10 Things You Learned In Preschool That Will Help You With Car Seat For Newborn
Which is best car seat infant For Your Newborn?
A quality car seat will ensure your baby is safe and secure while on the road. Which one is the most suitable for your child?
With features such as latch hooks, load legs, and belt paths to consider, selecting the right infant car seat can be daunting. Here's what you must know to make the best purchase for your family.
Easy to Use
You'll want to select a model that's easy to install and use, whether you're buying a car seat for a new baby or upgrading your toddler's seat. Take into consideration the weight and size of your child, the seat's fit in your car, and any other features, like a lay-flat option which can also be used as stroller.
Infant-only seats can be a good option for newborns since they are generally shorter and fit more snugly than convertible car seats. They also come with a harness that can support your child's delicate head in the event of a crash and reduces stress on their neck and the spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who want to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they can. Most models allow the child to ride rear-facing until 30 pounds or greater. Find a convertible seat that complies with the safety standards of the federal government and has a an upper minimum of 50 pounds.
It's important to keep in mind that even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards There are a variety of models available. To avoid the hassle and risk of a dangerous or defective seat, choose one that's approved by a reputable business or organization, and then look for recalls in the past and complaints from manufacturers.
The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and several recline positions. Some car seats come with additional padding on the shoulder strap and near the buckle to keep your baby at ease during long road trips. If you have a small vehicle, consider an infant car seat that is narrow like the Clek Liing. It's less than 17 inches in width, and can be easily installed in most vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max that is compatible with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great choice for families looking for an easy car seat. The harness that retracts automatically, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all very easy to use.
Safety Features
You should consider the following aspects when selecting the best infant car seat. If you're looking to ensure that your child is comfortable throughout the journey or you are looking for an easy-to-use and safe car seat for your child to use for long journeys, it's essential to think about some of the aspects. First, think about the height and weight limits of your infant car seat. This will determine the maximum time your child can safely spend in the seat. Choose a seat that can be used up to the 90th centile of your child's height before turning one. Consider whether you'd like to put blankets or coats on the straps of your harness. The AAP recommends against this since thick clothing can cause a collapse and leave the straps loose to restrain your child, thereby increasing the chance of injury.
You should also think about whether your car seat can be installed with the LATCH system, or a vehicle belt or if it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. A car seat that can fit on a base that is compatible is the best option if you plan to use it for a majority of your car trips, as you'll save time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it every time you drive.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which was awarded Best of The Bump, received top marks in our tests for its ease of installation and adjustment. Testers said it "has everything you need to ensure a fast, easy installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that can be removed from the base, and then turn green once fully connected. Additionally, there is a SuperCinch strap tightener that increases the force of the strap as well as a spring-loaded leveling feet.
Another option that is worth considering is the affordable Baby Trend Secure-Lift, which we've found to be as simple to use as other models that cost twice as much. Its five-position adjustable headrest, which grows with your child, its buckle holders that are magnetic, and its harness that doesn't rethread have been praised by our testers.
The Maxi-Cosi jade is a ideal choice for babies because of its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position, which allows them to sleep longer and more comfortably during travel. It's also praised 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 cars, the safest place for a newborn is the back seat. The seat in the center is closest to any collision, and will shield your baby from harm in the event of an accident. It is recommended to choose an infant car seat which allows your child to sit rear-facing for about a year. It is also important to ensure that the car seat is correctly installed and that the headrest fits snugly against your child's chest and head. Consult a certified child passenger technician who will provide you with the most up-to date guidelines for car seat installation and use. Find the nearest one here.
The choice of the right car seat for your infant is a huge investment that you'll probably use for a long period of time, so it's important to choose a seat with an excellent crash test sensor and score, as well as features to keep your child comfortable. The Clek LIing is a great choice for parents looking for an infant seat with a rear view that is affordable. It scored highly in our analysis and sensor test, has an easy LATCH system that changes color to indicate when the buckle straps are properly attached to the car and a load-leg to help prevent frontal collisions.
Senior editor of the Strategist magazine and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit with her daughters, who both went from birth until age 6. The seat's adjustable harness height and length make it suitable for a range of children from short to tall. It's a good option for a wide range of vehicles and has a low, 50-pound limit on rear-facing weight. Plus, the seat converts into a booster seat, which Trolio used for her daughter's oldest until she was 10 years old.
Nuna RAVA is a similar alternative. It does not come with a base like the majority of seats, however it is still simple and quick to install by using either of the rigid LATCH connectors, which flip out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green when secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for babies, with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to fasten the straps without having to remove your child from the seat. It also features a six-position recline that LaBracio found useful.
Forward-Facing Options
Children's necks can be cradled by the seat back in front-facing seats, rather than being pushed forward on the car seat. This also helps protect them better in side crashes. Car seats typically allow infants to sit rear-facing until they weigh more than 20 pounds and one year old. Many experts recommend that kids remain rear-facing for as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when it's time to switch to a front-facing seat.
If you are looking at alternatives for forward-facing car seat, ensure that they meet i-Size requirements, have a cushioned head rest, and a large harness pocket. You should consider buying a car seat which will grow with your child and eventually become a booster. Some models have an all-in-one feature that allows you to move your child from a rear-facing car seats (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat with a harness and then into a booster seat.
It's important to also consider whether the car seat will fit in your vehicle, particularly in the case of a small trunk or low clearance. Make sure to check the seat's dimensions and the owner's manual for the best fit.
Also, make sure you choose a car seat that provides adequate support and comfort for your child's body. Long trips in the car will be easier in the event that they sleep comfortably. This can include features like an adjustable headrest and a five-point harness that can be adjusted from the rear of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.
After narrowing your options down, you'll want to look at the policies regarding crash replacement of the car seats you're looking at. These can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy, to a specific case review.
Once you've done your research and determined what kind of car seat you're looking for, it's time to start shopping around. Take a look at the options available at your local baby store or online retailer and ask your friends who have young children for their recommendations. You can also book an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you locate the perfect car seat for your infant.