Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A car seat that is safe and secure ensures your baby is secure, comfortable and safe when you're on the road. Which is the best for your baby?

With features like latch hooks, load legs and belt paths to consider, choosing the best infant car seat can be a challenge. Here's everything you need be aware of to make the right choice for your family.

Ease of Use

If you're looking for an infant car seats that swivel car seat for your baby or if you're upgrading from a toddler's car seat, you'll need an option that is simple to install and use. Think about the size of the base and the car, how the seat will fit your child's weight and height, as well as convenient extra features like the lay-flat option that can also double as a bassinet for your stroller.

Infant-only seats can be a great option for babies because they are typically smaller and fit more comfortably than convertible car seats. They come with a harness to support your child's head in an accident, which can reduce the strain on their neck or the spinal cord.

Convertible car seat are ideal for parents who want to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they can. Most models allow children to sit rear-facing until the weight is 30 pounds or more. Find a convertible seat that meets federal safety standards and has a a weight minimum of 50 pounds.

It's important to keep in mind that, despite the fact that all car seats must meet strict NHTSA standards, there are many different models available. To avoid the burden and risk of a defective or dangerous seat, make sure you choose one certified by a reliable company or organization, and check for recalls in the past and manufacturer complaints.

The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and a variety of recline positions. Some car seats offer extra padding on the shoulder straps and close to the buckle to ensure your child is comfy during long road trips. If you're in a smaller vehicle, think about an infant car seats that swivel car seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches wide and is able to be installed in most automobiles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby that is specifically designed to work with UPPAbaby strollers, is another ideal option for families that want a no-fuss car seat that is simple to use. The harness that retracts automatically, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all simple to use.

Safety Features

It is important to consider some aspects when selecting an infant car seat swivel car seat. Whether you want to ensure your baby is comfortable during the entire ride or are looking for an easy-to-use, safe car seat for your child to use on long trips, you need to think about a few characteristics. Be aware of the weight and height limits of your infant car seat uk car seat. This will determine the maximum time your baby can safely be in the seat. Look for a model that is able to accommodate the 90th percentile of your child's height before turning 1. Also, consider whether you'd prefer to put blankets or coats on the straps of your harness. The AAP cautions against this, since heavy clothing may compress in a crash and leave the straps too loose to restrain your child, increasing the risk of injuries.

Other things to consider include whether you intend to install your car seat with belts on your vehicle or the LATCH system, and whether it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. If you plan to use your seat for the majority of your journeys in the car, it's best to choose one that fits easily onto the base that is compatible with it. This will reduce time and energy because you won't need to take off and reinstall your seat each time you drive.

In our tests the Best of the Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned high marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with testers saying it "has everything you need for a fast and easy installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that open from the base and turn green when fully connected, plus a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener as well as a spring-loaded leveling foot.

The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another great option. We found it to be as simple to use and affordable as models that cost twice as much. The adjustable headrest that can be adjusted to five positions, which grows with your child's development, its magnetic buckle holders and harness that doesn't rethread have been praised by our test subjects.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade is the perfect choice for infants because of its unique 180-degree sleep position. This allows them to sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on road trips. It's also praised for its safety, with consumer champion Which? ADAC awarding it the highest laboratory score for car seats for infants.

Rear-facing Options

In most cars the most secure position for infants is in the middle rear seat. The center seat is furthest away from any potential impact, and can protect your baby best in an accident. It is recommended to choose an infant car seat that allows your child to sit rear-facing for about one year. It's also important to ensure the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest is secure against your child's chest and head. The most efficient way to do this is to talk to a certified child passenger safety technician, who can provide you with up-to-date recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your locality here.

The car seat you pick for your newborn will be a major investment, and you'll use it for many years. You'll want one that has a high crash test score and an analysis score. It should also have features to ensure your baby is comfortable. The Clek Liing is a great choice for parents who are looking for an affordable rear-facing infant car seat uk car seat. It scored highly in our analysis and sensor test, has an easy LATCH system that changes color to show whether the buckle straps are correctly secured to the car. It also has a load-leg that helps prevent frontal collisions.

Strategist senior editor and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters who both went from the time of birth until age 6. The seat's adjustable harness height as well as length make it suitable for all children, from tall to short. The seat is compatible with many vehicles, and it has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, it can be converted into an adult seat, which Trolio used with her oldest daughter until she turned 10 years old.

Nuna RAVA is a different, affordable alternative. It does not have a base as many other seats, but is still simple and quick to install using either method with its rigid LATCH connectors that slide out from the bottom of the seat and automatically turn green once 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 remove your baby 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 protects them from collisions with other vehicles as well. Most car seats allow infants up to 20 pounds and one year old to ride backwards. Many experts recommend that kids remain rear-facing as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time for them to transition to a front-facing seat.

If you are looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, ensure they meet the i-Size requirements with a padded seat pocket, and a cushioned headrest for the seat. You should consider buying a car seat which can grow with your child, and then become a booster. Some models have an all-in one feature that allows your child to change from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat.

It's also important to consider whether the seat will fit your vehicle well, especially in the case of a tiny trunk space or a car with an uninspiring clearance. Check the car seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure that the seat is the best fit.

Choose a car seat that provides good support and comfort for your child. Long journeys in the car will be more enjoyable if they can sleep comfortably. This could include features like reclined seat backs and a five-point harness that tightens from the back of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.

After narrowing your options down, you'll want to look at the policies regarding crash replacement of the car seats you're thinking of buying. They can be anything from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a personal case review.

Once you've done your research and decided on the kind of car seat you're looking for now is the time to start looking around. Check out the selection at your local baby shop or online, and talk to parents of young children for their recommendations. You can also request a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you select the right car seat for your baby.