Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A quality car seat can keep your baby secure and comfortable on the road. Which is the best for your baby?

With features such as latch hooks, load legs and belt paths to consider, selecting the best infant car seats on sale car seat isn't easy. Here's everything you need consider to make the right choice for your family.

Easy of Use

You'll want to choose one that is easy to install and use whether you're buying an infant car seat for your newborn or upgrading your toddler's seat. Take into consideration the size of the seat base and the car, how the seat fits your baby's weight and height, and additional features that are convenient, such as an option to lay flat that can double as a bassinet for a stroller.

Infant-only seats are a great choice for small babies because they're typically narrower than convertible car seats and can fit infants more comfortably. They have a harness to help your child's head during an accident, which could lessen the strain on their neck or spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who wish to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they can. The majority of models allow children to rear-facing for 30 pounds or more. Find a convertible seat that meets the safety standards of the federal government and has a the weight minimum of 50 pounds.

When you're looking for a car seat, it's important to keep in mind that even though all carseats must conform to strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models available on market. Choose a seat that is certified by a reputable organization or company. Also, check for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and various recline positions. Some even have additional padding near the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your newborn stay comfortable during long travel. If you have a small vehicle, think about a narrow infant car seat, such as the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches wide, and can be easily installed in all vehicles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby that is specifically designed for use with strollers from UPPAbaby, is a great choice for families who need a simple car seat that is easy to use. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all easy to use.

Safety Features

It is important to consider the following aspects when selecting the right infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure that your child is safe throughout the entire journey or are in search of a light car seat that is safe for your child to use on long trips, you need to consider certain aspects. Take into consideration the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the seat. Choose a seat that can be used up to the 90th centile of your child's height prior to turning 1. Consider whether you'd like to use blankets or coats over the straps of the harness. The AAP warns against this because thick clothing could compress in the event of a crash, making the straps too loose for your child to be secured, increasing the risk of injury.

Other considerations include whether you intend to install your car seat with a belt on your vehicle or the LATCH system and if it's compatible other strollers or travel systems. A car seat that is able to fit on a base that is compatible is ideal if you intend to use it for a majority of your journeys and will save you time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it each time you use your vehicle.

In our testing the Best of the Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for its ease of installation and adjustments, with users saying it "has everything you need for a fast and painless installation." This includes premium LATCH connecters that can be removed from the base, and turn green once they're fully connected. Additionally, there is a SuperCinch strap tightener that increases the force of the strap as well as spring-loaded leveling feet.

The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another great option. We found it to be as simple to use and affordable as models costing twice more. The adjustable headrest that can be adjusted to five positions that adapts to your child and its magnetic buckle holders, and its no-rethread harness have been praised by our test subjects.

The Maxi-Cosi jade is a ideal choice for babies because of its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position which allows them to sleep longer and more comfortably during travel. It is also acknowledged for its safety by the consumer advocate Which? calling it 'one of the most secure infant car seats available' and ADAC giving it the highest lab score for a car seat for infants.

Rear-Facing Options

In the majority of cars the safest place for a newborn is in the middle rear seat. The position in the center is the most secure from any potential impact and will safeguard your child from harm in an accident. If you can, opt for a car seat that lets your child ride rear-facing until about a year old. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is correctly installed and that the headrest is placed snugly against your child's head and chest. The best car seats for newborns way to accomplish this is to speak with an experienced child passenger safety technician, who can provide you with the most current guidelines for car seat use and installation. Find one in your area here.

Choosing a car seat for your baby is a major investment that you'll likely use for a long duration, so you'll need to choose one with an impressive crash test sensor and analysis score as well as features to ensure your child's comfort. The Clek LIing is an excellent option for parents who are looking for a rear-facing infant car seats best seat that's affordable. It scored highly in our sensor and analysis test. It has an easy-to-use LATCH system that changes color to indicate that the buckle straps are properly secured to the car and a load-leg to help prevent frontal collisions.

Strategist senior editor and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters, who both went from birth to age 6. The seat's adjustable height and length make it suitable for a range of children from tall to short. It is suitable for numerous vehicles, and has an upper limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. It also converts into an adult seat that Trolio used with her youngest daughter up until she was 10 years old. young.

Nuna RAVA is a different, affordable alternative. It doesn't have a base like many other seats, but is still very simple and quick to install using either method, thanks to its rigid LATCH connectors that flip out from the bottom of the seat and automatically turn green once secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for babies, thanks to an unrethread harness that is not rethread and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to attach the straps without taking your baby from the seat. It also comes with a six-position recline, which LaBracio found to be useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing

Children's necks can be held by the back of the seat in front-facing seats rather than being pushed forward onto the hard seat of a vehicle. This position also protects them from injuries in side crashes. The majority of car seats allow infants up to 20 pounds and 1 year of age to ride rearward. However, many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing for as long as they can because their neck muscles and bones will become stronger by the time they're ready to move to an forward-facing seat.

If you are looking at alternatives for forward-facing car seat, ensure they meet iSize requirements, have a padded head rest, and a large harness pocket. Think about purchasing a car seat that can expand with your child, and then become a booster. Some models come with an all-in one feature that lets your child go from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward facing car seat.

It is important to consider whether the car seat is a good fit in your vehicle, particularly in the case of a small trunk or a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and the owner's manual for the best infant carrier car seat fit.

Lastly, look for a car seat that has comfortable and adequate support for your child's body. Long trips in the car will be more bearable when they are able to sleep comfortably. This could include features such as reclined seat backs and a five-point harness that can tighten from the rear of your seat and a variety of recline positions.

After you've narrowed your options down, you should consider the policies regarding crash replacement of the car seats you're looking at. These could range from a manufacturer’s replacement policy, to a specific case review.

After you've done your research and decided what type of car seat you'd like then you can begin shopping. Take a look at the options available at your local baby shop or online, and ask your family members who have children to get their suggestions. You can also book a consultation with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you find the right car seat for your infant.