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Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

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

With features like latch hooks, load legs, and belt paths to consider, selecting the right infant car seat can be a challenge. Here's everything you need be aware of to make the right decision for your family.

Easy of Use

You'll want to select one that is easy to install and use whether you're buying a car seat for your newborn or upgrading from your toddler's seat. Consider the size of the seat base and the car, as well as how the seat fits your baby's height and weight, and additional features that are convenient, such as a lay-flat option that can also double as a bassinet for your stroller.

Infant-only seats are an ideal option for infants since they are generally smaller and fit more snugly than convertible seats. They also provide a harness that can support your child's delicate head in the event of a collision and reduces strain on their neck and the spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who want to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they want. The majority of models allow children to sit rear-facing until the weight is 30 pounds or greater. Find a convertible seat that complies with federal safety regulations and has a weight minimum of 50 pounds.

It's important to keep it in mind that, even though all car seats must meet strict NHTSA standards there are a myriad of models available. Select a car seat that has been certified by a trusted organization or company. Also, look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

The best car seats for newborns feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding and a range of recline positions. Some car seats offer extra padding on the straps for the shoulder and around the buckle to keep your baby comfy during long road trips. If you're driving a small vehicle, think about an infant car seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches wide, and is easily installed in a variety of automobiles. The UPPAbaby Mesa Max, which is specifically designed for use with strollers made by UPPAbaby, is another excellent option for families who need a simple car seat that's easy to use. Its auto-retracting straps, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and no-rethread harness make it easy to use for every car trip.

Safety Features

If you're in search of an infant safe, lightweight baby car seat car seat to take your baby on long journeys or want to make sure your baby is comfortable for the duration of your ride, a few key features are worth keeping in mind. Be aware of 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 is able to reach minimum 90th percentile measurement prior to when they turn one. Consider whether you would like to drape a blanket or coat on the harness straps. The AAP warns against this since thick clothing can compress in the event of a crash, making straps too loose for your child to be restrained, increasing the chance of injuries.

You should also consider whether your car seat can be secured via the LATCH system or a vehicle belt, and if it is compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. A car seat that can fit onto a compatible base is the best infant carrier car seat option if you plan to use it for a majority of your car trips in order to save time and energy by not having to take it off it and reinstall it each time you drive.

In our tests, the best infant seat of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with reviewers affirming that it "has everything you need for a quick and simple installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that open from the base and turn green when fully connected, as well as a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and a spring-loaded leveling foot.

The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another excellent option. We found it to be simple to use and affordable as models that cost twice more. Our test participants have been raving about its five-position, height-adjustable headrest that adapts to the size of your baby with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade is a great choice for newborns, thanks to its unique 180-degree sleeping position. This allows them to sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on travel. It has also been acknowledged for its safety by the consumer advocate Which? ADAC awarding 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 back seat. The center seat is the most away from any impact, and can protect your baby from harm in the event of an accident. You should choose an infant car seat which allows your child to be in a rear-facing position for around one year. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest fits against your child's head and chest. Get a certified child-passenger technician who can give you the most current guidelines for car seat installation and use. Find the nearest one here.

Choosing a car seat for your infant is a huge purchase that you'll likely be using for a long period of duration, so you'll need to choose one with an excellent crash test sensor and analysis score as well as features to keep your child safe. The Clek LIing is an excellent choice for parents looking for an infant rear-facing seat that is affordable. It scored highly in both our analysis and sensor tests. It has a simple LATCH system that comes with a color change indication that shows when the buckle straps are attached properly to the car, as well as an extra load leg to help prevent frontal crashes.

Strategist senior editor and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her two daughters, who both went from the time of birth until age 6. The harness's adjustable height and size allows it to accommodate children of all sizes as well as taller ones. It's an excellent choice for a wide range of vehicles and has a low, 50-pound rear-facing weight limit. The seat also converts into a booster, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter until she was 10 years old.

Another option that is reasonably priced is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't have a base like many other seats, but is still extremely simple and quick to install by using either of the rigid LATCH connectors that flip out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green when secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for infants, with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that make it simple to fasten the straps without having to remove your child 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, rather than pushed forward on the hard seat of a vehicle. This also helps protect them from injuries in side crashes. The majority of car seats allow infants weighing up to 20 pounds and 1 year old to ride in the rear. However, many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as they can because their neck muscles and bones will become stronger by the time they're ready for a forward-facing car seat.

If you're looking for alternatives for forward facing infant car seat-facing seats, be sure they meet the iSize standards and have a padded harness pocket, and a cushioned seat headrest. Make sure you know the maximum height and weight limit and think about purchasing a car seat that can grow with your child into the position of a booster seat. Certain models come with an all-in-one feature that allows you to move your child from an rear-facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat with a harness and then onto the booster seat.

It is important to consider whether the car seat will fit well in your vehicle, especially if it has a small trunk or a low clearance. Make sure you check the dimensions of the car seat as well as the vehicle owner's manual for the most appropriate fit.

Choose a car seat that provides good support and comfort to your child. Long trips in the vehicle will be more enjoyable when they are able to rest comfortably. This could include features such as a reclining headrest and a five-point harness that can be adjusted from the rear of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.

After you've narrowed your options down, you should consider the policies for replacement in case of a crash of the car seats you're considering. These could be anything from a manufacturer's replacement policy, to a specific case review.

After you've done some research and determined what kind of car seat you'd like then you can begin shopping. Look through the selections at your local baby store or online retailer, and ask parents of young children for recommendations. You can also request a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you choose the best car seat for your baby.