Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A good car seat keeps your baby safe, comfortable and secure when you're on the road. Which one is the most suitable for your baby?
The right choice for infant car seats can be difficult. There are many features to consider such as latch hooks, belt pathways, and load legs. Here's everything you need think about to make the best decision for your family.
Simple to Use
You'll want to choose an option that is easy to set up and use, whether you're purchasing an infant car seat for a newborn or upgrading your toddler's car seat. Take into consideration the weight and size of your child, the size of the seat that will fit in your car, and any additional features, like lay-flat options that can also be used as a stroller.
Infant-only chairs are a good option for infants because they're typically narrower than convertible car seats and fit infants more comfortably. They also provide a harness that supports your child's fragile head in the event of a collision and reduces tension on their neck and the spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who want to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they are able to. The majority of models let the child sit rear-facing until the weight is 30 pounds or greater. Find a convertible seat that meets federal safety standards and has a a weight limit of at least 50 pounds.
It's important to keep in mind that even though 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, choose one that's certified by a reliable company or a reputable organization, and also look for recalls in the past and complaints from the manufacturer.
The best car seats for infants have skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding and a range of recline positions. Certain car seats provide additional padding on the straps for the shoulder and near the buckle to ensure your child is comfortable during long roadtrips. If you drive a smaller car opt for an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing that is under 17 inches wide and is easy to install in most cars. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, that is compatible with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great choice for families in search of an easy car seat. Its auto-retracting straps, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it simple to use for every car trip.
Safety Features
It is important to consider a few features when choosing the best infant car seat. If you want to ensure your child is comfortable throughout the journey or you are looking for a light car seat that is safe for your child to use on long trips, you need to think about some of the characteristics. Consider first the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the seat. Find a model which goes up to the 90th percentile of your child's height before turning one. Consider whether you would like to drape an overcoat or blanket over the straps of the harness. The AAP warns against this because thick clothing could be compressed during a crash, leaving the straps loose enough for your child to be restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
You should also think about whether your car seat will be installed via the LATCH system or a vehicle belt and if it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. If you intend to use your car seat for a majority of your driving it is best to select one that fits easily onto the base that is compatible with it. This will reduce time and energy since you won't need to take off and reinstall the seat every time you take a trip in the car.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, was praised during our testing for its ease of installation and its ability to adjust. Testers stated that it "has everything you need for a quick, painless installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that flip out from the base and turn green when fully connected, as well as a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener as well as a spring-loaded leveling foot.
Another great option is the affordable Baby Trend Secure-Lift, which we've found to be as simple to use as other models that cost twice as much. Its adjustable headrest in five positions that adapts to your child's development and its buckle holders with magnetic buckles, and its harness that doesn't rethread have been praised by our test subjects.
The Maxi-Cosi jade is the perfect choice for infants due to its unique 180-degree sleeping position. This allows them to rest comfortably and for longer on road trips. It is also highly praised for its safety by consumer advocate Which? saying it's one of the most secure infant car seats available' and ADAC giving the highest lab rating for a car seat that is suitable for infants.
Rear-facing Options
In the majority of automobiles, the most secure place for a baby is the back seat. The center seat is most away from any impact, and will protect your baby best in an accident. You should choose an infant car seat that allows your child to ride rear-facing for about a year. It is also essential to make sure the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest is placed snugly against your child's chest and head. The best way to accomplish this is to talk to an experienced child passenger safety technician who will provide you with the most current guidelines for car seat use and installation. Find one in your locality here.
Selecting an infant car seat for your infant is a significant investment that you'll likely use for a long time, so you'll want to choose one with an excellent crash test sensor and score as well as features to keep your child safe. The Clek LIing is a great choice for parents looking for a rear-facing infant seat that's affordable. It scored high in our analysis and sensor test. It has a simple LATCH system that changes color to show that the buckle straps are properly secured to the car. It also has an extra load leg that helps avoid frontal collisions.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, utilized the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters who were both born until age six. The seat's adjustable harness height as well as length help it fit a range of children from short to tall. It's an excellent option for a wide range of vehicles and has a low, 50-pound rear-facing weight limit. It also converts into an adult seat that Trolio used with her youngest daughter up until she was 10 years old. older.
Nuna RAVA is a similar option. It doesn't have a base, but it is still simple to install using the LATCH connectors that are rigid. They flip out of the bottom and then 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 having to remove your baby from the car seat. It also features a six-position recline that LaBracio discovered useful.
Forward-Facing Options
In front-facing seats children's necks are held in the back of the seat, instead of being pushed forward on the car seat that is hard. This position also protects children from side-impacts better. Car seats typically allow infants weighing up to 20 pounds and 1 year old to sit in the rear. Many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing for as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time to move to the front-facing seat.
If you are looking at alternatives for forward-facing car seats ensure that they meet i-Size requirements, have a padded head rest, and a spacious harness pocket. Make sure www.pushchairsandprams.uk know the maximum height and weight limits and think about purchasing a car seat that can grow with your child into the position of a booster seat. Some models have 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 also important to think about whether the car seat will fit in your vehicle, especially when it has a narrow trunk or a low clearance. Check the car seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure the most appropriate fit.
Find a car seat that provides adequate support and comfort for your child. Long journeys in the car will be more enjoyable if they are able to rest comfortably. This can include features like reclined seat backs, a five point harness that can be tightened from the back of your seat, and a variety of recline positions.
Once you've narrowed down your options, you should consider the policies regarding crash replacement for the car seat you're thinking of buying. These could range from a manufacturer’s replacement policy to an individual case review.
After you've done some study and determined the type of car seats you'd like to purchase then you can begin shopping. Take a look at the options available at your local baby shop or online, and ask your friends who have young children for their recommendations. You can also schedule an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you find the right car seat for your baby.