Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A well-designed car seat can keep your baby secure and comfortable while on the road. But which one is most suitable for your baby?

With features such as latch hooks, load legs and belt paths to consider, choosing the best car seats for newborns infant car seat isn't easy. Here's everything you need be aware of to make the right decision for your family.

Ease of Use

If you're looking for a baby car seat for your newborn or if you're upgrading from an older car seat, you'll need an option that is simple to install and use. Take into consideration the weight and size of your child, the size of the seat that will fit in the car, and any extra features, like a lay-flat option which can also be used as a stroller.

Infant-only seats are a great option for babies because they are typically 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 the event of a crash and reduces tension on their neck and the spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are great for parents who want to keep their infants rear-facing for as long as they can because most models let children ride in a rear-facing position up to the point that they're 30 pounds or more. Find a convertible seat that complies with the safety standards of the federal government and has a a weight limit of at least 50 pounds.

When you're looking for a car seat, it's important to remember that, even though all car seats must conform to strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models available on the market. To avoid the burden and risk of a dangerous or defective seat, select one that's certified by a reliable company or organization, and then look for recent recalls and complaints from the manufacturer.

The top-rated car seats for infants have skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding and a variety of recline positions. Some of them also have padding around the buckle and on the shoulder harness to help your baby stay comfortable during long road trips. If you have a smaller vehicle choose a narrow infant seat like the Clek Liing that is under 17 inches in width and is easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max that is compatible with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great option for families who want a simple car seat. Its auto-retracting straps EZ buckle, premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and no-rethread harness make it simple to use for every car journey.

Safety Features

You should consider some aspects when selecting the best infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure your baby is safe throughout the entire journey or are in search of a lightweight, safe car seat for your child to use on long journeys, it's essential to think about certain aspects. Consider first the height and weight limits of your good infant car seats car seat. This will determine how long your child can safely be in the car seat and so, consider a model that can be adjusted to at least your child's 90th percentile measurement before they turn 1. Also, think about whether you might want to wear a coat or blanket over the harness straps. The AAP warns against this because thick clothing can shrink during a crash, leaving straps too loose for your child to be restrained which increases 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 seat that can easily fit on 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 reinstall it every time you use your vehicle.

In our tests, the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with users commenting that 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 become green when connected, as well as a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and an adjustable foot with springs.

Another great option is the budget-friendly Baby Trend Secure-Lift, which we've found to be just as simple to use as other models that cost twice as much. Our test participants have applauded it for its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that can be adjusted to fit your child's height with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi jade is a fantastic choice for newborns because of its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position which lets them sleep longer and more comfortably on road trips. It has also been acknowledged for its safety by consumer champion Which? ADAC awarding it the highest laboratory score for car seats for infants.

Rear-facing Options

In the majority of automobiles, the most secure place for a newborn is the back seat. The center position is farthest from any possible impact and will safeguard your child the best in the event of an accident. If possible, you should opt for a car seat that lets your child ride rear-facing until about one year old. It is also essential to make sure the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest fits perfectly against your child's chest and head. The best way to accomplish this is to consult 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 locality here.

The car seat you select for your baby is a significant purchase, and you'll use it for a long time. You'll want a seat with a high crash test score and analysis score. It should also come with features that will keep your baby at ease. The Clek LIing is a great option for parents who are seeking a rear-facing infant car seats that swivel seat that's affordable. It scored extremely high in both our analysis and sensor tests, has an easy-to-use LATCH system with the ability to change colors that shows whether the buckle straps are properly attached to the car, as well as a load leg that helps to prevent frontal collisions.

Senior editor of the Strategist magazine and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her two daughters who both went from birth to age 6. The harness's adjustable height and size allows it to fit children of all sizes as well as taller ones. It is suitable for numerous vehicles, and has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, the seat can be converted into a booster seat, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter up to the time she was 10 years old.

Nuna RAVA is a similar alternative. It doesn't have a base, but it's still easy to install with the LATCH connectors, which are rigid. They slide off the bottom and turn green when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is suitable for infants with a no rethread harness. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps, without removing your child from the car seat. It also features a six-position recline which LaBracio found to be useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing

Necks of children can be cradled by the seat back in front-facing seats rather than being pushed forward onto the car seat. This position protects them in side collisions as well. Car seats typically allow infants up to 20 pounds and 1 year of age to sit rearward. Many experts recommend that kids remain rear-facing for as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time for them to transition to the front-facing seat.

When looking for options for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the iSize standards with a padded seat pocket, and a padded headrest for the seat. Be sure to check the maximum height and weight limits, and consider purchasing an automobile seat that can be able to grow with your child until they are an adult booster seat. Certain models come with an all-in-one feature that lets 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 into a booster seat.

It's also important to consider whether the seat will fit in your vehicle properly, particularly when you have a limited trunk space or a car with a low clearance. Make sure you check the dimensions of the car seat and owner's manual of the vehicle to ensure the best fit.

Lastly, look for an automobile seat that offers comfortable and adequate support for your child's body--long trips in the car will be more bearable if they can rest comfortably. This could include features such as reclined seat backs as well as a five-point harness that can tighten from the back of your seat, and a variety of recline positions.

After narrowing down your options, consider the policies on crash replacement for the car seat you're thinking of buying. These can vary from the manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by -case review.

After you've done your research and decided what type of car seats you want then you can begin shopping. Take a look at the options available at your local baby store or online retailer, and talk to parents of young children to get their suggestions. You can also request a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you select the right car seat for your newborn.