Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns

For infants, the rear-facing infant car seat is the most secure option. It's vital to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer when installing a car seat.

The base of the car seat should be a little reclined which helps keep the baby's head tucked back and the chin away from their chest, lessening the risk of asphyxia.

Types

When it comes to choosing a car seat for newborns, there are two main kinds to be considered. There are two kinds of car seats for newborns such as an infant car seat travel car seat and a convertible car seat. Both have their pros and disadvantages however it all is a matter of personal preference and the way you plan on using the seat. If you plan to use the seat as part of an auto travel system and will be changing vehicles frequently, an infant car seat may be the better choice. If you're looking for a car seat that will expand with your child and become a booster or even beyond, a convertible seat is the best option.

Infant cars seats are designed specifically for newborns and infants and are designed to be placed in the rear position, which is the safest method of travel for the little ones. They are generally cheaper, but they have a shorter life-span than convertible car seats. They are most likely to require replacement once your child reaches their weight or height limit (which can differ widely between seats) or if they exceed their age-group limit.

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

Many of the best convertible car seats for infants will come with a variety of features. They include a smooth rotation feature, a simple harness adjustment, and a base made of EPS foam, which is similar to Styrofoam. These features are well-liked by parents because they make it easier for parents to get their babies into and out of their seats while still ensuring their child is secure and comfortable.

When selecting a car seat, you need to make sure it's compatible with your vehicle and comes with LATCH for easy installation. It is also important to check for safety features, such as shock-absorbing material and side impact protection. If you're not sure what type of seat is best for your family, talk to a certified newborn car seat seat technician. They'll be able to guide about your choices and help you pick the right seat for your infant.

Safety

You should always check whether the model you choose meets strict safety standards, regardless of whether you are shopping for convertible car seats, infant car seat or a travel system ready for your baby seat. This is especially crucial for infants since they are smaller and more delicate than older children. Choose seats that have five-point safety harnesses that attaches between the legs between the crotch and below the shoulders when the child is facing rearwards or above the shoulders when the child is facing forward. This helps secure your child, stopping them from being thrown out of the seat in the event of a crash or sudden stop.

It is recommended to choose a seat that can be secured to the vehicle with either lower anchors or a seat belts, and has the option of a top tether to prevent the car seat from moving forward during a crash and potentially obstructing breathing of the child. Make sure the recline angle is in line also, as infants are often trapped in a seat that's too high up.

Most importantly, be sure to follow all manufacturer's guidelines regarding proper installation for the model you have chosen. It is a good idea to check with a certified car seat inspection technician during your pregnancy and/or immediately after the birth of your child. This professional can ensure a perfect installation.

It is also a aspect to take into consideration. If you intend to frequently use a stroller you should consider a baby car seat and stroller combo that can be connected seamlessly. This is a fantastic option for busy parents, as it is simple to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller and vice versa when you're running errands or taking an outing with the family.

Always use your seat on a solid surface (such as a car seat or base) and not on a soft surface, such as a sofa or bed or a bed, as this could cause it to tip over. This could lead to your child being injured or even killed. In the event that you leave your baby's infant or baby's car seat or carrier unsupervised on soft surfaces may result in the suffocation of your child.

Easy to Use

A car seat can only provide the best protection in the event that it is used correctly each time. Unfortunately, many car injuries to children's seats are caused by mistakes. These include not following product instructions, incorrect installation, using aftermarket accessories, and placing the child in an improper position.

To reduce the chance of error, a reliable infant car seat will come with easy-to-read instructions for installation and features that allow you to ensure correct usage. Certain brands, such as CYBEX have even included visual indicators and click sounds to confirm the seat is installed correctly. This is important as studies have proven that improper use of a Car seat For newborn seat can be responsible for up to 50% of all injuries caused by car seat for newborn seats.

Also, remember that you must never leave your infant in the car seat or in a carrier even if it's just for a few minutes. If left unattended, a child in a safety car seat or carrier may fall on soft surfaces like couches or beds, and cause serious injury or even death. The seats could also tip over on their sides, leading to the death of a child.

Selecting the right infant car seat for your baby is based on a variety of factors such as lifestyle and longevity. A one-piece model is cheaper upfront but may not fit smaller babies as well and is less adaptable than a convertible car seat or booster. If parents intend to travel frequently and require a light, easy-to-install seat is essential, while urban dwellers will likely want an option that is easily installed without the base and in a taxi or Uber.

A seat that can be attached to strollers is a great choice for new parents who are looking to reduce the amount of luggage they carry in the city or on plane flights. This is especially the case if you plan to commute via public transport often and reside in a large city. Many seats can be paired with UPPAbaby's strollers to facilitate and simple commuting. Additionally, you must be aware of the installation of your seat in vehicles that don't have lower anchors or tether connections, as they aren't commonly found in many models.

Convenience

Many infant car seats can be used with stroller travel systems which allows you to create an all-inclusive solution for child safety. This makes it easy to move a sleepy baby from your car to a stroller, even in bad weather and at night. Make sure to ensure that the seat is secured in the stroller prior to you drive off. If you leave it in the car or on the street isn't secure and could allow your baby to exit the seat unattended, which could lead to injury.

Car seats for infants are designed specifically for infants and infants with smaller sizes, offering snug and secure fittings and lots of extra padding for comfort and safety. They're generally lighter than convertible car seats, making them easier to carry for short distances. The majority of infant car seats are made to be used rear facing which is recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the safest position for children in the early years.

However, they have shorter lifespans than convertible car seats. In general, children outgrow infant car seats between nine months and a year. You may need to upgrade your car seat to a convertible one earlier than you anticipated.

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

When selecting a baby car seat, it's important to be aware that babies could be strangled if the straps become loose or not secured. It's also unsafe to leave a child alone in a car seat so make sure you choose one with the option of locking off your vehicle or a built-in lock.

The car seats our experts test are engineered to offer the highest level of safety. Bob Hoffman, our Senior Review Editor has more car seat installation and scoring experience than anyone on the planet and is joined by the mother of two boys Wendy Schmitz, Senior Reviews Editor, and Abriah Wofford, a Senior Review Analyst who has been testing seats since the year 2016. Our team's expertise and knowledge will help you choose the best seat for your child as well as your vehicle.