Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A car seat that is safe and secure keeps your baby safe, comfortable and secure when you're on the road. Which one is the best for your baby?
With features such as latch hooks, load legs and belt paths to consider, choosing the best infant car seat isn't easy. Here's what you should know to make the best buying decision for your family.
User-Friendliness
Whether you're shopping for a car seat for your infant for your newborn or if you're upgrading from an infant car seat, you'll need an option that is simple to set up and use. Think about the size and weight of your child, the seat's capacity in the car and any additional features, like the lay-flat option that can also be used as a stroller.
Infant-only seats are a great option for babies as they're typically narrower than convertible car seats and can fit infants more comfortably. They also have the safety of a harness to protect your child's delicate head in the event of a collision and reduces tension on their neck and the spinal cord.
Convertible car seat are ideal for parents who wish 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 more. Find a convertible seat that meets federal safety regulations and has 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. Pick a seat approved by a reputable company or company. Also, look 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 come with additional padding on the straps for the shoulder and close to the buckle to keep your baby at ease during long road trips. If you have a small vehicle, you should consider a narrow infant car seat, such as the Clek Liing. It's less than 17 inches wide, and is easily installed in a variety of vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max, that is compatible together with UPPAbaby Strollers is a great option for families in search of an easy car seat. Its auto-retracting straps EZ buckle and connectors for lower anchors that are premium with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it easy to use on every car trip.
Safety Features
There are some aspects when selecting an infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure your baby is comfortable throughout the ride or are looking for a lightweight and safe car seat for your child to use on long trips, it's important to think about some of the aspects. Consider first the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine the maximum time your child is able to safely stay in the seat. Find a model that can be used up to the 90th centile of your child's height before turning one. Also, consider whether you might want to put blankets or coats on the straps of your harness. The AAP warns against this because thick clothing can be compressed during a crash, leaving the straps too loose for your child to be secured which increases the risk of injury.
You should also consider whether your car seat can be secured with the LATCH system, or a vehicle belt, and if it is compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. If you plan to use your car seat for a majority of your car rides it is best to select one that can easily fit on a base compatible with it. This will save you time and energy since you won't have to take out and reinstall the seat each time you use the car.
In our testing the Best of the Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned high marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with testers commenting that it "has everything you need for a fast and easy installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that can be removed from the base and turn green once fully connected. Additionally, there is a SuperCinch force multiplier strap tightener and a spring-loaded leveling foot.
Another option is the budget-friendly Baby Trend Secure-Lift, which we've found to be as simple to use as other models that cost twice as much. Its five-position adjustable headrest, which grows with your child, its buckle holders with magnetic buckles and no-rethread harness have been praised by our test subjects.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is fantastic choice for newborns due to its unique 180-degree flat sleep position, which allows them to stay asleep longer and more comfortably on travel. It is also highly praised for its safety by consumer advocate Which? declaring it to be one of the most secure infant car seats on the market as well as ADAC awarding the highest lab rating for an infant car seat.
Rear-facing Options
In the majority of cars the safest place for a newborn is in the rear seat at the center. The position in the center is the most secure from any possible impact and will protect your child the best in the event of an accident. If you can, select an infant car seat that lets your child sit rear-facing up to an year old. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest is snug against your child's chest and head. The best way to accomplish this is to consult a certified child passenger safety technician who will provide you with up-to-date recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one near you here.
Choosing the right car seat for your baby is a significant purchase that you'll likely be using for a very long time, so you'll want to choose one with an impressive crash test sensor and score as along with features to keep your child safe. The Clek LIing is an excellent option for parents who are looking for an infant rear-facing seat that is affordable. It scored highly in our sensor and analysis test, has an easy-to-use LATCH system that changes color to indicate when the buckle straps are properly attached to the car. It also has a load-leg that helps prevent frontal collisions.
www.pushchairsandprams.uk , senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, opted for the Graco Extend2Fit to fit her daughters, who were both from birth up to age six. The seat's adjustable harness height as well as length make it suitable for the needs of a variety of children from tall to short. It's an excellent choice for a wide range of vehicles. It also has a low, 50-pound weight limit for rear-facing children. Additionally, it can be converted into a booster seat, which Trolio used with her oldest daughter until she turned 10 years young.
Another option that is reasonably priced is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't have a base like most other seats, but is still simple to put in using either method with its rigid LATCH connectors that flip out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green when secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for babies, thanks to a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to secure the straps without removing your baby from the seat. It also features the ability to recline in six positions which LaBracio found to be useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing Focus
Children's necks can be held by the seat back in front-facing seats rather than being pushed forward onto the hard seat of a vehicle. This protects them from side collisions as well. Car seats typically allow infants up to 20 pounds and 1 year old to ride backwards. However, many experts recommend that children ride rear-facing as long as possible--their neck muscles and bones will become stronger by the time they're ready to switch to a forward-facing car seat.
If you are looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, ensure they meet the i-Size requirements, have a padded harness pocket and a padded seat headrest. Think about purchasing a car seat that can grow with your child, and then become a booster. 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's also important to consider whether the seat fits your vehicle properly, particularly if you have a small trunk space or a car with a low clearance. Check the dimensions of the car seat and owners' manuals for your vehicle to determine the best fit.
Finally, you should look for a car seat that has adequate support and comfort for your child's body--long trips in the car will be less stressful in the event that they rest comfortably. This could include features such as an adjustable headrest or a five-point harness which can be tightened from the back of the seat and a variety of recline positions.
Once you've narrowed your choices down, you'll want to look at the policies regarding crash replacement of the car seats you're considering. They can differ from the manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by-case review.
After you've done some research and determined what kind of car seats you'd like to purchase You can begin looking. You can also ask your friends with young children for recommendations. You can also arrange an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you locate the perfect car seat for your baby.