Watch This: How Best Car Seat Newborn Is Taking Over And What We Can Do About It
How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn
The best car seat for a new baby is one that meets all federal safety standards and is compatible with your vehicle. It should also include convenient extras, such as the ability to convert into a stroller, and be within your budget. Also, make sure that the car seat is easily clicked into and out of any vehicle, especially when you frequently switch between taxis, rental cars or the vehicles of your grandparents.
Safety
Car seats are designed to ensure your baby is safe and a safe one should have some additional features that go beyond the federal safety standards. These include padded inserts on the head and shoulders and air-repellent fabrics to keep them cool while driving in hot temperatures.
Another crucial safety aspect is how easy it is to install and use the seat. Idealy, the seat should be simple to install and use, as well as clear indicators of its height and position as well as security.
You can find features that make this easier, such as belt guides and built-in lockoffs that will help you align the car seat to your car's seatbelt. Also, you should avoid buying used car seats, as they may not be tested for safety or have been involved in an accident, and could not protect your child. If you must buy a used one be sure that it's not expired and isn't being sold by a private seller who does not have proof of ownership.
Another thing to keep in your mind is to keep your child in the car seat for up to two hours per day unless they are lying down in a supine position. This will reduce strain on the spine of your child and ensure they are able to breath regularly.
You'll need a seat that can last for a long time because it's a major investment. Choose a seat that is designed to grow with your child, which will last through toddlerhood and into the teen years. Our parents were impressed with the Axkid i-Size. It is suitable for babies from birth and can be used up to age 7.
Nuna pipa air rx is another option that you can use over a long period of time. It has a 360-degree rotation, which means you can move it from rear-facing to front-facing as your child grows. It's also among the lightest rotating car seats available and weighs less than nine pounds without its base. It's an excellent choice for parents who need to move their child frequently between cars or are planning to use it for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives and trips with grandparents.
Comfort
It is essential that your child is comfortable in their car seat, both in it and when you install it. Find straps with padding that fit comfortably on their shoulders. Also, look for soft fabric that is soft under their tummy, especially if they will be in the seat for long drives.
The best infant car seats are simple to use. Some have premium LATCH connectors that feature a SuperCinch force multiplier and tightener. Some come with spring-loaded leveling legs as well as belt paths to make installation without a base simpler than ever. Other features allow you to adjust the headrest and harness height that is essential as your child grows.
Cosatto All in All Rotate is an example. Our testers from our parent company scored it a 10 out of 10. It has an easy, clear interface, and a simple-to-adjust no-rethread harness, as well as an indicator for recline and 360-degree rotation. You can easily switch your child from rear-facing to front-facing as they grow without having to remove and replace the seat.
Nuna Pipa Aire Rx is a different example. Our testers who were parents loved it for its ease of use simple and adaptability. Its padded shoulder straps as well as headrests are designed to accommodate your baby's head and includes a soft infant pillow to ensure they are comfortable. It can be used as a rear-facing car seat up until your baby reaches the maximum height or weight limit and then it can be converted into a stroller without the need for a separate adapter.
A high-quality car seat is durable, and some will even come with a warranty. Choose a seat made of robust materials and plenty of padding to shield your baby from any accidents, as well as the steel frame that can absorb the force of impact and a "crumple zone" to help prevent crash damage. It must be easy to clean as accidents are bound to happen with a child. To make cleaning easier, look for a car seat with removable covers and an easy-to-clean pad.
Easy of Use
A car seat should be simple to use and install, especially if you're likely to use it in the same vehicle at times. Look for features such as an easy-release buckle, an indicator that displays the state of the latch system (e.g., green for locked) and a simple-to-read manual to make it as easy as you can.
The Best of The Bump winner comes with a number of practical features that our parents appreciated, including a padded headrest and harness, plush material and cup holders. It also has a reclining feature that allows your child to sit in a comfortable and ergonomic position for longer trips. It can be used in conjunction with a compatible buggy for an entire travel system. This is ideal when you plan to travel for a long duration.
The seat is suitable for babies from birth. Our panelists found this car seat easy to install and adjust. It comes with an indicator for recline and a premium LATCH connector with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener that made securement of your child quick and easy. It's also designed to be easily moved from side-to-side inside the vehicle without the necessity of tools.
The recline feature makes it easier for you to carry your child into and out of the vehicle. This is particularly useful if you suffer from back pain or have a small car. It also comes with a reversible cup holder and a handy storage compartment for snacks and toys.
The seat is light and can be used with or without the base. It can also be rotated around 180 degrees. This is an excellent option if you're limited in space or have back pain. Our panelists were awed by this new feature which earned a spot in our 2021 Mother&Baby awards.
It's a great choice for those who want to transform their car seat into a stroller for an affordable cost. Its sleek design and premium fabric will endure the test of time as well. Make sure to clean the cover regularly because yoghurt spills or biscuits that are crushed, and even sickening accidents with toddlers will leave their footprints.
best infant carrier car seat come in a variety of designs as the cars they're installed in. While some parents opt to leave infant car seats out and opt for convertible models, most new moms want a product that will continue to grow with their child into toddlerhood. All-in-one car seats are the most flexible, allowing you to switch between forward-facing and rear-facing. It typically has a higher weight and height restriction and can be used as a booster once your child is old enough.
The ideal car seat for infants for infants is light and easy to remove from the base with your baby inside. Our testers with parents loved the Maxi-Cosi Coral, which is only available in a couple of colors, but has a lot of safety features and is super light (at 8.4 pounds with seat inserts and canopy). Other standout models include the Nuna PIPA URbN, winner of Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Car Seat Group 0/0+, thanks to its high-end extras such as the Dream drape and full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy.
The design of the base and seat must be considered. Some car seats come with a base that locks into the vehicle buckles for the seat belts. Others have steel reinforced connectors for LATCH that slide out of the sides of the base once properly joined. These were convenient for parents, particularly when the vehicle only had front-facing seat belts.
Some infant car seats can be used with a regular seatbelt without the base, which is a bonus for parents who regularly travel by taxi or travel with their child. The Nuna TODL NEXT was a popular choice among our parents who tested it. It can be used with or without the base, and it has an easy swivel that allows you to easily take your baby in and out.
The design of the car seat is crucial. It should fit into your car. (See our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're looking for a car seat newborn that will develop with your baby until an adult, select one that has an adjustable headrest that can be reclining and side impact protection. Make sure that the baby car seat you pick is iSize compatible and has the appropriate car seat attachment points as per UK law.