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 most suitable for your child?

With features like latch hooks, load legs, and belt paths to consider, choosing the best infant car seat can be a challenge. Here's what you should be aware of to make the best purchase for your family.

Simple to Use

If you're in the market for a baby car seat for your newborn or upgrading from an infant car seat, you'll want an option that is simple to set up and use. Consider the size and weight of your child, the size of the seat that will fit in the car, and any extra features, like the lay-flat option that can also be used as a stroller.

Infant-only chairs are an ideal option for infants since they are generally smaller and fit more snugly than convertible seats. They also have the safety of a harness to protect your child's head, which is fragile in the event of a crash, which can reduce strain on their neck and the spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are great for parents who wish to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they can. Most models allow children to rear-facing for 30 pounds or greater. If you choose to purchase a convertible car seat, look for one that meets the federal safety standards and has a weight limit of 50 pounds or more.

When looking for a car seat, it's important to keep in mind that even though all carseats must be in compliance with strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models on the market. To avoid the burden and risk of a dangerous or defective seat, select one that's certified by a reputable company or a reputable organization, and also look for recalls in the past and manufacturer complaints.

The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and various recline positions. Some also offer additional padding around the buckle and on the shoulder harness to help your newborn remain comfortable on long journeys. If you have a small vehicle, think about a small infant car seat, such as the Clek Liing. It's less than 17 inches wide, and can be easily installed in all vehicles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby that is specifically designed to work with strollers from UPPAbaby, is a ideal option for families that require a car seat with no fuss that's easy to use. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all easy to use.

Safety Features

You should consider some aspects when selecting an infant car seat. If you want to ensure your child is comfortable throughout the journey or you are looking for an easy-to-use and safe car seat for your child to use on long trips, you need to think about a few characteristics. First, think about the weight and height limits of your infant car seats cheap car seat. This will determine the length of time your baby can safely be in the seat. Choose a seat that is able to accommodate the 90th centile of your child's height before turning one. Also, think about whether you might want to put a coat or blanket over the harness straps. The AAP cautions against this, since heavy clothing may cause a collapse and leave the straps loose to hold your child, increasing the chance of injury.

Other things to consider include whether you intend to install your car seat using a belt on your vehicle or the LATCH system and whether it's compatible with other strollers or travel infant car seat systems. A seat that can easily fit on a base that is compatible is the best option if you plan to use it for a majority of your car trips, as you'll save time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it each time you drive.

The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which was awarded Best of The Bump, received top rated baby car seats marks during our testing for its ease of installation and adjustment. Testers said it "has everything you need for a quick, painless installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that flip out of the base, and turn green when they are fully connected. Additionally, there is a SuperCinch strap tightener for force multipliers and a spring-loaded leveling feet.

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 testers have applauded 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 makes the perfect choice for infants because of its unique 180-degree sleeping position. This lets them sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on road trips. It is also highly praised for its safety by the consumer advocate Which? saying it's one of the most secure infant car seats available as well as ADAC awarding the highest lab rating for a car seat that is suitable for infants.

Rear-facing Options

In the majority of cars the safest place for a newborn is in the middle rear seat. The seat in the middle is the furthest from any possible impact and will protect your child from harm in the event of a crash. You should select an infant car seat which allows your child to ride rear-facing for about a year. It is also important to ensure that the car seat is correctly installed and that the headrest fits comfortably against your child's head and chest. Get a certified child-passenger technician who will provide you with the most up-to-date suggestions for car seat installation and use. Find one in your area here.

The car seat you pick for your newborn will be a major investment, and you'll be using it for a long time. You'll want to choose a seat with a high crash test score and analysis score. It should also come with features that will keep your baby comfy. The Clek Liing is a great option to parents looking for a low-cost rear-facing infant car seat that swivels car seat. It scored highly in our analysis and sensor test. It has a simple LATCH system that changes color to indicate whether the buckle straps are properly secured to the car. It also has a load-leg to help prevent frontal collisions.

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

Nuna RAVA is a different, affordable option. It doesn't come with an base, but it's still easy to install with the LATCH connectors, which are rigid. They can be flipped out from the bottom and then turn green when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is a comfortable baby seat without rethreads. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps without having to remove your baby from the car seat. LaBracio also discovered the recline with six positions to be useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing

In front-facing seats children's necks are held in the seat back, instead of being pushed forward by a hard vehicle seat. This position protects them in collisions with other vehicles as well. Car seats typically allow children to ride rear-facing until they weigh more than 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 will be stronger when it's time to switch to a front-facing seat.

When looking for options for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the i-Size requirements and have a padded harness pocket and a padded headrest. Make sure you know the maximum height and weight limits and consider buying a car seat that can be able to grow with your child until they are an adult booster seat. Some models have an all-in one feature that allows your child to move from a rear-facing car seat newborn seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat.

It's also important to consider whether the seat will fit your vehicle properly, particularly in the case of a tiny trunk space or a vehicle with a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and the owner's manual to ensure that the seat is the best fit.

Finally, you should look for an automobile seat that offers good support and comfort for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be more bearable in the event that they rest comfortably. This can include features like an adjustable headrest or a five-point harness which can be tightened from the rear of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.

Once you've narrowed down your options, think about the policies on crash replacement for the car seat you're considering. These can be anything from a manufacturer's replacement policy to an individual case review.

After you've done some study and determined what kind of car seat you'd like, you can start shopping. Check out the selection at your local baby store or online retailer, and talk to friends who have young children for recommendations. You can also book an appointment for a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you choose the best car seat for your newborn.