The No. One Question That Everyone Working In Car Seat For Newborn Needs To Know How To Answer
Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A quality car seat will keep your baby secure and comfortable on the road. Which one is the most suitable for your child?
Selecting the best infant car seat can be difficult. There are a lot of features to consider such as latch hooks, belt paths and load legs. Here's what you should be aware of in order to make the right purchase for your family.
Easy to Use
You'll need to choose one that is easy to install and use whether you're purchasing an infant car seat for your newborn or upgrading from your toddler's car seat. Think about the size of the base and the car, how well the seat fits your baby's height and weight, and useful extra features such as a lay-flat option that doubles as a stroller bassinet.
Infant-only chairs are a good choice for small babies because they're typically narrower than convertible car seats and can fit babies more comfortably. They come with a harness that can support your child's head in an accident, which can lessen the strain on their neck or the spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who intend to keep their infants rear-facing for as long as is possible since most of these models allow children to sit in a rear-facing seat until they're 30 pounds or more. Choose a convertible car seat that complies with federal safety standards and has a the weight minimum of 50 pounds.
When shopping for a car seat, it's important to consider that, even though all car seats must be in compliance with the strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models available on market. To avoid the stress and danger of a dangerous or defective seat, choose one that's certified by a reliable company or a reputable organization, and also look for recent recalls and manufacturer complaints.
Top-rated car seats are made with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and a variety of recline positions. Some car seats offer extra padding on the shoulder strap and close to the buckle to keep your baby comfortable during long roadtrips. If you're driving a small vehicle, think about an infant car seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches wide and can be easily installed in all automobiles. The UPPAbaby Mesa Max, which is specifically designed for use with strollers made by UPPAbaby, is another great choice for families who want a no-fuss car seat that is easy to use. Its auto-retracting straps EZ buckle and connectors for lower anchors that are premium with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it simple to use on every car journey.
Safety Features
Whether you're looking for a safe, lightweight infant car seat to take your baby on long journeys or want to ensure that your baby is comfortable for the duration of a ride, a few key features are worth considering. Consider first the height and weight limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the car seat and so, look for a model that is able to reach minimum your child's 90th percentile before they turn one. Consider whether you might want to put a coat or blanket over the straps of the harness. The AAP recommends against this since thick clothing can compress in a crash and leave the straps too loose to hold your child, thereby increasing the chance of injury.
Other considerations include whether you're planning to attach your car seat with a vehicle belt or the LATCH system, and if it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. If you plan to use your car seat for a majority of your journeys in the car, it's best to choose one that is easily fitted onto a base compatible with it. This will help you save time and energy because you won't have to remove and reinstall the seat every time you use the car.
In our tests, the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned high marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with testers affirming that it "has everything you need to have a quick and painless installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that open from the base and become green when connected, plus a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener and an adjustable foot with springs.
Another option is the budget-friendly Baby Trend Secure-Lift, which we've found to be just as simple to use as models that cost twice as much. Our testers have applauded it for its five-position, height-adjustable headrest that grows with your baby, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is the perfect choice for infants because of its unique 180-degree sleep position. This lets them sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on journeys. It is also highly praised for its safety by the consumer advocate Which? saying it's one of the safest infant car seats available and ADAC awarding the highest lab rating for an infant car seat.
Rear-facing Options
In most cars, the most secure spot for a newborn is the back seat. The position in the center is the most secure from any impact that could occur and will shield your child best in a crash. If possible, you should select an infant car seat that lets your child ride rear-facing until about an year old. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest is snug against your child's chest and head. The most efficient way to do this is to speak with a certified child passenger safety technician, who can provide you with up-to-date recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your area here.
Selecting a car seat for your baby is a huge investment that you'll probably use for a long period of duration, so you'll need to choose a seat with an excellent crash test sensor and score, as in addition to features that will ensure your child's comfort. The Clek LIing is a great choice for parents looking for an infant rear-facing seat that is affordable. It scored well in our analysis and sensor test. infant car seats cheap pushchairsandprams comes with a simple LATCH system that changes color to show that the buckle straps are properly attached to the car and an extra load leg that helps avoid frontal collisions.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, utilized the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters, who were both born until age six. The harness's adjustable size and height allows it to be adapted to children of all sizes, including taller ones. It's a great option for a wide range of vehicles and is a light, 50-pound rear-facing weight limit. Plus, it converts to a booster seat that Trolio used with her oldest daughter up until she was 10 years old. young.
Another option that is reasonably priced is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't have a base, however it is still simple to install using the rigid LATCH connectors. They slide out from the bottom and then turn green when the seat is secured 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 take your baby from the car seat. It also features a six-position recline which LaBracio found useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing
In front-facing seats children's necks are held in the seat back, rather than pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This position also protects children from side-impacts better. Most car seats allow children to ride rear-facing until they weigh over 20 pounds and one year old. However, many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as possible--their neck muscles and bones will become stronger by the time they're ready for a forward-facing seat.
When looking at options for forward-facing car seats, ensure they meet iSize specifications, have a padded head rest, and a deep harness pocket. Be sure to check the maximum height and weight limits, and consider purchasing an automobile seat that can expand with your child to a booster seat. Some models have 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's also important to consider whether the seat will fit in your vehicle properly, particularly if you have a small trunk space or a vehicle with an uninspiring clearance. Make sure to check the seat's dimensions and the owner's manual for the best fit.
Lastly, look for a car seat that has comfortable and adequate support for your child's body--long trips in the car will be more bearable in the event that they sleep comfortably. This may include features such as reclined headrests or a five-point harness which can be adjusted from the back of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.
Once you've narrowed your choices down, you should consider the policies for replacement in case of a crash of the car seats you're thinking of buying. These can range from a manufacturer’s replacement policy to a personal case review.
Once you've done your research and decided on the type of car seat you're looking for It's time to begin shopping around. You can also ask family members with young children for recommendations. You can also book an Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you select the right car seat for your baby.