Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A good car seat can keep your baby secure and comfortable while driving. But which one is best for your newborn?
Choosing the right infant car seat can be difficult. There are many options to think about, including latch hooks, belt paths and load legs. Here's what you should be aware of to make the best buying decision for your family.
Easy to Use
You'll want to select one that is easy to set up and use, whether you're buying a car seat for a new baby or upgrading from your toddler's car seat. Consider the size and weight of your child, the seat's capacity in the car and any other features, such as a lay-flat option which can also be used as stroller.
Infant-only seats are a good option for infants because they're generally narrower than convertible car seats and can fit newborns more snugly. They come with a harness that can support your child's head in an accident, which will reduce the strain on their neck or spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are great for parents who want to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they can. The majority of models allow children to ride rear-facing until 30 pounds or greater. Choose a convertible car seat that meets the safety standards of the federal government and has a an upper limit of at least 50 pounds.
When looking for a car seat it's important to remember that, even though all car seats must be in compliance with strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models available on market. Pick a seat certified by a reputable organization or company. Also, check for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The top-rated car seats for infants have skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding and a range of recline positions. Some of them also have padding around the buckle and on the shoulder harness to help your infant stay comfortable during long journeys. If you drive a smaller car choose an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing, which is under 17 inches wide and is easy to install in most vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max, that can be used in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great choice for families who want an easy car seat. Its auto-retracting straps, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it easy to use for every car journey.
Safety Features
If you're looking for an infant safe, lightweight car seat to take your child for long drives or want to make sure your child is comfortable for the duration of your ride there are a few important aspects that are important to keep in mind. First, think about the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can be safely in the car seat, so choose a seat that can be adjusted to minimum 90th percentile measurement before they turn 1. Consider whether you would like to drape an overcoat or blanket over the straps of the harness. The AAP warns against this since heavy clothing may compress in the event of a crash, making straps too loose for your child to be secured, increasing the chance of injuries.
You should also consider whether your car seat can be installed via the LATCH system or a vehicle belt, and if it is compatible with other travel systems or strollers. If you intend to use your car seat for a majority of your journeys in the car, it's best to choose one that can easily fit on the base that is compatible with it. This will reduce time and energy because you won't have to take out and reinstall your seat each time you drive.
In our testing the Best of the Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with testers saying it "has everything you need for a quick and easy installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that can be removed from the base, and then turn green when they are fully connected. Additionally, there is a SuperCinch strap tightener for force multipliers as well as a spring-loaded leveling feet.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another great option. We found it to be easy to use and as affordable as models that cost twice more. Our test participants have praised it for its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that adapts to the size of your baby with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is the perfect choice for infants, thanks to its unique sleeping position of 180 degrees. This lets them sleep comfortably and longer during travel. It's also been praised for its safety, with consumer champion Which? ADAC giving it the highest lab rating for car seats for infants.
Rear-Facing Options
In the majority of cars the most secure position for infants is the center rear seat. The position in the center is the most secure from any impact that could occur and will protect your child best in the event of a crash. If possible, you should opt for a car seat that lets your child sit rear-facing up to one year old. It is also important to make sure the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest fits snugly against your child's head and chest. Consult a certified child passenger technician who can provide you with the most up-to date guidelines for car seat installation and use. Find one in your locality here.
Choosing an infant car seat for your infant is a major investment that you'll likely use for a very long duration, so you'll need to choose one with an amazing crash test sensor and analysis score, as along with features to keep your child comfortable. The Clek Liing is a great option for parents looking for an affordable rear-facing infant car seat. It scored well in our sensor and analysis test. It comes with an easy LATCH system that changes color to show whether the buckle straps have been correctly secured to the car and a load-leg that helps prevent frontal collisions.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, opted for the Graco Extend2Fit to fit her daughters who were both born up to age six. The seat's adjustable height and length help it fit a range of children from short to tall. click hyperlink is suitable for various vehicles, and it has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. The seat also converts into a booster, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter up to the time she was 10 years old.
Nuna RAVA is a similar alternative. It does not come with a base like the majority of seats, however it is still extremely simple and quick to install by using either of the rigid LATCH connectors that flip out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green when secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for infants, with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to fasten the straps without having to remove your child from the seat. LaBracio also liked the recline that has six positions.
Forward-Facing Options
Children's necks can be held by the seat back in front-facing seats instead of being pushed forward onto a hard vehicle seat. This also helps protect children from side-impacts better. Most car seats allow infants up to 20 pounds and 1 year old to ride rearward. Many experts advise that children remain rear-facing as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time for them to transition to the front-facing seat.
When looking for options for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the iSize standards, have a padded harness pocket, and a cushioned seat headrest. Think about buying a car seat that can grow with your child, and then become a booster. Certain models have an all-in-one feature that lets your child change 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, especially in the case of a small trunk or low clearance. Check the dimensions of the car seat as well as the owners' manuals for your vehicle to determine the best fit.
Choose a car seat that offers good support and comfort to your child. Long drives in the car will be more enjoyable when they are able to rest comfortably. This may include features such as reclined headrests, a five-point harness that can be adjusted from the rear of the 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 considering. These could range from a manufacturer’s replacement policy to an individual case review.
After you've done some study and determined what kind of car seats you want, you can start shopping. Take a look at the options available at your local baby shop or online, and ask parents of young children for recommendations. You can also schedule a consultation with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you choose the best car seat for your newborn.