Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A well-designed car seat can keep your baby safe and comfortable while on the road. Which one is the best for your baby?

The right choice for infant car seat isn't easy. There are so many features to take into consideration, such as latch hooks, belt paths and load legs. Here's everything you need to think about to make the best decision for your family.

Simple to Use

If you're looking for an infant car seat for your newborn car seat insert or upgrading from a toddler's car seat, you'll want an option that is simple to install and use. Consider the size and weight of your child, the seat's capacity in your car, and any other features, like the lay-flat option that can also be used as stroller.

infant car seats that swivel-only chairs are a good option for infants because they're generally smaller 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 could lessen the strain on their neck or the spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who plan to keep their children rear-facing for as long as they can because most models allow children to ride in a rear-facing position until they're 30 pounds or greater. Find a convertible seat that meets the safety standards of the federal government and has a a weight minimum of 50 pounds.

It's important to keep it in mind that, even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards there are a myriad of models available. Select a car seat that has been certified by a reputable organization or company. Also, check for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

The top-rated car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and a variety of recline positions. Some car seats come with extra padding on the straps for the shoulder and close to the buckle to keep your baby at ease during long road trips. If you have a smaller vehicle choose an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing, which is under 17 inches wide and is easy to install in most cars. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max that can be used in conjunction together with UPPAbaby Strollers is a great option for families who want a simple car seat. Its auto-retracting straps, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and no-rethread harness make it simple to use for every car trip.

Safety Features

It is important to consider a few features when choosing an infant car seat. If you're looking to ensure your baby is comfortable throughout the ride or are looking for a light car seat that is safe for your child to use on long trips, you need to consider some of the aspects. Be aware of the weight and height limits of your infant seat. This will determine the length of time your baby can safely be in the seat. Look for a model which goes up to the 90th centile of your child's height before turning one. Consider whether you would like to put an overcoat or blanket over the harness straps. The AAP cautions against this, since heavy clothing may compress in a crash and leave the straps loose to secure your child, increasing the risk of injury.

Other factors to consider are whether you intend to install your car seat with belts on your vehicle or the LATCH system and if it's compatible other strollers or travel systems. A car seat that is able to be fitted onto a base that is compatible is the best car seat for newborn option if you plan to use it for a majority of your car trips and will save you time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it every time you use the vehicle.

The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which was awarded best car seats newborn of The Bump, received top marks during our testing for its ease of installation and its ability to adjust. Testers stated that it "has everything you need to make a quick and easy installation." This includes premium LATCH connectors that can be flipped out from the base and turn green when fully connected, plus a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and a spring-loaded leveling foot.

Another option that is worth considering is the affordable Baby Trend Secure-Lift We've found it 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 with magnetic buckles and no-rethread harness have been praised by our test subjects.

The Maxi-Cosi jade is a great choice for newborns due to its unique 180-degree sleeping position. This allows them to rest comfortably and for longer on road trips. It has also been praised for its safety by the consumer advocate Which? saying it's one of the safest infant car seats on the market and ADAC giving the highest lab rating for a car seat for infants.

Rear-facing Options

In the majority of cars the safest place for a newborn is the center rear seat. The center seat is closest to any collision, and will shield your baby from harm in the event of an accident. If you are able, choose a car seat for infants that allows your baby to ride rear-facing until about a year old. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest is placed perfectly against your child's head and chest. The most efficient way to do this is to consult an accredited child safety technician who will provide you with up-to-date recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your locality here.

Choosing a car seat for your newborn is a major investment that you'll probably use for a long period of time, so you'll want to choose one with an impressive crash test sensor and analysis score as well as features to keep your child safe. The Clek Liing is a great option for parents looking for a budget-friendly rear-facing infant car seat. It scored highly in both our sensor and analysis tests. It has a simple LATCH system that has a color change indication that indicates when the buckle straps are securely attached to the car, and a load leg that helps to prevent frontal collisions.

Strategist senior editor and mom of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her two daughters who both went from birth until age 6. The harness's adjustable size and height allows it to fit children of all sizes and heights, including taller ones. It's a good option for a variety of vehicles. It also is a light, 50-pound weight limit for rear-facing children. The seat also converts into a booster, which Trolio used for her daughter's oldest until she was 10 years old.

Another option that is affordable is the Nuna RAVA. It does not have a base, but it is still simple to install using the rigid LATCH connectors. They can be flipped out of the bottom and turn green automatically when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is a comfortable baby seat without rethreads. Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to secure the straps, without having to take your baby from the car seat. LaBracio also found the six-position recline useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing

In front-facing seats children's necks are held in the seat back, rather than pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This also helps protect children from side-impacts better. Most car seats allow infants as young as 20 pounds and one year old to sit in the rear. Many experts advise 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 an front-facing seat.

If you're looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, ensure they meet the i-Size standards, have a padded harness pocket, and a padded seat headrest. You should consider purchasing a car seat that can grow with your child, and then become a booster. Certain 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 is also important to think about whether the seat will fit your vehicle well, especially when you have a limited trunk space or a car with a low clearance. Make sure to check the seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure that the seat is the most appropriate fit.

Finally, you should look for a car seat that provides adequate support and comfort for your child's body. Long trips in the car will be easier if they can rest comfortably. This can include features like reclined seat backs and a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of the seat, and a range of recline positions.

After narrowing down your options, you should consider the policies regarding crash replacement for the car seat you're considering. They can be anything from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a personal case review.

After you've done your homework and determined the type of car seat you're interested in, it's time to start shopping around. You can also ask your friends with children for recommendations. You can also schedule a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to assist you in choosing the best car seat for your baby.