Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A good car seat will keep your baby secure and comfortable on the road. But which one is best for your newborn?
The right choice for infant car seat isn't an easy task. There are a lot of features to consider such as latch hooks, belt paths and load legs. Here's what you should know to make the best buying decision for your family.
Ease of Use
You'll want to choose one that is easy to set up and use, whether you're purchasing an infant car seat for a new baby or upgrading your toddler's seat. Consider the size and weight of your child, the size of the seat that will fit in your car, and any other features, such as lay-flat options that can also be used as a stroller.
Infant-only chairs are a good option for newborns because they are typically narrower and fit them more snugly than convertible seats. They come with a harness that can help your child's head during an accident, which can lessen the strain on their neck or spinal cord.
Convertible car seat are ideal for parents who wish to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they want. Most models let the child sit rear-facing until the weight is 30 pounds or more. Look for a convertible seat that complies with the safety standards of the federal government and has a an upper minimum of 50 pounds.
It's important to keep in mind that, despite the fact that all car seats must meet strict NHTSA standards there are a myriad of models available. To avoid the burden and risk of a defective or dangerous seat, make sure you choose one approved by a reputable business or organization, and then look for recent recalls and complaints from the manufacturer.
The most rated car seats for infants have skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding and a range of recline positions. Certain car seats provide extra padding on the straps for the shoulder and around the buckle to keep your baby at ease during long road trips. If you have a small vehicle, consider an infant car seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches wide, and is able to be installed in most vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max, that is compatible together with UPPAbaby Strollers is a great choice for families in search of an easy car seat. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all very easy to use.
Safety Features
If you're in search of a secure, lightweight infant car seat to take your baby on long journeys or want to make sure your baby is comfortable for the duration of a ride There are some key aspects that are worth considering. First, consider the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can safely be in the seat and so, look for a model that goes up to minimum your child's 90th percentile before they turn one. Consider whether you would like to put a blanket or coat on the harness straps. The AAP recommends against this since thick clothing can cause a collapse and leave the straps loose to hold your child, increasing the risk of injury.
You should also consider whether your car seat will be installed using the LATCH system or a vehicle belt and if it's compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. A car seat that is able to fit on a base that is compatible is ideal if you plan to use it for the majority of your car trips in order to save time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it each time you drive.
In our tests the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned high marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with users commenting that it "has everything you need to have a quick and simple installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that flip out from the base and become green when connected, as well as a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener as well as a spring-loaded leveling foot.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another option worth considering. We found it to be user-friendly and affordable as other models that cost twice more. Our test participants have applauded it for its five-position, height-adjustable headrest that can be adjusted to fit your child's height, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is ideal choice for babies because of its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position, which lets them sleep longer and more comfortably on road trips. It is also acknowledged for its safety by consumer champion Which? calling it 'one of the most secure infant car seats on the market and ADAC awarding the 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 the center rear seat. The seat in the middle is the furthest from any impact that could occur and will protect your child the best in the event of a crash. If you can, opt for a car seat that allows your baby to sit rear-facing up to one year old. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest is snug against your child's chest and head. The easiest way to do this is to consult an experienced child passenger safety technician, who can give you the most current recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find the nearest one here.
The car seat you pick for your newborn will be a major investment, and you'll be using it for many years. You'll want a seat with a high crash test score and analysis score. It should also come with features to keep your baby at ease. The Clek LIing is an excellent choice for parents seeking an infant seat with a rear view that is affordable. It scored well in our analysis and sensor test. It comes with a simple LATCH system that changes color to show whether the buckle straps are correctly secured to the car. It also has an extra load leg that helps avoid frontal collisions.
Strategist senior editor and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters who both grew from birth until age 6. The seat's adjustable harness height as well as length help it fit all children from short to tall. It's a great choice for a wide range of vehicles and has a low, 50-pound weight limit for rear-facing children. It also converts into a booster seat, which Trolio used with her oldest daughter to the time she reached 10 years old. young.
infant car seat newborn is the Nuna RAVA. It does not have a base, however it's still easy to install using the LATCH connectors, which are rigid. They slide out from the bottom and turn green when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is suitable for infants with a no rethread harness. Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to secure the straps without having to take your baby from the car seat. LaBracio also liked the recline that has six positions.
Options with a Forward-Facing
In front-facing seats children's necks are held in the back of the seat, rather than pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This is a way to protect them from collisions with the sides. Most car seats allow infants weighing up to 20 pounds and one year old to sit rearward. Many experts advise that children remain rear-facing as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time to switch to a front-facing seat.
If you are looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, ensure they meet the i-Size requirements and have a padded harness pocket and a padded headrest for the seat. Check the maximum height and weight limit and think about purchasing a car seat that can grow with your child into a booster seat. Some models have an all-in-one feature that lets you to move your child from a rear-facing car seats (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat with a harness and then into the booster seat.
It is also important to think about whether the car seat is a good fit in your vehicle, particularly in the case of a small trunk or a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and owners' manuals for your vehicle to determine the best fit.
Find a car seat that provides adequate support and comfort to your child. Long trips in the car are more enjoyable if they are able to sleep comfortably. This may include features like the ability to recline the seat back and a five-point harness that can tighten from the back of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.
After you've narrowed 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 type of car seat you're interested in It's time to begin shopping around. You can also ask friends with children for recommendations. You can also request an Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you select the best car seat for a newborn.