Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns
For infants, an infant car seat that is rear-facing is the safest option. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer when installing the car seat.
The base of the car seat needs to be slightly reclined. This will help keep the baby’s chin and head off their chests, which will reduce the chance of asphyxia from a position.
Types
When selecting the best car seat for infants, there are two main types to take into consideration. A car seat for infants and convertible baby car seats. Both have their pros and disadvantages, but it really is a matter of personal preference and how you intend to use the seat. If you intend to utilize the seat as part of a travel system and you’ll be moving between vehicles frequently, then an infant car seat may be the best choice. If you’re looking for a car seat that will expand with your child and become a booster or go beyond the age of a convertible seat, it is the best option.
Infant car seats are made specifically for newborns and infants and are designed to be placed in the rear position, which is the safest way to travel for little infants. They are generally less expensive, but have a shorter life-span than convertible car seats. They will most likely require replacement once your child reaches their weight limit or height (which may differ between seats) or when they exceed their age group limit.
Convertible baby chairs, or all-in-one car seat as they are often called, are designed to take your baby from birth through their toddler years, and even into their school years. They can usually be used as a forward-facing or rear-facing seat and some can even be converted into an adult booster seat.
Many of the best car seats for babies are convertible and have a range of features, like a smooth rotation function, easy harness adjustment and an foam base made of EPS, which is basically Styrofoam. These features are well-liked by parents because they make it simpler to get their infants into and out of their seats, while still ensuring their child is comfortable and safe.
It is crucial to make sure that the car seat you pick is compatible with your vehicle, and that it has LATCH that allows for quick and easy installation. It is also important to check for safety features such as shock-absorbent material and side impact protection. If you’re uncertain about what type of seat is best for your family, talk to a certified car seat technician. They’ll be able to guide you through your choices and help you pick the right seat for your newborn.
Safety
Whether you’re shopping for a car seat for your infant convertible car seat or baby-ready travel systems, you need to make sure that the product you select meets the strictest safety standards. This is particularly crucial for infants as they weigh less and are smaller than older children. Look for the seat with five-point safety harnesses that attaches between the legs, around the crotch and below the shoulders when the child is rear-facing or above the shoulders when the child is facing forward. This will secure your child and prevents them from being thrown out of the seat in the event of a crash or sudden stop.
It is recommended to look for seats that are connected to the vehicle using either lower anchors or seat belts, and has an upper tether that stops the car seat from moving forward in a crash and potentially obstructing breathing for the child. Make sure the recline angle is correct also, as infants are often trapped in a seat that’s too high up.
The most important thing is to follow all manufacturer instructions regarding proper installation for the model you have chosen. It’s also a good idea to consult a certified car seat inspector during pregnancy and/or following the birth of your child. this professional can help you achieve a flawless installation every time.
Another thing to think about is compatibility with strollers. If you plan to frequently use a stroller, consider an infant car seat and stroller combination that can be connected seamlessly. This is a great choice for parents with a busy schedule, since it makes it easy to move your child from the car to the stroller, and vice versa while running errands or taking strolls with the family.
Always make sure you place your seat on hard surfaces (like car seat bases or a car) and do not place it on soft ones like couches or beds or a couch, as these could cause the seat to tip over, possibly causing injury or even death to your child. Infant/baby carriers that are not properly secured or supervised on soft surfaces may also cause suffocation.
Ease of Use
The most effective protection is only possible if the car seat is used correctly every time. Unfortunately, a significant number of injuries involving car seats are caused by errors. These include not following the product instructions, incorrect installation and use of aftermarket accessories and putting the child into an incorrect position.
To reduce the chance of error, a reliable infant car seat for newborns will come with easy-to-read instructions for installation and features that allow you to ensure proper usage. Certain brands, such as CYBEX include visual indicators and click sounds to confirm the seat is installed correctly. This is important as studies have proven that improper use of a Maxi-Cosi AxissFix Swivel Car Seat Graphite Toddler seat can be responsible for as much as 50% of injuries caused by car seats.
Also, be aware that you should never leave your infant in the car seat or a carrier, even if it is just for a short period of time. Unsupervised children in a safety seat can fall and land on soft surfaces, like couches or beds, causing serious injury or death. The seats could also fall on their side and cause suffocation.
Choosing the best car seat for your baby depends on many factors, including the type of lifestyle and longevity. An all-in-one model can be less expensive initially, but may not work for smaller babies as well and is less flexible than a convertible car seat or booster. A lightweight, simple to install seat is essential for parents who travel frequently. Urban dwellers may prefer a seat which can be used in taxis, Uber, or other vehicle without the base.
A seat that can be connected to strollers is a great choice for new parents who are looking to minimize the amount they have to carry around the city or on plane flights. This is true in the event that you intend to commute via public transport often and live in a big city. A lot of seats can be connected to UPPAbaby’s strollers to facilitate comfortable commuting. Also, be aware of the ease of installing your chosen seat in vehicles that don’t have lower anchors or tethers, as these are less often found in the majority of models.
Convenience
Many infant car seats click into a stroller travel system to create an all-inclusive child safety solution. This makes it much easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller during bad weather or at night. Make sure to secure the seat prior to driving off. It’s not safe to leave it in your car or even on the road. Your baby could be injured if they exit the seat without supervision.
infant car seats on sale car seats are made specifically for newborns and smaller infants, featuring snug and secure fits and lots of extra padding for comfort and safety. They are generally lighter than a convertible car seats, making them easier to carry for short distances. The majority of baby car seats can be used rear-facing, which is the preferred position by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
They have a shorter life span than convertible car seats. Most children outgrow infant car seats between nine months and a year. You may need to upgrade your car seat to a convertible model earlier than you anticipated.
A good infant car safety seat should have a strap that is flat against the child’s chest, over their hips and with the chest clip positioned in the armpit of the child. The crotch buckle must be flat across the child’s thighs. Some models have removable and adjustable inserts that help parents get the perfect fit.
It is important to keep in mind that straps that are not secured or tight the baby could be strangled. It’s also risky to allow a child to be in a car with no supervision. Select a seat that has a lockoff function for your vehicle, or one that has an inbuilt locking mechanism.
The car seats we test are designed to provide the best possible safety features. Bob Hoffman, our Senior Review Editor has more car seat installation and scoring expertise than anyone on the planet He’s joined by mom of two boys Wendy Schmitz, Senior Reviews Editor and Abriah Wofford an Analyst for Senior Reviews who has been testing seats since 2016. Our team’s experience and expertise will help you choose the best car seat for your child and your vehicle.
