How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn

The best car seat newborn is one that meets federal safety standards, fits your car, has useful features (like changing into a stroller) and works with your budget. It's also worth checking that the baby car seat clicks into and out of your car easily especially if you frequently switch between taxis or trips in rental cars and grandparents vehicles.

Safety

Car seats are designed to ensure your baby is safe and a quality one should have some extra features beyond the safety standards set by the federal government. These include padded inserts on the shoulders and head and also air-repellent fabric to keep them cool while driving in hot weather.

Another important safety consideration is the ease to set up and use the seat. Ideally, you should be capable of snapping it in place with little effort, and with clear signs that it's safe, level, and positioned properly.

Find features that make it easier to accomplish this, such as built-in locks and belt guides that can help you align the car seat with the vehicle's seat belt. Avoid buying used car seats that might not have been tested for safety, or which might have been involved in an accident. They may not be safe for your child. If you have to purchase a used car seat ensure that it's not expired and isn't being sold by an individual seller who does not have evidence of ownership.

Another thing to bear in mind is that it's best to keep your baby in the car seat for no more than two hours per day unless they are lying down in a supine position. This is to prevent stress on their spine and to ensure they are able to breathe regularly.

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

The Nuna pipa aire rx is another option that can be used for a long time. It can rotate 360 degrees which means you can switch it from front-facing to rear-facing as your child grows. It's also one of the lightest-weight car seats available and weighs less than 9 pounds without its base. It's an excellent choice for parents who transfer their child frequently between cars or plan to use it for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives, and trips with grandparents.

Comfort

It is essential that your child is comfortable in their car seat, both when they are in it and after you install it. Choose padded straps that fit comfortably around their shoulders, and look for soft fabric that is comfortable under their tummy. This is particularly important if you plan to use the seat for a long period of time.

The most effective infant car seat swivel car seat is also simple to use. Some have LATCH connectors of premium quality that feature a SuperCinch force multiplier and tightener. Some also come with spring-loaded leveling legs and belt paths to make installation without a base simpler than ever. Other features can help you adjust the height of your harness and headrest, which is especially important as your child grows.

Cosatto All in All Rotate is an example. Our testers from our parent company gave it a score of 10 out of 10. It features a clear, simple interface, no-rethread, easy-to-reset harness, a 360-degree rotation, and a recline lock indication. This means that you can change from rear-facing to forward-facing as your child grows without having to remove the seat and replace it.

Another example is the Nuna Pipa aire rx, which our parent testers loved for its convenience, comfort and flexibility. Its cushioned shoulder straps and headrests are designed to accommodate the head of your newborn and includes pillows that are soft for your comfort. It can be used as a rear-facing car seat up until your baby reaches the maximum height or weight limit and can also be converted into a stroller without the need for an additional adapter.

A quality car seat is sturdy and some have a warranty. Choose a seat that has plenty of padding and durable materials to protect your child from accidents. It should also include steel frames to absorb the force of impact and a "crumple area" to prevent crash damage. It should be easy to clean as accidents are bound to happen with a child. To make cleaning easier, look for a car-seat with removable covers and pads that can be washed in the machine.

Easy of Use

It is crucial that a car seat is simple to install and use, particularly in the event that it will be used in multiple vehicles from time to time. Look for features like a quick-release buckle, a gauge that indicates the state of the latch system (e.g. green for locked) and a clear, easy-to-read guide to make it as stress-free as possible.

The Best of The Bump winner comes with a variety of useful extras that our parents testers loved, such as a padded harness and headrest as well as a plush fabric cup holder. It also features a recline feature that allows your baby to sit in an comfortable position for longer travels. It can be combined with a buggy that is compatible to create a complete travel system. This is a great option when you plan to travel for a long period of time.

The seat is suitable for babies from birth. Our panelists found this car seat to be easy to set up and adjust. It has a recline lock and an upgraded connector that comes with a SuperCinch tightener. This made it easy to secure your child. It's also designed to be easily shifted from side-to-side in the vehicle without the need for tools.

The reclining feature makes it easier for you to take your baby in and out of the vehicle. This is especially helpful for those with back problems or have a smaller vehicle. It also has a reversible drink holder, as well as a handy storage compartment for toys and snacks.

The seat weighs under nine pounds and can be used with or without its base. It can also be rotated around 180 degrees. This is a fantastic feature for those who are tight in space or have back pain. This new feature impressed our panelists, and was awarded a place in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.

This is a great choice for those who want to convert their car seats into strollers for affordable prices. Its sleek design and premium fabric will endure the test of time also. Don't forget to wash the cover frequently because yoghurt spills, biscuits that have been crushed and even sickening toddler accidents can leave a marks.

Design

Car seat designs are as diverse as the cars they're installed in. Some parents prefer to skip infant car seats and opt for convertible models, most new moms want a product that can develop with their baby as they reach toddlerhood. The most versatile choice is an all-in-one top rated infant car seats car seat that lets you switch between rear-facing and forward-facing. It typically has a greater height and weight limit, and it can be used as a booster seat if your child is ready to be one.

The ideal car seat for a newborn is lightweight which makes it easy to lift it from the base and transport your baby in it. Our parents loved the Maxi-Cosi Coral, which is only available in a few colors, but comes with plenty of safety features and is super lightweight baby car seat (at 8.4 pounds with seat inserts and canopy). Nuna PIPA URbN is another model that stands out, because it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Car Seat Group category for 0/0+ due to top Rated baby car seats-of-the-line features like the Dream drape and a canopy that covers the entire area with UPF 50+.

The design of the base and the seat should be considered. Certain car seats have an attached base that is locked into the buckles for seat belts. Some have steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that flip out of the sides of the base once properly joined. Parents appreciated these connectors particularly if their car only had front-facing seatbelts, and no ISOFIX anchor points.

Some infant car seats work with regular seatbelts without the base. This is a fantastic feature for parents who travel frequently or travel with their babies. The Nuna TODL NEXT was a favorite among our testers who are parents. It can be used with or without the base, and features a smooth swivel that makes it easier to get your baby inside and out.

Other important design considerations are whether the car seat is a flat design, and how it will fit into your specific car (see our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're looking for an infant car seat newborn that will develop with your baby until a booster, choose one that has an adjustable headrest that can be reclining and side impact protection. It is also important to ensure that your chosen infant car seat is i-Size compliant and uses the correct car seat attachment points, in accordance with UK law.