How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn

The best car seat newborn is one that meets federal safety standards, fits in your vehicle, comes with useful extras (like turning into a stroller) and works with your budget. Also, make sure that the car seat can be easily clicked into and out of any vehicle, especially when you frequently switch between taxis, rental cars or the vehicles of your grandparents.

Safety

A quality car seat will have extra features that are above the federal safety standards. These include padded inserts for the head and shoulders, air-repellent fabrics to help keep them cool in hot vehicles, and side-impact protection.

The ease of installation and use of the seat is another important aspect of safety. Ideally, you want to be in a position to snap it into place with minimal effort, and with clear signs that it's safe, level, and positioned properly.

Look for features that allow you to do this, such as locks built-in to the seat and belt guides that assist you line up the car seat with the vehicle's seat belt. You also want to avoid purchasing used car seats, which may not be tested for crash safety or have been involved in an accident, and could not be safe for your child. If you do decide to purchase a used one ensure that it's not expired and isn't being sold by an individual seller who does not have proof of ownership.

It is also important to remember that you should only leave your child in the car seat up to two hours per day, unless you are in an upright position. This is to avoid strain on their developing spine and to ensure that they get a chance to breathe regularly.

Choosing an infant car seat is a significant investment, so you'll want to make sure it has a long life span. Find one that's designed to adapt to your child's needs that will last through the toddler years and on into the teenage years. One product that our testers for parents liked was the Axkid One i-Size that is suitable for children from birth and is able to be used up to 7 years old.

Nuna pipa air rx is a second alternative that can be used for a lengthy period of time. It has a 360-degree rotation which means that you can change it from front-facing to rear-facing as your child grows. It's also among the most lightweight car seats available with a weight of less than nine pounds. It's a great option for parents who move their infant frequently between vehicles or plan to use it for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives and trips with grandparents.

Comfort

It is important that your baby is at ease in their car seat, both in it and when you install it. Find straps with padding that fit comfortably on their shoulders and plush fabric that feels comfortable under their stomach, particularly if they will be in the seat for long rides.

The best infant car seat is also simple to use. Some have premium LATCH connectors, SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, spring-loaded leveling feet and belt paths that make fitting without a base more simple than ever before. Other features let you adjust the height of the headrest and harness, which is important as your child grows.

Cosatto All in All Rotate is a good example. Our parent testers gave it 10 out of 10. It has an easy, clear interface, and a simple-to-adjust no-rethread harness, as well as a recline lock indicator and 360-degree rotation. It is possible to easily change your child's seat from front-facing to rear-facing as they grow, without having to remove and replace the seat.

Another instance is the Nuna Pipa air rx which our parents loved for its convenience, comfort and flexibility. Its padded shoulder straps and headrest are shaped to support the head of your newborn, and it comes with a soft infant cushion to ensure they are comfortable. It can be used as a rear-facing car seat up until your baby reaches the maximum height or weight limit, and it converts into a stroller without the need for an additional adapter.

A quality car seat will last and many come with a guarantee. Look for a seat with sturdy materials and plenty of padding to protect your baby from any accidents, as well as an aluminum frame that suffocates the impact energy and has a "crumple zone" to prevent damage. It must also be easy to clean, since spills are commonplace when you have a baby. To simplify cleaning, look for a car seat with removable covers and a machine washable pad.

Simple to Use

A car seat must be easy to install and use, especially if you're likely to use it in a different vehicle at times. Look for features such as an easy-release buckle, an indicator that indicates the state of the latch system (e.g. green for locked) and a user-friendly manual to make it as stress-free as is possible.

The best car seat newborn uk of The Bump winner includes a variety of useful features that our parents loved, such as a cushioned headrest and harness, plush material, and a cupholder. It features a reclining function that allows your child to sit in a comfortable position for longer trips. It can also be used in conjunction with a compatible buggy to create a complete travel system, which is ideal if intend to travel for extended durations of time.

It is suitable from birth. Our panelists found this car seat newborn insert seat simple to install and adjust. It has a recline lock and an upgraded connector that comes with a SuperCinch tightener. This made it easy to ensure your child's safety. It's also designed to be moved from side to side in the vehicle without the necessity of tools.

One of our favorite features is the recline feature that allows you to easily get your infant in and out of the car. This is especially useful when you have back problems or drive a small vehicle. It also comes with the ability to reversibly hold your cup and a handy pocket for toys and snacks.

The seat weighs under nine pounds and can be set up with or without its base. It can also rotate 180 degrees, which could be a real lifesaver if you have a limited space or are suffering from back pain. Our panelists were awed by this new feature, which earned a spot in our 2021 Mother&Baby awards.

This is an excellent option for those who want to convert their car seats into strollers at affordable prices. Its sleek design and premium fabric will also stand the test time. Be sure to wash your cover often, as squashed biscuits, yoghurt spills and the odd sick toddler accident will be sure to leave their footprints!

Design

Car seat designs are as varied as the cars they're installed in. Some parents opt to ditch the infant car seats and opt for a convertible model. However, the majority of new mothers prefer a product that can expand with their child through toddlerhood. All-in-one car seats are most versatile that allow you to change from rear-facing to forward facing infant car seat-facing. It typically has a greater weight and height limit, and it can often be used as a booster seat once your child is old enough to need one.

The ideal car seat for a newborn car seat is lightweight which makes it easy to lift it from the base and then carry your child. The Maxi-Cosi Coral is available in only a handful of colors, however it comes with a wide array of safety features and is light (8.4 pounds including seat inserts and canopy). Nuna PIPA URbN is another model that stands out because it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Car Seat Group category, thanks to features that are high-end, such as the Dream drape and a canopy that covers the entire area with UPF 50+.

The design of the base and seat should also be considered. Some car seats have an attached base that is locked into the vehicle buckles for the seat belts. Some have steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that slide out of the sides of the base once properly joined. Parents have found these to be convenient especially when their car only had front-facing seatbelts with no ISOFIX anchor points.

Certain infant car seats can be used with regular seatbelts, but without the base. This is a fantastic feature for parents who frequently travel or take taxis with their children. The Nuna TODL NEXT was a favorite among our parents who tested it. It can be used with or without the base, and features a smooth swivel that makes it easier to take your baby in and out.

Other important design considerations are whether a car seat comes with an open design, and how well it will fit into your specific car (see our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're looking for an infant car seat that can expand with your child's growth into a booster seat, choose a model with a reclining backrest and side impact protection. Check that the infant car seat you select is iSize compliant and also has the appropriate car seat attachment points in accordance with UK law.