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Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns
A rear-facing infant car seat is the most safest option for newborns. If a car seat is installed incorrectly, it could result in injuries or even death, therefore it's essential to follow manufacturer's instructions when installing.
The base of the car seat needs to be slightly retracted. This will help to keep the baby's head and chin off their chest, reducing the chance of asphyxia from a position.
Types
When choosing a car seat suitable for infants There are two main kinds to be considered. There are two types of car seats for newborns that include an infant car seat and a baby convertible car seat. Both have advantages and disadvantages. It really comes down to your personal preference and the way in which the seat is utilized. If you intend to use the seat in an auto travel system and you will be changing vehicles often, a baby car seat might be the best choice. If you prefer the idea of an extremely durable car seat that can grow with your child until an adult booster seat and beyond the age of an convertible car seat could be better.
Infant car seats are designed specifically for infants and newborns and are always placed in the rear position and are the safest method of travel for the little ones. They are also typically cheaper than convertible car seats, but may have a shorter life span. Most seats must be replaced once your child reaches the weight or height limit (which can differ greatly between seats) or when their age is reached.
Convertible car seats, also referred to as all-in-one car seats are designed to transport your baby from birth through their toddler years, and into their school years. Some are able to be used as a forward-facing seat or a rear-facing seat.
A lot of the top car seats for babies can be converted and come with various features, including a smooth rotation function, easy harness adjustment and an EPS foam base that is basically Styrofoam. These features are a favorite among parents as they make it easier to get their infants into and out of their seats while still ensuring that their child is safe and comfortable.
It is important to ensure that the car seat you pick is compatible with your vehicle and that it has LATCH that allows for quick and easy installation. It's also worth checking the safety features, like shock-absorbent materials and side impact protection. If you're unsure about what type of seat is the best fit for your family, speak to a certified car seat technician. They can help you navigate the choices and help you select the appropriate seat for your baby.
Safety
It is essential to ensure whether the model you choose has been tested to meet the highest safety standards, no matter if you are shopping for a convertible car seat, infant car seat or a travel system for your baby. This is particularly important for newborns, as they are lighter and smaller than older children. Choose a seat with a five-point harness that is attached beneath the shoulders (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing) and between the legs and around the crotch. This will stop your child from being thrown out of the seat in the event of a sudden stop or crash.
It is recommended to look for a seat that can be secured to the vehicle with either lower anchors or a seat belt, and offers a top tether that prevents the car seat from moving forward in a crash and potentially obstructing breathing of the child. Make sure the recline angle is in line as well, since newborns can easily become trapped in a car seat that's too high up.
Be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions regarding the proper installation of the model you have chosen. It's a good idea to consult a certified car-seat inspection technician during your pregnancy or shortly after the birth of your baby. A professional can guarantee an excellent installation.
Compatibility with strollers is another factor to think about. If you intend to use your stroller often then you should think about an infant car and stroller combo that works seamlessly. This is a great option for parents with a busy schedule, since it is simple to move your child from the car to the stroller, and vice versa while you run errands, or take a family walk.
Always use your seat on a hard surface (such as car seats or bases) and not on a soft surface like the bed or sofa because this could cause it to tip over. This could lead to your child being injured or even killed. Infant/baby carriers that are not properly secured or supervised on soft surfaces can cause insuffocation.
Ease of Use
The most effective protection is only possible if the car seat is utilized correctly every time. Unfortunately, a large number of injuries in car seats result from mistakes. Some of them include not following the manufacturer's instructions, incorrect installations, using aftermarket products, and putting the child in a wrong position.
To reduce the chance of a mistake, a quality infant car seat will come with easy-to-read instructions for installation and features that allow you to ensure that the seat is used correctly. Certain brands, such as CYBEX, even have visual indicators and click sound that ensure that the seat is installed correctly. This is important because studies have revealed that the incorrect use of car seats is responsible for as much as half of all injuries related to car seats.
It is also crucial to remember to not let your baby out of the car seat of an infant or a baby carrier in a vehicle, even for a short period of time. A baby left unattended in a safety seat can fall and fall onto soft surfaces, like couches or beds which can cause serious injuries or death. The seats can also tip over on their sides, resulting in the death of a child.
The best infant car seat is determined by many factors, such as your lifestyle and the long-term durability of the seat. infant car seats best -in-one model may be cheaper upfront but might not be suitable for smaller infants as well, and is less versatile than a convertible car seat or booster. A lightweight, simple to install seat is essential for parents who travel often. Urban dwellers may prefer a seat that can be put in taxis, Uber, or other vehicle that does not have the base.
A seat that is compatible with strollers could be an excellent option for parents who want to minimize the amount of equipment they have to carry around town or during airplane flights. This is especially true when you plan to travel on public transportation frequently and live in a big city. Many seats can be connected to UPPAbaby's strollers for easy, and simple journeys. Also, be attentive to the ease of putting in your seat in vehicles that do not have lower anchors or tether connections, since they are not common in most models.
Convenience
Many infant car seats can also click into a stroller travel system to create an all-inclusive child safety solution. This makes it simple to move a sleepy baby from your car to a stroller, even in bad weather or at night. Always secure the seat before leaving the car. It's not safe to leave it in the car, or on the street. Your child may be injured if they leave the seat without supervision.
Infant car seats are designed specifically for infants and smaller infants, with snug and secure fits and lots of extra padding for safety and comfort. They're generally lighter than convertible car seats, making them easier to carry for short distances. The majority of infant car seats can be used rear-facing, which is the position recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
However, they have shorter lifespans than convertible car seats. Children usually outgrow their infant seats between nine months and a year. This means that you could require convertible car seats earlier than you expected.
A safe infant car seat should have a strap that is flat against the child's chest over their hips, and with the chest clip positioned on the child's armpit. The crotch buckle should be flat across the child's thighs. Some models come with adjustable and removable inserts to assist parents to maintain this recommended fit.
It is important to keep in mind that straps that are loose or unfastened the baby could be strangled. It's also unsafe to leave your child unattended in a car seat therefore, choose a seat that has a lockoff feature for your vehicle, or a built-in lock.
The car seats we test are designed to provide the best possible safety features. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor at Consumer Reports has the most experience with car seat installation and rating. He is joined by Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Editor, and Abriah Wolfford Senior Review Analyst who have been testing seats since 2016. Our team's expertise and knowledge help you find the right seat for your child as well as your vehicle.