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Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A good car seat can keep your baby safe and secure on the road. Which one is the most suitable for your child?
The right choice for infant car seat can be difficult. There are a lot of options to think about, including latch hooks, belt paths, and load legs. Here's everything you need think about to make the best choice for your family.
Easy of Use
Whether you're shopping for a baby car seat for your newborn or upgrading from an older car seat, you'll want a model that is easy to install and use. Consider the size of the base and the car, how well the seat will fit your child's weight and height, and useful extra features such as an option to lay flat that doubles as a stroller bassinet.
Infant-only seats are a good option for newborns because they tend to be shorter and fit more snugly than convertible car seats. They also come with the safety of a harness to protect your child's delicate head in a crash which reduces the stress on their neck and the spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who wish to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they are able to. The majority of models allow children to rear-facing for 30 pounds or greater. Look for a convertible seat that meets federal safety standards and has a an upper limit of at least 50 pounds.
When looking for a car seat it's important to consider that even though all carseats must be in compliance with the strict NHTSA safety standards There are plenty of different models on the market. Select a car seat that has been certified by a trusted organization or company. Also, 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 car seats offer additional padding on the shoulder strap and around the buckle to ensure your child is comfortable during long roadtrips. If you have a small vehicle, think about an infant car seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing. It's less than 17 inches wide and is easily installed in most automobiles. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, that is compatible with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great choice for families in search of an easy car seat. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all easy to use.
Safety Features
It is important to consider the following aspects when selecting an infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure your child is comfortable during the entire ride or are looking for an easy-to-use car seat that is safe for your child to use on long trips, you need to keep in mind some of the features. First, consider the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can be safe in the seat, so choose a seat that goes up to minimum 90th percentile measurement prior to when they turn one. Consider whether you'd like to wear blankets or coats over the straps of the harness. The AAP advises against this, since thick clothing can cause a collapse and make the straps too loose to hold your child, thereby increasing the chance of injury.
You should also consider whether your car seat can be fitted via 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 ideal if you intend to use it for a majority of your car rides in order to save time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it every time you use the vehicle.
In our testing the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned high marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with testers saying it "has everything you need to have a quick and painless installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that flip out from the base and turn green when fully connected, and a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener as well as a spring-loaded leveling foot.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another excellent option. We found it to be easy to use and as affordable as models that cost twice as much. Its five-position adjustable headrest that grows with your child as well as its magnetic buckle holders and no-rethread harness have been praised by our testers.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is a great choice for newborns due to its unique 180-degree sleeping position. This lets them sleep comfortably and longer during travel. It has also been highly praised for its safety by the consumer advocate Which? ADAC giving it the highest laboratory rating for car seats for infants.
Rear-facing Options
In most vehicles the most secure position for infants is the center rear seat. The center seat is the closest to any impact, and will protect your baby best in an accident. You should choose a car seat for infants that allows your child to sit backwards for around one year. It's also crucial to ensure that the car seat is correctly installed and that the headrest fits snugly against your child's head and chest. The best way to accomplish this is to talk to an accredited child safety technician who will give you the most current recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one near you here.
The car seat you choose for your baby will be a major investment, and you'll use it for a long time. infant car seats that swivel 'll want to choose a seat that has a good crash test score and analysis score. It should also include features to ensure your baby is at ease. The Clek LIing is a great choice for parents looking for an infant seat with a rear view that is affordable. It scored very high in both our sensor and analysis tests. It has a simple LATCH system that has an indicator that changes color and indicates how buckle straps are properly attached to the car, and an extra load leg to help prevent frontal crashes.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, utilized the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters who were both from birth until age six. The harness's adjustable height and size allow it to fit children of all sizes as well as taller ones. It's an excellent option for a wide range of vehicles. It also is a light, 50-pound rear-facing weight limit. The seat also converts into a booster, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter up to the time she was 10 years old.
Another option that is affordable is the Nuna RAVA. It does not have a base, but it's still easy to install with the LATCH connectors that are rigid. They can be flipped out from the bottom and then turn green when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for infants, 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 has an adjustable recline of six positions, which LaBracio found useful.
Forward-Facing Options
In front-facing seats children's necks are held in the back of the seat, instead of being pushed forward on the car seat that is hard. This also helps protect them from injuries in side crashes. Most car seats allow infants to sit rear-facing until they are over 20 pounds and a year old. However, a lot of experts recommend that children remain rear-facing for as long as possible--their neck muscles and bones will be stronger by the time they're ready for a forward-facing car seat.
If you're looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, be sure they meet the i-Size standards and have a padded harness pocket, and a cushioned headrest for the seat. You should consider buying a car seat which can grow with your child and become a booster. Certain models come with an all-in-one option that allows the child to be moved from a rear-facing car seats (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing seat with a harness, and then onto the booster seat.
It is also important to think about whether the car seat will fit well in your vehicle, especially when it has a narrow trunk or a low clearance. Check the car seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure that the seat is the best fit.
Find a car seat that provides good support and comfort for your child. Long trips in the vehicle will be more enjoyable if they can sleep comfortably. This could include features such as an adjustable headrest or a five-point harness which can be tightened from the back of the seat, and a wide range of recline positions.
After you've narrowed your options down, you'll need to consider the policies for replacement in case of a crash of the car seats you're thinking of buying. These can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by-case analysis.
After you've done some study and decided what type of car seats you'd like to purchase then you can begin shopping. Take a look at the options available at your local baby store or online retailer and ask parents of young children to get their suggestions. You can also request an appointment for a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to assist you in choosing the best car seat for your baby.