Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns

A rear-facing infant seat is the safest option for infants. If a car seat is installed incorrectly, it could result in injuries or even death, so it's essential to follow instructions of the manufacturer when installing.

The base of the car seat should be slightly reclined. This will help keep the baby's head and chin off their chest, reducing the chance of asphyxia from a position.

Types

When selecting the best car seat for infants There are two main types to take into consideration. A baby car seat and a convertible baby car seat. Both have advantages and disadvantages. It really comes down to your personal preference and the way in which the seat is utilized. If you plan to use the seat in an automobile travel system, and will be changing vehicles often, an infant car seat may be the better choice. If you are looking for a car seat that will expand with your child and become a booster or go beyond the age of a convertible seat, it is the best choice.

Infant car seats are specifically designed for newborns and babies and are always used with the backwards facing position. This is the safest choice for children who are small. These seats are typically cheaper, but they have a shorter life span than convertible car seat. They are most likely to need to be replaced once your child is at their weight or height limits (which can differ widely between seats) or when they reach the top of their age group limit.

Convertible car seats, also known as all-in-one seats are designed to take your baby from birth to their toddler years and even into their school years. They are typically used as a rear-facing or forward-facing seat, and some can be converted into a booster seat.

A lot of the top rated baby car seats convertible car seats designed for infants will have a range of features. They include a smooth rotating feature, an easy harness adjustment and a base constructed of EPS foam that is similar to Styrofoam. These features are popular with parents as they make it easier to get their babies into and out of their seats, while ensuring that their child is safe and comfortable.

It is important to ensure that the car seat you select is compatible with your vehicle and it also has LATCH to allow for simple installation. Also, you should look for safety features such as shock-absorbent material and side impact protection. Consult a qualified car seat specialist if are unsure which seat is best infant seat for your family. They can help you navigate the options and help you pick the appropriate seat for your child.

Safety

You should always check that the product you select meets strict safety standards, whether you are shopping for a convertible car seat, infant car seat or an infant travel system that is ready for your infant car seat in front seat. This is particularly important for babies, since they are lighter and smaller than older children. Look for a seat with a five-point harness that is attached to the shoulders below (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing), between the legs and around the crotch. This will prevent your child from being thrown from the seat in the event of an unexpected stop or crash.

It is recommended to choose seats that are secured to the vehicle by either lower anchors or seat belts, and also has an upper tether that stops the car seat from moving forward in a crash and potentially obstructing breathing of the child. Be sure that the recline angle is right as well, since newborns are often trapped in a seat that is too upright.

The most important thing is to follow all manufacturer's guidelines regarding proper installation for your specific model. It's also a good idea to collaborate with an approved car seat inspector during pregnancy or after the birth of your child, since this professional can help you ensure that your installation is flawless every time.

The compatibility of strollers is a further factor to think about. If you are planning to use your stroller often, consider an infant car and stroller set-up that clicks seamlessly together. This is a great option for busy parents as it allows them to effortlessly transfer their child from the stroller into the car, and vice versa, when they're running errands.

Always place your seat on a solid surface (such as car seats or bases) and never on a soft surface like a sofa or bed because this could cause it to tip over. This could result in your child being injured, or even killed. In the event of an infant or baby's seat being left unattended, it could cause on soft surfaces can cause suffocation.

Ease of Use

A car seat will only provide the highest level of protection if it is used properly every time. Unfortunately, a lot of injuries in car seats are caused by errors. This includes not following the manufacturer's instructions, incorrect installation and use of aftermarket accessories and putting the child in the wrong position.

To minimize the risk of error, a good infant car seat will have easy-to-read installation instructions and features that help to ensure proper usage. Certain brands, such as CYBEX include visual indicators and click sounds that assure that the seat is fitted correctly. This is crucial as studies have shown incorrect use of car seats can be the cause of up to 50% of injuries that are related to car seats.

You should also be aware that you should never leave your infant in a car seat or carrier, even if it is only for a few minutes. If a child is left unattended, the safety seat could fall and fall onto soft surfaces, like couches or beds, causing serious injury or even death. The seats could also be flipped over onto their sides, resulting in the death of a child.

The best car seats newborn infant car seat depends on several factors, including your lifestyle and the durability of the seat. All-in-one models are cheaper initially however they might not fit smaller infants as well and be less flexible than a booster or convertible car seat. A lightweight, easy-to-install seat is essential for parents who travel often. Urban dwellers may prefer a seat that can be put in a taxi, Uber, or other vehicle that does not have the base.

A seat that is attached to strollers is a excellent option for families who are looking to minimize the amount of luggage they carry in town or on airplane flights. This is especially the case in the event that you intend to commute on public transportation frequently and live in a big city. Many seats can be connected to UPPAbaby's strollers to facilitate comfortable commutes. Be sure to pay attention to how easy it is to mount the seat you want to use on vehicles with no lower anchors or tether connectors because they aren't as popular.

Convenience

Many infant car seats can also connect to a stroller travel system to create an entire child safety solution. This makes it easier to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller in bad weather or at night. Make sure to put the seat in the stroller before you drive off. It's not safe to leave it in the car, or even on the road. Your child could be injured if they exit the seat without supervision.

Infant car seats are made specifically for newborns and infants with smaller sizes, offering comfortable and secure fit with plenty of padding for comfort and safety. They are usually lighter than convertible car seats, making them easier to carry for short distances. Most infant car seats can be used rear-facing which is the preferred position by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

They have a shorter lifespan than convertible car seats. Children usually outgrow their infant seats between nine months and a year. This means that you might need to upgrade to a convertible car seat sooner than you expected.

A quality cheap infant car seats car seat will have straps for harnesses that lie flat against the child's chest, and also over their hips and the chest clip placed at the armpit level, and the crotch buckle laid flat across their thighs. Some models have removable and adjustable inserts to assist parents to maintain this recommended fit.

When choosing an infant car seat, it's important to be aware that babies could be strangled if the straps become loose or are not fastened. It's also not safe to leave a child alone in a car seat, so make sure you choose one with a lockoff feature for your vehicle, or a built-in lock.

Our experts test car seats to ensure they have the best safety features. Bob Hoffman, our Senior Review Editor has more car seat installation and scoring experience than anyone else on the planet, and he's joined by mom of two boys Wendy Schmitz, Senior Reviews Editor, and Abriah Wofford an Analyst for Senior Reviews who's been testing seats since 2016. Our team's expertise and knowledge will assist you in choosing the best car seat for your child and vehicle.