Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A well-designed car seat will keep your baby secure, comfortable and safe when you're on the road. Which one is the best for your newborn?
The right choice for infant car seats can be difficult. There are a lot of features to take into consideration, such as latch hooks, belt paths and load legs. Here's what you must be aware of to make the best choice for your family.
Easy of Use
You'll need to choose an option that is easy to set up and use, whether you're buying an infant car seat for a new baby or upgrading from your toddler's seat. Consider pushchairsandprams.uk and weight of your child, the seat's fit in the car, and any other features, like the lay-flat option that can also be used as stroller.
Infant-only chairs are a good choice for small babies because they're generally smaller than convertible car seats and fit infants more comfortably. They come with a harness to ensure your child's head is supported in an accident, which could lessen the strain on their neck or spinal cord.
Convertible car seat are ideal for parents who want to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they can. Most models let the child sit rear-facing until the weight is 30 pounds or greater. If you choose to purchase a convertible car seat, you should 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 keep in mind that while all car seats must conform to the strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models available on the market. Pick a seat approved by a reputable company or company. Also, be sure to look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The most rated car seats for babies feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding and a range of recline positions. Certain car seats provide additional padding on the shoulder strap and around the buckle to ensure your child is comfortable during long roadtrips. If you have a small vehicle, you should consider a small infant car seat, such as the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches wide, and can be easily installed in all vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max that can be used in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great choice for families looking for an easy car seat. Its auto-retracting straps, EZ buckle, premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it simple to use for every car trip.
Safety Features
If you're in search of an infant safe, lightweight car seat to take your child on long trips or simply want to make sure your child is comfortable for the duration of a trip There are some key aspects that are important to keep in mind. First, think about the height and weight limit of your infant car seat. This will determine the length of time your baby can safely be in the seat. Find a model which goes up to the 90th percentile of your child's height before turning one. Consider whether you want to drape an overcoat or blanket over the straps of the harness. The AAP advises against this, because thick clothing could compress in a crash and leave the straps loose to hold your child, increasing the risk of injury.
Other things to consider include whether you intend 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 plan to use your seat for the majority of your journeys in the car it's best to pick one that fits easily onto the base that is compatible with it. This will help you save time and energy since you won't need to take off and reinstall your seat each time you drive.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which was awarded Best of The Bump, received top marks in our testing for its ease of installation and adjustments. Testers stated that it "has everything you need to make a quick and easy installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that can be removed from 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 a spring-loaded leveling feet.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another option worth considering. We found it to be easy to use and as affordable as models that cost twice more. Its adjustable headrest in five positions, which grows with your child's growth and its magnetic buckle holders, and its no-rethread harness have been praised by our testers.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade makes the perfect choice for infants due to its unique 180-degree sleep position. This lets them sleep comfortably and longer during journeys. It is also highly praised for its safety by consumer champion Which? ADAC awarding it the highest laboratory rating for car seats for infants.
Rear-facing Options
In the majority of cars the safest place for a newborn is the center rear seat. The seat in the middle is the furthest from any impact that could occur and will shield your child the best in the event of a crash. It is recommended to choose a car seat for infants that allows your child to sit in a rear-facing position for around an entire year. It's also important to ensure the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest is snug 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 near you here.
Selecting the right car seat for your baby is a major purchase that you'll likely be using for a long period of time, so you'll want to choose one with an excellent crash test sensor and analysis score, as along with features to keep your child safe. The Clek Liing is a great choice to parents looking for an affordable rear-facing infant car seat. It scored high in our analysis and sensor test. It has a simple LATCH system that changes color to indicate when the buckle straps are properly secured to the car, and a load-leg that helps prevent frontal collisions.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, utilized the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters, who were both born up to the age of six. The seat's adjustable height and length allow it to fit the needs of a variety of children from tall to short. It's a great option for a wide range of vehicles. It has a low, 50-pound limit on rear-facing weight. It also converts into a booster seat that Trolio used with her youngest daughter up until she was 10 years old. old.
Another affordable option is the Nuna RAVA. It does not have a base as many other seats, but is still simple and quick to install by using either of the rigid LATCH connectors that slide out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green when secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is comfortable for babies with no rethread harness. Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to secure the straps, without having to take your child from the car seat. It also features a six-position recline that LaBracio found useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing Focus
In front-facing seats the necks of children are held in the back of the seat instead of being pushed forward by a hard vehicle seat. This also helps protect them from injuries in side crashes. The majority of car seats allow infants weighing up to 20 pounds and one year of age to sit backwards. Many experts advise that children remain rear-facing as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time to switch to an front-facing seat.
If you are looking at alternatives for forward-facing car seats ensure they meet iSize requirements, have a padded head rest, and a spacious harness pocket. Be sure to check the maximum height and weight limit and consider buying an automobile seat that can be able to grow with your child until they are a 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 tether and harness) to a forward-facing car seat with a harness, and then to the booster seat.
It's also important to determine whether the seat will fit in your vehicle, particularly if you have a small trunk space or a vehicle with an uninspiring clearance. Check the car seat's dimensions and the owner's manual for the most appropriate fit.
Look for a car-seat that provides adequate support and comfort to your child. Long drives in the vehicle will be more enjoyable when they can rest comfortably. This can include features like an adjustable headrest or a five-point harness which can be tightened from the back of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.
Once you've narrowed down your options, consider crash replacement policies for the car seat you're looking at. These policies can vary from the manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by -case review.
After you've done your homework and decided on the type of car seat you're looking for It's time to begin looking around. Look through the selections at your local baby shop or online, and ask family members who have children for their recommendations. You can also book an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you locate the perfect car seat for your baby.