Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A well-designed car seat keeps your baby safe, comfortable and secure on the road. Which is the most suitable for your child?

Selecting the best infant car seat can be difficult. There are many features to take into consideration, such as latch hooks, belt paths and load legs. Here's everything you need to be aware of to make the right choice for your family.

Easy of Use

You'll need to choose a model that's easy to install and use whether you're buying an infant car seat for a newborn or upgrading your toddler's car seat. Think about the size of the seat base and the car, as well as how the seat is suited to your baby's weight and height, and additional features that are convenient, 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 infants because they're typically narrower than convertible car seats and can fit babies more comfortably. They come with a harness to help your child's head during an accident, which will reduce the stress on their neck or the spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are great for parents who want to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they can. Most models let the child ride rear-facing until 30 pounds or greater. Look for a convertible seat that is compliant with federal safety regulations and has an upper minimum of 50 pounds.

When you're looking for a car seat, it's important to remember that even though all carseats must conform to the strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models available on the market. Choose a seat that is certified by a trusted organization or company. Also, check for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and various recline positions. Some car seats offer additional 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 smaller vehicle, look for a smaller infant seat, such as the Clek Liing, which is less than 17 inches wide and easy to install in most vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max, that is compatible together with UPPAbaby Strollers is a great choice for families who want an easy car seat. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all very easy to use.

Safety Features

If you're looking for a secure, lightweight infant car seat to take your baby on long journeys or need to ensure your baby is comfortable for the duration of a ride, a few key features are worth keeping in mind. First, think about the height and weight limit of your infant car seat. This will determine the length of time your baby can safely be in the seat. Choose a seat that can be used up to the 90th percentile of your child's height before turning 1. Consider whether you want to put a blanket or coat on the straps of your harness. The AAP advises against this, since thick clothing can compress in a crash and leave the straps too loose to hold your child, increasing the chance of injuries.

You should also consider whether your car seat can be secured with the LATCH system, or a belt on a vehicle or if it's compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. A car seat that can fit onto a compatible base is the best option if you plan to use it for a majority of your car rides and will save you time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it each time you use your vehicle.

In our tests the Best of the Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with reviewers saying it "has everything you need for a fast and painless installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that open from the base and turn green when fully connected, plus a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener and an adjustable foot with springs.

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

The Maxi-Cosi Jade is an excellent choice for babies due to its unique sleeping position of 180 degrees. This lets them sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on road trips. It's also been praised for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? saying it's one of the safest infant car seats on the market' and ADAC awarding the highest lab rating for an infant car seat.

Rear-facing Options

In most cars, the safest place for a newborn is in the rear seat. The center seat is the furthest away from any potential collision, and will shield your baby best in an accident. If possible, you should select an infant car seat that lets your child ride rear-facing until they're about a year old. It's also important to make sure the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest is snug against your child's head and chest. Find a certified child passenger technician who can give you the most current recommendations for car seat installation and use. Find one in your area here.

The car seat you select for your infant car seat uk is a significant purchase, and you'll use it for many years. You'll want to choose a seat that has a high crash test score and analysis score. It should also include features that will keep your baby comfy. The Clek LIing is an excellent option for parents who are looking for an infant seat with a rear view that is affordable. It scored high in our sensor and analysis test. It comes with an easy-to-use LATCH system that changes color to indicate that the buckle straps have been properly secured to the car. It also has an extra load leg that helps avoid frontal collisions.

Strategist senior editor and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters who both grew from birth to age 6. The seat's adjustable harness height and length allow it to fit all children from tall to short. The seat is suitable for many vehicles, and it has the weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Plus, the seat converts into a booster seat, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter up to the time she was 10 years old.

Nuna RAVA is a different, affordable alternative. It doesn't have an base, but it's still easy to install using the LATCH connectors, which are rigid. They can be flipped out from the bottom and then turn green when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for infants, with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to attach the straps without taking your baby from the seat. LaBracio also found the six-position recline useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing Focus

Necks of children can be cradled by the seat back in front-facing seats rather than being pushed forward onto a hard vehicle seat. This also helps protect children from side-impacts better. The majority of car seats allow infants up to 20 pounds and 1 year old to ride backwards. Many experts advise that children remain rear-facing for as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when it's time to move to a front-facing seat.

If you're looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, ensure they meet the i-Size standards and have a padded harness pocket, and a padded seat headrest. 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's important to also consider whether the car seat is a good infant car seats fit in your vehicle, especially if it has a small trunk or a low clearance. Make sure you check the dimensions of the car seat as well as the owners' manuals for your vehicle to determine the most appropriate fit.

Look for a car-seat that offers good support and comfort to your child. Long drives in the vehicle are more enjoyable if they are able to sleep comfortably. This could include features such as a reclining seat back as well as a five-point harness that tightens from the back of your seat, and a variety of recline positions.

Once you've narrowed your choices down, you'll need to consider the policies for replacement in case of a crash of the car seats by age seats you're considering. These could be anything from a manufacturer's replacement policy, to a specific case review.

Once you've done your research and decided on the kind of car seat you're interested in, it's time to start looking around. You can also ask family members who have children to recommend. You can also request a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to assist you in choosing the right car seat for your baby.