Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns

A rear-facing infant seat is the most safest option for infants. Incorrectly using a car seat could cause injury or death, so it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing.

The base of the car seat should be slightly pulled back. This will help to keep the baby's head and chin off their chests, reducing the risk for positional asphyxia.

Types

When it comes to choosing the best car seat for infants there are two primary types to consider. There are two types of car seats for newborns such as an infant car seat and a convertible car seat. Both have pros and cons. It all is a matter of personal preference and the way in which the seat will be used. If you plan to utilize the seat as part of an itinerary and you will be changing vehicles often and frequently, then an infant car seat could be the best choice. If you're looking for a car seat for newborn seat that will expand with your child and become a booster or even beyond the age of a convertible seat, it is the best choice.

Infant cars seats are designed specifically for newborns and infants and are designed to be used in the rear-facing position, which is the safest method of travel for the little infants. They are also typically cheaper than convertible car seats, but they can have a shorter life span. Most seats must be replaced once your child reaches their weight or height limit (which can differ greatly between seats), or if their age is reached.

Convertible car seats, also known as all-in-one seats, are designed to carry your infant from birth to their toddler years and even into their school years. Some of them can be used as a forward-facing seat or a rear-facing one.

Many of the best convertible car seats designed for infants are equipped with a variety of features. These include a smooth-rotation feature, a simple harness adjustment and a base constructed of EPS foam which is similar to Styrofoam. Parents appreciate these features since they make getting their children in and out of the seat much easier, while ensuring that their children are kept comfortable and safe.

When selecting a car seat, you need to ensure that it's compatible with your vehicle and features LATCH to make installation easy. It's also worth checking the safety features, including shock-absorbent materials and side impact protection. If you're not sure the type of car seat that is right for your family, talk to a certified car seat technician. They can help you navigate the options and help you choose the right seat for your baby.

Safety

Whether you're shopping for an infant car seat convertible car seat or baby-ready travel system, you need be sure that the one you choose meets stringent safety standards. This is especially important for babies, since they are lighter and smaller than older children. Look for a seat that has five-point safety harnesses that is attached between the legs between the crotch and below the shoulders when the child is rear-facing or above the shoulders when the child is forward-facing. This will protect your child from being thrown from the seat in case of an unexpected stop or crash.

You'll also want to look for a car seat that is secured to the vehicle by lower anchors or the seat belt. It should also include an upper tether that will stop the seat from moving forward in the event of a crash, and obstructing the airway for children. Also, ensure that the recline angle of the seat is right. Newborns can easily get trapped in a seat which is too forward.

Most importantly, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding proper installation for your specific model. It is recommended to collaborate with an approved car seat inspection technician during pregnancy and/or after the birth of your child. this expert can assist you to ensure that your installation is flawless every time.

Another factor to consider is compatibility with strollers. If you are planning to use a stroller often you should consider a baby car seat and stroller combo that can be connected seamlessly. This is a fantastic option for parents who are busy, since it makes it easy to transfer your child from the car to the stroller and back when you're running errands or taking strolls with the family.

Always use your seat on a solid surface (such as car seats or bases) and not on a soft surface like a sofa or bed or a bed, as this could cause it to tip over. This could result in your child being injured, or even dying. Unattended infant/Baby Seat seats or carriers on soft surfaces may also cause suffocation.

User-Friendliness

A car seat can only provide the highest level of protection in the event that it is used correctly every time. Unfortunately, many car injuries to children's seats are caused by mistakes. These include not following product instructions, incorrect installation and use of aftermarket accessories and putting the child into an incorrect position.

A high-quality infant car seat will have clear instructions for installing and features that to ensure proper usage. Some brands, such as CYBEX have visual indicators or click sounds to ensure that the car seat has been installed correctly. This is important because studies have revealed that the incorrect use of car seats can be responsible for as much as half of all injuries related to car seats.

It is also crucial to remember to not leave your child in an infant car seat or carrier in a vehicle even for a short duration. Unsupervised, a baby in a car seat or carrier could fall on soft surfaces like couches or beds, causing serious injuries or even death. The seats could also tip over on their sides, resulting in an inability to breathe.

The best cheap infant car seats car seat will depend on several factors, including your lifestyle and the longevity of the seat. All-in-one seats are less expensive initially however they might not fit smaller infants as well and be less versatile than a convertible or a booster car seat. For parents who are planning to travel frequently and require a light, easy-to-install seat is a must and urban dwellers are likely to require a seat that can be easily installed without the base and in taxis or Uber.

Additionally, a seat that integrates with strollers is an excellent option for parents who want to minimize the amount of equipment they need to carry around town, or during airplane flights. This is true in the event that you intend to commute via public transport often and live in a major city. A lot of seats can be connected to strollers from UPPAbaby for simple, simple commutes. Lastly, you should be attentive to the installation of your seat in vehicles that do not have lower anchors or tether connections, as these are less often found in the majority of models.

Convenience

Many infant car seats are compatible with stroller travel systems which allows you to create an all-inclusive solution for child safety. This makes it easy to transfer a sleeping baby from your car to a stroller even in rainy conditions and at night. Be sure to put the seat in the stroller prior to you leave. If you leave it in the car or on the street isn't a good idea and could let your child exit the stroller without supervision which could cause injuries.

Infant car seats are designed specifically for babies and smaller infants, featuring snug and secure fits and lots of extra padding for comfort and safety. They're typically lighter than convertible car seats, making them easy to carry for short distances. Most baby car seats can be used rear-facing which is the preferred position by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

They have a shorter life span than convertible car seats. In general, children outgrow infant car seats between the ages of nine months and one year. You might have to upgrade your car seat to a convertible one sooner than you thought.

A good infant car seat travel car seat should have the strap for harness that sits flat against the child's chest and across their hips, with the chest clip at armpit level and the crotch buckle laid flat across their thighs. Some models have removable and adjustable inserts to aid parents in maintaining this recommended fit.

When choosing an infant car seat, it's important to be aware that children can be trapped if the straps are loose or unfastened. It is also dangerous to allow a child to be in a car without a guardian. Choose a seat that has the ability to lock off your vehicle, or one that has an integrated locking mechanism.

The car seats that our experts test are engineered to offer the highest level of safety. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor of Consumer Reports has the most experience in car seat installation and rating. He is joined by Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Editor, and Abriah Wolfford, Senior Review Analyst, who have been testing seats since 2016. Our team's expertise and experience will assist you in choosing the best car seat for your child and vehicle.