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Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A good car seat ensures your baby is secure, comfortable and safe on the road. But which one is best for your newborn?

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

Ease of Use

Whether you're shopping for a baby car seat for your newborn or if you're upgrading from an older car seat, you'll want 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 lay-flat options that can also be used as a stroller.

Infant-only seats are a good option for infants because they're generally narrower than convertible car seats and fit infants more comfortably. They have a harness to help your child's head during an accident, which could reduce the strain on their neck or the spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who want to keep their child rear facing infant car seat-facing for as long as they want. The majority of models allow children to sit rear-facing until the weight is 30 pounds or greater. If you choose to purchase a convertible car seat, search for one that is compliant with 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 conform to the strict NHTSA safety standards There are a variety of different models available on market. Select a car seat that has been approved by a reputable company or company. Also, look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

The top-rated car seats for newborns feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding, and a variety of recline positions. Some also offer additional padding in the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your infant remain comfortable on long journeys. If you have a smaller vehicle opt for an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing that is just 17 inches wide and is easy to install in most cars. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max, that can be used in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great choice for families in search of a simple car seat. Its auto-retracting straps EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and no-rethread harness make it simple to use on every car trip.

Safety Features

There are a few features when choosing the right infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure that your child is safe throughout the entire journey or are in search of an easy-to-use car seat that is safe for your child to use on long trips, it's important to think about some of the features. First, consider the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can be safe in the seat So, you should consider a model that can be adjusted to minimum 90th percentile before they turn one. Also, think about whether you'd like to put blankets or coats over the straps of your harness. The AAP cautions against this as thick clothing can be compressed during a crash, leaving the straps loose enough for your child to be restrained which increases the chance of injury.

Other factors to consider are whether you intend to install your car seat using belts on your vehicle or the LATCH system and if it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. If you plan to use your car seat for a majority of your journeys in the car, it's best to choose one that fits easily onto a base compatible with it. This will save you time and energy because you won't need to take off and reinstall your seat each time you take a trip in the car.

The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, received top marks in our tests for its ease of installation and its ability to adjust. Testers stated that it "has everything you need to ensure a fast, easy installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that can be flipped out from the base and become green when connected, plus a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener as well as an adjustable foot with springs.

Another great option is the affordable Baby Trend Secure-Lift that we've found to be as simple to use as models that cost twice as much. Our test subjects have been raving about its five-position, height-adjustable headrest 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 great choice for newborns due to its unique 180-degree sleeping position. This allows them to sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on journeys. It's also praised for its safety, with consumer champion Which? calling it 'one of the safest infant car seats on the market as well as ADAC giving it the highest lab score for an cheap infant car seats car seat.

Rear-Facing Options

In most automobiles, the most secure place for a baby is the back seat. The seat in the middle is the furthest from any potential impact and will safeguard your child best in an accident. If you can, opt for a car seat that lets your child ride rear-facing until they're about a year old. It's also important to make sure the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest is secure against your child's head and chest. The most efficient way to do this is to speak with a certified child passenger safety technician, who will provide you with the most current guidelines for car seat use and installation. Find one in your area here.

The car seat newborn seat you choose for your infant is a significant investment, and you'll be using it for many years. You'll want a seat with a high crash test score as well as an analysis score. It should also come with features that will keep your baby at ease. The Clek Liing is a great choice to parents looking for an affordable rear-facing infant car seat. It scored well in our sensor and analysis test, has an easy LATCH system that changes color to indicate when the buckle straps have been correctly secured to the car. It also has an extra load leg that helps avoid frontal collisions.

Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, utilized the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters, who were both born until age six. The seat's adjustable harness height as well as length make it suitable for the needs of a variety of children from short to tall. The seat is suitable for numerous vehicles, and has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, it can be converted into a booster seat that Trolio used with her oldest daughter until she turned 10 years young.

Another affordable option is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't have a base like most other seats, but is still extremely simple to put in using either method with its rigid LATCH connectors that slide out from the bottom of the seat and automatically turn green when secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for babies, with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that make it simple to attach the straps without taking your child from the seat. It also has the ability to recline in six positions, which LaBracio discovered useful.

Forward-Facing Options

In front-facing seats the necks of children are held in the back of the seat, rather than pushed forward on the hard seat of a vehicle. This position also protects them better in side crashes. The majority of car seats allow infants as young as 20 pounds and one year old to sit rearward. However, many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as they can because 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, ensure they meet the i-Size standards and have a padded harness pocket, and a padded headrest. Make sure you know the maximum height and weight limits, and consider purchasing an automobile seat that can expand with your child to the position of a booster seat. Some models come with an all-in-one feature that allows your child to go from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward facing car seat.

It is also important to think about whether the seat will fit in your vehicle, particularly in the case of a tiny trunk space or a vehicle with an uninspiring clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and the owner's manual to ensure that the seat is the most appropriate fit.

Choose a car seat that offers good support and comfort for your child. Long drives in the car are more enjoyable if they are able to rest comfortably. This could include features like the ability to recline the seat back, a five point harness that can be tightened from the back of the seat, and a range of recline positions.

Once you've narrowed down your options, consider the policies regarding crash replacement for the car seat you're looking at. These can be anything from a manufacturer's replacement policy to an individual case review.

After you've done some study and decided what type of car seat you'd like, you can start shopping. Check out the selection at your local baby shop or online, and ask parents of young children for recommendations. You can also schedule an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you locate the perfect car seat for your baby.