Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A good car seat will keep your baby safe, secure and comfortable on the road. But which one is most suitable for your baby?

With features like latch hooks, load legs and belt routes to consider, picking the right car seat for your infant can be a challenge. Here's what you must be aware of in order to make the right buying decision for your family.

Ease of Use

Whether you're shopping for a baby car seat for your newborn or upgrading from an older car seat, you'll need an option that is simple to install and use. Think about the size and weight of your child, the seat's fit in the car and any additional features, like a lay-flat option which can also be used as a stroller.

infant car seat cheap-only chairs are a good choice for small babies because they're generally smaller than convertible car seats and fit babies more comfortably. They also provide a harness that can support your child's delicate head in the event of a crash, which can reduce tension on their neck and spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are ideal for parents who intend to keep their infants rear-facing for as long as is possible because most models allow children to ride in a rear-facing position up to the point that they're 30 pounds or more. Choose a convertible car seat that meets the safety standards of the federal government and has a a weight minimum of 50 pounds.

When shopping for a car seat it's important to remember that while all car seats must be in compliance with strict NHTSA safety standards There are plenty of different models available on market. Select a car seat that has been certified by a reputable organization or company. Also, be sure to look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

The best car seats infant car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and various recline positions. Some even have additional padding around the buckle and on the shoulder harness to help your newborn stay comfortable during long journeys. If you have a smaller vehicle choose an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing one, which is less than 17 inches wide and is easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, which can be used in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great choice for families who want a simple car seat. Its auto-retracting straps EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it easy 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 need to ensure your child is comfortable for the duration of your ride, a few key features are worth keeping in mind. Consider first the height and weight limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the seat and so, choose a seat that is able to reach at least your child's 90th percentile before they turn one. Consider whether you'd like to use a coat or blanket over the straps of your harness. The AAP cautions against this as heavy clothing may be compressed in the event of a crash, making the straps loose enough for your child to be restrained, increasing the chance of injury.

Other considerations include whether you're planning to attach your car seat with a belt on your vehicle or the LATCH system and whether it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. A seat that can easily fit on a base that is compatible is ideal if you intend to use it for a majority of your car trips, as you'll save time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it each time you use the vehicle.

The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, received top rated infant car seats marks in our testing for its ease of installation and its ability to adjust. Testers stated that it "has everything you need to ensure a fast, easy installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that slide out of the base and turn green once they're fully connected. Also included are a SuperCinch strap tightener that increases the force of the strap and spring-loaded leveling feet.

Another great option is the Baby Trend's budget-friendly Secure-Lift We've found it to be as simple to use as models that cost twice as much. Our testers have praised it for its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that adapts to the size of 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 journeys. It's also been praised for its safety, with consumer champion Which? ADAC awarding it the highest laboratory rating for infant car seats.

Rear-Facing Options

In most cars, a newborn's safest position is the center rear seat. The seat in the center is closest to any impact, and can 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 one year old. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest fits comfortably against your child's head and chest. Find a certified child passenger technician who can give you the most up-to-date suggestions for car seat installation and use. Find one near you here.

The car seat you select for your infant is a significant purchase, and you'll use it for a long time. You'll want one that has a good crash test score and analysis score. It should also include features to ensure your baby is comfy. The Clek Liing is a great choice for parents looking for a budget-friendly rear facing infant car seat-facing infant car seat for travel car seat. It scored very high in both our analysis and sensor tests, has an easy-to-use LATCH system that has the ability to change colors that shows whether the buckle straps are securely attached to the car, as well as an extra load leg to help prevent frontal crashes.

Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, opted for the Graco Extension2Fit to fit her daughters who were both from birth up to the age of six. The seat's adjustable harness height as well as length help it fit the needs of a variety of children, from tall to short. The seat is suitable for numerous vehicles, and has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Plus, the seat converts into a booster seat, which Trolio used for her daughter's oldest until she was 10 years old.

Another option that is reasonably priced is the Nuna RAVA. It does not come with a base like many other seats, but is still very quick and easy to install using either method with its rigid LATCH connectors, which flip out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green when connected to the vehicle. The RAVA is a comfortable baby seat with a no rethread harness. Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to secure the straps, without having to take your child from the car seat. LaBracio also found the six-position recline useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing

Children's necks can be cradled by the seat back in front-facing seats, rather than being pushed forward onto the hard seat of a vehicle. This is a way to protect them from collisions with other vehicles as well. Most car seats allow infants up to 20 pounds and one year of age to sit in the rear. Many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when it's time to switch to a front-facing seat.

When looking at options for forward-facing car seats ensure that they meet i-Size specifications, have a padded head rest, and a spacious harness pocket. Make sure you know the maximum height and weight limit and think about purchasing a car seat that will 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 transfer your child from a rear-facing car seats (with tether and harness) to a forward-facing seat with a harness and then to the booster seat.

It is also important to think about whether the seat will fit in your vehicle well, especially if you have a small trunk space or a vehicle with a low clearance. Make sure you check the dimensions of the car seat and owner's manual of the vehicle to ensure the most appropriate fit.

Also, make sure you choose a car seat that provides adequate support and comfort for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be less stressful if they can sleep comfortably. This could include features such as an adjustable headrest or a five-point harness which can be tightened from the rear of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.

After you've narrowed your options down, you'll need to consider the policies for replacement in case of a crash of the car seats you're considering. They can be anything from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a personal case review.

Once you've done your research and determined what kind of car seat you're looking at It's time to begin shopping around. You can also ask friends who have children to recommend. You can also arrange an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you locate the perfect car seat for your newborn.