Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

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

Selecting the best infant car seats isn't easy. There are so many features to consider such as latch hooks, belt paths, and load legs. Here's everything you need to consider to make the right decision for your family.

User-Friendliness

Whether you're shopping for a car seat for your infant for your baby or upgrading from an infant car seat, you'll want a model that is easy to set up and use. Think about the size and weight of your child, the size of the seat that will fit in the car, and any other features, like the lay-flat option that can also be used as stroller.

Infant-only seats can be an ideal option for infants since they are generally narrower and fit them more snugly than convertible car 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 wish to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they want. The majority of models allow children to sit rear-facing until the weight is 30 pounds or greater. Look for a convertible seat that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government and has a a weight minimum of 50 pounds.

It is important to keep in mind that even though all car seats must meet strict NHTSA standards there are a myriad of models available. To avoid the hassle and risk of a dangerous or defective seat, make sure you choose one certified by a reliable company or organization, and then look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

The top-rated car seats for babies feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding and a range of recline positions. Some even have additional padding near the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your infant stay comfortable during long road trips. If you have a smaller vehicle choose an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing, which is less than 17 inches wide and is easy to install in most vehicles. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, that is compatible with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great choice for families who want an easy car seat. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all very easy to use.

Safety Features

If you're looking for a secure, Lightweight Baby car seat infant car seat cheap car seat to take your child on long trips or simply want to ensure that your baby is comfortable for the duration of your ride, a few key features are worth considering. Consider first the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can safely spend in the seat. Choose a seat that is able to accommodate your child's 90th centile measurement prior to turning 1. Also, consider whether you'd prefer to wear blankets or coats on the straps of the harness. The AAP cautions against this as thick clothing could compress during a crash, leaving the straps too loose for your child to be secured, increasing the chance of injury.

You should also think about whether your car seat will be secured with the LATCH system, or a belt on a vehicle and if it's compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. A car seat that is able to be fitted onto a base that is compatible is the best option if you plan to use it for the majority of your car trips and will save you time and energy by not having to take it off it and reinstall it every time you use the vehicle.

In our tests the Best of the Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with users commenting that it "has everything you need for a quick and painless installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that open from the base and become green when connected, and a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener and an adjustable foot with springs.

Another option that is worth considering is the affordable Baby Trend Secure-Lift, which we've found to be as simple to use as other models that cost twice as much. Our test participants have praised it for its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that grows with your baby, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi jade is a great choice for newborns because of its unique 180-degree sleep position. This lets them rest comfortably and for longer on journeys. It has also been highly praised for its safety by consumer advocate Which? saying it's one of the safest infant car seats on the market and ADAC awarding it the highest lab score for a car seat that is suitable for infants.

Rear-Facing Options

In the majority of cars, the most secure spot for a newborn is the rear center seat. The center seat is the most away from any impact, and can protect your baby in the event of an accident. If possible, you should opt for a car seat that lets your child sit rear-facing up to a year old. It is also important to ensure that the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest fits perfectly against your child's head and chest. The most efficient way to do 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 locality here.

The car seat you select for your newborn will be a major investment, and you'll be using it for a long time. You'll want to choose a seat with a high crash test score and analysis score. It should also come with features that will keep your baby car seat comfy. The Clek Liing is a great choice for parents looking for a budget-friendly rear-facing cheap infant car seats car seat. It scored extremely high in both our sensor and analysis tests. It comes with a simple LATCH system with the ability to change colors that indicates whether the buckle straps are attached properly to the car, as well as an extra load leg to help prevent frontal crashes.

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

Nuna RAVA is a similar option. It does not have a base as most other seats, but is still simple and quick to install by using either of the rigid LATCH connectors, which flip out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green once secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is suitable for infants without rethreads. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps, without removing your baby from the car seat. It also has the ability to recline in six positions, which LaBracio found to be useful.

Forward-Facing Options

In front-facing seats children's necks are held in the back of the seat, instead of being pushed forward on the hard seat of a vehicle. This also helps protect children from side-impacts better. Car seats typically allow infants as young as 20 pounds and 1 year of age to sit in the rear. However, many experts recommend that children remain rear-facing as long as they can, as their neck muscles and bones will become stronger when they're ready for a forward-facing seat.

When looking for options for forward-facing seats, be sure they meet the iSize standards, have a padded harness pocket, and a cushioned headrest. Be sure to check the maximum height and weight limit, and consider purchasing a car seat that will be able to grow with your child until they are a booster seat. Some models come with an all-in-one feature that allows your child to move from a rear-facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward facing car seat.

It's also important to determine whether the seat fits your vehicle properly, particularly when you have a limited trunk space or a vehicle with a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and the owner's manual for the best fit.

Finally, you should look for a car seat that has adequate support and comfort for your child's body. Long trips in the car will be less stressful if they can rest comfortably. This could include features such as a reclining headrest or a five-point harness which can be adjusted from the rear of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.

Once you've narrowed your choices down, you should consider the crash replacement policies of the car seats you're thinking of buying. They can differ from the manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by-case review.

After you've done your research and determined what kind of car seat you'd like You can begin looking. You can also ask your friends with children for recommendations. You can also request an appointment for a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to assist you in choosing the best car seat for your newborn.