Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A well-designed car seat will keep your baby safe, secure and comfortable while on the road. Which one is the best car seat infant for your newborn?

The right choice for infant car seats cheap car seats isn't easy. There are so many features to consider such as latch hooks, belt pathways, and load legs. Here's what you should be aware of to make the right choice for your family.

Ease of Use

Whether you're shopping for a car seat for your infant car seat in front seat for your newborn or upgrading from an older car seat, you'll need an option that is simple to set up and use. Take into consideration the weight and size of your child, the seat's fit in your car, and any extra features, like the lay-flat option that can also be used as a stroller.

infant car seat rear facing-only chairs are a good option for newborns because they tend to be narrower and fit them more snugly than convertible seats. They also come with the safety of a harness to protect your child's fragile head in a crash, which can reduce stress on their neck and spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are great for parents who plan to keep their infants rear-facing for as long as is possible because the majority of these models allow children to ride in a rear-facing seat until they're 30 pounds or greater. Look for a convertible seat that is compliant with federal safety regulations and has the weight minimum of 50 pounds.

When looking for a car seat, it's important to remember that while all car seats must meet the strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models available on the market. To avoid the hassle and risk of a defective or dangerous seat, select one that's certified by a reputable company or a reputable organization, and also look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

Top-rated car seats are made with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and various recline positions. Some car seats come with additional padding on the straps for the shoulder and close to the buckle to ensure your child is at ease during long road trips. If you're in a smaller vehicle, consider an infant car seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches wide, and is able to be installed in all automobiles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby, which is specifically designed to work with strollers made by UPPAbaby, is another great choice for families who need a simple car seat that is easy to use. The harness that retracts automatically, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all easy to use.

Safety Features

There are a few features when choosing the best infant car seat. If you want to ensure your baby is comfortable throughout the journey or you are looking for a light car seat that is safe for your child to take on long journeys, it's essential to keep in mind certain characteristics. Consider the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can safely be in the seat and so, choose a seat that is able to reach at least your child's 90th percentile before they turn one. Think about whether you'd like to cover a blanket or coat over the harness straps. The AAP advises against this, since heavy clothing may cause a collapse and leave the straps too loose to restrain your child, thereby increasing the risk of injury.

It is also important to consider whether your car seat can be fitted using the LATCH system or a vehicle belt or if it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. A car seat that can fit on a base that is compatible is the best option if you plan to use it for a 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 drive.

The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, was praised in our testing for its ease of installation and adjustments. Testers said it "has everything you need to ensure a fast, easy installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that slide out of the base and turn green once they're fully connected. Also included are a SuperCinch strap tightener that increases the force of the strap and a spring-loaded leveling foot.

The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another option worth considering. We found it to be user-friendly and affordable as models that cost twice as much. The adjustable headrest that can be adjusted to five positions that adapts to your child's growth, its buckle holders with magnetic buckles and harness that doesn't rethread have been praised by our test subjects.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade is a great choice for newborns due to its unique 180-degree sleep position. This lets them rest comfortably and for longer 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 as well as ADAC giving it the highest lab score for a car seat that is suitable for infants.

Rear-Facing Options

In the majority of cars the safest place for a newborn is in the rear seat at the center. The center position is farthest from any possible impact and will protect your child from harm in the event of a crash. If you are able, select an infant car seat that allows your baby to ride rear-facing until about a year old. It is also important to ensure that the car seat is correctly installed and that the headrest fits perfectly against your child's head and chest. The best car seat for newborn uk way to accomplish this is to consult an experienced child passenger safety technician, who will give you the most current recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your area here.

Selecting the right car seat for your baby is a significant investment that you'll likely use for a very long time, so you'll want to choose one with an excellent crash test sensor and score, as in addition to features that will keep your child comfortable. The Clek Liing is a great choice to parents looking for a low-cost rear-facing infant car seat. It scored highly in our analysis and sensor test. It comes with a simple LATCH system that changes color to show that the buckle straps are properly attached to the car. It also has an extra load leg that helps avoid frontal collisions.

Strategist senior editor and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her two daughters who both grew from birth to age 6. The harness's adjustable height and size allow it to fit children of all sizes and heights, including taller ones. It's an excellent choice for a wide range of vehicles and comes with a modest 50-pound weight limit for rear-facing children. It also converts into a booster seat that Trolio used with her oldest daughter up until she turned 10 years old.

Another option that is affordable is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't have a base like many other seats, but is still simple to put in using either method, thanks to its rigid LATCH connectors that slide out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green when connected 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 removing your baby from the car seat. It also comes with an adjustable recline of six positions which LaBracio discovered useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing Focus

Children's necks can be cradled by the back of the seat in front-facing seats instead of being pushed forward on the car seat. This protects them from collisions with the sides. Car seats typically allow children to ride rear-facing until they weigh over 20 pounds and one year old. However, many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as possible--their neck muscles and bones will become stronger when they're ready for an forward-facing seat.

If you are looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, ensure they meet the i-Size requirements with a padded seat pocket and a padded headrest for the seat. Be sure to check the maximum height and weight limits and consider buying an automobile seat that can expand with your child to an adult booster seat. Some models have an all-in-one feature that allows your child to change 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 well, especially if you have a small trunk space or a car with an uninspiring clearance. Check the car seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure the most appropriate fit.

Lastly, look for a car seat that provides adequate support and comfort for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be more bearable when they are able to rest comfortably. This can include features like a reclining headrest and a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of the seat and a variety of recline positions.

Once you've narrowed your choices down, you'll need to consider the policies for replacement in case of a crash of the car seats you're thinking of buying. These can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by-case analysis.

Once you've done your research and determined the kind of car seat you're looking for now is the time to start shopping around. You can also ask your friends with young children for recommendations. You can also request an Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you choose the best car seat for your baby.