Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A car seat that is safe and secure will keep your baby secure, comfortable and safe on the road. But which one is most suitable for your infant?
Selecting the best infant car seats isn't easy. There are a lot of features to consider such as latch hooks, belt paths, and load legs. Here's what you must know to make the best buying decision 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 need one that is easy to install and use. Consider the size and weight of your child, the seat's capacity in your car, and any additional features, like a lay-flat option which can also be used as a stroller.
Infant-only seats can be a great option for babies because they are typically shorter and fit more snugly than convertible seats. cheap infant car seats Pushchairs And Prams come with a harness that can help your child's head during an accident, which could lessen the strain on their neck or spinal cord.
Convertible car seat are ideal for parents who wish to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they are able to. Most models allow the child to rear-facing for 30 pounds or greater. Look for a convertible seat that complies with federal safety regulations and has the weight limit of at least 50 pounds.
It is important to keep in mind that even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards there are a myriad of models to choose from. To avoid the hassle and risk of a dangerous or defective seat, choose one that's approved by a reputable business or a reputable organization, and also look for recalls in the past and complaints from manufacturers.
The top-rated car seats for newborns feature skin-friendly fabrics, 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 have a smaller vehicle, look for a narrow infant seat like the Clek Liing that is under 17 inches wide and is easy to install in most cars. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max, which can be used in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great option for families looking for a simple car seat. Its auto-retracting straps EZ buckle and connectors for lower anchors that are premium with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it easy to use for any car trip.
Safety Features
Whether you're looking for a secure, lightweight infant car seat to take your baby for long drives or need to ensure your child is comfortable for the duration of your ride There are some key aspects that are worth keeping in mind. First, consider the height and weight limit of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can safely be in the seat and so, consider a model that is able to reach minimum your child's 90th percentile measurement prior to when they turn 1. Also, think about whether you'd prefer to use a coat or blanket over the straps of your harness. The AAP warns against this because heavy clothing may shrink during a crash, leaving the straps too loose for your child to be restrained and increase the chance of injuries.
Other considerations include whether you plan to install your car seat with a vehicle belt or the LATCH system and if it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. A car seat that is able to be fitted onto a base that is compatible is ideal if you intend to use it for a majority of your car rides, as you'll save time and energy by not having to take it off it and put it back in place every time you use the vehicle.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, scored top marks in our tests for its ease of installation and its ability to adjust. Testers stated that it "has everything needed for a quick, painless installation." This includes premium LATCH connecters that flip out of the base, and turn green once they're fully connected. Additionally, there is a SuperCinch strap tightener that increases the force of the strap and spring-loaded leveling feet.
Another great option is the affordable Baby Trend Secure-Lift We've found it to be just as simple to use as other models that cost twice as much. Its five-position adjustable headrest that grows with your child's development, its buckle holders with magnetic buckles and harness that doesn't rethread have been praised by our testers.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is ideal choice for babies due to its unique 180-degree flat sleep position, which lets them sleep longer and more comfortably on road trips. It has also been acknowledged for its safety by consumer advocate Which? ADAC awarding it the highest laboratory rating for infant car seats.
Rear-Facing Options
In most cars the safest place for a newborn is the center rear seat. The seat in the center is most away from any collision, and will shield your baby best in an accident. You should choose an infant car seat which allows your child to ride backwards for around one year. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest fits snugly against your child's head and chest. The easiest way to do this is to speak with a certified child passenger safety technician, who can provide you with the most current guidelines for car seat use and installation. Find the nearest one here.
The car seat you pick for your newborn will be a major purchase, and you'll use it for a long time. You'll want to choose a seat that has a good crash test score and an 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 a low-cost rear-facing infant car seat. It scored very high in both our sensor and analysis tests. It comes with a simple LATCH system with a color change indication that shows how buckle straps are securely attached to the car, as well as a load leg that can help to prevent frontal collisions.
Strategist senior editor and mom of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit with her daughters who both went from the time of birth until age 6. The seat's adjustable harness height and length make it suitable for the needs of a variety of children, from tall to short. It's an excellent choice for a wide range of vehicles and is a light, 50-pound weight limit for rear-facing children. It also converts into an adult seat that Trolio used with her youngest daughter up to the time she reached 10 years old. old.
Nuna RAVA is a different, affordable alternative. It does not have a base, but it is still easy to install with the rigid LATCH connectors. They can be flipped off the bottom and turn green automatically 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 comes with an adjustable recline of six positions that LaBracio found to be useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing
In front-facing seats children's necks are held in the seat back, instead of being pushed forward by the hard seat of a vehicle. This position also protects children from side-impacts better. The majority of car seats allow infants as young as 20 pounds and one year of age to ride in the rear. However, many experts recommend that children remain rear-facing for as long as they can because their neck muscles and bones will be stronger by the time they're ready to move to a forward-facing seat.
If you're looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, ensure they meet the i-Size standards, have a padded harness pocket, and a cushioned headrest. Think about buying a car seat that can grow with your child and become a booster. Certain models come with an all-in-one option that allows you to move your child from an rear-facing car seat (with tether and harness) to a forward-facing car seat with a harness and then to a booster seat.
It is important to consider whether the car seat will fit in your vehicle, especially if it has a small trunk or a low clearance. Check the dimensions of the car seat and owners' manuals for your vehicle to determine the most appropriate fit.
Choose a car seat that provides good support and comfort to your child. Long drives in the vehicle will be more enjoyable when they can rest comfortably. This could include features such as reclined headrests and a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of the seat and a wide range of recline positions.
Once you've narrowed down your options, think about the policies on crash replacement for the car seat you're looking at. These can vary from the manufacturer's replacement policy, to a case-by -case review.
After you've done your research and determined the type of car seats you want You can begin looking. You can also ask your friends with young children for recommendations. You can also book a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you select the best car seat for your baby.