Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A good car seat keeps your baby secure, comfortable and safe when you're on the road. But which one is most suitable for your baby?
With features such as latch hooks, load legs and belt paths to consider, choosing the right car seat for your infant can be daunting. Here's what you need to be aware of to make the best buying decision for your family.
Easy of Use
You'll want to choose one that is easy to install and use whether you're buying a car seat for your newborn or upgrading from your toddler's seat. Consider the size of the seat base and the car, how well the seat will fit your child's weight and height, and additional features that are convenient, such as the lay-flat option that doubles as a stroller bassinet.
portable infant car seat-only seats are a great choice for small babies because they're typically narrower than convertible car seats and can fit infants more comfortably. They come with a harness that can support your child's head in an accident, which could reduce the stress on their neck or spinal cord.
Convertible car seat are ideal for parents who wish to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they are able to. The majority of models allow children to rear-facing for 30 pounds or more. If you choose to purchase a convertible car seat, look for one that is compliant with the federal safety standards and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more.
It's important to keep it in mind that even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards, there are many different models available. Choose a seat that is certified by a reputable organization or company. Also, check for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
Top-rated car seats are made with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and various recline positions. Some car seats offer extra padding on the straps for the shoulder and near the buckle to ensure your child is comfy during long road trips. If you have a small vehicle, think about a narrow infant car seat like the Clek Liing. It's less than 17 inches wide and is easily installed in all automobiles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max that can be used in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great choice for families in search of a simple car seat. The harness that retracts automatically, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all easy to use.
Safety Features
If you're in search of a secure, lightweight infant car seat to take your little one on long trips or simply want to ensure that your baby is comfortable for the duration of a trip, a few key features are worth considering. Take into consideration the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can be safely in the car seat, so choose a seat that can be adjusted to minimum 90th percentile measurement prior to when they turn 1. Consider whether you'd prefer to use blankets or coats over the straps of your harness. The AAP warns against this since heavy clothing may compress during a crash, leaving the straps loose enough for your child to be secured, increasing the chance of injury.
You should also think about whether your car seat will be fitted with the LATCH system, or a vehicle belt and if it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. A car seat that is able to fit onto a compatible base is ideal if you intend to use it for the majority of your car rides, as you'll save time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it every time you use your vehicle.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, was praised in our testing for its ease of installation and adjustment. Testers stated that it "has everything you need to ensure a fast, easy installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that can be removed from the base, and turn green once fully connected. Also included is a SuperCinch strap tightener for force multipliers and spring-loaded leveling feet.
Another option is the affordable Baby Trend Secure-Lift that we've found to be just as easy to use as models that cost twice as much. Our testers have applauded it for its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that grows with your baby harness, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is great option for newborns due to its unique 180-degree flat sleep position, which allows them to sleep longer and more comfortably on travel. It is also acknowledged for its safety by consumer advocate Which? declaring it to be one of the most secure infant car seats available as well as ADAC awarding it the highest lab score for a car seat for infants.
Rear-facing Options
In the majority of cars the most secure position for infants is in the middle rear seat. The position in the center is the most secure from any possible impact and will protect your child from harm in a crash. If possible, you should choose a car seat for infants that lets your child sit rear-facing up to one year old. It's also crucial to make sure the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest is placed comfortably against your child's chest and head. The easiest way to do this is to speak with an experienced child passenger safety technician, who will provide you with up-to-date recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your locality here.
The car seat you select for your newborn is a significant investment, and you'll use it for a long time. You'll want to choose a seat that has a good crash test score as well as an analysis score. It should also come with features to keep your baby comfortable. The Clek LIing is an excellent choice for parents looking for an infant rear-facing seat that is 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 whether the buckle straps are properly attached to the car, and an extra load leg to help prevent frontal crashes.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, used the Graco Extend2Fit to fit her daughters, who were both from birth up to age six. The harness's adjustable height and size allow it to fit children of all sizes, including taller ones. The seat is suitable for various vehicles, and it has an upper limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, the seat can be converted into a booster seat, 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 easy to install with the rigid LATCH connectors. They flip off the bottom and turn green when the seat is secured 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 Kinderkraft I-Spark Baby Car Seat in Gray (mouse click the following website page) from the car seat. LaBracio also found the six-position recline useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing
In front-facing seats the necks of children are held in the back of the seat, rather than pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This position also protects children from side-impacts better. Most car seats allow infants up to 20 pounds and 1 year of age to sit in the rear. However, many experts recommend that children remain rear-facing as long as possible--their neck muscles and bones will become stronger when they're ready for an forward-facing seat.
When looking at options for forward-facing car seats, ensure they meet iSize specifications, have a padded head rest, and a large harness pocket. Be sure to check the maximum height and weight limit, and consider purchasing a car seat that can expand with your child to the position of 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 is important to consider whether the car seat is a good fit in your vehicle, especially when it has a narrow trunk or low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat as well as the owner's manual of the vehicle to ensure the most appropriate fit.
Lastly, look for a car seat that provides adequate support and comfort for your child's body--long trips in the car will be less stressful if they can rest comfortably. This can include features like reclined headrests, a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.
After narrowing down your options, consider the policies regarding crash replacement for the car seat you're thinking of buying. They can range from a manufacturer’s replacement policy to an individual case review.
After you've done some research and decided what type of car seats you want, you can start shopping. Look through the selections at your local baby store or online retailer, and ask your family members who have children to get their suggestions. You can also schedule an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you choose the best car seat for your newborn.
