Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A car seat that is safe and secure keeps your baby secure, comfortable and safe when you're on the road. Which one is the most suitable for your infant?
With features such as latch hooks, load legs and belt paths to consider, selecting the right infant car seat can be a challenge. Here's what you should consider to make the right choice for your family.
Simple to Use
If you're in the market for an infant car seat for your newborn or upgrading from an older car seat, you'll need one that is easy to install and use. Consider the size of the base and the car, how the seat will fit your child's height and weight, and additional features that are convenient, such as an option to lay flat that doubles as a stroller bassinet.
Infant-only seats can be a good option for newborns because they are typically narrower and fit them more comfortably than convertible car seats. They come with a harness that can help your child's head during an accident, which will reduce the stress on their neck or spinal cord.
Convertible car seat are ideal for parents who wish to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they can. The majority of models allow children to sit rear-facing until the weight is 30 pounds or more. If you choose to purchase a convertible car seat, you should look for one that meets the safety standards of the federal government and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more.
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. To avoid the stress and danger of a defective or dangerous seat, select one that's certified by a reputable company or a reputable organization, and also look for recent recalls and complaints from manufacturers.
The
best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and various recline positions. Certain car seats provide extra padding on the shoulder strap and around the buckle to keep your baby at ease during long road trips. If you drive a smaller car, look for a narrow infant seat like the Clek Liing one, which is under 17 inches wide and is easy to install in most cars. The UPPAbaby Mesa Max, which is designed to be used with strollers from UPPAbaby, is a ideal option for families that want a no-fuss
car seats newborn seat that is simple to use. Its auto-retracting straps, EZ buckle, premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it simple to use for every car trip.
Safety Features
There are a few features when choosing the best infant car seat. If you're looking to ensure your child is comfortable throughout the ride or are looking for a lightweight and safe car seat for your child to use on long trips, you need to keep in mind some of the aspects. First, consider the height and weight limit of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can safely spend in the seat. Look for a model which goes up to the 90th percentile of your child's height prior to turning 1. Also, think about whether you might want to use a coat or blanket over the straps of the harness. The AAP advises against this, since thick clothing can compress in a crash and make the straps too loose to hold your child, increasing the risk of injury.
Other factors to consider are whether you plan to install your car seat using a belt on your vehicle or the LATCH system and if it's compatible other strollers or travel systems. A seat that can easily fit onto a compatible base is the best option if you plan to use it for the majority of your car trips in order to save time and energy by not having to take it off it and reinstall it every time you use your vehicle.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won
best car seats for newborns of The Bump, received
top rated infant car seats marks in our testing for its ease of installation and adjustments. Testers stated that it "has everything you need for a quick, painless installation." This includes premium LATCH connectors that flip out from the base and change to green when fully connected, and a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener as well as a spring-loaded leveling foot.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another option worth considering. We found it to be easy to use and as affordable as other models that cost twice as much. Our test participants have applauded it for its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that can be adjusted to fit your child's height, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade makes a great choice for newborns because of its unique 180-degree sleep position. This allows them to sleep comfortably and longer during road trips. It's also been praised for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? ADAC awarding it the highest laboratory rating for car seats for infants.
Rear-facing Options
In the majority of automobiles, the most secure place for a newborn is the back seat. The position in the center is the most secure from any possible impact and will safeguard your child the best in the event of a crash. If possible, you should choose a car seat for infants that allows your baby to ride rear-facing until they're about a year old. It is also essential to make sure the car seat is correctly installed and that the headrest fits perfectly against your child's chest and head. The easiest way to do this is to speak with an experienced child passenger safety technician, who can give you the most current recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your locality here.
Choosing a car seat for your infant is a significant investment that you'll likely use for a very long time, so you'll want to choose one with an impressive crash test sensor and score, as along with features to ensure your child's comfort. The Clek Liing is a great choice for parents who are looking for an affordable rear-facing infant car seat. It scored highly in both our analysis and sensor tests, has an easy-to-use LATCH system that has an indicator that changes color and indicates how buckle straps are securely attached to the car, and an extra load leg to help stop frontal collisions.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, opted for the Graco Extension2Fit to fit her daughters who were both from birth up to the age of six. The harness's adjustable height and size allows it to fit children of all sizes, including taller ones. It is suitable for various vehicles, and it has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, the seat can be converted into a booster, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter up to the time she was 10 years old.
Nuna RAVA is a similar option. It doesn't have 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 slide out from the bottom of the seat and automatically turn green when connected to the vehicle. The RAVA is comfortable for babies with a no rethread harness. Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to secure the straps without removing your child from the car seat. It also features an adjustable recline of six positions that LaBracio found to be useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing Focus
In front-facing seats the necks of children are held in the seat back, instead of being pushed forward on the car seat that is hard. This position also protects children from side-impacts better. The majority of car seats allow infants to sit rear-facing until they are over 20 pounds and one year old. Many experts advise that children remain rear-facing for as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time to switch to a front-facing seat.