How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn

The best car seat newborn is one that is compliant with federal safety standards, fits in your car, has useful features (like changing into strollers) and is within your budget. It's also worth checking that the top rated infant car seats car seat can be inserted into and out of your car with ease especially if you frequently switch between taxis or trips in hire cars and grandparents' vehicles.

Safety

A high-quality car seat will come with additional features that go beyond the safety standards of the federal government. These include padded cushions on the head and shoulders as well as air-repellent fabric to keep them cool while driving in hot weather.

Another crucial safety aspect is the ease to install and use the seat. In the ideal scenario, you'll be capable of snapping it into place with minimal effort and with clear indicators that it's secure, level, and positioned correctly.

Look for features that help you accomplish this, such as built-in lock offs and belt guides that help you line up the car seat with the seatbelt. You also want to avoid buying used car seats, which might not have been tested for crash safety or have been involved in an accident and may not protect your child. If you have to purchase an old one ensure that it's not expired and isn't being sold by an individual who doesn't have proof of ownership.

It's also important to remember that you should only allow your baby in the car seat for up to two hours per day, unless it is in a flat position. This will help prevent strain on the spine of your child and ensure they get a chance to breath regularly.

You'll want a seat to last for a long time, since it's an important investment. Find one that's designed to adapt with your child and will last into toddlerhood and into the teen years. Our parent testers were very impressed with the Axkid i-Size. It is suitable for babies from birth and is able to be used up to age 7.

Nuna pipa air rx is another option that you can use for a lengthy period of time. It rotates 360 degrees, making it possible to change it from rear-facing into front-facing as the child grows. It's also one of the most light-weight car seats available with a weight of less than nine pounds. It's the ideal choice for parents who regularly transfer their children between cars or plan to use it for taxi rides, fly-drive holidays, and trips to grandparent's houses.

Comfort

It is essential that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, both in it and when you install it. Look for padded straps which fit comfortably around their shoulders, and look for plush material that feels comfortable on their stomachs. This is especially important when you intend to use the seat for a long duration.

The most effective infant car seats are also easy to use. Some have LATCH connectors of premium quality with a SuperCinch force multiplier that tightens the seat. Some have spring-loaded leveling legs and belt paths that make installing without a base easier than ever. Other features can help you adjust the harness height and headrest, which is important as your child grows.

One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate, which our parent testers gave a 10/10 for ease of use. It features an easy, clear interface, and a simple-to-adjust no-rethread harness, as well as an indicator for recline and 360-degree rotation. It is easy to switch your child from rear-facing to front-facing as they grow, without needing to take out and replace the seat.

Another example is the Nuna Pipa Air rx which our parent testers loved for its ease of use, comfort and versatility. Its padded headrest and shoulder straps are designed to help support the head of your newborn, and comes with an extra soft pillow to ensure comfort. It can be used as an rear-facing car seat until your baby hits the max height or weight limit and can also be converted into a stroller without the need for an additional adapter.

A good car seat is durable, and many come with a warranty. Find a seat that has plenty of padding and durable materials to protect your child from any injuries. It should also come with steel frames to absorb the force of impact and a "crumple area" to avoid damage from a crash. It should also be easy to clean, since spills are commonplace when you have a baby. Choose car seats that have removable seat covers and a pad that is machine washable to make cleaning easy.

User-Friendliness

It's important that a car seat be simple to install and use, especially in the event that it will be used in a variety of vehicles from time to time. To make it as simple as possible look for features like a belt that can be released quickly as well as an indicator to indicate the state of the latch (e.g. green for locked), and a manual that is easy to read.

The Best of The Bump winner also comes with several practical features that our parent testers loved, including the headrest and harness that are padded, plush fabric and a cup holder. It features a reclining function that allows your child to sit in an ergonomic position for longer trips. It can also be used in conjunction with a buggy that is compatible to create a complete travel system, which is ideal if you plan on traveling for long periods of time.

Our panelists noted that the car seat was easy to put in and adjust. It comes with a recline lock indicator and an exclusive LATCH connector with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener which made the process of securing your child simple. It can also be moved from side to side in the vehicle without tools.

The reclining feature allows you to get your baby out and into the vehicle. This is particularly helpful if you suffer from back problems or drive a small vehicle. It also features an adjustable drink holder that can be reversible, as well as a handy storage compartment for toys and snacks.

The seat is light and can be used with or without the base. It can also be rotated 180 degrees. This is a fantastic feature for those who are tight in space or suffer from back pain. Our panelists were impressed by this new feature which was a finalist in our 2021 Mother&Baby awards.

This is an excellent option for those who want to convert their car seats into strollers for a reasonable price. Its sleek design and high-quality materials will stand up to the test of time. Make sure to clean your cover regularly because smashed biscuits, yoghurt spills, and the occasional sick toddler accident are sure to leave a footprints!

Design

The styles of car seats are as diverse as the vehicles they're used in. While some parents choose to skip infant car seats to opt for convertible models, most new moms want something that can grow with their baby into toddlerhood. The most versatile option is an all-in-one baby car seat that allows you to change between forward-facing and rear-facing. It typically has a greater weight and height limit, and can be used as a booster once your child is old enough.

The ideal car seat for a newborn car seat is light and easy to lift it from the base and then carry your child. The Maxi-Cosi Coral is available in only a few colors, but it has a number of safety features and is also light (8.4 pounds, including seat inserts and canopy). Nuna PIPA URbN is another model that stands out as it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Car Seat Group category for 0/0+ due to features that are high-end, like the Dream drape and a fully-covered canopy with UPF 50+.

The design of the seat and base should also be taken into consideration. For example, some car seats come with a base that locks into the buckles of the seat belts and others use steel-reinforced LATCH connectors which flip out from the sides of the base and turn green when connected correctly. These were convenient for parents, especially when the vehicle only had front-facing seatbelts.

Some infant car seats can also be utilized with a regular seatbelt, but without the base that is great for parents who frequently travel by taxi or travel with their child. The Nuna TODL NEXT was a popular choice among our parents who tested it. It can be used with or without the base and has a smooth swivel, which makes it easier to take your baby in and out.

Also, the design of the car seat is crucial. It should be able to fit in your car. (See our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're looking for a car seat that can grow with your baby seat as he develops into an adult, select one that has the option of reclining headrests and side impact protection. Make sure the infant car seat you select is iSize compatible, and that it uses the correct car-seat attachment points, as required by UK law.