5 Laws Anyone Working In Car Seat For Newborn Should Know

Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A well-designed car seat ensures your baby is safe, secure and comfortable on the road. But which one is most suitable for your infant?

With features such as latch hooks, load legs, and belt routes to consider, picking the best infant car seat isn't easy. Here's what you should consider to make the right choice for your family.

Ease of Use

You'll want to choose one that is easy to install and use, whether you're buying a car seat for your newborn or upgrading from your toddler's car seat. Think about the size of the seat base and the car, how well the seat fits your baby's weight and height, and useful extra features such as the lay-flat option that can also double as a bassinet for your stroller.

cheap infant car seats-only chairs are a good choice for small babies because they're generally smaller than convertible car seats and fit newborns more snugly. They come with a harness to help your child's head during an accident, which will reduce the strain on their neck or spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are great for parents who wish to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they want. The majority of models let the child ride rear-facing until 30 pounds or greater. If you choose to purchase a convertible car seat, you should look for one that is compliant with the federal safety standards and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more.

When shopping for a car seat it's important to consider that while all car seats must meet strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models on the market. To avoid the stress and danger of a defective or dangerous seat, select one that's approved by a reputable business or organization, and check for recalls in the past and complaints from manufacturers.

Top-rated car seats are made with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and various recline positions. Some also offer additional padding in the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your newborn stay comfortable during long journeys. If you have a smaller vehicle opt for an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing that is just 17 inches in width and is easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, that is compatible with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great option for families looking for a simple car seat. Its auto-retracting straps, EZ buckle, premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it simple to use on every car journey.

Safety Features

If you're looking for an infant safe, lightweight car seat to take your little one on long journeys or want to ensure that your child is comfortable during the duration of your ride, a few key features are worth considering. First, think about the height and weight limit of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can safely spend in the seat. Choose a seat that is able to accommodate your child's 90th centile measurement prior to turning 1. Consider whether you'd prefer to use blankets or coats on the straps of your harness. The AAP cautions against this, since thick clothing can cause a collapse and make the straps too loose to hold your child, increasing the chance of injury.

You should also consider whether your car seat will be installed using the LATCH system or a belt for your vehicle and if it's compatible with other travel systems or strollers. If you plan to use your seat for the majority of your driving, it's best to choose one that can easily fit on a base compatible with it. This will reduce time and energy as you won't have to take out and reinstall the seat each time you use the car.

The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won best car seats of The Bump, received top marks in our testing for its ease of installation and adjustment. Testers stated that it "has everything needed to make a quick and easy installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that can be removed from the base, and then turn green once they're fully connected. Additionally, there is a SuperCinch strap tightener that increases the force of the strap and spring-loaded leveling feet.

The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another excellent option. We found it to be easy to use and as affordable as models that cost twice more. Our testers have been raving about its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that adapts to the size of your baby with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade is ideal choice for babies due to its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position which allows them to sleep longer and more comfortably during travel. It's also been lauded for its safety, with consumer champion Which? ADAC giving it the highest lab rating for car seats for infants.

Rear-Facing Options

In the majority of automobiles, the most secure place for a baby is the back seat. The center seat is the most away from any collision, and will shield your baby seat in the event of an accident. If you are able, choose a car seat for infants that lets your child ride rear-facing until they're about one year old. It's also important to make sure the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest is secure against your child's chest and head. The best way to accomplish this is to speak with a certified child passenger safety technician, who can give you the most current recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your area here.

The choice of an infant car seat for your newborn is a huge investment that you'll probably use for a long period of period of time, so it's important to choose a seat with an excellent crash test sensor and analysis score, as well as features to keep your child safe. The Clek Liing is a great choice for parents who are looking for a low-cost rear-facing infant car seat newborn seat. It scored highly in our sensor and analysis test. It has an easy-to-use LATCH system that changes color to indicate that the buckle straps are properly secured to the car and a load-leg to help prevent frontal collisions.

Strategist senior editor and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters who both went from birth until age 6. The seat's adjustable harness height as well as length make it suitable for the needs of a variety of children from tall to short. It's a good option for a wide range of vehicles. It has a low, 50-pound weight limit for rear-facing children. It also converts into an adult seat that Trolio used with her youngest daughter up until she turned 10 years old.

Nuna RAVA is another affordable option. It doesn't come with an base, but it is still easy to install using the LATCH connectors that are rigid. They can be flipped out from the bottom and turn green automatically when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is a comfortable baby seat with a no rethread harness. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps without having to remove your baby from the car seat. It also has an adjustable recline of six positions that LaBracio found useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing

In front-facing seats, children's necks are cradled in the back of the seat, instead of being pushed forward on the car seat that is hard. This also helps protect them better in side crashes. Car seats typically allow infants up to 20 pounds and one year of age to sit in the rear. Many experts recommend that kids remain rear-facing for as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when it's time to move to a front-facing seat.

If you are looking at alternatives for forward-facing car seats, ensure they meet iSize requirements, have a cushioned head rest, and a deep harness pocket. Check the maximum height and weight limit, and consider purchasing a car seat that will grow with your child into a booster seat. Some models have an all-in-one feature that allows your child to go from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat inserts for newborns seat.

It's important to also consider whether the car seat will fit in your vehicle, particularly when it has a narrow trunk or a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and the owner's manual to ensure the most appropriate fit.

Lastly, look for a car seat that provides comfortable and adequate support for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be more bearable if they can sleep comfortably. This can include features like a reclining headrest and a five-point harness that can be adjusted from the back of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.

Once you've narrowed your choices down, you'll want to look at the policies for replacement in case of a crash of the car seats you're looking at. They can range from a manufacturer’s replacement policy to a personal case review.

Once you've done your research and decided on the kind of car seat you're interested in now is the time to start shopping around. You can also ask family members who have children to recommend. You can also schedule an appointment for a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you select the best car seat for your baby.