How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn

The best car seat newborn is one that meets federal safety standards, is compatible with your vehicle, has convenient extras (like making it the stroller) and works with your budget. It's also worth checking that the car seat for your baby clicks into and out of your car without difficulty especially if you frequently switch between taxis or trips in rental cars or grandparents' vehicles.

Safety

Car seats are made to ensure your baby is safe and a quality one should have some extra features that go beyond federal safety standards. They include padded inserts for the head and shoulders and air-repellent fabrics to keep them cool while driving in hot temperatures.

Installation and use of the seat is an important aspect to consider for safety. Idealy, the seat should be simple to install and use, with clear indicators of its level, position, and security.

You can find features that aid in this process, such as belt guides and built-in locks that will help you align the car seat with your vehicle's seatbelt. It is also important to avoid purchasing used car seats, which might not be tested for crash safety or have been involved in an accident and might not be safe for your child. If you are forced to purchase an old car seat, ensure that it is not expired. an expiration and that the seller isn't an individual or a private party who has no evidence of ownership.

Another thing to bear in your mind is to keep your baby in the car seat for up to two hours per day, unless they are lying down in a supine position. This will reduce strain on the spine of your child, and ensure that they are able to breathe regularly.

You'll want a seat to last for a long time, since it's an important investment. Choose a seat that will grow with your child and last through toddlerhood to teen years. Our parent testers were very satisfied with the Axkid i-Size. It is suitable for children from birth and is able to be used up to age 7.

The Nuna pipa aire rx is another option that can be used for a long time. It rotates 360 degrees, making it possible to change it from front-facing to rear-facing as the child grows. It's also among the lightest car seats that rotate available and weighs less than 9 pounds without its base. It's the ideal choice for parents who frequently transfer their children between cars or plan to use it for taxi rides, fly-drive holidays, and trips to grandparent's houses.

Comfort

It is essential that your baby feels at ease in their car seat, both in it and after you install it. Find straps with padding that fit comfortably on their shoulders, and soft fabric that is comfortable on their stomach, particularly if they will be in the seat for long rides.

The most effective infant car seats are also easy to use. Some have premium LATCH connectors with a SuperCinch force multiplier that tightens the seat. Some also come with spring-loaded leveling legs and belt paths that make installing without a base simpler than ever. Other features allow you to adjust the height of the headrest and harness, which is important as your child grows.

Cosatto All in All Rotate is a prime example. Our testers from our parent company gave it 10 out of 10. It has an easy-to-use interface and an easy-to-adjust no-rethread harness, as well as a recline lock indicator and 360-degree rotation. This means you can switch between forward and rear-facing positions as your baby grows, without having to remove the seat and replace it.

Nuna Pipa Aire Rx is a different example. Our testers who were parents were impressed by its comfort, simplicity and versatility. Its padded shoulder straps as well as headrest are designed to support your baby's head and includes a soft cheap infant car seats pillow to ensure they are comfortable. It can be used as a rear-facing car seat until your baby reaches the maximum weight or height limits and then it can be converted into a stroller without the need for an additional adapter.

A high-quality car seat is sturdy and some even come with a guarantee. Look for a seat with robust materials and plenty of padding to protect your baby from accidents, as well as the steel frame that can absorb impact energy and a "crumple zone" to prevent damage. It should also be easy to clean, since spills are commonplace with a baby. Choose car seats with removable seat covers and a machine-washable pad to make cleanup a breeze.

Easy to Use

A car seat must be simple to install and use, especially if you're likely to be using it in a different vehicle at least once in a while. To make it as easy as possible, look for features such as a belt that can be released quickly, an indicator to show the status of the latch (e.g. green for locked), and a manual that is easy to read.

The Best of The Bump winner also has a number of practical features that our parent testers adored, such as a padded harness and headrest as well as a plush fabric cup holder. It also has a reclining feature that allows your child to sit in a comfortable and ergonomic position for longer trips. It can also be used with a compatible buggy to create an entire travel system which is perfect if you are planning to travel for long durations of time.

It is suitable from birth. Our panelists found this car seat easy to set up and adjust. It comes with an indicator for recline and an exclusive LATCH connector with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, which makes securing your child quick and easy. It's designed to be easily moved from side to side in the vehicle without the need for tools.

One of our most loved features is the recline feature that allows you to easily take your baby in and out of the car. This is particularly useful if you suffer from back pain or drive a car with a small size. It also has an adjustable drink holder that can be reversible, as well as a convenient storage compartment for snacks and toys.

The seat weighs under nine pounds and can be used with or without its base. It can also be rotated around 180 degrees. This is a fantastic option if you're limited on space or suffer from back pain. Our panelists were thrilled by this new feature, which won a spot in our 2021 Mother&Baby awards.

This is a great choice for those who want to convert their car seats into strollers for affordable prices. Its sleek design and high-quality materials will stand up to the test time. Just don't forget to wash your cover frequently because smashed yogurt spills, biscuits, and the odd sick toddler accident is certain to leave a mark!

Design

The styles of car seats are as diverse as the cars they're placed in. Some parents prefer to leave infant car seats out in favour of convertible models, the majority of new mothers want a seat that can grow with their baby into toddlerhood. The most versatile choice is an all-in-one infant car seat that allows you to change between rear-facing and forward-facing. It usually has a higher weight and height limit and can also be used as a booster once your child is old enough.

The ideal infant car seat for infants is light and easy to lift off the base while your child is inside. The Maxi-Cosi Coral is available in only a few colors, but it has a number of safety features, and is also light (8.4 pounds, including seat inserts and canopy). Other standout models include the Nuna PIPA URbN, winner of Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for best car seats for newborns Car Seat Group 0/0+ due to its premium features like the Dream drape and a full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy.

The design of the base and the seat should also be considered. Some car seats come with an attached base that is locked into the buckles for seat belts. Some have steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH which flip out of the sides of the base once properly joined. These were useful for parents, especially if the vehicle only had front-facing seatbelts.

Some infant car seats cheap car seats work with standard seatbelts that do not have the base. This is a fantastic feature for parents who frequently travel or take taxis with their infants. Our parents who tested it really enjoyed the Nuna TODL NEXT which can be used with or without its base. It features a smooth swivel movement that makes it simple to get your child into and out of the seat.

Additionally, the design of the car seat is crucial. It must fit into your car. (See our guide on car seat compatibility). If you're in search of a car seat that can grow with your baby into a booster, choose one that has the option of reclining headrests and side impact protection. It's also worth checking that the infant car seat is iSize compliant and uses the correct car seat attachment points, according to UK law.