Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A well-designed car seat ensures your baby is safe, comfortable and secure while on the road. But which one is most suitable for your baby?
Selecting the best infant car seats isn't an easy task. There are a lot of options to think about, including latch hooks, belt paths and load legs. Here's what you must know to make the best choice for your family.
Easy of Use
Whether you're shopping for a baby car seat for your baby or if you're upgrading from an infant car seat, you'll want one that is easy to install and use. Think about the size and weight of your child, the seat's fit in the car, and any extra features, such as the lay-flat option that can also be used as stroller.
Infant-only seats can be a good option for newborns because they tend to be smaller and fit more snugly than convertible seats. They come with a harness to help your child's head during an accident, which will reduce the stress on their neck or the spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who want to keep their children rear-facing as long as possible since most of these models let children ride in a rear-facing position until they're 30 pounds or greater. Choose a convertible car seat that is compliant with federal safety regulations and has the weight limit of at least 50 pounds.
When looking for a car seat it's important to remember that while all car seats must meet the strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models available on the market. Pick a seat certified by a trusted organization or company. Also, be sure to look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The best car seats for babies feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding and a variety of recline positions. Some car seats come with extra padding on the straps for the shoulder and close to the buckle to ensure your child is at ease during long road trips. If you're in a smaller vehicle, consider a narrow infant car seat, such as the Clek Liing. It's less than 17 inches wide and is able to be installed in most automobiles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max, that can be used in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great option for families looking for an easy car seat. Its auto-retracting straps EZ buckle, premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and no-rethread harness make it easy to use for every car journey.
Safety Features
You should consider the following aspects when selecting the best infant car seat. If you're looking to ensure your child is comfortable during the entire journey or are in search of a light, safe car seat for your child to use for long trips, you need to think about some of the features. Consider the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. good infant car seats www.pushchairsandprams.uk will determine how long your baby can safely be in the seat So, you should look for a model that goes up to minimum your child's 90th percentile measurement prior to when they turn one. Also, consider whether you'd like to wear a coat or blanket over the straps of the harness. The AAP cautions against this, because thick clothing could be compressed in a crash and make the straps too loose to secure your child, thereby increasing the chance of injuries.
You should also consider whether your car seat will be fitted using the LATCH system or a belt on a vehicle or if it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. A seat that can easily fit on a base that is compatible is ideal if you plan to use it for a majority of your car rides, as you'll save time and energy by not having to remove it and put it back in place every time you drive.
In our tests, the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned high marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with users saying it "has everything you need to have a quick and easy installation." This includes premium LATCH connecters that slide out of the base and turn green once they're fully connected. Also included are a SuperCinch force multiplier strap tightener as well as spring-loaded leveling feet.
Another option is the Baby Trend's budget-friendly Secure-Lift We've found it to be just as simple to use as other models that cost twice as much. Its five-position adjustable headrest, which grows with your child's development as well as its buckle holders that are magnetic and no-rethread harness have been highly praised by our testers.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is a great choice for newborns because of its unique sleeping position of 180 degrees. This lets them sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on journeys. It's also been praised for its safety, with consumer champion Which? ADAC giving it the highest lab rating for infant car seats.
Rear-facing Options
In most vehicles the safest place for a newborn is in the rear seat at the center. The center seat is the most away from any impact, and can protect your baby in the event of an accident. You should choose an infant car seat that allows your child to be in a rear-facing position for around a year. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest fits against your child's chest and head. The easiest way to do this is to consult an accredited child safety technician who will provide you with up-to-date recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find the nearest one here.
Choosing a car seat for your baby is a huge investment that you'll probably use for a long time, so you'll want to choose one with an impressive crash test sensor and score as well as features to ensure your child's comfort. The Clek LIing is a great choice for parents looking for a rear-facing infant seat that's affordable. It scored well in our sensor and analysis test. It has an easy LATCH system that changes color to show when the buckle straps are properly attached to the car. It also has a load-leg that helps prevent frontal collisions.
Strategist senior editor and mom of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her two daughters who both went from birth to age 6. The seat's adjustable height and length help it fit the needs of a variety of children from short to tall. It's a great choice for a wide range of vehicles. It comes with a modest 50-pound limit on rear-facing weight. Additionally, the seat can be converted into a booster seat, which Trolio used for her daughter's oldest until she was 10 years old.
Another affordable option is the Nuna RAVA. It does not have a base as the majority of seats, however it is still extremely simple and quick to install using either method, thanks to its rigid LATCH connectors that slide out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green when secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is suitable for infants with a no rethread harness. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps without having to take your child from the car seat. It also features the ability to recline in six positions which LaBracio found to be useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing
Children's necks can be cradled by the seat back in front-facing seats instead of being pushed forward on the car seat. This position also protects them from injuries in side crashes. Most car seats allow infants weighing up to 20 pounds and 1 year old to ride rearward. Many experts recommend that kids remain rear-facing for as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time to move to an front-facing seat.
If you're looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the i-Size standards, have a padded harness pocket, and a cushioned seat headrest. Think about buying a car seat which will grow with your child and become a booster. Some models come with 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 is also important to think about whether the seat fits your vehicle, particularly in the case of a tiny trunk space or a car with an uninspiring clearance. Check the dimensions of the car seat as well as the vehicle owner's manual for the best fit.
Look for a car-seat that provides good support and comfort to your child. Long journeys in the car are more enjoyable if they are able to sleep comfortably. This could include features such as the ability to recline the seat back and a five-point harness that can be tightened from the rear of your seat and a variety of recline positions.
Once you've narrowed your options, you should consider the policies on crash replacement for the car seat you're looking at. These can be anything from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a personal case review.
After you've done some study and decided what type of car seat you'd like, you can start shopping. Check out the selection at your local baby store or online retailer, and talk to friends who have young children for their recommendations. You can also book an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you find the right car seat for your baby.