Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A quality car seat will ensure your baby is safe and comfortable while driving. Which one is the most suitable for your child?

The right choice for infant car seat in front seat car seats can be difficult. There are many options to think about, including latch hooks, belt paths, and load legs. Here's what you need to be aware of in order to make the right choice for your family.

Ease of Use

If you're looking for a baby car seat for your newborn or upgrading from an infant car seat, you'll want a model that is easy to install and use. Take into consideration the size of the seat base and the car, how well the seat fits your baby's weight and height, and additional features that are convenient, such as a lay-flat option that can double as a bassinet for a stroller.

Infant-only seats are a good option for newborns because they tend to be shorter and fit more snugly than convertible seats. They come with a harness to ensure your child's head is supported in an accident, which can reduce the strain on their neck or the spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are great for parents who want to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they can. The majority of models let the child ride rear-facing until 30 pounds or more. If you decide on a convertible car seat, look for one that meets federal safety standards and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more.

It's 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. Choose a seat that is certified by a reputable organization or company. Also, be sure to look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and a variety of recline positions. Certain car seats provide additional padding on the straps for the shoulder and around the buckle to ensure your child is comfortable during long roadtrips. If you have a smaller vehicle, look for a smaller infant seat, such as the Clek Liing one, which is just 17 inches wide and easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, which can be used with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great choice for families in search of an easy car seat. 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

You should consider a few features when choosing an infant car seat. If you're looking to ensure your child is comfortable throughout the journey or are in search of an easy-to-use and safe car seat for your child to use for long trips, it's important to keep in mind certain characteristics. First, think about the height and weight limit of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can safely be in the seat So, you should consider a model that can be adjusted to at least your child's 90th percentile before they turn one. Consider whether you want to cover a blanket or coat over the harness straps. The AAP advises against this, because thick clothing could cause a collapse and leave the straps loose to restrain your child, thereby increasing the chance of injury.

Other things to consider include whether you plan to install your car seat using a belt on your vehicle or the LATCH system, and if it's compatible other strollers or travel systems. If you intend to use your seat for the majority of your car rides it is best to select one that fits easily onto a base compatible with it. This will save you time and energy as you won't have to remove and reinstall your seat each time you use the car.

The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won best car seat for newborn (click through the next article) of The Bump, scored top marks in our tests for its ease of installation and its ability to adjust. Testers said it "has everything needed for a quick, painless installation." This includes premium LATCH connectors that open from the base and become green when connected, as well as a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and an adjustable foot with springs.

Another great option is the Baby Trend's budget-friendly Secure-Lift that we've found to be just as simple to use as other models that cost twice as much. The adjustable headrest that can be adjusted to five positions, which grows with your child's development as well as its buckle holders that are magnetic and harness that doesn't rethread have been praised by our testers.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade is fantastic choice for newborns due to its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position which lets them sleep longer and more comfortably during road trips. It is also praised for its safety by consumer advocate Which? saying it's one of the safest infant car seats on the market and ADAC giving the highest lab rating for an infant car seat.

Rear-facing Options

In most automobiles, the most secure place for a baby is the rear seat. The seat in the center is most away from any impact, and will protect your baby from harm in the event of an accident. If possible, you should select an infant car seat that lets your child ride rear-facing until they're about a year old. It's also important to ensure the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest is snug against your child's chest and head. Find a certified child passenger technician who can give you the most up-to date recommendations for car seat installation and use. Find one in your area 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 choose one with an amazing crash test sensor and analysis score as in addition to features that will keep your child safe. The Clek LIing is an excellent option for parents who are seeking an infant rear-facing seat that is affordable. It scored well in our sensor and analysis test, has an easy-to-use LATCH system that changes color to show when the buckle straps have been properly attached 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, opted for the Graco Extend2Fit to fit her daughters, who were both born until age six. The seat's adjustable height and length help it fit all children from tall to short. It's a great choice for a wide range of vehicles. It has a low, 50-pound rear facing infant car seat-facing weight limit. Additionally, the seat can be converted into a booster seat, which Trolio used for her daughter's oldest until she was 10 years old.

Nuna RAVA is another affordable option. It does not come with a base like most other seats, but is still extremely quick and easy to install using either method, thanks to its rigid LATCH connectors that slide out from the bottom of the seat. They then automatically turn green once secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for babies, thanks to an unrethread harness that is not rethread and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to attach the straps without taking your baby from the seat. It also comes with a six-position recline which LaBracio found to be useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing

Necks of children can be cradled by the seat back in front-facing seats instead of being pushed forward on the car seat. This position protects them in collisions with other vehicles as well. The majority of car seats allow infants weighing up to 20 pounds and 1 year of age to sit in the rear. However, many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as possible--their neck muscles and bones will become stronger by the time they're ready to move to a forward-facing car seat.

When looking for options for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the i-Size requirements with a padded seat pocket, and a padded seat headrest. Check the maximum height and weight limits, and consider purchasing a car seat that will expand with your child to a booster seat. Some models have an all-in-one feature that allows your child to go from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward facing car seat.

It's also important to consider whether the seat will fit in your vehicle, particularly if you have a small trunk space or a car with an uninspiring clearance. Make sure to check the seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure the most appropriate fit.

Finally, you should look for a car seat that has good support and comfort for your child's body--long trips in the car will be more bearable when they are able to rest comfortably. This can include features such as a reclining seat back and a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of your seat, and a variety of recline positions.

After narrowing down your options, you should consider the policies on crash replacement for the car seat you're looking at. These could vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a personal case review.

After you've done some research and determined what kind of car seat you'd like You can begin looking. Look through the selections at your local baby store or online retailer, and ask your friends who have young children to get their suggestions. You can also schedule a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you select the right car seat for a newborn.