(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7007/1097/maxi-cosi-rodifix-airprotect-high-back-booster-seat-15-36-kg-3-5-12-years-reclining-isofix-car-seat-adjustable-headrest-backrest-extra-side-protection-quick-easy-buckle-up-authentic-black.jpg)Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A well-designed car seat will keep your baby secure, comfortable and safe while on the road. Which one is the best for your baby?
With features like latch hooks, load legs, and belt paths to consider, selecting the best infant car seat isn't easy. Here's everything you need to be aware of to make the right decision for your family.
Easy of Use
Whether you're shopping for a baby car seat for your baby or if you're upgrading from an older car seat, you'll need an option that is simple to set up and use. Think about the size and weight of your child, the seat's capacity in the car and any other features, like a lay-flat option which can also be used as a stroller.
Infant-only seats can be a good option for newborns because they tend to be smaller and fit more snugly than convertible seats. They have a harness to ensure your child's head is supported in an accident, which will reduce the stress on their neck or the spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are great for parents who wish to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they want. Most models allow the child to sit rear-facing until the weight is 30 pounds or more. Choose a convertible car seats by age seat that meets federal safety standards and has a a weight minimum of 50 pounds.
It is important to keep in mind that, despite the fact that all car seats must meet strict NHTSA standards There are a variety of models available. Pick a seat certified by a trusted organization or company. Also, look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The best car seats infant car seats newborn seats for infants have skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding, and a range of recline positions. Some of them also have padding around the buckle and on the shoulder harness to help your infant stay comfortable during long travel. If you have a smaller vehicle opt for a smaller infant seat, such as the Clek Liing one, which is under 17 inches wide and is easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max that is compatible together with UPPAbaby Strollers is a great choice for families who want 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
If you're looking for a safe, lightweight infant car seat to take your baby on long trips or simply want to ensure that your child is comfortable during the duration of a trip there are a few important aspects that are worth keeping in mind. First, consider the height and weight limits of your infant car seat. This will determine the length of time your child is able to safely stay in the seat. Find a model that can be used up to your child's 90th centile measurement before turning 1. Consider whether you would like to drape a blanket or coat over the straps of your harness. The AAP cautions against this, since heavy clothing may compress in a crash and leave the straps loose to hold your child, increasing the risk of injuries.
It is also important to consider whether your car seat will be installed via the LATCH system or a belt for your vehicle or if it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. A car seat that is able to fit onto a compatible base is ideal if you plan to use it for the majority of your journeys and will save you time and energy by not having to take it off it and reinstall it every time you drive.
In our testing, the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned high marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with testers saying it “has everything you need to have a quick and painless installation.” This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that slide out of the base and turn green when they are fully connected. Also included are a SuperCinch force multiplier strap tightener as well as spring-loaded leveling feet.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another option worth considering. We found it to be easy to use and as affordable as models that cost twice more. Its adjustable headrest in five positions that adapts to your child's growth and its buckle holders that are magnetic and harness that doesn't rethread have been praised by our test subjects.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade makes a great choice for newborns due to its unique 180-degree sleeping position. This lets them sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on travel. It has also been praised for its safety by consumer advocate Which? ADAC awarding it the highest lab rating for infant car seats.
Rear-Facing Options
In most automobiles, the most secure place for a baby is the rear center seat. The center position is farthest from any impact that could occur and will shield your child best in an accident. You should choose an infant car seat which allows your child to ride rear-facing for about a year. It's also important to ensure the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest is snug against your child's chest and head. Find a certified child passenger technician who will provide you with the most up-to-date suggestions for car seat installation and use. Find one near you here.
The car seat you pick for your baby will be a major investment, and you'll use it for many years. You'll want one that has a good crash test score as well as an analysis score. It should also come with features to keep your baby at ease. The Clek Liing is a great choice to parents looking for a low-cost rear-facing infant car seat. It scored well in our sensor and analysis test. It has a simple LATCH system that changes color to indicate whether the buckle straps have been properly secured to the car and a load-leg to help prevent frontal collisions.
Senior editor of the Strategist magazine and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit with her daughters, who both went from birth to age 6. The adjustable harness size and height allows it to be adapted to children of all sizes as well as taller ones. It's a good option for a wide range of vehicles and comes with a modest 50-pound limit on rear-facing weight. It also converts into a booster seat, which Trolio used with her oldest daughter up to the time she reached 10 years old. older.
Nuna RAVA is a similar alternative. It doesn't come with a base, however it is still simple to put in using the LATCH connectors, which are rigid. They slide out from the bottom and then turn green when the seat is secured 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. It also has a six-position recline that LaBracio found useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing
In front-facing seats the necks of children are held in the seat back, rather than pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This protects them from collisions with the sides. Car seats typically allow infants to ride rear-facing until they are over 20 pounds and one year old. Many experts recommend that kids 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 an front-facing seat.
If you are looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, be sure they meet the i-Size standards with a padded seat pocket, and a padded headrest. Check the maximum height and weight limits and consider buying an automobile seat that can be able to grow with your child until they are an adult 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 seat with a harness, and then to a booster seat.
It's important to also consider whether the car seat will fit in your vehicle, especially if it has a small trunk or a low clearance. Check the car seat's dimensions and the owner's manual for the most appropriate fit.
Lastly, look for an automobile seat that offers adequate support and comfort for your child's body–long trips in the car will be more bearable if they can sleep comfortably. This can include features such as a reclining 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 want to look at the crash replacement policies of the car seats you're thinking of buying. These can be anything from a manufacturer's replacement policy, to a specific case review.
Once you've done your research and determined what kind of car seat you're looking for It's time to begin shopping around. Take a look at the options available at your local baby shop or online, and ask your family members who have children to get their suggestions. You can also schedule a consultation with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you find the right car seat for your infant.