Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A good car seat will keep your baby safe, comfortable and secure on the road. Which one is the best for your baby?
With features like latch hooks, load legs, and belt routes to consider, picking the right infant car seat can be a challenge. Here's everything you need to consider to make the right decision for your family.
Easy of Use
You'll need to choose one that is easy to install and use whether you're buying a car seat for your newborn or upgrading your toddler's seat. Think about the size and weight of your child, the size of the seat that will fit in your car, and any extra features, such as lay-flat options that can also be used as stroller.
Infant-only chairs are a good option for babies as they're typically narrower than convertible car seats and fit infants more comfortably. They have a harness to support your child's head in an accident, which can reduce the strain on their neck or spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are great for parents who intend to keep their children rear-facing as long as possible because the majority of these models allow children to sit in a rear-facing position until they're 30 pounds or greater. Find a convertible seat that meets the safety standards of the federal government and has a an upper minimum of 50 pounds.
When you're looking for a car seat it's important to consider that even though all carseats must meet strict NHTSA safety standards There are plenty of different models available on market. Choose a seat that is approved by a reputable company or company. Also, check for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The top-rated car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and various recline positions. Some of them also have padding near the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your newborn stay comfortable during long road trips. If you have a smaller vehicle choose a narrow infant seat like the Clek Liing that is just 17 inches in width and is easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby, which is designed to be used with strollers made by UPPAbaby, is another ideal option for families that want a no-fuss car seat that's easy 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 journeys or want to ensure that your child is comfortable during the duration of a ride there are a few important aspects that are worth considering. Be aware of the weight and height limits of your infant seat. This will determine how long your child can safely spend in the seat. Choose a seat which goes up to the 90th percentile of your child's height before turning 1. Consider whether you would like to cover a blanket or coat on the harness straps. The AAP advises against this, since heavy clothing may compress in a crash and leave the straps loose to restrain your child, thereby increasing the risk of injury.
Other factors to consider are whether you intend to install your car seat using belts on your vehicle or the LATCH system, and if it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. If you intend to use your car seat for a majority of your car rides it's best to pick one that fits easily onto the base that is compatible with it. This will save you time and energy because you won't have to take out and reinstall your seat each time you use the car.
In our testing, the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for its ease of installation and adjustments, with reviewers affirming that it "has everything you need for a quick and painless installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that flip out from the base and change to green when fully connected, plus a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener as well as an adjustable foot with springs.
car seat newborn that is worth considering is the budget-friendly Baby Trend Secure-Lift We've found it to be just as simple to use as models that cost twice as much. Our test subjects have praised it for 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 a ideal choice for babies 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 praised for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? ADAC giving it the highest lab rating for infant car seats.
Rear-facing Options
In most automobiles, the most secure place for a newborn is the rear seat. The position in the center is the most secure from any potential impact and will safeguard your child the best in the event of an accident. You should choose an infant car seat that allows your child to sit in a rear-facing position for around one year. It's also important to make sure the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest fits against your child's chest and head. Find a certified child passenger technician who can provide you with the most up-to date suggestions for car seat installation and use. Find the nearest one here.
Choosing the right car seat for your newborn is a major purchase that you'll likely be using for a very long time, so you'll want to select one that has an impressive crash test sensor and score, as along with features to ensure your child's comfort. The Clek Liing is a great option to parents looking for a budget-friendly rear-facing infant car seat. It scored extremely high in both our analysis and sensor tests, has an easy-to-use LATCH system that has the ability to change colors that shows whether the buckle straps are attached properly to the car, and an extra load leg to help stop frontal collisions.
Strategist senior editor and mom of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters who both went from birth to age 6. The adjustable harness height and size allow it to fit children of all sizes, including taller ones. It's a good option for a variety of vehicles. It is a light, 50-pound weight limit for rear-facing children. Additionally, the seat can be converted into a booster, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter until she was 10 years old.
Another affordable option is the Nuna RAVA. It does not have an base, but it's still easy to install with the rigid LATCH connectors. They flip off the bottom and turn green automatically when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for infants, with an unrethread harness that is not rethread and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to fasten the straps without having to remove your baby from the seat. It also has a six-position recline that LaBracio found to be useful.
Forward-Facing Options
In front-facing seats the necks of children are held in the seat back, instead of being pushed forward on the car seat that is hard. This position also protects children from side-impacts better. Most car seats allow children to ride rear-facing until they weigh more than 20 pounds and a year old. Many experts advise that children remain rear-facing as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time to move to the 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. Think about buying a car seat that can grow with your child and become a booster. Some models come with an all-in one feature that lets your child go from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward facing car seat.
It is important to consider whether the car seat will fit in your vehicle, especially in the case of a small trunk or low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat as well as the owner's manual of the vehicle to ensure the best fit.
Lastly, look for a car seat that provides comfortable and adequate support for your child's body--long trips in the car will be easier in the event that they sleep comfortably. This could include features like the ability to recline the seat back, a five point harness that tightens from the back of your seat, and a range of recline positions.
After narrowing your options down, you'll need to consider the policies for replacement in case of a crash of the car seats you're considering. They can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to an individual case review.
Once you've done your research and determined the type of car seat you're looking for It's time to begin shopping around. Take a look at the options available at your local baby store or online retailer, and ask your friends who have young children for recommendations. You can also schedule an Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to assist you in choosing the right car seat for a newborn.