Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A good car seat keeps your baby safe, secure and comfortable while on the road. Which one is the most suitable for your child?

Choosing the right infant car seat can be difficult. There are a lot of features to take into consideration, such as latch hooks, belt paths, and load legs. Here's everything you need to think about to make the best decision for your family.

Simple to Use

Whether you're shopping for a baby car seat for your newborn or if you're upgrading from an older car seat, you'll need an option that is simple to install and use. Take into consideration the size of the seat base and the car, as well as how the seat fits your baby's weight and height, and useful extra features such as the lay-flat option that can also double as a bassinet for your stroller.

Infant-only seats are a great option for babies because they are typically narrower and fit them more comfortably than convertible car seats. They have a harness to ensure your child's head is supported in an accident, which can reduce the stress on their neck or the spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who want to keep their babies rear-facing for as long as is possible since most of these models allow children to ride in a rear-facing seat until they weigh 30 pounds or more. Choose a convertible car seat that is compliant with federal safety standards 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 car seats must conform to strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models available on market. To avoid the stress and danger of a dangerous or defective seat, choose one that's approved by a reputable business or organization, and check for recent recalls and complaints from manufacturers.

The best car seats for infants have skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding, and a range of recline positions. Some even have additional padding in the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your baby remain comfortable on long journeys. If you have a smaller vehicle opt for a narrow infant seat like the Clek Liing that is under 17 inches in width and is easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby that is designed to be used with strollers made by UPPAbaby, is another great choice for families who want a no-fuss car seat that is simple to use. The harness that retracts automatically, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all simple to use.

Safety Features

If you're looking for a secure, lightweight infant car seat to take your little one on long journeys or want to make sure your child is comfortable during the duration of your ride there are a few important aspects that are worth keeping in mind. Be aware of the weight and height limits of your infant car seat cheap seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the seat. Choose a seat that is able to accommodate your child's 90th centile measurement prior to turning 1. Think about whether you'd like to cover an overcoat or blanket over the harness straps. The AAP warns against this because thick clothing could be compressed during a crash, leaving the straps loose enough for your child to be secured which increases the risk of injury.

Other factors to consider are whether you plan to install your car seat with belts on your vehicle or the LATCH system, and whether it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. If you intend to use your seat for most of your journeys in the car, it's best to choose one that fits easily onto the base that is compatible with it. This will help you save time and energy as you won't need to take off and reinstall your seat each time you take a trip in the car.

The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, received top marks during our testing for its ease of installation and adjustment. Testers said it "has everything needed to make a quick and easy installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that open from the base and turn green when fully connected, as well as a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener and a spring-loaded leveling foot.

Another option is the budget-friendly Baby Trend Secure-Lift, which we've found to be just as easy to use as models that cost twice as much. Our testers have been raving about 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 is a ideal choice for babies due to its unique 180-degree flat sleep position, which allows them to stay asleep longer and more comfortably on travel. It's also been praised for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? calling it 'one of the most secure infant car seats best car seats on the market as well as ADAC giving it their highest lab rating for a car seat that is suitable for infants.

Rear-Facing Options

In the majority of cars, a newborn's safest position is in the middle rear seat. The position in the center is the most secure from any potential impact and will shield your child best in an accident. It is recommended to choose an infant car seat that allows your child to ride in a rear-facing position for around a year. It's also important to make sure the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest fits against your child's chest and head. Get a certified child-passenger technician who can provide you with the most current guidelines for car seat installation and use. Find one in your area here.

Choosing an infant car seat for your infant is a huge purchase that you'll likely be using for a long duration, so you'll need to choose one with an amazing crash test sensor and score, as well as features to ensure your child's comfort. The Clek Liing is a great choice to parents looking for an affordable rear-facing infant car seat. It scored highly in both our analysis and sensor tests. It has a simple LATCH system with the ability to change colors that shows how buckle straps are securely attached to the car, and a load leg that helps prevent frontal crashes.

Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, utilized the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters who were both born until age six. The adjustable harness size and height allows it to be adapted to children of all sizes and heights, including taller ones. It's an excellent option for a wide range of vehicles and is a light, 50-pound rear-facing weight limit. The seat also converts into a booster seat, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter until she was 10 years old.

Another option that is affordable is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't have an base, but it's still easy to install using the rigid LATCH connectors. They slide off the bottom and then turn green when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for infants, with an unrethread harness that is not rethread and magnetic buckle holders that make it simple to fasten the straps without having to remove 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 instead of being pushed forward on the hard seat of a vehicle. This also helps protect them from injuries in side crashes. Most car seats allow infants to ride rear-facing until they are over 20 pounds and a year old. However, many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing for as long as they can, as their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when they're ready to switch to a forward-facing car seat.

If you're looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, be sure they meet the i-Size requirements and have a padded harness pocket, and a padded headrest. Check the maximum height and weight limits and consider buying an automobile seat that can be able to grow with your child until they are a booster seat. Some models come with 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 also important to think about whether the car seat will fit well in your vehicle, especially if it has a small trunk or low clearance. Check the dimensions of the car seat and vehicle owner's manual for the best fit.

Find a car seat that provides good support and comfort for your child. Long journeys in the vehicle are more enjoyable if they are able to rest comfortably. This can include features like a reclining seat back and a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of your seat, and a range of recline positions.

After narrowing your options down, you'll need to consider the policies regarding crash replacement of the car seats you're thinking of buying. They can differ from the manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by -case review.

After you've done your homework and determined what kind of car seat you're looking for, it's time to start looking around. You can also ask family members with children for recommendations. You can also request a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you select the right car seat for a newborn.