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 most suitable for your child?
Selecting lightweight baby car seat can be difficult. There are a lot of features to take into consideration, such as latch hooks, belt paths, and load legs. Here's everything you need to think about to make the best decision for your family.
Easy of Use
You'll need 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 seat. Think about the size and weight of your child, the seat's fit in the car and any other features, such as the lay-flat option that can also be used as stroller.
Infant-only chairs are a good choice for small babies because they're generally narrower than convertible car seats and can fit infants more comfortably. They have a harness to ensure your child's head is supported in an accident, which can reduce the stress on their neck or the spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who want to keep their babies rear-facing for as long as is possible because most models let children ride in a rear-facing seat until they weigh 30 pounds or more. If you opt for a convertible car seat, you should look for one that meets the safety standards of the federal government and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more.
It is important to keep in mind that even though all car seats must meet strict NHTSA standards, there are many different models to choose from. Pick a seat certified by a trusted organization or company. Also, check for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The top-rated car seats for newborns feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding, and a range of recline positions. Some even have additional padding in the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your newborn remain comfortable on long journeys. If you're driving a small vehicle, you should consider a small infant car seat, such as the Clek Liing. It's less than 17 inches wide, and is able to be installed in most vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max that can be used in conjunction in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great choice for families who want an easy car seat. The harness that retracts automatically, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all simple to use.
Safety Features
Whether you're looking for a secure, lightweight infant car seat to take your baby for long drives or want to make sure your baby is comfortable for the duration of your ride there are a few important aspects that are worth keeping in mind. Consider first the height and weight limit of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can be safely in the seat So, you should consider a model that goes up to at least your child's 90th percentile measurement before they turn one. Consider whether you might want to wear blankets or coats over the harness straps. The AAP recommends against this since thick clothing can be compressed in a crash and leave the straps loose to hold your child, thereby increasing the risk of injuries.
You should also think about whether your car seat will be installed via the LATCH system or a belt on a vehicle and if it's compatible with other travel systems or strollers. If you plan to use your car seat for a majority of your driving it's best to pick one that is easily fitted onto an appropriate base. This will reduce time and energy since you won't have to remove and reinstall the seat every time you use the car.
In our tests the Best of the Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with reviewers commenting that it "has everything you need to have a quick and painless installation." This includes premium LATCH connectors that can be flipped out from the base and turn green when fully connected, and 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 as simple to use as models that cost twice as much. Our testers have praised it for its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that can be adjusted to fit your child's height, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.
The Maxi-Cosi jade is a great option for newborns because of its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position, which allows them to stay asleep longer and more comfortably during travel. It is also acknowledged for its safety by the consumer advocate Which? declaring it to be one of the safest infant car seats available as well as ADAC awarding it their highest lab rating for a car seat for infants.
Rear-facing Options
In the majority of cars, a newborn's safest position is in the middle rear seat. The center seat is furthest away from any potential impact, and will protect your baby best in an accident. You should choose an infant car seat which allows your child to sit rear-facing for about a year. It's also crucial to make sure the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest is placed comfortably against your child's head and chest. Get a certified child-passenger technician who will provide you with the most up-to date recommendations for car seat installation and use. Find one near you here.
Selecting a car seat for your infant is a major investment that you'll probably use for a long time, so you'll want to select one that has an excellent crash test sensor and score as along with features to keep your child comfortable. The Clek LIing is a great choice for parents seeking an infant seat with a rear view that is affordable. It scored extremely high in both our analysis and sensor tests. It has a simple LATCH system that has an indicator that changes color and indicates whether the buckle straps are attached properly to the car, and an extra load leg to help stop frontal collisions.
Strategist senior editor and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit with her daughters, who both went from the time of birth until age 6. The seat's adjustable height and length make it suitable for all children, from tall to short. The seat is compatible with numerous vehicles, and has an upper limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Plus, it converts to an adult seat that Trolio used with her oldest daughter to the time she reached 10 years old. older.
Another option that is affordable is the Nuna RAVA. It does not come with a base like most other seats, but is still extremely quick and easy to install using either method with its rigid LATCH connectors, which flip out from the bottom of the seat. They then automatically turn green once secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is suitable for infants with no rethread harness. Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to secure the straps, without having to take your baby from the car seat. LaBracio also discovered the recline with six positions to be useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing
Children's necks can be held by the seat back in front-facing seats instead of being pushed forward on the car seat. This is a way to protect them from side collisions as well. Car seats typically allow children to ride rear-facing until they weigh more than 20 pounds and one year old. However, many experts recommend 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 an forward-facing seat.
If you're looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, be sure they meet the i-Size requirements and have a padded harness pocket, and a padded headrest. Consider purchasing a car seat that can grow with your child and eventually become a booster. Certain 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 will fit in your vehicle, particularly in the case of a small trunk or low clearance. Check the car seat's dimensions and the owner's manual for the best fit.
Lastly, look for an automobile seat that offers adequate support and comfort for your child's body. Long trips in the car will be less stressful when they are able to sleep comfortably. This may include features such as reclined seat backs, a five point harness that can tighten from the rear 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 policies can vary from the manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by-case analysis.
After you've done some study and determined the type of car seat you'd like, you can start shopping. Check out the selection at your local baby store or online retailer and ask your parents of young children to get their suggestions. You can also request an Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you choose the right car seat for your baby.