How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn
The best car seat for a new Nania BEONE Baby Car Seat – Group 0+ Silver – Pushchairs and Prams is one that meets all federal safety standards and fits your vehicle. It should also include convenient extras, such as the capability to transform into a stroller and be within your budget. It’s also worth checking that the infant car seat can be inserted into and out of your car with ease, particularly if you often change between trips to the taxi or in hire cars and grandparents’ vehicles.
Safety
Car seats are made to protect your baby and a safe one should have some extra features beyond the federal safety standards. They include padded inserts for the shoulders and head, air-repellent fabrics to help keep them cool in hot cars and side-impact safety.
Another important safety consideration is how easy it is to install and use the seat. Ideally, the seat should be easy to install and use, with clear indicators of its height, position, and security.
You can find features that can make this easier like belt guides and built-in lockoffs to help you align the car seat to the seat belt of your vehicle. It is also important to avoid purchasing used car seats, as they may not be tested for crash safety or have been involved in an accident, and could not be safe for your child. If you are forced to purchase a used car seat, ensure that it is not expired. an expiration date and that the seller isn’t an individual or a private party who does not have proof of ownership.
Another thing to keep in your mind is to keep your baby in the car seat for up to two hours per day unless they are lying down in a supine position. This will prevent strain on the spine of your child and ensure they get a chance to breath regularly.
You’ll want a seat that will last for a long time since it’s an important investment. Choose a seat that is designed to adapt to your child’s needs and will last into the toddler years and on into the teenage years. Our testers for parents were impressed with the Axkid Nania Race i-Size Car Seat – Spiderman. It is suitable for children as young as birth and can be used up to age 7.
The Nuna pipa aire rx is another option that can be used for a long time. It is 360-degree in rotation that means you can change it from front-facing to rear-facing as your child grows. It’s also among the most lightweight car seats on the market that weighs less than nine pounds. It’s an excellent choice for parents who need to move their child frequently between cars or plan to make use of it for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives, and trips with grandparents.
Comfort
It is important that your baby is at ease in their car seat both when they are in it as well as when you install it. Look for straps that are padded to fit comfortably on their shoulders and plush fabric that feels comfortable under their tummy, especially when they are in the seat for long trips.
The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. Some feature premium LATCH connectors, SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, spring-loaded leveling feet and belt paths that make putting them on without the base much easier than ever. Other features allow you to adjust the headrest and harness height, which is important as your child grows.
One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate, which our parent testers gave a 10/10 for ease of use. It features a clear, simple interface, a no-rethread easy-to adjust harness, a 360-degree rotation and recline lock indicator. It is easy to switch your child from rear-facing to front-facing as they grow, without the need to take off and replace the seat.
Nuna Pipa Aire Rx is a similar example. Our parent testers loved it for its comfort simple and adaptability. Its padded shoulder straps and headrest are shaped to support the head of your newborn, and it comes with an infant pillow that is soft to ensure they are comfortable. It can be used as a rear-facing car seat up until your baby reaches the maximum height or weight limit and can also be converted into a stroller without the need for a separate adapter.
A quality car seat is sturdy and some come with a warranty. Choose a seat made of robust materials and plenty of padding to shield your baby from any accidents, as well as an aluminum frame that suffocates the force of impact and a “crumple zone” to reduce the risk of damage. It is important to keep it clean as accidents are bound to happen with children. To make cleaning easier, search for a car seat that has removable covers and pads that can be washed in the machine.
Easy to Use
A car seat must be simple to use and install, especially if you’re likely to use it in an alternate vehicle at times. Look for features such as an easy-release buckle, an indicator that displays the state of the latch system (e.g. green for locked) and a clear, easy-to-read guide to make it as stress-free as you can.
The Best of The Bump winner also has a number of practical extras that our parent testers loved, such as a padded harness and headrest with a plush material and a cup holder. It has a reclining function that lets your child sit in a comfortable and ergonomic position during longer journeys. It can be used in conjunction with a compatible buggy to make an entire travel system. This is perfect for those who plan to travel for a long duration.
It is suitable from birth. Our panelists found this car seat easy to put in and adjust. It comes with recline lock indicators and an exclusive LATCH connector with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener which made securement of your child quick and simple. It’s also designed to be easily moved from side to side in the vehicle without the necessity of tools.
The recline feature makes it easier for you to take your baby into and out of the vehicle. This is especially useful for those who have back pain or drive a small vehicle. It also comes with an adjustable drink holder that can be reversible, as well as a handy storage compartment for toys and snacks.
The seat weighs just nine pounds and can be used with or without its base. It can also be rotated around 180 degrees. This is a great feature for those who are tight in space or have back pain. This feature was a big hit with our panelists and was awarded a place in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
It’s a great choice for those who want to convert their car seat into a stroller at an affordable cost. Its sleek design and high-quality fabric will endure the test of time also. Just don’t forget to wash your cover regularly because smashed biscuits, yoghurt spills, and the odd sick toddler accident is certain to leave a marks!
Design
Car seat designs are as varied as the cars they’re installed in. Some parents prefer to not use infant car seats in favour of convertible models, the majority of new mothers want a seat that will develop with their baby as they reach toddlerhood. All-in-one car seats are the most flexible, allowing you to switch between forward-facing and rear-facing. It typically has a higher weight and height restriction and can also be used as a booster once your child is old enough.
The ideal infant car seat for infants is light and easy to lift off the base while your child is inside. Our testers with parents loved the Maxi-Cosi Coral, which is only available in a couple of colors, but comes with plenty of safety features and is extremely light (at 8.4 pounds with seat inserts and canopy). Other models that stand out are the Nuna PIPA URbN and the Nuna PIPA URbN, which was a winner of Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Car Seat Group 0/0+, thanks to its high-end extras like the Dream drape and full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy.
The design of the seat and base should also be taken into consideration. Some car seats have a base that locks into the vehicle buckles for seat belts. Some have steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH which flip out of the sides of the base when correctly connected. These were a great option for parents, especially when the vehicle only had front-facing seatbelts.
Certain infant car seats work with regular seatbelts without the base. This is a great feature for parents who travel often or take taxis with their children. Our parent testers really liked the Nuna TODL NEXT that can be used with or without the base. It includes a smooth swivel motion that makes it easy to get your child out and in the seat.
Also, the design of car seats is vital. It should fit into your car. (See our guide to car seat compatibility). If you’re looking for a car seat that can develop with your baby until a Disney Frozen Booster Seat Topo Easyfix for Kids, look for a model with the option of reclining headrests and side impact protection. Make sure that the infant car seat you select is iSize compatible and has the correct car-seat attachment points as per UK law.
