-Cosi jade is an excellent choice for babies, thanks to its unique 180-degree sleep position. This allows them to rest comfortably and for longer on road trips. It is also praised for its safety by the consumer advocate Which? declaring it to be one of the safest infant car seats on the market and ADAC giving it their highest lab rating for a car seat for infants.
Rear-facing Options
In the majority of cars, the most secure spot for a baby is the rear center seat. The center seat is most away from any impact, and can protect your baby from harm in the event of an accident. If possible, you should choose a car seat for infants that lets your child sit rear-facing up to an year old. It is also essential to make sure the car seat is correctly installed and that the headrest is placed comfortably against your child's chest and head. Consult a certified child passenger technician who can give you the most up-to date guidelines for car seat installation and use. Find the nearest one here.
The choice of an infant car seat cheap car seat for your newborn is a significant investment that you'll likely use for a very long time, so you'll want to select one that has an excellent crash test sensor and analysis score, as in addition to features that will keep your child safe. The Clek LIing is a great choice for parents looking for a rear-facing infant seat that's affordable. It scored high in our analysis and sensor test. It comes with a simple LATCH system that changes color to show when the buckle straps have been properly attached to the car, and an extra load leg that helps avoid frontal collisions.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, utilized the Graco Extend2Fit to fit her daughters, who were both born up to the age of six. The harness's adjustable height and size allow it to accommodate children of all sizes and heights, including taller ones. The seat is suitable for many vehicles, and it has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. It also converts into a booster seat, which Trolio used with her oldest daughter up until she turned 10 years older.
Another option that is reasonably priced is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't come with a base, but it is still simple to install using the rigid LATCH connectors. They slide off the bottom and turn green automatically when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is a comfortable baby seat with no rethread harness. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps, without having to take your child from the car seat. It also features the ability to recline in six positions, which LaBracio found useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing
 In front-facing seats children's necks are held in the back of the seat instead of being pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This position protects them in side collisions as well. Car seats typically allow children to ride rear-facing until they weigh more than 20 pounds and a year old. However, a lot of experts recommend that children remain rear-facing for as long as they can because their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when they're ready to move to an forward-facing seat.
If you are looking at alternatives for forward-facing car seats ensure they meet iSize specifications, have a padded head rest, and a large harness pocket. Think about purchasing a car seat that can expand with your child and become a booster. Certain models have 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 is also important to think about whether the seat will fit your vehicle properly, particularly when you have a limited trunk space or a vehicle with a low clearance. Make sure to check the seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure that the seat is the best fit.
Find a car seat that provides adequate support and comfort to your child. Long drives in the car will be more enjoyable when they can sleep comfortably. This may include features such as reclined headrests and a five-point harness that can be adjusted from the rear of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.
After you've narrowed your options down, you'll want to look at the crash replacement policies of the car seats you're looking at. They can be anything from a manufacturer's replacement policy to an individual case review.
After you've done some study and determined what kind of car seats you want then you can begin shopping. Check out the selection at your local baby store or online retailer and talk to family members who have children for recommendations. You can also arrange an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you choose the best car seat for your newborn.
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25 Surprising Facts About Car Seat For Newborn
