Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A well-designed car seat ensures your baby is secure, comfortable and safe on the road. Which one is best for your baby?
With features such as latch hooks, load legs, and belt routes to consider, picking the best infant car seat can be a challenge. Here's what you need to be aware of to make the best purchase for your family.
Easy to Use
If you're looking for an infant car seat for your baby or upgrading from an infant car seat, you'll want an option that is simple to set up and use. Consider the size and weight of your child, the seat's capacity in the car and any extra features, like lay-flat options that can also be used as stroller.
Infant-only seats are a good option for infants because they're typically narrower than convertible car seats and can fit newborns more snugly. They come with a harness to support your child's head in an accident, which will reduce the strain on their neck or the spinal cord.
Convertible car seat are ideal for parents who want to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they want. The majority of models let the child sit rear-facing until the weight is 30 pounds or more. If you decide on a convertible car seat, you should look for one that meets the federal safety standards and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more.
When looking for a car seat, it's important to keep in mind that even though all carseats must be in compliance with strict NHTSA safety standards There are a variety of different models on the market. Pick a seat certified by a reputable organization or company. Also, check 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. Some car seats offer extra padding on the straps for the shoulder and near the buckle to keep your baby comfy during long road trips. If you have a small vehicle, think about an infant car seat that is narrow like the Clek Liing. It's less than 17 inches wide, and is easily installed in most automobiles. The UPPAbaby Mesa Max, which is specifically designed to work with strollers made by UPPAbaby, is another excellent option for families who need a simple car seat that is 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 journey.
Safety Features
Whether you're looking for an infant safe, lightweight car seat to take your baby on long journeys or want to make sure your child is comfortable for the duration of your ride, a few key features are worth considering. Take into consideration the weight and height limits of your infant seat. This will determine how long your child can safely be in the seat, so choose a seat that is able to reach minimum 90th percentile measurement prior to when they turn one. Consider whether you want to put an overcoat or blanket over the harness straps. The AAP warns against this since heavy clothing may shrink during a crash, leaving the straps too loose for your child to be secured which increases the risk of injuries.
You should also consider whether your car seat can be secured via the LATCH system or a belt for your vehicle or if it's compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. If you intend to use your car seat for a majority of your journeys in the car it is best to select one that fits easily onto a base compatible with it. This will reduce time and energy since you won't have to take out and reinstall your seat each time you take a trip in the car.
In our tests, the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned high marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with users commenting that it "has everything you need to have a quick and simple installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that can be flipped out from the base and change to green when fully connected, plus a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and an adjustable foot with springs.
Another option is the affordable Baby Trend Secure-Lift, which we've found to be just as easy to use as other models that cost twice as much. Its five-position adjustable headrest that adapts to your child's development and its magnetic buckle holders and no-rethread harness have been highly praised by our testers.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade makes an excellent choice for babies, thanks to its unique 180-degree sleeping position. This allows them to sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on road trips. It has also been acknowledged for its safety by consumer champion Which? saying it's one of the safest infant car seats on the market as well as ADAC awarding the highest lab rating for a car seat for infants.
Rear-facing Options
In the majority of cars, the most secure spot for a newborn is the back seat. The center seat is the furthest away from any potential impact, and can protect your baby from harm in the event of an accident. It is recommended to choose an infant car seat which allows your child to be in a rear-facing position for around one year. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest is secure against your child's chest and head. The best way to accomplish this is to talk to an accredited child safety technician, who will provide you with the most current guidelines for car seat use and installation. Find one in your area here.
The car seat you pick for your baby is a significant investment, and you'll use it for a long time. You'll want one that has a good crash test score and an analysis score. It should also have features to ensure your baby is comfy. The Clek LIing is a great option for parents who are looking for a rear-facing infant seat that's affordable. It scored very high in both our analysis and sensor tests, has an easy-to-use LATCH system that has a color change indication that shows how buckle straps are securely attached to the car, as well as a load leg that helps prevent frontal crashes.
Senior editor of the Strategist magazine and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters who both went from birth until age 6. The adjustable harness height and size allows it to accommodate children of all sizes, including taller ones. It is suitable for numerous vehicles, and has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, the seat can be converted into a booster, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter up to the time she was 10 years old.
Another option that is affordable is the Nuna RAVA. It does not have a base, however it's still easy to install with the LATCH connectors, which are rigid. They slide off the bottom and turn green when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is suitable for infants with 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 features a six-position recline which LaBracio found useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing Focus
In front-facing seats the necks of children are held in the back of the seat rather than pushed forward on the car seat that is hard. This is a way to protect them from collisions with other vehicles as well. Most car seats allow children to ride rear-facing until they are over 20 pounds and a year old. Many experts advise that children remain rear-facing for as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when it's time for them to transition to a front-facing seat.
If you are looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the i-Size requirements and have a padded harness pocket, and a cushioned headrest for the seat. Check the maximum height and weight limits and consider buying a car seat that will grow with your child into the position of a booster seat. Some models have an all-in-one feature that lets you to move your child from a rear-facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat with a harness, and then into a booster seat.
It's important to also consider whether the car seat will fit well in your vehicle, particularly when it has a narrow trunk or a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and the owner's manual for the best fit.
Also, make sure you choose an automobile seat that offers comfortable and adequate support for your child's body--long trips in the car will be easier when they are able to rest comfortably. This could include features such as a reclining headrest, a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of the seat and a wide range of recline positions.
Once you've narrowed your options, you should consider crash replacement policies for the car seat you're considering. They can differ from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by-case review.
After you've done some study and determined what kind of car seats you'd like to purchase, you can start shopping. Look through infant car seats uk Push Chairs And Prams at your local baby shop or online, and ask your friends who have young children to get their suggestions. You can also book a consultation with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you find the right car seat for your newborn.