Choosing a car seat for newborn; mouse click for source, Seat For Newborns

A rear-facing infant car seat is the safest choice for newborns. Using a car seat incorrectly could cause injuries or even death, so it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing.

The base of the car seat needs to be slightly reclined. This will help keep the baby's head and chin off their chest, reducing the risk for positional asphyxia.

Types

When selecting a car seat for newborns, there are two main types to take into consideration. A car seat for infants and convertible baby car seats. Both have pros and cons. It all depends on your personal preference and the way in which the seat is used. If you intend to utilize the seat as part of a travel system and you'll be moving between vehicles frequently the infant car seat might be the best car seats for infants choice. However, if you prefer the idea of a long-lasting car seat that can grow with your child into the stage of a booster seat, then an convertible car seat could be better.

Infant car seats are designed specifically for infants and newborns and are used in the rear-facing position and are the safest method of travel for the little babies. They are generally less expensive, but have a shorter life span than convertible car seat. They are most likely to require replacement once your child has reached their weight or height limits (which may differ between seats) or if they reach the maximum of their age group.

Convertible car seats, also known as all-in-one car seats are designed to take your infant from their birth to their toddler years and into their school years. Some of them can be used as a forward-facing or a rear-facing one.

Many of the best car seats for newborns can be converted and come with various features, such as a smooth rotation function, easy harness adjustment and an EPS foam base that is essentially Styrofoam. Parents appreciate these features since they make getting their babies in and out of the seat easier, while ensuring that their children are kept comfortable and secure.

When selecting a car seat, you need to make sure it's compatible with your vehicle and comes with LATCH to make installation easy. Also, you should look at the safety features, such as shock-absorbing materials as well as side impact protection. Consult a qualified car seat specialist if you are unsure about which seat is right for your family. They will guide you through the choices and help you select the right seat for your child.

Safety

You should always check whether the model you choose has been tested to meet the highest safety standards, whether you are shopping for convertible car seats or an infant car seat an infant travel system that is ready for your infant. This is particularly crucial for infants since they are smaller and more delicate than older children. Find a seat that has five-point harnesses that are attached beneath the shoulders (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing), between the legs and around the crotch. This will secure your child, stopping them from being thrown out of the seat in the event of a crash or sudden stop.

You should also consider a car seat that is connected to your vehicle with lower anchors or a seat belt. It should also have a top tether, which prevents the seat from moving forward in a collision, and blocking the airway for children. Be sure that the recline angle is right, too, as newborns can easily become trapped in a car seat that's too upright.

It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure proper installation of your particular model. It is a good idea to seek out a certified car seat inspection technician during your pregnancy and/or right after the birth of your child. This professional can ensure a perfect installation.

Another aspect to think about is compatibility with strollers. If you plan to use a stroller frequently then you should think about an infant car seat and stroller combo that can be connected seamlessly. This is a great option for parents who are busy because it lets them effortlessly transfer their child from the stroller into the car and vice versa, when they're running errands.

Always place your seat on solid surfaces (like car seat bases or a car) and do not place it on soft surfaces such as a bed or sofa as they can cause the seat to tip over, potentially injuring or even killing your child. In the event that you leave your baby car seat's infant or baby's car seat or carrier unattended on soft surfaces could cause suffocation.

Easy of Use

A car seat will only provide the highest level of protection in the event that it is used correctly every time. Unfortunately, a lot of injuries that occur in car seats are caused by mistakes. A few of these are not following the manufacturer's instructions, improper installation and using products that are aftermarket and putting the child in an incorrect position.

To reduce the chance of error, a good infant car seat is one that has easy-to-read installation instructions and features that allow you to ensure proper usage. Some brands, like CYBEX, even have visual indicators and click sounds to ensure that the seat is installed correctly. This is important as studies have revealed that the incorrect use of a car seat could be responsible for up to 50% of car seat-related injuries.

Also, be aware that you should never leave your infant in the car seat or in a carrier even if it's just for a short period of time. Unsupervised children in a safety seat may fall and land on soft surfaces, like couches or beds, causing serious injury or death. The seats could also be flipped over onto their sides, resulting in the death of a child.

The best car seats newborn infant car seat for your baby is based on a variety of factors such as lifestyle and longevity. All-in-one car seats by age seats are less expensive in the beginning, but they may not be able to accommodate smaller babies as well and be less versatile than a convertible or booster car seat. If parents are planning to travel frequently, a lightweight, easy-to-install seat is a must for urban dwellers, while suburban parents are likely to require seats that can be easily installed without a base and can be used in a taxi or Uber.

A seat that can be attached to strollers is ideal option for parents with a newborn who are looking to reduce the amount they have to carry around the city or on plane flights. This is particularly true if you live in a city, and plan to frequent public transportation, as many seats can be attached to an UPPAbaby stroller for simple, easy commutes. Lastly, you should be attentive to the ease of putting in your seat in vehicles that do not have lower anchors or tether connections, since they are not common in most models.

Convenience

Many infant car seats are compatible with stroller travel systems which allows you to create an entire solution to ensure the safety of your child. This makes it easy to move a baby who is sleeping from your car to a stroller, even in rainy conditions and at night. Always secure the seat before taking off. It's not safe to leave it in the car, or on the road. Your child could be injured if they exit the seat without supervision.

Car seats for infants are specially made for infants and infants who are smaller. They provide a snug and secure fit and plenty of padding for comfort and security. They're typically lighter than convertible car seats, making them easier to carry over short distances. Most baby car seats can be used rear-facing, this is the recommended position by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

They last a shorter time than convertible car seats. Typically, children outgrow their infant car seat rear facing car seats between the ages of nine months and a year. This means that you may require convertible car seats earlier than you anticipated.

A safe infant car seat should include a strap that is flat against the child's chest, over their hips and with the chest clip positioned at the child’s armpit. The crotch buckle should be flat across the child's thighs. Some models have removable and adjustable inserts to help parents maintain this recommended fit.

When selecting an infant car seat, it's important to be aware that babies can be strangled if the straps become loose or unfastened. It is also dangerous to allow a child to be in a car without a guardian. Choose a seat that has a lockoff function for your vehicle, or with a built-in locking mechanism.

Our experts test car seats to make sure they're fitted with the highest safety features. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor of Consumer Reports has the most experience in car seat installation and rating. He is joined by Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Editor and Abriah Wolfford, Senior Review Analyst, who have been testing seats since the year 2016. Our team's experience and expertise will help you select the best seat for your child and your vehicle.