Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A well-designed car seat will ensure your baby is safe and comfortable while on the road. Which one is the best for your newborn?

With features like latch hooks, load legs and belt paths to consider, choosing the right infant car seat can be a challenge. Here's what you need to be aware of in order to make the right choice for your family.

Simple to Use

If you're in the market for an infant car seat for your baby or if you're upgrading from a toddler's car seat, you'll want an option that is simple to install and use. Consider the size and weight of your child, the size of the seat that will fit in the car and any other features, such as a lay-flat option which can also be used as a stroller.

infant car seat swivel-only chairs are a good option for infants because they're generally narrower than convertible car seats and can fit infants more comfortably. They come with a harness that can support your child's head in an accident, which can lessen the strain on their neck or spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who plan to keep their babies rear-facing for as long as they can because the majority of these models allow children to sit in a rear-facing position up to the point that they're 30 pounds or greater. Find a convertible seat that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government and has a an upper limit of at least 50 pounds.

When looking for a car seat, it's important to consider that, even though all car seats must conform to strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models on the market. Choose a seat that is certified by a trusted organization or company. Also, look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

The most rated car seats for infants have skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding and a variety of recline positions. Certain car seats provide extra padding on the shoulder straps and close to the buckle to ensure your child is comfy during long road trips. If you drive a smaller Car seat for newborn choose an infant car seat cheap seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing one, which is under 17 inches in width and is easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max that can be used in conjunction together with UPPAbaby Strollers is a great choice for families in search of a simple car seat. Its auto-retracting straps, EZ buckle and connectors for lower anchors that are premium with guides, and no-rethread harness make it simple to use for every car journey.

Safety Features

There are a few features when choosing an infant car seat. If you're looking to ensure your child is safe throughout the entire ride or are looking for a light and safe car seat for your child to use for long trips, you need to keep in mind certain characteristics. First, think about the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine the maximum time your child is able to safely stay in the seat. Choose a seat that is able to accommodate your child's 90th centile measurement prior to turning 1. Think about whether you'd like to cover a blanket or coat on the straps of your harness. The AAP cautions against this as thick clothing can shrink during a crash, leaving the straps too loose for your child to be restrained, increasing the chance of injuries.

It is also important to consider whether your car seat will be installed using the LATCH system or a belt on a vehicle and if it's compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. If you intend to use your seat for the majority of your car rides it's best infant carrier car seat to pick one that is easily fitted onto an appropriate base. This will save you time and energy as you won't have to take out and reinstall the seat every time you use the car.

In our testing the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with users saying it "has everything you need for a fast and simple installation." This includes premium LATCH connecters that flip out of the base and turn green once they're fully connected. Also included is a SuperCinch strap tightener that increases the force of the strap and a spring-loaded leveling feet.

The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another option worth considering. We found it to be as easy to use and as affordable as models that cost twice more. Our test participants have applauded it for its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that grows with your baby with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade makes a great choice for newborns because of its unique 180-degree sleep position. This allows them to sleep comfortably and longer during travel. It's also been lauded for its safety, with consumer champion Which? declaring it to be one of the safest infant car seats on the market' and ADAC giving it the highest lab score for a car seat for infants.

Rear-facing Options

In most vehicles the safest place for a newborn is the center rear seat. The position in the center is the most secure from any possible impact and will protect your child the best in the event of the event of a crash. You should choose an infant car seat that allows your child to sit in a rear-facing position for around one year. It's also important to make sure the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest fits against your child's chest and head. The easiest way to do this is to talk to an accredited child safety technician, who will give you the most current recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your area here.

Choosing the right car seat for your infant is a significant investment that you'll likely use for a long period of duration, so you'll need to choose a seat with an impressive crash test sensor and score, as well as features to keep your child safe. The Clek LIing is an excellent choice for parents seeking a rear-facing infant seat that's affordable. It scored high in our analysis and sensor test. It has an easy 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.

Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, utilized the Graco Extend2Fit to fit her daughters, who were both from birth until age six. The seat's adjustable harness height and length allow it to fit a range of children, from tall to short. It's a good choice for a wide range of vehicles. It is a light, 50-pound limit on rear-facing weight. It also converts into a booster seat, which Trolio used with her oldest daughter up until she turned 10 years old.

Another option that is reasonably priced is the Nuna RAVA. It does not have a base as the majority of seats, however it is still extremely simple and quick to install using either method with its rigid LATCH connectors that flip out from the bottom of the seat and automatically turn green once secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is comfortable for babies with a no rethread harness. Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to secure the straps without removing 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 cradled in the seat back, instead of being pushed forward on the car seat that is hard. This position protects them in side collisions as well. car seat for newborn seats typically allow infants weighing up to 20 pounds and one year of age to ride backwards. Many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when it's time to switch to a front-facing seat.

When looking for options for forward-facing seats, be sure they meet the i-Size standards, have a padded harness pocket, and a cushioned headrest. Be sure to check the maximum height and weight limits, and consider purchasing an automobile seat that can expand with your child to the position of a booster seat. Certain models come with an all-in-one feature that lets the child to be moved from a rear-facing car seat (with tether and harness) to a forward-facing seat with a harness, and then to the booster seat.

It's also important to determine whether the seat fits your vehicle properly, particularly if you have a small trunk space or a car with a low clearance. Check the dimensions of the car seat as well as the owner's manual of the vehicle to ensure the most appropriate fit.

Finally, you should look for a car seat that provides good support and comfort for your child's body--long trips in the car will be easier in the event that they sleep comfortably. This can include features like an adjustable headrest or a five-point harness which can be tightened from the back of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.

Once you've narrowed your choices down, you'll want to look at the policies regarding crash replacement of the car seats you're considering. These can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by-case review.

Once you've done your research and determined the type of car seat you're interested in now is the time to start looking around. Take a look at the options available at your local baby store or online retailer, and ask your family members who have children for recommendations. You can also book a consultation with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you find the right car seat for your newborn.