Car Seat For Newborn 10 Things I'd Loved To Know Earlier
Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A well-designed car seat ensures your baby is safe, comfortable and secure when you're on the road. Which one is the best for your baby?
The right choice for infant car seats isn't easy. There are many options to think about, including latch hooks, belt pathways, and load legs. Here's everything you need be aware of to make the right choice for your family.
Easy of Use
You'll want to select a model that's easy to set up and use, whether you're buying a car seat for your newborn or upgrading from your toddler's car seat. Take into consideration the size of the base and the car, how well the seat is suited to your baby's weight and height, and useful extra features such as an option to lay flat that can also double as a bassinet for your stroller.
Infant-only chairs are a good choice for small babies because they're generally narrower than convertible car seats and fit newborns more snugly. They come with a harness that can help your child's head during an accident, which could reduce the strain on their neck or the spinal cord.
Convertible car seat are ideal for parents who wish to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they are able to. Most models let the child rear-facing for 30 pounds or greater. If you opt for a convertible car seat, you should look for one that is compliant with federal safety standards and has a weight limit of 50 pounds or more.
When looking for a car seat it's important to remember that even though all carseats must be in compliance with strict NHTSA safety standards There are plenty of different models available on market. To avoid the stress and danger of a dangerous or defective seat, choose one that's certified by a reputable company or organization, and then look for recent recalls and manufacturer complaints.
The most rated car seats for babies feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding, and a range of recline positions. Some also offer additional padding around the buckle and on the shoulder harness to help your newborn stay comfortable during long travel. If you drive a smaller car, look for an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing one, which is under 17 inches wide and is easy to install in most cars. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, that is compatible in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great option for families looking for a simple car seat. The harness that retracts automatically, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all very easy to use.
Safety Features
It is important to consider some aspects when selecting the right infant car seat. If you want to ensure your child is safe throughout the entire journey or are in search of a lightweight, safe car seat for your child to use on long trips, you need to think about a few characteristics. First, think about the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can safely be in the seat So, you should look for a model that can be adjusted to minimum 90th percentile measurement before they turn one. Consider whether you'd like to use blankets or coats on the harness straps. The AAP cautions against this as thick clothing could shrink during a crash, leaving the straps too loose for your child to be secured and increase the risk of injuries.
You should also think about whether your car seat will be secured via the LATCH system or a belt on a vehicle and if it's compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. A car seat that is able to fit onto a compatible base is ideal if you plan to use it for a majority of your journeys, as you'll save time and energy by not having to take it off it and reinstall it each time you use the vehicle.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which was awarded Best of The Bump, was praised in our testing for its ease of installation and its ability to adjust. Testers stated that it "has everything needed for a quick, painless installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that can be removed from the base, and turn green once fully connected. Also included are a SuperCinch force multiplier strap tightener and a spring-loaded leveling foot.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another excellent option. We found it to be user-friendly and affordable as models costing twice as much. Its adjustable headrest in five positions that grows with your child's growth as well as its buckle holders that are magnetic, and its no-rethread harness have been praised by our testers.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is the perfect choice for infants due to its unique sleeping position of 180 degrees. This allows them to sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on road trips. It's also praised for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? ADAC giving it the highest laboratory rating for car seats for infants.
Rear-Facing Options
In most vehicles the most secure position for infants is in the middle rear seat. The center seat is the closest to any collision, and will shield your baby best in an accident. If possible, you should choose a car seat for infants that allows your baby to ride rear-facing until about an year old. It is also important to ensure that the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest fits comfortably against your child's head and chest. The easiest way to do this is to talk to an accredited child safety technician who will provide you with the most current guidelines for car seat use and installation. Find one in your area here.
Selecting an infant car seat for your baby is a significant investment that you'll likely use for a very long time, so you'll want to select one that has an excellent crash test sensor and score, as well as features to ensure your child's comfort. The Clek Liing is a great option for parents looking for an affordable rear-facing infant car seat. It scored high in our analysis and sensor test. It comes with an easy LATCH system that changes color to show that the buckle straps have been properly secured to the car and a load-leg to help prevent frontal collisions.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, used the Graco Extension2Fit to fit her daughters, who were both born up to the age of six. The seat's adjustable harness height and length help it fit a range of children from short to tall. It is suitable for numerous vehicles, and has the weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, the seat can be converted into a booster seat, which Trolio used for her daughter's oldest until she was 10 years old.
Nuna RAVA is a different, affordable option. It doesn't have a base like many other seats, but is still quick and easy to install using either method with its rigid LATCH connectors that slide out from the bottom of the seat. They then automatically turn green when secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is suitable for infants with no rethread harness. infant car seat newborn are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps without removing your child from the car seat. It also has the ability to recline in six positions, which LaBracio discovered useful.
Forward-Facing Options
In front-facing seats children's necks are held in the back of the seat, instead of being pushed forward by the car seat that is hard. This protects them from collisions with other vehicles as well. The majority of car seats allow infants as young as 20 pounds and 1 year of age to ride rearward. However, many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as they can because their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when they're ready to move to a forward-facing seat.
When looking for options for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the i-Size requirements with a padded seat pocket and a padded headrest for the seat. Check the maximum height and weight limit, and consider purchasing an automobile seat that can be able to grow with your child until they are an adult booster seat. Certain models come with an all-in-one feature that lets you to transfer your child from a rear-facing car seats (with tether and harness) to a forward-facing car seat with a harness and then into the booster seat.
It's also important to determine whether the seat will fit in your vehicle properly, particularly in the case of a tiny trunk space or a vehicle with a low clearance. Make sure to check the seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure the most appropriate fit.
Finally, you should look for a car seat that provides 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 could include features such as an adjustable headrest or a five-point harness which can be adjusted from the back of the seat and a wide range of recline positions.
After narrowing down your options, consider the policies on crash replacement for the car seat you're thinking of buying. They can differ from a 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 begin looking. You can also ask family members with young children for recommendations. You can also schedule a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you select the best car seat for your baby.