Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A well-designed car seat keeps your baby safe, secure and comfortable while on the road. Which one is the most suitable for your infant?
Selecting the best infant car seats isn’t an easy task. There are so many features to take into consideration, such as latch hooks, belt paths, and load legs. Here’s what you should be aware of in order to make the right choice for your family.
Easy of Use
You’ll want to select a model that’s easy to install 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 extra features, like the lay-flat option that can also be used as a stroller.
Infant-only seats are a great option for babies because they tend to be narrower and fit them more snugly than convertible seats. They have a harness to support your child’s head in an accident, which can reduce the stress on their neck or spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are great for parents who intend to keep their infants rear-facing as long as possible because most models allow children to ride in a rear-facing seat until they’re 30 pounds or greater. Choose a convertible car seat that is compliant with federal safety standards and has a an upper limit of at least 50 pounds.
It’s important to keep it in mind that even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards there are a myriad of models to choose from. Choose a seat that is certified by a reputable organization or company. Also, look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
Top-rated car seats are made with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and various recline positions. Some even have additional padding near the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your infant remain comfortable on long journeys. If you have a smaller vehicle choose a smaller infant seat, such as the Clek Liing one, which is under 17 inches wide and is easy to install in most vehicles. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, which can be used together with UPPAbaby Strollers is a great choice for families who want a simple car seat. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all simple to use.
Safety Features
You should consider a few features when choosing an infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure that your child is comfortable throughout the journey or are in search of an easy-to-use, safe car seat for your child to use on long journeys, it’s essential to think about certain characteristics. Be aware of the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can safely be in the car seat, so choose a seat that is able to reach minimum 90th percentile measurement before they turn 1. Consider whether you would like to put an overcoat or blanket over the straps of your harness. The AAP cautions against this, since thick clothing can cause a collapse and leave the straps too loose to hold your child, increasing the risk of injuries.
It is also important to consider whether your car seat can be installed using the LATCH system or a belt for your vehicle, and if it is compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. A seat that can easily fit onto a compatible base is the best option if you plan to use it for a majority of your journeys in order to save time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it each time you use your vehicle.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which was awarded Best of The Bump, scored top marks in our tests for its ease of installation and adjustments. Testers said it “has everything needed for a quick, painless installation.” This includes premium LATCH connecters that slide out of the base, and then turn green once they’re fully connected. Also included is a SuperCinch force multiplier strap tightener as well as a spring-loaded leveling foot.
Another 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. The adjustable headrest that can be adjusted to five positions that adapts to your child’s development as well as its buckle holders with magnetic buckles, and its harness that doesn’t rethread have been praised by our testers.
The Maxi-Cosi Mica Pro Eco i-Size Car Seat: Shop Now! Kore I-Size Booster Seat For Toddlers (Www.Pushchairsandprams.Uk) Jade is great option for newborns because of its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position, which allows them to sleep longer and more comfortably on travel. It’s also been lauded for its safety, with consumer champion Which? ADAC giving it the highest laboratory score for infant car seats.
Rear-facing Options
In most cars the most secure position for infants is in the middle rear seat. The seat in the middle is the furthest from any impact that could occur and will shield your child best in the event of a crash. You should select an infant car seat that allows your child to be in a rear-facing position for around a year. It is also important to make sure the car seat is correctly installed and that the headrest is placed snugly against your child’s head and chest. Get a certified child-passenger technician who will provide you with the most current recommendations for car seat installation and use. Find one in your locality here.
The car seat you pick for your infant will be a major investment, and you’ll be using it for a long time. You’ll want to choose a seat with a high crash test score as well as an analysis score. It should also include features to ensure your baby is comfy. The Clek LIing is a great choice for parents looking for an infant seat with a rear view that is affordable. It scored well in our analysis and sensor test. It has an easy LATCH system that changes color to indicate whether the buckle straps are properly secured to the car. It also has an extra load leg that helps avoid frontal collisions.
Strategist senior editor and mom of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters, who both went from birth until age 6. The adjustable harness size and height allows it to accommodate children of all sizes and heights, including taller ones. It’s an excellent option for a wide range of vehicles and comes with a modest 50-pound weight limit for rear-facing children. Additionally, the seat can be converted into a booster seat, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter until she was 10 years old.
Another affordable option is the Nuna RAVA. It does not come with a base like the majority of seats, however it is still very simple to put in using either method, thanks to its rigid LATCH connectors that flip out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green once secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for babies, with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that make it simple to fasten the straps without having to remove your child from the seat. LaBracio also found the six-position recline useful.
Forward-Facing Options
In front-facing seats the necks of children are held in the back of the seat, rather than pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This is a way to protect them from side collisions as well. The majority of car seats allow infants up to 20 pounds and one year old to ride in the rear. However, many experts recommend that children remain rear-facing as long as possible–their neck muscles and bones will become stronger when they’re ready to switch to a forward-facing car seat.
If you are looking at alternatives for forward-facing car seats, make sure they meet i-Size requirements, have a padded head rest, and a deep harness pocket. Check the maximum height and weight limits and consider buying an automobile seat that can grow with your child into a booster seat. Certain models come with an all-in-one feature that allows you to move your child from an rear-facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing seat that has a harness and then to a booster seat.
It’s also important to consider whether the seat will fit your vehicle well, especially in the case of a tiny trunk space or a vehicle with an uninspiring clearance. Check the dimensions of the car seat as well as the owner’s manual of the vehicle to ensure the best fit.
Choose a car seat that provides adequate support and comfort to your child. Long journeys in the car will be more enjoyable if they are able to rest comfortably. This could include features such as reclined headrests or a five-point harness which can be tightened from the back of the seat and a variety of recline positions.
After narrowing down your options, consider the policies on crash replacement for the car seat you’re thinking of buying. These can vary from a manufacturer’s replacement policy to a personal case review.
After you’ve done some study and determined the type of car seats you want You can begin looking. 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.
