Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
infant car seats cheap pushchairsandprams that is safe and secure keeps your baby safe, secure and comfortable on the road. Which one is most suitable for your child?
Selecting the best infant car seats isn't easy. There are so many options to think about, including latch hooks, belt paths, and load legs. Here's everything you need be aware of to make the right choice for your family.
User-Friendliness
You'll want to choose one that is easy to install and use, whether you're buying a car seat for your newborn or upgrading from your toddler's car seat. Think about the size of the base and the car, how well the seat fits your baby's height and weight, and useful extra features such as an option to lay flat that doubles as a stroller bassinet.
Infant-only seats are a great choice for small babies because they're generally narrower than convertible car seats and can fit newborns more snugly. They also have the safety of a harness to protect your child's head, which is fragile in a crash, which can reduce stress on their neck and the spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who want to keep their babies rear-facing for as long as is possible since most of these models allow children to sit in a rear-facing position up to the point that they weigh 30 pounds or more. If you choose to purchase a convertible car seat, you should look for one that complies with the safety standards of the federal government and has a weight limit of 50 pounds or more.
When shopping for a car seat it's important to remember that while all car seats must conform to the strict NHTSA safety standards There are a variety of different models on the market. Select a car seat that has been certified by a trusted organization or company. Also, be sure to look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and various recline positions. Some also offer additional padding near the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your infant stay comfortable during long road trips. If you have a small vehicle, consider a narrow infant car seat, such as the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches in width, and is able to be installed in all automobiles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max that can be used in conjunction together with UPPAbaby Strollers is a great choice for families who want 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 for any car journey.
Safety Features
If you're looking for a safe, lightweight infant car seat to take your baby for long drives or want to make sure your child is comfortable for the duration of a ride there are a few important aspects that are worth considering. First, think about the height and weight limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can safely spend in the seat. Look for a model that can be used up to your child's 90th centile measurement prior to turning 1. Also, consider whether you'd prefer to wear blankets or coats on the harness straps. The AAP warns against this since heavy clothing may compress during a crash, leaving straps too loose for your child to be secured, increasing the chance of injuries.
It is also important to consider whether your car seat can be installed via the LATCH system or a belt for your vehicle or if it's compatible with other travel systems or strollers. A car seat that can be fitted onto a base that is compatible is ideal if you intend to use it for the majority of your car trips in order to save time and energy by not having to remove it and put it back in place every time you drive.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, was praised 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." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that can be removed from the base, and then turn green when they are fully connected. Also included is a SuperCinch strap tightener that increases the force of the strap as well as a spring-loaded leveling foot.
Another great option is the Baby Trend's budget-friendly Secure-Lift We've found it to be just as simple to use as other models that cost twice as much. Our test subjects have praised it for 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 makes the perfect choice for infants due to its unique 180-degree sleep position. This lets them sleep comfortably and longer during road trips. It has also been highly praised for its safety by consumer champion Which? saying it's one of the safest infant car seats available as well as ADAC awarding it the highest lab score for a car seat for infants.
Rear-Facing Options
In most automobiles, the most secure place for a baby is the back seat. The position in the center is the most secure from any possible impact and will safeguard your child from harm in an accident. If you can, select an infant car seat that lets your child ride rear-facing until they're about a year old. It's also crucial to make sure the car seat is correctly installed and that the headrest is placed comfortably against your child's chest and head. Consult a certified child passenger technician who can give you the most current suggestions for car seat installation and use. Find the nearest one here.
Choosing the right car seat for your baby is a huge investment that you'll probably use for a long time, so you'll want to choose one with an excellent crash test sensor and analysis score, as well as features to keep your child comfortable. The Clek LIing is an excellent option for parents who are looking for a rear-facing infant seat that's affordable. It scored extremely high in both our sensor and analysis tests. It has a simple LATCH system that comes with the ability to change colors that shows how buckle straps are attached properly to the car, as well as an extra load leg to help to prevent frontal collisions.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, opted for the Graco Extend2Fit to fit her daughters, who were both from birth up to age six. The harness's adjustable size and height allows it to fit children of all sizes and heights, including taller ones. The seat is suitable for numerous vehicles, and has the weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Plus, the seat converts 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 come with an base, but it's still easy to install with the LATCH connectors that are rigid. They can be flipped out from the bottom and turn green when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for infants, with the harness being non-rethread and has magnetic buckle holders that make it simple to attach the straps without taking your baby from the 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 a hard vehicle seat. This is a way to protect them from collisions with other vehicles as well. The majority of car seats allow infants to ride rear-facing until they weigh over 20 pounds and a year old. Many experts recommend that kids remain rear-facing 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 at options for forward-facing car seats ensure they meet iSize requirements, have a cushioned head rest, and a large harness pocket. You should consider buying a car seat that will grow with your child and eventually become a booster. Some models have an all-in one feature that allows your child to change from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward facing car seat.
It's also important to determine whether the seat will fit in your vehicle well, especially in the case of a tiny trunk space or a car with a low clearance. Make sure to check the seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure the best fit.
Lastly, look for a car seat that has good support and comfort for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be less stressful in the event that they sleep comfortably. This could include features such as reclined headrests and a five-point harness that can be adjusted from the back of the seat and a wide range of recline positions.
After narrowing down your options, think about crash replacement policies for the car seat you're thinking of buying. They can range from a manufacturer’s replacement policy to a personal case review.
After you've done some study and decided what type of car seats you'd like to purchase then you can begin shopping. Look through the selections at your local baby shop or online, and ask friends who have young children for their recommendations. You can also schedule an Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you choose the best car seat for your baby.