Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns

A rear-facing infant car seat is the most safest option for infants. Incorrectly using a car seat could result in injuries or even death, so it's essential to follow instructions of the manufacturer when installing.

The car seat base should be a bit reclined which helps to naturally keep the baby seat's head back and chin off their chest lessening the risk of asphyxia.

Types

When selecting a car seat suitable for infants There are two main kinds to be considered. There are two kinds of car seats for newborns: an infant car seat and a convertible car seat. Both have advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on your personal preference and the way in which the seat is used. If you intend to use the seat as part of an auto travel system and will be moving vehicles frequently, an infant car seat might be better suited. If, however, you would prefer an extremely durable car seat that can grow with your child until a booster seat and beyond then an convertible car seat could be better.

Infant car seats are designed specifically for newborns and infants and are always used in the rear-facing position which is the most secure method for traveling for small babies. These seats are typically less expensive but have a shorter lifespan than convertible car seats. They will most likely require replacement once your child has reached their weight or height limits (which can differ widely between seats) or if they reach the maximum of their age group limit.

Convertible car seats, also known as all-in-one seats are designed to take your infant from birth to their toddler years, and on into their school years. Some can be used as a forward-facing seat or a rear-facing one.

Many of the best convertible car seats designed for infants will have a range of features. These include a smooth-rotation feature, a simple harness adjustment and a base made of EPS foam which is similar to Styrofoam. Parents appreciate these features since they make getting their babies in and out of the seat easier, while also ensuring their children are comfortable and safe.

It is important to ensure that the car seat you select is compatible with your vehicle and also that it comes with LATCH that allows for quick and easy installation. It's also worth checking the safety features, including shock-absorbing materials and side impact protection. Get a certified car seat specialist if are unsure which seat is the best one for your family. They'll be able talk about your choices and help you pick the perfect seat for your infant.

Safety

Whether you're shopping for a baby car seat convertible car seat, baby-ready travel systems, you need to ensure that the model you choose meets stringent safety standards. This is particularly important for babies, since they are lighter and smaller than older children. Find the seat with a five-point safety harness that can be stowed between the legs between the crotch and below the shoulders when the child is facing rearwards or above the shoulders when the child is facing forward. This helps secure your child, preventing them from being thrown from the seat during a crash or sudden stop.

You should also look for a car seat that is attached to the vehicle using lower anchors or a seat belt. It should also have top tethers, which prevents the seat from moving forward in the event of a collision, and blocking a child's airway. Make sure the recline angle is right, too, as newborns can easily become trapped in a seat that's too high up.

The most important thing is to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the proper installation of the model you have chosen. It's a good idea to consult a certified car-seat inspection technician during your pregnancy and/or right after the birth of your baby. A professional can guarantee a perfect installation.

Another aspect to think about is compatibility with strollers. If you plan to frequently use your stroller, consider an infant car and stroller combo that works seamlessly. This is a great choice for parents with busy schedules because it lets them effortlessly transfer their child from the stroller into the car, and vice versa, while doing around doing errands.

Also, make sure you make sure you place your seat on hard surfaces (like a car seat base or a car) and do not place it on soft ones such as couches or beds or a couch, as these could cause the seat to tip over, possibly hurting or even killing your child. Unattended infant/baby seats or carriers on soft surfaces could cause the suffocation of your child.

Ease of Use

A car seat will only offer the most effective protection in the event that it is used correctly every time. Unfortunately, a large number of injuries involving car seats involve mistakes. This includes not following the manufacturer's instructions, improper installation and use of aftermarket accessories and putting the child into an incorrect position.

To minimize the risk of a mistake, a quality infant car seat is one that has easy-to-read installation instructions and features that allow you to ensure correct usage. Certain brands, such as CYBEX, even have visual indicators and click sound that assure that the seat is fitted correctly. This is important as studies have revealed that the incorrect use of a car seat could be the cause of up to 50% of injuries caused by car seats.

It is important to be aware that you should never leave your infant in a car seat or carrier, even if it is just for a few minutes. If left unattended, a child in a safety newborn car seat insert seat or carrier could fall on soft surfaces like couches or beds, and cause serious injury or even death. The seats could also be flipped over onto their sides, leading to suffocation.

Choosing the best infant car seat for your infant is based on a variety of factors including the type of lifestyle and longevity. All-in-one car seats are less expensive up front however they might not fit smaller infants as well, and are less flexible than a convertible or a booster car seat. A lightweight, simple to install seat is crucial for parents who travel often. Urban dwellers might prefer a seat that can be used in a taxi, Uber, or other vehicle without the base.

A seat that is compatible with strollers can be an ideal option for new parents who wish to reduce the amount of equipment they have to carry around town or on plane flights. This is especially the case in the event that you intend to commute on public transportation frequently and reside in a large city. A lot of seats can be paired with strollers from UPPAbaby for simple, comfortable commuting. Additionally, you must be attentive to the installation of your seat in vehicles that do not have lower anchors or tethers, since they are not often found in the majority of models.

Convenience

Many infant car seats are compatible with stroller travel systems, allowing you to create an all-inclusive solution for child safety. This makes it easy to move a sleepy baby from your car to a stroller, even in the worst conditions and at night. Always secure the seat before taking off. It's unsafe to leave it in your car or on the street. Your child may be injured if they leave the seat without supervision.

Infant car seats are designed specifically for babies and smaller infants, featuring snug and secure fits with plenty of padding for comfort and safety. They tend to be lighter than convertible car seat, making them easier to carry over short distances. The majority of infant car seats can be used rear-facing which is the preferred position by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

However they have a shorter life span than convertible car seats. Most children outgrow infant car seats between nine months and a year. It is possible that you will have to upgrade your car seat to a convertible model earlier than you anticipated.

A quality infant car seat uk car seat will have a harness strap that lies flat against the child's chest and across their hips, with the chest clip placed at the armpit level, and the crotch buckle laid flat across their thighs. Some models have removable and adjustable inserts to assist parents to maintain this recommended fit.

When choosing an infant car seat for travel car seat, it's important to keep in mind that children can be strangled if the straps become loose or unfastened. It's also dangerous to allow a child to be in a car without supervision. Choose a seat with an option to lock off your vehicle, or one with a built-in locking mechanism.

Our experts test car seats to ensure they're equipped with the most safety features. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor of Consumer Reports has the most experience with car seat newborn insert seat installation and rating. He is joined by Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Editor, and Abriah Wolfford, Senior Review Analyst, who have been testing seats since 2016. Our team's expertise and knowledge will help you select the best car seat for your child and vehicle.