Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A good car seat keeps your baby safe, secure and comfortable while on the road. Which one is the best for your newborn?

The right choice for infant car seat isn't easy. There are so many features to consider such as latch hooks, belt paths, and load legs. Here's everything you need be aware of to make the right choice for your family.

Easy of Use

If you're in the market for a baby car seat for your baby or upgrading from a toddler's car seat, you'll want one that is easy to set up and use. Think about the size of the seat base and the car, as well as how the seat fits your baby's weight and height, and additional features that are convenient, such as a lay-flat option that can double as a bassinet for a stroller.

portable infant car seat-only chairs are a good option for newborns since they are generally smaller and fit more comfortably than convertible car seats. They also have the safety of a harness to protect your child's fragile head in the event of a crash which reduces the tension on their neck and the spinal cord.

Convertible car seat are ideal for parents who want to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they can. The majority of models allow children to sit rear-facing until the weight is 30 pounds or more. If you decide on a convertible car seat, look for one that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more.

When you're looking for a car seat, it's important to remember that while all car seats must meet the strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models available on the market. To avoid the burden and risk of a dangerous or defective seat, choose one that's certified by a reputable company or organization, and then look for recent recalls and manufacturer complaints.

The most rated car seats for infants have skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding and a variety of recline positions. Certain car seats provide extra padding on the straps for the shoulder and near the buckle to ensure your child is at ease during long road trips. If you have a small vehicle, you should consider a narrow infant car seat, such as the Clek Liing. It's less than 17 inches wide and is easily installed in most vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max, which can be used together with UPPAbaby Strollers is a great choice for families who want an easy 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 trip.

Safety Features

You should consider the following aspects when selecting an infant car seats best car seat. If you want to ensure your baby is safe throughout the entire journey or are in search of a lightweight, safe car seat for your child to use for long trips, you need to think about some of the characteristics. Take into consideration the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can safely be in the car seat, so choose a seat that is able to reach at least your child's 90th percentile measurement before they turn 1. Think about whether you'd like to put a blanket or coat on the harness straps. The AAP cautions against this as thick clothing could shrink during a crash, leaving straps too loose for your child to be secured, increasing the chance of injuries.

It is also important to consider whether your car seat can be installed via the LATCH system or a belt for your vehicle or if it's compatible with other travel systems or strollers. A seat that can easily fit on a base that is compatible is ideal if you plan to use it for the majority of your car trips in order to save time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it every time you use the vehicle.

The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, received top marks in our tests for its ease of installation and adjustment. Testers said it "has everything needed to ensure a fast, easy installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that flip out of the base, and then turn green once fully connected. Additionally, there is a SuperCinch strap tightener for force multipliers and spring-loaded leveling feet.

The baby seat Trend Secure Lift is another option worth considering. We found it to be as simple to use and affordable as models costing twice more. Our testers have applauded it for its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that grows with your baby with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi jade is a great option for newborns because of its unique 180-degree flat sleep position, which lets them sleep longer and more comfortably on road trips. It has also been praised for its safety by the consumer advocate Which? declaring it to be one of the most secure infant car seats available as well as ADAC awarding the highest lab rating for a car seat that is suitable for infants.

Rear-facing Options

In the majority of cars, the most secure spot for a baby is the rear seat. The center seat is furthest away from any potential impact, and can protect your baby in the event of an accident. If you are able, opt for a car seat that lets your child ride rear-facing until about one year old. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest is snug against your child's head and chest. The best way to accomplish this is to talk to an experienced child passenger safety technician, who will give you the most current recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find the nearest one here.

The car seat you pick for your baby will be a major investment, and you'll use it for a long time. You'll want to choose a seat that has a good crash test score and an analysis score. It should also have features that will keep your baby at ease. The Clek Liing is a great choice to parents looking for a budget-friendly rear-facing infant car seat. It scored well in our analysis and sensor test. It comes with an easy-to-use LATCH system that changes color to indicate when the buckle straps are properly attached to the car, and a load-leg to help prevent frontal collisions.

Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, opted for the Graco Extend2Fit to fit her daughters who were both born up to age six. The harness's adjustable height and size allows it to accommodate children of all sizes as well as taller ones. It's a good option for a variety of vehicles and has a low, 50-pound rear-facing weight limit. Additionally, it can be converted into a booster seat that Trolio used with her oldest daughter until she turned 10 years old.

Nuna RAVA is another affordable alternative. It doesn't come with a base, but it is still easy to install with the LATCH connectors that are rigid. They can be flipped out of the bottom and turn green when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is a comfortable baby seat with a no rethread harness. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps, without having to remove your child from the car seat. LaBracio also found the six-position recline useful.

Forward-Facing Options

In front-facing seats the necks of children are held in the back of the seat, rather than pushed forward on the car seat that is hard. This position also protects them from injuries in side crashes. Car seats typically allow infants as young as 20 pounds and 1 year old to sit in the rear. Many experts advise that children remain rear-facing for as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time to move to the front-facing seat.

When considering options for forward-facing car seats, make sure they meet i-Size specifications, have a padded head rest, and a deep harness pocket. Make sure you know the maximum height and weight limits, and consider purchasing a car seat that can expand with your child to an adult booster seat. Some models have an all-in-one feature that lets your child move 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 car seat will fit in your vehicle, particularly when it has a narrow trunk or low clearance. Check the dimensions of the car seat as well as the owner's manual of the vehicle to ensure the best fit.

Also, make sure you choose a car seat that provides comfortable and adequate support for your child's body. Long trips in the car will be less stressful when they are able to rest comfortably. This could include features like the ability to recline the seat back, a five point harness that can be tightened from the rear of your seat and a range of recline positions.

Once you've narrowed down your options, think about the policies on crash replacement for the car seat you're thinking of buying. These can range from a manufacturer’s replacement policy, to a specific case review.

After you've done your homework and decided on the kind of car seat you're looking for It's time to begin shopping around. Look through the selections at your local baby store or online retailer and talk to friends who have young children to get their suggestions. You can also book an Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you select the best car seat for a newborn.