Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns

A rear-facing infant seat is the safest option for newborns. If a car seat is installed incorrectly, it can lead to injuries or even death, therefore it's essential to follow instructions of the manufacturer when installing.

The car seat base should be slightly reclined, which aids in keeping the baby's head tucked back and the chest away from the chin, decreasing the risk of positioning asphyxia.

Types

When it comes to choosing a car seat for newborns There are two main types to consider. There are two types of car seats for newborns: an infant car seat and a baby convertible car seat. Both have advantages and disadvantages. It really depends on your preference and how the seat will be used. If you intend to use the seat in an auto travel system and will be changing vehicles often, a baby car seat might be the best car seats for infants choice. If, however, you prefer the idea of an extremely durable car seat that grows with your child into the stage of a booster seat then a convertible car seat may be better.

infant car seat best car seats are made specifically for infants and newborns and are used in the rear-facing position which is the most secure way to travel for little ones. These seats are typically less expensive, but have a shorter life-span than convertible car seats. They are most likely to need to be replaced once your child reaches their weight or height limit (which can differ widely between seats) or when they reach the top of their age group limit.

Convertible baby seats, also known as all-in-one car seats, as they are sometimes referred to are designed to carry your infant from birth up through their toddler years and on into their school years. They can usually be used as a forward-facing or rear-facing seat and some can even be converted into an adult booster seat.

Many of the best convertible car seats designed for infants will come with a variety of features. These include a smooth rotation feature, an easy harness adjustment and a base made of EPS foam which is similar to Styrofoam. These features are a favorite among parents as they make it simpler to get their infants into and out of their seats while still ensuring their child is secure and comfortable.

When choosing a car seat, it's important to check that it is compatible with your vehicle and comes with LATCH to make installation easy. It is also important to check for safety features, such as shock-absorbing material and side impact protection. If you're uncertain about which type of seat is right for your family, consult a qualified car seat technician. They'll be able to talk you through your choices and help you pick the right seat for your newborn.

Safety

You should always check that the product you select is safe and meets the strictest standards, no matter if you are shopping for convertible car seats or an infant car seat an infant car seat in front seat travel system that is ready for your baby. This is especially important for babies, since they are lighter and smaller than older children. Find a seat that has a five-point harness that is attached to the shoulders below (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing), between the legs and around the crotch. This will prevent your child from being thrown from the seat in the event of an unexpected stop or crash.

It is recommended to choose seats that are secured to the vehicle with either lower anchors or seat belt, and offers an upper tether that stops the car seat from moving forward during an accident and could block breathing for the child. Make sure the recline angle is correct as well, since newborns are prone to getting trapped in a seat that is too upright.

It is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper installation of your particular model. It's a good idea to check with a certified car seat inspection technician during your pregnancy and/or shortly after the birth of your baby. This professional can ensure the perfect installation.

Compatibility with strollers is another factor to think about. If you are planning to use a stroller often, consider an infant car seat and stroller combo that clicks together seamlessly. This is a great option for parents with a busy schedule, since it makes it easy to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller and back while you run errands, or take a family walk.

Also, make sure you use your seat on hard surfaces (like car seat bases or a car) and never place it on soft ones like a bed or sofa as they can cause the seat to tip over, possibly hurting or even killing your child. In the event of an infant or baby's seat being left unattended, it could cause on soft surfaces may also cause suffocation.

User-Friendliness

The most effective protection is only possible only if the car seat has been properly used every time. Unfortunately, a significant number of injuries in car seats involve mistakes. A few of these include not following the manufacturer's instructions, improper installation, using aftermarket products, and putting the child into an incorrect position.

A good infant car seat will have clear instructions for installing and features that help to ensure proper usage. Some brands, such as CYBEX include visual indicators or click sounds to confirm that the seat has been installed correctly. This is important as studies have shown that incorrect use of a car seat can be responsible for up to 50% of car seat-related injuries.

It is important to keep in mind that you should not leave your child in the car seat or a carrier, even if it is just for a few minutes. Unattended, a baby in a safety car seat or carrier can fall onto soft surfaces such as couches or beds, causing serious injuries or even death. The seats could also be flipped over onto their sides, resulting in an inability to breathe.

Selecting the right infant car seat for your newborn is based on a variety of factors including the type of lifestyle and longevity. All-in-one seats are less expensive in the beginning, but they may not be able to accommodate smaller babies as well and be less versatile than a convertible or booster car seat. If parents are planning to travel frequently an easy-to-install, lightweight seat is a must and urban dwellers are likely to require an option that is easily installed without a base and can be used in taxis or Uber.

A seat that can be integrated with strollers is a great option for new parents who wish to reduce the amount of equipment they'll need to carry around town, or during plane flights. This is particularly true if you live in a city and plan to use public transportation frequently since many seats can be attached to an UPPAbaby stroller to allow for simple, effortless journeys. It is important to pay attention to how easy it is to mount the seat you want to use on vehicles that do not have lower anchors or tether connectors, because they aren't as popular.

Convenience

Many infant car seats are compatible with stroller travel systems, allowing you to create an all-inclusive solution to ensure the safety of your child. This makes it easier to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller during bad weather or at night. Always secure the seat before leaving the car. Leaving it in the car or on the street isn't a good idea and could allow your baby to exit the seat unattended which could cause injury.

Infant car seats are specifically designed for newborns and infants who are smaller. They provide a snug and secure fit, and plenty of padding to ensure safety and comfort. They are generally lighter than a convertible car seat which makes them easier to carry over short distances. The majority of infant car seats are made to be used rear-facing, which is endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the most secure position for children in the early years.

However they are less durable than convertible car seats. In general, children outgrow infant car seats between nine months and a year. This means that you may need to upgrade to a convertible car seat sooner than you anticipated.

A safe infant car seat should include a strap that is flat against the child’s chest as well as over their hips with the chest clip placed at the child’s armpit. The crotch buckle must be flat across the child’s thighs. Some models have adjustable and removable inserts to help parents achieve the recommended fit.

It is important to keep in mind that if the straps are not secured or tight, babies can be strangled. It's also unsafe to leave your child unattended in a car seat so make sure you choose one with an option to lock off your vehicle or a built-in lock.

The car seat for newborn seats that our experts test are engineered to offer the highest level of safety. Bob Hoffman, our Senior Review Editor, has more car seat installation and scoring experience than anyone on the planet, and he's joined by the mother of two boys Wendy Schmitz, Senior Reviews Editor and Abriah Wofford who is a Senior Review Analyst who's been testing seats since the year 2016. Our team's experience and expertise will help you select the best car seat for your child and vehicle.