Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A car seat that is safe and secure will keep your baby safe, secure and comfortable while on the road. Which one is the most suitable for your infant?
With features like latch hooks, load legs and belt paths to consider, selecting the right car seat for your infant can be daunting. Here's everything you need to be aware of to make the right choice for your family.
Easy of Use
If you're in the market for a car seat for your infant for your newborn or if you're upgrading from a toddler's car seat, you'll want an option that is simple to set up and use. Consider 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 doubles as a stroller bassinet.
Infant-only seats are a great choice for small babies because they're generally narrower than convertible car seats and fit infants more comfortably. best car seat for newborn uk provide a harness that can support your child's delicate head in a crash and reduces strain on their neck and the spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are great for parents who want to keep their babies rear-facing as long as possible since most of these models let children ride in a rear-facing position until they weigh 30 pounds or more. If you choose to purchase a convertible car seat, search for one that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more.
When you're looking for a car seat it's important to consider that even though all carseats must be in compliance with strict NHTSA safety standards There are plenty of different models available on market. Choose a seat that is certified by a reputable organization or company. Also, look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The top-rated car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and several recline positions. Some car seats come with extra padding on the shoulder strap and close to the buckle to keep your baby comfortable during long roadtrips. If you're driving a small vehicle, consider an infant car seat that is narrow like the Clek Liing. It's less than 17 inches wide, and can be easily installed in most vehicles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby that is specifically designed for use with strollers made by UPPAbaby, is another excellent option for families who want a no-fuss car seat that's easy to use. The harness that retracts automatically, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all easy to use.
Safety Features
It is important to consider the following aspects when selecting the best infant car seat. If you want to ensure your child is comfortable during the entire journey or are in search of a light car seat that is safe for your child to use for long journeys, it's essential to keep in mind a few characteristics. First, think about the height and weight limits of your infant car seat. This will determine the maximum time your child is able to safely stay in the seat. Find a model that is able to accommodate the 90th centile of your child's height before turning one. Consider whether you would like to put a blanket or coat on the straps of your harness. The AAP cautions against this as thick clothing could shrink during a crash, leaving the straps too loose for your child to be secured and increase the chance of injuries.
Other factors to consider are whether you intend to install your car seat with a vehicle belt or the LATCH system and if it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. If you intend to use your seat for the majority of your journeys in the car, it's best to choose one that is easily fitted onto a base compatible with it. This will reduce time and energy as you won't need to take off and reinstall the seat every time you take a trip in the car.
In our tests, the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for its ease of installation and adjustments, with users affirming that it "has everything you need for a quick and painless installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that open from the base and turn green when fully connected, plus a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and a spring-loaded leveling foot.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another excellent option. We found it to be easy to use and as affordable as models costing twice more. Our test participants have applauded it for its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that grows with your baby harness, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.
The Maxi-Cosi jade is a fantastic choice for newborns because of its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position which allows them to sleep longer and more comfortably during road trips. It is also praised for its safety by consumer advocate Which? calling it 'one of the most secure infant car seats available and ADAC awarding the highest lab rating for a car seat that is suitable for infants.
Rear-facing Options
In the majority of automobiles, the most secure place for a baby is the rear seat. The center seat is the closest to any collision, and will shield your baby from harm in the event of an accident. If you can, choose a car seat for infants that allows your baby to ride rear-facing until about one year old. It's also important to make sure the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest is secure against your child's chest and head. Consult a certified child passenger technician who can give you the most up-to date suggestions for car seat installation and use. Find one near you here.
Choosing the right car seat for your infant is a significant purchase that you'll likely be using for a very long duration, so you'll need to select one that has an impressive crash test sensor and score as well as features to keep your child safe. The Clek Liing is a great option for parents who are looking for a low-cost rear-facing infant 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, and a load-leg to help prevent frontal collisions.
Strategist senior editor and mom of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her two daughters who both went from the time of birth until age 6. The adjustable harness height and size allow it to be adapted to children of all sizes, including taller ones. The seat is compatible with numerous vehicles, and has the weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Plus, the seat converts into a booster seat, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter up to the time she was 10 years old.
Another option that is reasonably priced is the Nuna RAVA. It does not come with a base like the majority of seats, however it is still extremely simple and quick to install by using either of the rigid LATCH connectors, which flip out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green when connected to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for babies, 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 child from the seat. It also features an adjustable recline of six positions that LaBracio found useful.
Forward-Facing Options
Necks of children can be cradled by the seat back in front-facing seats, rather than being pushed forward onto a hard vehicle seat. This also helps protect them from injuries in side crashes. Most car seats allow infants to sit rear-facing until they weigh more than 20 pounds and a year old. However, many experts suggest that children ride rear-facing as long as they can, as their neck muscles and bones will be stronger by the time they're ready for a forward-facing car seat.
If you are looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, be sure they meet the i-Size standards, have a padded harness pocket, and a padded seat headrest. Consider buying a car seat which can grow with your child, and then become a booster. Certain models come with an all-in-one feature that lets the child to be moved from a rear-facing car seats (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing seat with a harness and then to the booster seat.
It's also important to consider whether the seat will fit in your vehicle well, especially if you have a small trunk space or a vehicle with an uninspiring clearance. Check the car seat's dimensions and the owner's manual for the best fit.
Choose a car seat that offers good support and comfort for your child. Long drives in the vehicle are more enjoyable if they are able to rest comfortably. This could include features such as an adjustable headrest and a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of the seat and a variety of recline positions.
After narrowing your options down, you'll want to look at the policies for replacement in case of a crash of the car seats you're considering. They can differ from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by-case analysis.
After you've done your homework and determined the type of car seat you're looking for, it's time to start shopping around. Check out the selection at your local baby store or online retailer, and ask your friends who have young children to get their suggestions. You can also book a consultation with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you choose the best car seat for your infant.