Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A quality car seat will ensure your baby is safe and comfortable while driving. Which one is the best for your baby?

Selecting the best infant car seats isn’t an easy task. There are many options to think about, including latch hooks, belt paths and load legs. Here’s everything you need to consider to make the right decision for your family.

Simple to Use

If you’re looking for a baby car seat for your newborn or upgrading from a toddler’s car seat, you’ll need one that is easy to install and use. Think about the size and weight of your child, the size of the seat that will fit in the car, and any additional features, such as lay-flat options that can also be used as a stroller.

Infant-only seats can be a great option for babies because they tend to be smaller and fit more comfortably than convertible car seats. They come with a harness that can ensure your child’s head is supported in an accident, which could reduce the strain on their neck or the spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are ideal for parents who plan to keep their infants rear-facing for as long as is possible since most of these models let children ride in a rear-facing position up to the point that they’re 30 pounds or greater. Find a convertible seat that meets the safety standards of the federal government and has a a weight limit of at least 50 pounds.

When shopping for a car seat, it’s important to consider that while all car seats must meet the strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models on the market. To avoid the burden and risk of a dangerous or defective seat, choose one that’s approved by a reputable business or organization, and then look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

The top-rated car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and various recline positions. Some car seats offer additional padding on the shoulder strap and near the buckle to ensure your child is comfy during long road trips. If you have a smaller vehicle opt for a narrow infant seat like the Clek Liing, which is just 17 inches wide and is easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby, which is specifically designed for use with UPPAbaby strollers, is another great choice for families who need a simple car seat that is simple to use. Its auto-retracting straps, EZ buckle and connectors for lower anchors that are premium with guides, and no-rethread harness make it easy to use for every car trip.

Safety Features

It is important to consider the following aspects when selecting the right infant car seat. If you want to ensure your baby is comfortable during the entire journey or you are looking for a light and safe car seat for your child to use on long trips, you need to keep in mind some of the features. First, think about the height and weight limits of your rotating infant car seat car seat. This will determine the length of time your child can safely spend in the seat. Find a model that can be used up to the 90th percentile of your child’s height before turning 1. Consider whether you would like to cover an overcoat or blanket over the harness straps. The AAP cautions against this, because thick clothing could cause a collapse and make the straps too loose to restrain your child, increasing the risk of injuries.

It is also important to consider whether your car seat will be fitted with the LATCH system, or a vehicle belt, and if it is compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. A car seat that is able to be fitted onto a base that is compatible is the best option if you plan 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 car seat for newborn uk of The Bump, scored top marks in our testing for its ease of installation and adjustment. Testers said it “has everything you need to ensure a fast, easy installation.” This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that slide out of the base and turn green when they are fully connected. Additionally, there is a SuperCinch force multiplier strap tightener as well as a spring-loaded leveling feet.

Another option is the Baby Trend’s budget-friendly 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 harness, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi jade is a great choice for newborns due to its unique sleeping position of 180 degrees. This allows them to sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on road trips. It has also been praised for its safety by consumer advocate Which? ADAC awarding it the highest laboratory rating for car seats for infants.

Rear-facing Options

In the majority of cars, a newborn’s safest position is in the rear seat at the center. The center seat is closest to any impact, and will protect your baby in the event of an accident. You should choose a car seat for infants that allows your child to be rear-facing for about an entire year. It’s also important to ensure the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest fits against your child’s chest and head. The easiest way to do this is to talk to an accredited child safety technician who will give you the most current recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your locality here.

The choice of an infant car seat for your infant is a huge purchase that you’ll likely be using for a long time, so you’ll want to select one that has an amazing crash test sensor and analysis score, as well as features to keep your child comfortable. The Clek LIing is a great choice for parents seeking an infant rear-facing seat that is affordable. It scored extremely high in both our sensor and analysis tests. It has a simple LATCH system with the ability to change colors that shows how buckle straps are securely attached to the car, and a load leg that can help prevent frontal crashes.

Strategist senior editor and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters, who both went from the time of birth until age 6. The adjustable harness height and size allows it to accommodate children of all sizes, including taller ones. It’s an excellent choice for a wide range of vehicles. It is a light, 50-pound limit on rear-facing weight. Plus, it converts to an adult seat, which Trolio used with her oldest daughter up until she turned 10 years young.

Nuna RAVA is another affordable alternative. It does not have a base as many other seats, but is still very quick and easy to install using either method, thanks to 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 a comfortable seat for infants, with an unrethread harness that is not rethread and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to fasten the straps without having to remove your baby from the seat. LaBracio also found the six-position recline useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing

In front-facing seats the necks of children are held in the seat back, rather than pushed forward on the hard seat of a vehicle. This protects them from collisions with other vehicles as well. Car seats typically allow infants weighing up to 20 pounds and 1 year old to ride rearward. However, many experts recommend that children remain rear-facing as long as they can, as their neck muscles and bones will become stronger when they’re ready to switch to an forward-facing seat.

If you are looking at alternatives for forward-facing car seat, ensure that they meet i-Size specifications, have a padded head rest, and a deep harness pocket. Check the maximum height and weight limit and consider buying a car seat that can grow with your child into an adult booster seat. Certain models come with an all-in-one feature that lets the child to be moved from a rear-facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing seat with a harness, and then into a booster seat.

It’s also important to determine whether the seat fits your vehicle, particularly in the case of a tiny trunk space or a car with a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and owner’s manual of the vehicle to ensure the best fit.

Look for a car-seat that provides good infant car seats support and comfort for your child. Long journeys in the car seats newborn are more enjoyable if they are able to rest comfortably. This could include features such as an adjustable headrest and a five-point harness that can be tightened from the rear of the seat, and a wide range of recline positions.

After narrowing down your options, think about the policies regarding crash replacement for the car seat you’re thinking of buying. They can range from a manufacturer’s replacement policy, to a specific case review.

After you’ve done some study and determined what kind of car seats you want, you can start shopping. 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 a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you choose the best infant car seat car seat for a newborn.