Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A good car seat keeps your baby secure, comfortable and safe when you're on the road. Which one is the most suitable for your baby?

Selecting the best portable infant car seat car seats isn't an easy task. There are many options to think about, including latch hooks, belt paths and load legs. Here's what you need to be aware of to make the best buying decision for your family.

Easy of Use

You'll need to choose an option that is easy to install and use, whether you're purchasing an infant car seats that swivel car seat for a newborn or upgrading your toddler's seat. Consider the size and weight of your child, the seat's fit in the car and any other features, like a lay-flat option which can also be used as a stroller.

Infant-only seats are a good option for babies as they're generally smaller than convertible car seats and can fit infants more comfortably. They also provide a harness that supports your child's delicate head in the event of a crash, which can reduce tension on their neck and the spinal cord.

Convertible car seat are ideal for parents who wish to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they are able to. Most models let the child ride rear-facing until 30 pounds or greater. If you choose to purchase a convertible car seat, you should look for one that complies with the safety standards of the federal government and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more.

It's important to keep in mind that, even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards, there are many different models to choose from. To avoid the hassle and risk of a defective or dangerous seat, select one that's approved by a reputable business or a reputable organization, and also look for recent recalls and complaints from manufacturers.

The best car seats; Topsorb explained in a blog post, are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and various recline positions. Certain car seats provide extra padding on the straps for the shoulder and close to the buckle to keep your baby at ease during long road trips. If you have a small vehicle, consider a narrow infant car seat, such as the Clek Liing. It's less than 17 inches in width, and is easily installed in all vehicles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby, which is specifically designed to work with strollers from UPPAbaby, is a ideal option for families that require a car seat with no fuss that is easy to use. Its auto-retracting straps, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and no-rethread harness make it simple to use for every car trip.

Safety Features

If you're looking for a safe, lightweight infant car seat to take your child on long journeys or want to make sure your baby is comfortable for the duration of your ride there are a few important aspects that are worth considering. Take into consideration 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 that is able to accommodate the 90th centile of your child's height prior to turning 1. Consider whether you'd prefer to wear blankets or coats on the harness straps. The AAP recommends against this since heavy clothing may be compressed in a crash and leave the straps too loose to hold your child, increasing the risk of injuries.

You should also think about whether your car seat will be secured with the LATCH system, or a vehicle belt and if it's compatible with other travel systems or strollers. A car seat that can fit onto a compatible base is ideal if you plan to use it for the majority of your car rides in order to save time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it every time you drive.

The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, scored top rated infant car seats marks in our testing for its ease of installation and its ability to adjust. Testers said it "has everything you need for a quick, painless installation." This includes premium LATCH connectors that open from the base and become green when connected, and a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener and an adjustable foot with springs.

Another great option 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 testers have praised it for its five-position, height-adjustable headrest that grows with your baby, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade is an excellent choice for babies due to its unique 180-degree sleep position. This allows them to sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on journeys. It's also been lauded for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? ADAC awarding it the highest laboratory rating for infant car seats.

Rear-facing Options

In most automobiles, the most secure place for a baby seat is the rear seat. The seat in the middle is the furthest from any impact that could occur and will safeguard your child best in a crash. You should choose an infant car seat that allows your child to be backwards for around one year. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest fits perfectly against your child's head and chest. Find a certified child passenger technician who can give you the most current recommendations for car seat installation and use. Find one in your locality here.

Selecting a car seat for your newborn is a significant investment that you'll likely use for a very long period of time, so it's important to select one that has an amazing crash test sensor and analysis score as along with features to keep your child comfortable. The Clek Liing is a great choice to parents looking for a budget-friendly rear-facing infant car seat. It scored well in our analysis and sensor test. It has a simple LATCH system that changes color to indicate that the buckle straps have been properly secured to the car. It also has a load-leg that helps prevent frontal collisions.

Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, used the Graco Extension2Fit to fit her daughters who were both born up to age six. The seat's adjustable height and length make it suitable for all children, from tall to short. It's a great option for a wide range of vehicles. It also comes with a modest 50-pound rear-facing weight limit. Additionally, the seat can be converted into a booster, which Trolio used for her daughter's oldest until she was 10 years old.

Another affordable option is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't have a base like many other seats, but is still simple and quick to install using either method, thanks to its rigid LATCH connectors, which flip out from the bottom of the seat. They then automatically turn green when secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is comfortable for babies with a no rethread harness. Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to secure the straps without having to take your baby from the car seat. LaBracio also discovered the recline with six positions to be useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing Focus

Children's necks can be cradled by the seat back in front-facing seats rather than being pushed forward on the hard seat of a vehicle. This also helps protect them better in side crashes. The majority of car seats allow children to ride rear-facing until they are over 20 pounds and a year old. However, many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as possible--their neck muscles and bones will be stronger by the time they're ready for an forward-facing seat.

When looking at options for forward-facing car seats ensure they meet iSize requirements, have a cushioned head rest, and a large harness pocket. You should consider buying a car seat that can grow with your child, and then become a booster. Some models have an all-in-one feature that allows you to transfer your child from a rear-facing car seats (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat that has a harness and then to the booster seat.

It's also important to consider whether the seat will fit your vehicle properly, particularly in the case of a tiny trunk space or a vehicle with a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and the owner's manual for the best fit.

Look for a car-seat that provides good support and comfort to your child. Long drives in the car are more enjoyable if they can sleep comfortably. This can include features like an adjustable headrest and a five-point harness that can be tightened from the rear of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.

After narrowing down your options, consider the policies on crash replacement for the car seat you're considering. They can differ from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by -case review.

After you've done your research and determined the type of car seat you'd like, you can start shopping. You can also ask friends with young children for recommendations. You can also request an appointment for a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you choose the best car seat for your baby.