Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A good car seat keeps your baby safe, comfortable and secure while on the road. Which one is best for your baby?

With features such as latch hooks, load legs and belt routes to consider, picking the best infant car seat can be daunting. Here's what you should be aware of to make the right choice for your family.

Easy of Use

You'll need to choose one that is easy to install and use, whether you're buying an portable infant car seat car seat for a newborn or upgrading your toddler's seat. Consider the size and weight of your child, the seat's fit in the car, and any extra features, such as a lay-flat option which can also be used as stroller.

Infant-only seats are a good option for newborns because they are typically smaller and fit more comfortably than convertible car seats. They also have the safety of a harness to protect your child's delicate head in the event of a collision and reduces strain on their neck and spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who wish to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they want. The majority of models allow the child to ride rear-facing until 30 pounds or more. If you decide on a convertible car seat, look for one that is compliant with the federal safety standards and has a weight limit of 50 pounds or more.

When you're looking for a car seat it's important to consider that, even though all car seats must be in compliance with strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models available on the market. To avoid the hassle and risk of a dangerous or defective seat, make sure you choose one approved by a reputable business or organization, and check for recalls in the past and complaints from the manufacturer.

The best car seats for babies feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding, and a range of recline positions. Some car seats come with additional padding on the straps for the shoulder 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 like the Clek Liing. It's less than 17 inches wide, and is able to be installed in a variety of automobiles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby, which is designed to be used with strollers from UPPAbaby, is a excellent option for families who want a no-fuss car seat that's easy to use. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all very easy to use.

Safety Features

If you're in search of an infant safe, lightweight car seat to take your baby on long trips or simply want to ensure that your child is comfortable for the duration of a trip there are a few important aspects that are worth considering. Be aware of the weight and height limits of your infant car seat cheap car seat. This will determine how long your baby can be safely in the seat, so choose a seat that goes up to minimum your child's 90th percentile measurement prior to when they turn 1. Think about whether you'd like to cover an overcoat or blanket over the harness straps. The AAP warns against this because heavy clothing may be compressed in the event of a crash, making straps too loose for your child to be secured, increasing the risk of injury.

Other things to consider include whether you plan to install your car seat with a vehicle belt or the LATCH system and whether it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. If you intend to use your car seat for a majority of your driving it is best to select one that can easily fit on a base compatible with it. This will save you time and energy because you won't have to take out and reinstall your seat each time you drive.

In our testing, the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for its ease of installation and adjustments, with reviewers saying it "has everything you need for a quick and simple installation." This includes premium LATCH connectors that open from the base and change to green when fully connected, plus a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and an adjustable foot with springs.

Another option that is worth considering is the budget-friendly Baby Trend Secure-Lift that we've found to be just as simple to use as models that cost twice as much. The adjustable headrest that can be adjusted to five positions that grows with your child's growth, its buckle holders with magnetic buckles, and its no-rethread harness have been praised by our test subjects.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade is ideal choice for babies due to its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position, which lets them sleep longer and more comfortably on travel. It has also been praised for its safety by the consumer advocate Which? saying it's one of the safest infant car seats available and ADAC giving it their highest lab rating for an infant car seat travel car seat.

Rear-facing Options

In most vehicles, a newborn's safest position is in the middle rear seat. The center seat is the closest to any impact, and can protect your baby from harm in the event of an accident. You should choose a car seat for infants that allows your child to ride rear-facing for about one year. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest is snug against your child's head and chest. Consult a certified child passenger technician who can provide you with the most up-to-date recommendations for car seat installation and use. Find one in your locality here.

Choosing a car seat for your newborn is a major investment that you'll probably use for a long period of duration, so you'll need to select one that has an impressive crash test sensor and score, as along with features to keep your child comfortable. The Clek LIing is a great choice for parents looking for an infant rear-facing seat that is affordable. It scored highly in our sensor and analysis test. It comes with a simple LATCH system that changes color to indicate that the buckle straps are properly attached to the car. It also has a load-leg that helps prevent frontal collisions.

Strategist senior editor and mom of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters who both grew from the time of birth until age 6. The harness's adjustable height and size allows it to fit children of all sizes and heights, including taller ones. The seat is compatible with various vehicles, and it has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Plus, the seat converts into a booster, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter until she was 10 years old.

Another affordable option is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't come with a base, however it is still easy to install using the LATCH connectors that are rigid. They can be flipped out of the bottom and then turn green when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is suitable for infants with no rethread harness. Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to secure the straps without having to remove your baby from the car seat. LaBracio also found the six-position recline useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing Focus

In front-facing seats, children's necks are cradled in the seat back, instead of being pushed forward by the car seat that is hard. This is a way to protect them from collisions with other vehicles as well. Car seats typically allow infants up to 20 pounds and one year old to ride in the rear. However, a lot of experts recommend that children remain rear-facing for as long as they can, as their neck muscles and bones will be stronger by the time they're ready to switch to a forward-facing car seat.

When looking for options for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the i-Size requirements, have a padded harness pocket, and a cushioned headrest for the seat. Think about purchasing a car seat that can expand with your child and eventually become a booster. Some models have an all-in-one feature that allows your child to move from a rear-facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward facing car seat.

It is important to consider whether the car seat is a good fit in your vehicle, particularly when it has a narrow trunk or a low clearance. Make sure you check the dimensions of the car seat as well as the vehicle owner's manual for the best fit.

Find a car seat that offers good support and comfort to your child. Long journeys in the car will be more enjoyable if they can rest comfortably. This may include features like reclined seat backs and a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of your seat, and a range of recline positions.

After narrowing down your options, you should consider the policies regarding crash replacement for the car seat you're thinking of buying. They can be anything from a manufacturer's replacement policy to an individual case review.

After you've done your homework and determined what kind of car seat you're looking for now is the time to start shopping around. Look through the selections at your local baby store or online retailer and ask parents of young children for their recommendations. You can also schedule a consultation with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you choose the best car seat for your baby.