How to Choose the best car seat for newborn Car Seat Newborn

The best car seats infant car seat for newborns is one that is compliant with federal safety standards, fits in your vehicle, comes with useful extras (like changing into the stroller) and is within your budget. It is also important to ensure that the car seat can be easily clicked into and out of any vehicle, particularly if you are frequently switching between rental cars, taxis or grandparents' vehicles.

Safety

Car seats are designed to protect your baby and a quality one should have some additional features that go beyond federal safety standards. They include padded inserts for the shoulders and head and air-repellent fabrics that help keep them cool in hot cars, and side-impact protection.

Another important safety consideration is how easy it is to set up and use the seat. Ideally, you should be able to snap it in place with minimum effort and with clear indicators that it's secure, level, and positioned correctly.

There are many features that make this easier, such as belt guides and built-in lockoffs that will help you align the car seat with your car's seatbelt. You also want to avoid purchasing used car seats that might not be tested for safety or have been involved in an accident and might not be safe for your child. If you have to purchase a used one be sure that it's not expired and isn't being sold by an individual seller who doesn't have evidence of ownership.

It's also important to keep in mind that you should only allow your child in the car seat for up to two hours a day, unless it is in a flat position. This is to avoid the spine from becoming strained and to ensure they are able to breathe regularly.

The choice of a car seat for infants is a major investment, so you'll want to make sure it has a long life span. Select a seat that will grow with your child's age and last through toddlerhood to the teen years. One of the ones our parents liked was the Axkid One i-Size that is suitable for children from birth and can be used until 7 years.

Nuna pipa air rx is a second option that can be used over a long period of time. It is 360-degree in rotation which means that you can switch it from rear-facing to front-facing as your child grows. It's also one of the lightest rotating car seats on the market, and weighs less than 9 pounds without its base. It's a great option for parents who need to move their infant frequently between vehicles or are planning to make use of it for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives and trips with grandparents.

Comfort

A well-designed infant car seat uk car seat is comfortable for your baby both when they are in the seat as well as when you install it. Choose padded straps that are comfortable to wear around their shoulders, and look for soft fabric that is comfortable on their stomachs. This is especially important when you intend to use the seat for a long duration.

The best infant car seats are simple to use. Some come with premium LATCH connectors with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, spring-loaded leveling feet as well as belt paths that make putting them on without the base much easier than ever before. Other features allow you to adjust the height of the headrest and harness which is crucial as your child grows.

One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate test, which our parents gave a 10/10 for ease of use. It has a simple, clear interface and an easy-to-adjust no-rethread harness and also recline lock indicators and 360-degree rotation. It is easy to switch your child's seat from front-facing to rear-facing as they grow without having to remove and replace the seat.

Nuna Pipa Aire Rx is a different example. Our parent testers were impressed by its comfort, simplicity and versatility. Its padded shoulder straps and headrests are designed to support the head of your infant and includes a soft pillow for comfort. It can be used as an rear-facing car seat until your baby hits the max height or weight limits, and it converts into a stroller without the need for an additional adapter.

A quality car seat will be durable and some come with a guarantee. Find the seat with plenty of padding and strong materials to protect your child from any injuries. It should also have an aluminum frame to withstand the impact energy as well as an "crumple area" to stop damage from crashes. It is also easy to clean, since spills are commonplace with a baby. Find car seats that have removable seat covers and a machine-washable pad to make cleaning a breeze.

Ease of Use

A car seat must be easy to use and install particularly if you're likely to use it in a different vehicle at times. To make it as easy as possible look for features such as the quick-release belt, an indicator to show the status of the latch (e.g. green for locked), and a manual that is easy to read.

The Best of The Bump winner also has a number of useful extras that our parents testers loved, such as a padded harness and headrest with a plush material and a cup holder. It has a reclining function that allows your child to sit in a comfortable position for longer trips. It can also be used with a compatible buggy to create a complete travel system, which is ideal if you plan on traveling for long periods of time.

The seat is suitable for babies from birth. Our panelists found this car seat easy to install and adjust. It comes with a recline lock indicator and a premium LATCH connector with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, which makes securing your child quick and easy. It can also be moved from side to side in the vehicle easily without tools.

The recline feature makes it easier for you to get your baby out and into the vehicle. This is especially helpful for those with back problems or have a smaller vehicle. It also features an adjustable drink holder that can be reversible, as well as a convenient storage compartment for snacks and toys.

The seat weighs just nine pounds and can be set up with or without its base. It can also be rotated 180 degrees. This is a fantastic option if you're limited on space or suffer from back pain. Our panelists were awed by this new feature which earned a spot in our 2021 Mother&Baby awards.

It's a great choice for those who want to transform their car seat into a stroller for an affordable cost. Its sleek design and premium fabric will last for a long time also. Be sure to wash your cover frequently because smashed yogurt spills, biscuits, and the occasional sick toddler accident will be sure to leave a marks!

Design

The designs of car seats can be as diverse as the vehicles they're installed in. While some parents opt 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 most versatile that allow you to change from rear-facing to forward-facing. It typically has a greater height and weight limit, and it can often be used as a booster seat when your child is old enough to need one.

The ideal car seat inserts for newborns seat for a newborn is lightweight, making it easy to lift from the base and transport your child. The Maxi-Cosi Coral is available in only a handful of colors but it has a number of safety features, and is light (8.4 pounds including seat inserts and canopy). Nuna PIPA URbN is another model that stands out as it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Car Seat Group 0/0+ category, thanks to high-end features such as the Dream drape and a fully-covered canopy with UPF 50+.

The design of the base and the seat should also be considered. For instance, some car seats come with a base that is secured to the buckles of the seat belts and others use steel-reinforced LATCH connectors that flip out from the sides of the base and turn green when they are attached correctly. Parents appreciated these connectors particularly if their vehicle had only front-facing seatbelts with no ISOFIX anchor points.

Some infant car seat best car seats work with regular seatbelts, but without the base. This is a great feature for parents who travel often or travel with their infants. The Nuna TODL NEXT was a popular choice among our parent testers. It can be used either with or without the base and it has a smooth swivel, which makes it easier to get your baby inside and out.

Other important considerations for design are whether a car seat has an open design, and how it will fit into your specific car (see our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're looking for a car seat that can grow with your baby into an adult, select one with an adjustable headrest that can be reclining and side impact protection. Check that the infant car seat you choose is iSize compatible and has the correct car-seat attachment points in accordance with UK law.