Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A good car seat will keep your baby safe, comfortable and secure while on the road. But which one is most suitable for your baby?
With features like latch hooks, load legs, and belt paths to consider, choosing the right car seat for your infant can be daunting. Here's what you need to know to make the best choice for your family.
User-Friendliness
You'll want to select one that is easy to set up and use, whether you're buying a car seat for a newborn or upgrading your toddler's car seat. Take into consideration the weight and size of your child, the size of the seat that will fit in your car, and any other features, such as the lay-flat option that can also be used as stroller.
Infant-only seats are a good option for newborns because they tend to be narrower and fit them more comfortably than convertible car seats. They also come with a harness that supports your child's fragile head in the event of a collision, which can reduce stress on their neck and the spinal cord.
best car seat newborn are perfect for parents who wish to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they want. Most models allow the child to sit rear-facing until the weight is 30 pounds or greater. If you opt for a convertible car seat, look for one that complies with federal safety standards and has a weight limit of 50 pounds or more.
It is important to keep in mind that, even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards, there are many different models to choose from. Pick a seat certified by a trusted organization or company. Also, be sure to look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The most rated car seats for babies feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding, and a range of recline positions. Some car seats offer additional padding on the shoulder straps and close to the buckle to keep your baby at ease during long road trips. If you're driving a small vehicle, think about a narrow infant car seat, such as the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches wide, and is able to be installed in a variety of vehicles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby that is specifically designed for use with strollers from UPPAbaby, is a great choice for families who want a no-fuss car seat that's easy to use. Its auto-retracting straps, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and no-rethread harness make it easy to use for any car trip.
Safety Features
It is important to consider a few features when choosing the best infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure that your child is safe throughout the entire ride or are looking for a light, safe car seat for your child to take on long trips, you need to keep in mind a few aspects. Consider first the height and weight limit of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can be safe in the seat and so, choose a seat that can be adjusted to minimum your child's 90th percentile measurement prior to when they turn 1. Also, consider whether you might want to put blankets or coats over the straps of the harness. The AAP recommends against this since heavy clothing may compress in a crash and leave the straps too loose to hold your child, increasing the risk of injury.
You should also consider whether your car seat will be fitted using the LATCH system or a vehicle belt and if it's compatible with other travel systems or strollers. If you intend to use your seat for the majority of your car rides, it's best to choose one that fits easily onto the base that is compatible with it. This will save you time and energy as you won't have to remove and reinstall the seat every time you take a trip in the car.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which was awarded Best of The Bump, scored top marks during our testing for its ease of installation and adjustments. Testers stated that it "has everything you need to ensure a fast, easy installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that can be removed from the base, and turn green when they are fully connected. Also included is a SuperCinch strap tightener that increases the force of the strap as well as a spring-loaded leveling feet.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another great option. We found it to be as simple to use and affordable as models that cost twice more. Our testers have been raving about its five-position, height-adjustable headrest that adapts to the size of your baby harness, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.
The Maxi-Cosi jade is an excellent choice for babies due to its unique sleeping position of 180 degrees. This allows them to sleep comfortably and longer during journeys. It has also been acknowledged for its safety by consumer champion Which? ADAC awarded it the highest laboratory score for car seats for infants.
Rear-Facing Options
In the majority of cars, the most secure spot for a newborn is in the rear seat. The center position is farthest from any potential impact and will shield your child the best in the event of a crash. If possible, you should opt for a car seat that lets your child sit rear-facing up to one year old. It's also important to make sure the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest fits against your child's head and chest. The easiest way to do this is to consult an experienced child passenger safety technician who will provide you with up-to-date recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your area here.
The car seat you pick for your newborn is a significant investment, and you'll be using it for many years. You'll want to choose a seat with a high crash test score and an analysis score. It should also come with features that will keep your baby comfy. The Clek Liing is a great option for parents looking for a budget-friendly rear-facing infant car seat. It scored high in our sensor and analysis test. It has a simple LATCH system that changes color to indicate when the buckle straps are correctly secured to the car, and a load-leg that helps prevent frontal collisions.
Senior editor of the Strategist magazine and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her two daughters who both grew from birth to age 6. The seat's adjustable height and length allow it to fit the needs of a variety of children from short to tall. It is suitable for various vehicles, and it has the weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, it can be converted into a booster seat, which Trolio used with her youngest daughter up until she turned 10 years young.
Another option that is affordable is the Nuna RAVA. It does not have a base, but it is still easy to install using the rigid LATCH connectors. They flip out of the bottom and turn green automatically when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is suitable for infants with no rethread harness. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps without having to take your baby from the car seat. LaBracio also found the six-position recline 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 the hard seat of a vehicle. This is a way to protect them from collisions with the sides. The majority of car seats allow infants as young as 20 pounds and 1 year of age to ride in the rear. However, many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing for as long as they can, as their neck muscles and bones will become stronger by the time they're ready to move to an forward-facing seat.
If you are looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, ensure they meet the i-Size standards, have a padded harness pocket, and a cushioned seat headrest. Check the maximum height and weight limits and consider buying an automobile seat that can expand with your child to an adult booster seat. Some models have an all-in-one feature that lets the child to be moved from an rear-facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat with a harness, and then into the booster seat.
It's important to also consider whether the car seat will fit well in your vehicle, particularly in the case of a small trunk or 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.
Lastly, look for an automobile seat that offers comfortable and adequate support for your child's body. Long trips in the car will be more bearable in the event that they sleep comfortably. This could include features like a reclining seat back as well as a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of your seat, and a range of recline positions.
Once you've narrowed your choices down, you should consider the policies regarding crash replacement of the car seats you're thinking of buying. These policies can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by-case review.
After you've done your research and determined what kind of car seat you'd like, you can start shopping. You can also ask friends with young children for recommendations. You can also schedule a consultation with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you find the right car seat for your baby.