Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A quality car seat will ensure your baby is safe and comfortable while driving. Which is the most suitable for your child?

With features like latch hooks, load legs and belt routes to consider, picking the right car seat for your infant car seat best can be daunting. Here's everything you need consider to make the right choice for your family.

User-Friendliness

Whether you're shopping for a baby car seat for your newborn or upgrading from an older car seat, you'll need a model that is easy to install and use. Consider the size of the base and the car, as well as how the seat is suited to your baby's weight and height, as well as convenient extra features like the lay-flat option that doubles as a stroller bassinet.

Infant-only seats are a good option for newborns because they are typically smaller and fit more snugly than convertible car seats. They also provide a harness that supports your child's delicate head in the event of a crash which reduces the stress on their neck and spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who wish to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they are able to. The majority of models let the child ride rear-facing until 30 pounds or more. Choose a convertible car seat that meets federal safety regulations and has an upper minimum of 50 pounds.

It is important to keep in mind that, even though all car seats must meet strict NHTSA standards There are a variety of models to choose from. Choose a seat that is certified by a reputable organization or company. Also, be sure to look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and various recline positions. Some of them also have padding around the buckle and on the shoulder harness to help your baby stay comfortable during long travel. If you drive a smaller car choose an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing, which is just 17 inches in width and is easy to install in most cars. The UPPAbaby Mesa Max, which is specifically designed to work with strollers from UPPAbaby, is a excellent option for families who want a no-fuss car seat that's easy to use. Its auto-retracting straps, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and no-rethread harness make it simple to use for any car trip.

Safety Features

You should consider a few features when choosing the best infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure your child is safe throughout the entire ride or are looking for a light car seat that is safe for your child to use on long trips, you need to consider certain features. Be aware of the weight and height limits of your infant seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the seat and so, consider a model that goes up to minimum 90th percentile before they turn 1. Think about whether you'd like to cover a blanket or coat over the straps of the harness. The AAP recommends against this since thick clothing can compress in a crash and make the straps too loose to restrain your child, increasing the chance of injuries.

You should also think about whether your car seat will be installed via the LATCH system or a belt on a vehicle, and if it is compatible with other travel systems or strollers. A seat that can easily fit onto a compatible base is ideal if you plan to use it for a majority of your car trips, as you'll save time and energy by not having to take it off it and reinstall it each time you use your vehicle.

In our testing the Best of the Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for its ease of installation and adjustments, with users commenting that it "has everything you need for a quick and painless installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that can be removed from the base and turn green once fully connected. Additionally, there is a SuperCinch force multiplier strap tightener as well as spring-loaded leveling feet.

Another option is the budget-friendly Baby Trend Secure-Lift that we've found to be as simple to use as models that cost twice as much. The adjustable headrest that can be adjusted to five positions, which grows with your child and its buckle holders with magnetic buckles and harness that doesn't rethread have been praised by our test subjects.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade makes the perfect choice for infants due to its unique 180-degree sleep position. This allows them to rest comfortably and for longer on journeys. It is also praised for its safety by consumer champion Which? calling it 'one of the most secure infant car seats available and ADAC giving the highest lab rating for a car seat for infants.

Rear-Facing Options

In the majority of cars, the most secure spot for a baby is the back seat. The position in the center is the most secure from any impact that could occur and will safeguard your child the best in the event of the event of a crash. It is recommended to choose a car seat for infants that allows your child to sit backwards for around a year. It is also important to make sure the car seat is correctly installed and that the headrest fits comfortably against your child's chest and head. The easiest way to do this is to talk to an experienced child passenger safety technician, who will provide you with up-to-date recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find the nearest one here.

The choice of the right car seat for your newborn is a significant investment that you'll likely use for a very long time, so you'll want to choose a seat with an excellent crash test sensor and score as along with features to keep your child safe. The Clek Liing is a great option for parents looking for a low-cost rear-facing infant car seat. It scored highly in our sensor and analysis test. It has a simple LATCH system that changes color to show whether the buckle straps have been properly secured to the car, and an extra load leg that helps avoid frontal collisions.

Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, used the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters, who were both from birth up to age six. The harness's adjustable height and size allows it to fit children of all sizes as well as taller ones. It is suitable for numerous vehicles, and has the weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. The seat also converts into a booster, which Trolio used for her daughter's oldest until she was 10 years old.

Nuna RAVA is a different, affordable alternative. It doesn't have a base, but it is still simple to install with the LATCH connectors that are rigid. They flip off the bottom and then turn green when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for infants, with the harness being non-rethread and has magnetic buckle holders that make it simple to attach the straps without taking your child from the seat. LaBracio also liked the recline that has six positions.

Options with a Forward-Facing

In front-facing seats the necks of children are held in the seat back, instead of being pushed forward by the hard seat of a vehicle. This protects them from collisions with the sides. The majority of car seats allow infants as young as 20 pounds and 1 year old to sit in the rear. Many experts suggest that children 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 the front-facing seat.

If you are looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, ensure they meet the iSize standards and have a padded harness pocket, and a cushioned headrest. Make sure you know the maximum height and weight limits, and consider purchasing a car seat that will be able to grow with your child until they are the position of a booster seat. Some models come with an all-in one feature that allows your child to 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 will fit your vehicle, particularly in the case of a tiny trunk space or a car with a low clearance. Make sure you check the dimensions of the car seat as well as the owners' manuals for your vehicle to determine the most appropriate fit.

Find a car seat that offers good support and comfort to your child. Long journeys in the vehicle will be more enjoyable if they can rest comfortably. This could include features like reclined seat backs, a five point harness that tightens from the back of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.

After narrowing down your options, you should consider crash replacement policies for the car seat you're thinking of buying. These could range from a manufacturer’s replacement policy, to a specific case review.

After you've done your research and determined what kind of car seat for newborn seat you'd like then you can begin shopping. Look through the selections at your local baby shop or online, and ask friends who have young children for their recommendations. You can also request an appointment for a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you choose the best infant seat car seat for your newborn.