Which is the Best Car Seat For Newborn Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A quality car seat can keep your baby safe and secure on the road. But which one is most suitable for your infant?

With features like latch hooks, load legs, and belt routes to consider, picking the right infant car seat isn't easy. Here's what you should think about to make the best car seats infant decision for your family.

Easy to Use

Whether you're shopping for an infant car seat for your baby or upgrading from a toddler's car seat, you'll want one that is easy to install and use. Think about the size and weight of your child, the seat's capacity in the car, and any extra features, such as the lay-flat option that can also be used as stroller.

Infant-only seats can be an ideal option for infants because they tend to be narrower and fit them more snugly than convertible seats. They also come with the safety of a harness to protect your child's fragile head in a crash and reduces stress on their neck and spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are great for parents who want to keep their babies rear-facing for as long as is possible since most of these models allow children to ride in a rear-facing position up to the point that they weigh 30 pounds or more. If you opt for a convertible car seat, you should look for one that complies with federal safety standards and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more.

It's important to keep in mind that, even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards there are a myriad of models to choose from. To avoid the hassle and risk of a dangerous or defective seat, choose one that's approved by a reputable business or organization, and check for recalls or complaints from manufacturers.

The top-rated car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and a variety of recline positions. Certain car seats provide extra padding on the shoulder straps and near the buckle to ensure your child is at ease during long road trips. If you have a smaller vehicle, look for an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing that is less than 17 inches in width and is easy to install in most cars. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, that is compatible with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great option for families in search of an easy car seat. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all simple to use.

Safety Features

There are the following aspects when selecting the right infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure your baby is safe throughout the entire journey or you are looking for a light and safe car seat for your child to use for long journeys, it's essential to consider some of the characteristics. First, think about the height and weight limits of your infant car seat. This will determine the length of time your child is able to safely stay in the seat. Find a model which goes up to the 90th centile of your child's height prior to turning 1. Also, consider whether you might want to use a coat or blanket over the harness straps. The AAP warns against this since heavy clothing may shrink during a crash, leaving straps too loose for your child to be restrained, increasing the risk of injuries.

You should also think about whether your car seat can be installed via the LATCH system or a vehicle belt and if it's compatible with other travel systems or strollers. If you intend to use your seat for the majority of your driving it is best to select one that can easily fit on an appropriate base. This will save you time and energy since you won't have to take out and reinstall your seat each time you drive.

In our tests the best car seats for infants of the Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with users affirming that it "has everything you need for a fast and simple installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that open from the base and turn green when fully connected, plus a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and an adjustable foot with springs.

The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another option worth considering. We found it to be user-friendly and affordable as models costing twice more. Our test participants have been raving about its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that grows with your baby with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade is fantastic choice for newborns due to its unique 180-degree flat sleep position, which lets them sleep longer and more comfortably on travel. It is also highly praised for its safety by consumer advocate Which? ADAC awarded it the highest laboratory score for car seats for infants.

Rear-Facing Options

In most cars, the safest place for a newborn is in the rear center seat. The center position is farthest from any potential impact and will safeguard your child best in the event of a crash. It is recommended to choose an infant car seat which allows your child to be in a rear-facing position for around an entire year. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest fits snugly against your child's head and chest. The best way to accomplish this is to consult an experienced child passenger safety technician, who can provide you with the most current guidelines for car seat use and installation. Find one in your area here.

Selecting a car seat for your baby is a huge investment that you'll probably use for a long duration, so you'll need to choose a seat with an excellent crash test sensor and analysis score, as in addition to features that will keep your child safe. The Clek Liing is a great choice for parents looking for a low-cost rear-facing rotating infant car seat car seat. It scored highly in our analysis and sensor test, has an easy-to-use LATCH system that changes color to indicate that the buckle straps are properly attached to the car and a load-leg that helps prevent frontal collisions.

Senior editor of the Strategist magazine and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters who both grew from the time of birth until age 6. The seat's adjustable harness height and length help it fit the needs of a variety of children from short to tall. It's a good option for a variety of vehicles. It has a low, 50-pound limit on rear-facing weight. Plus, it converts to a booster seat that Trolio used with her oldest daughter until she turned 10 years older.

Another option that is affordable is the Nuna RAVA. It does not come with a base like most other seats, but is still quick and easy to install by using either of the rigid LATCH connectors that slide out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green once secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for babies, thanks to a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to secure the straps without removing your baby from the seat. LaBracio also discovered the recline with six positions to be useful.

Forward-Facing Options

In front-facing seats, children's necks are cradled in the back of the seat, instead of being pushed forward on the hard seat of a vehicle. This also helps protect them from injuries in side crashes. Car seats typically allow infants weighing up to 20 pounds and one year old to sit in the rear. Many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time for them to transition to an front-facing seat.

When looking for options for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the i-Size standards, have a padded harness pocket and a padded seat headrest. Check the maximum height and weight limits and consider buying a car seat that will be able to grow with your child until they are an adult booster seat. Certain models come with an all-in-one option that allows you to move your child from an rear-facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing seat that has a harness and then into the booster seat.

It's also important to consider whether the seat will fit in your vehicle, particularly when you have a limited trunk space or a car with a low clearance. Check the dimensions of the car seat and owners' manuals for your vehicle to determine the most appropriate fit.

Lastly, look for a car seat that has good support and comfort for your child's body--long trips in the car will be easier when they are able to sleep comfortably. This can include features like reclined headrests, a five-point harness that can be adjusted from the back of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.

After you've narrowed your options down, you'll need to consider the crash replacement policies of the car seats you're thinking of buying. These can vary from the manufacturer's replacement policy, to a case-by-case review.

After you've done some study and determined the type of car seats you'd like to purchase, you can start shopping. Take a look at the options available at your local baby store or online retailer, and talk to parents of young children to get their suggestions. You can also book a consultation with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you locate the perfect car seat for your newborn.