Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A quality car seat will keep your baby safe and secure while on the road. Which one is the most suitable for your baby?

With features such as latch hooks, load legs, and belt paths to consider, choosing the best infant car seat can be a challenge. Here's what you need to know to make the best buying decision for your family.

Easy of Use

You'll want to select an option that is easy to install and use, whether you're purchasing an infant car seat newborn car seat for a new baby or upgrading your toddler's seat. Think about the size of the base and the car, how well the seat is suited to your baby's weight and height, and useful extra features such as an option to lay flat that can also double as a bassinet for your stroller.

Infant-only seats are a great option for babies as they're generally narrower than convertible car seats and can fit infants more comfortably. They come with a harness that can help your child's head during an accident, which can reduce the stress on their neck or spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are great for parents who want to keep their infants rear-facing for as long as is possible since most of these models allow children to sit in a rear-facing position up to the point that they're 30 pounds or greater. Choose a convertible car seat that complies with federal safety standards and has a a weight minimum of 50 pounds.

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. Pick a seat certified by a reputable organization or company. Also, check for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

The top-rated car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and various recline positions. Some also offer additional padding in the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your baby remain comfortable on long road trips. If you're driving a small vehicle, consider a small infant car seat like the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches wide, and is able to be installed in a variety of automobiles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max, that can be used in conjunction in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great choice for families looking for an easy car seat. Its auto-retracting straps EZ buckle, premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it simple to use on every car trip.

Safety Features

Whether you're looking for an infant safe, lightweight car seat to take your baby on long journeys or want to make sure your child is comfortable for the duration of a ride, a few key features are important to keep in mind. First, think about the height and weight limit of your infant car seat newborn car seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the seat. Choose a seat which goes up to your child's 90th centile measurement prior to turning 1. Consider whether you'd prefer to wear a coat or blanket over the straps of your harness. The AAP warns against this since thick clothing can shrink during a crash, leaving the straps too loose for your child to be secured, increasing the risk of injuries.

Other things to consider include whether you're planning to attach your car seat using 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 most of your journeys in the car, it's best to choose one that can easily fit on the base that is compatible with it. This will save you time and energy since you won't have to take out and reinstall the seat every time you drive.

The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, scored top marks in our tests for its ease of installation and adjustments. Testers stated that it "has everything you need for a quick, painless installation." This includes premium LATCH connectors that open from the base and change to green when fully connected, as well as a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and a spring-loaded leveling foot.

Another great option is the Baby Trend's budget-friendly Secure-Lift that we've found to be just as easy to use as models that cost twice as much. Our test subjects have applauded it for its five-position, height-adjustable headrest that can be adjusted to fit your child's height, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi jade is a great choice for newborns due to its unique 180-degree sleeping position. This allows them to rest comfortably and for longer on road trips. It's also been praised for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? saying it's one of the most secure infant car seats on the market as well as ADAC giving the highest lab rating for a car seat that is suitable for infants.

Rear-Facing Options

In the majority of cars the most secure position for infants is in the rear seat at the center. The seat in the center is most away from any impact, and can protect your baby in the event of an accident. You should select an infant car seat which allows your child to be rear-facing for about a year. It is also essential to make sure the Car Seat For Newborn seat is correctly installed and that the headrest fits snugly against your child's head and chest. The most efficient way to do this is to speak with 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.

Selecting a car seat for your infant is a huge investment that you'll probably use for a very long time, so you'll want to select one that has an amazing crash test sensor and score as along with features to keep your child comfortable. The Clek Liing is a great option for parents who are looking for an affordable rear-facing infant car seat that swivels car seat for newborn seat. It scored highly in both our sensor and analysis tests. It has 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.

Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, opted for the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters who were both born until age six. The seat's adjustable height and length allow it to fit a range of children, from tall to short. It's a good infant car seats choice for a wide range of vehicles. It has a low, 50-pound weight limit for rear-facing children. The seat also converts into a booster, which Trolio used for her daughter's oldest until she was 10 years old.

Another option that is affordable is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't have a base, but it's still easy to put in using the LATCH connectors, which are rigid. They flip off the bottom and turn green when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is comfortable for babies with a no rethread harness. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps without removing your baby from the car seat. It also comes with the ability to recline in six positions that LaBracio discovered useful.

Forward-Facing Options

In front-facing seats, children's necks are cradled in the back of the seat, rather than pushed forward on the hard seat of a vehicle. This protects them from side collisions as well. Car seats typically allow infants to sit rear-facing until they are over 20 pounds and a year old. However, many experts suggest that children ride rear-facing as long as possible--their neck muscles and bones will be stronger by the time they're ready to switch to a forward-facing seat.

When looking for options for forward-facing seats, ensure they meet the i-Size requirements and have a padded harness pocket and a padded seat headrest. You should consider buying a car seat that will grow with your child and eventually become a booster. Some models come with 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's also important to determine whether the seat fits your vehicle well, especially when you have a limited trunk space or a vehicle with a low clearance. Check 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 comfortable and adequate support for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be easier when they are able to sleep comfortably. This can include features such as reclined seat backs as well as a five-point harness that tightens from the back of your seat, and a range of recline positions.

Once you've narrowed down your options, consider crash replacement policies for the car seat you're considering. These can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a personal case review.

After you've done your homework and determined the type of car seat you're interested in It's time to begin shopping around. Check out the selection at your local baby store or online retailer, and ask family members who have children for their recommendations. You can also book an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you choose the best car seat for your newborn.