Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A well-designed car seat ensures your baby is safe, comfortable and secure on the road. Which one is the best for your baby?

The right choice for infant car seats isn't easy. There are many features to consider such as latch hooks, belt paths and load legs. Here's what you must know to make the best purchase for your family.

Simple to Use

Whether you're shopping for a baby car seat for your baby or if you're upgrading from an older car seat, you'll need a model 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 your car, and any extra features, like a lay-flat option which can also be used as a stroller.

Infant-only seats are a good option for infants because they're generally narrower than convertible car seats and can fit babies more comfortably. They come with a harness that can ensure your child's head is supported in an accident, which can reduce the strain on their neck or the spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are great for parents who want to keep their babies rear-facing as long as possible because most models allow children to sit in a rear-facing position up to the point that they weigh 30 pounds or more. Find a convertible seat that is compliant with federal safety standards and has a the weight limit of at least 50 pounds.

It is important to keep in mind that even though all car seats must meet strict NHTSA standards there are a myriad of models available. To avoid the burden and risk of a dangerous or defective seat, choose one that's certified by a reliable company or organization, and check for recent recalls and complaints from manufacturers.

The best car seats for babies feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding and a variety of recline positions. Some car seats offer additional padding on the shoulder strap and close to the buckle to ensure your child is comfy during long road trips. If you drive a smaller car choose an infant car seat swivel seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing, which is just 17 inches wide and easy to install in most vehicles. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, that can be used in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great option for families looking for a simple car seat. 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 any car trip.

Safety Features

If you're looking for a secure, lightweight infant car seat to take your child for long drives or need to ensure your child is comfortable during the duration of your ride There are some key aspects that are worth considering. Be aware of the weight and height limits of your infant car seat travel seat. This will determine how long your baby can be safely in the car seat, so look for a model that is able to reach at least your child's 90th percentile before they turn 1. Also, think about whether you might want to put a coat or blanket over the harness straps. The AAP warns against this because heavy clothing may shrink in the event of a crash, making straps too loose for your child to be secured, increasing the chance of injury.

Other considerations include whether you're planning to attach your car seat using belts on your vehicle or the LATCH system and whether it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. If you plan to use your seat for the majority of your car rides it is best to select one that fits easily onto an appropriate base. This will help you save time and energy as you won't need to take off and reinstall your seat each time you take a trip in the car.

In our testing, the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned high marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with users saying it "has everything you need to have a quick and easy installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors 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 foot.

The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another excellent option. We found it to be user-friendly and affordable as models that cost twice as much. Our testers have praised it for its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that can be adjusted to fit your child's height, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade is great option for newborns due to its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position, which allows them to stay asleep longer and more comfortably on road trips. It has also been highly praised for its safety by consumer advocate Which? ADAC awarding it the highest laboratory rating for infant car seats.

Rear-facing Options

In most cars, the safest place for a baby is the rear center seat. The center position is farthest from any possible impact and will protect your child the best in the event of a crash. You should choose an infant car seat which allows your child to sit backwards for around a year. It is also essential to make sure the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest fits comfortably against your child's chest and head. The easiest way to do this is to consult an experienced child passenger safety technician, who will give you the most current recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one near you here.

The car seat you select for your infant car seat in front seat is a significant investment, and you'll use it for a long time. You'll want a seat with a high crash test score as well as an analysis score. It should also come with features that will keep your baby at ease. The Clek LIing is an excellent option for parents who are seeking an infant seat with a rear view that is affordable. It scored very high in both our sensor and analysis tests. It has a simple LATCH system that has a color change indication that shows whether the buckle straps are attached properly to the car, as well as a load leg that can help prevent frontal crashes.

Senior editor of the Strategist magazine and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters who both went from birth until age 6. The seat's adjustable harness height and length make it suitable for all children from short to tall. The seat is compatible with many vehicles, and it has an upper limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. The seat also converts into a booster, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter up to the time she was 10 years old.

Nuna RAVA is a different, affordable alternative. It doesn't have a base, but it is still simple to put in using the LATCH connectors that are rigid. They flip out of the bottom and turn green when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is comfortable for babies without rethreads. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps without having to take your baby from the car seat. LaBracio also discovered the recline with six positions to be useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing Focus

Children's necks can be held by the back of the seat in front-facing seats rather than being pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This position also protects children from side-impacts better. The majority of car seats allow infants up to 20 pounds and 1 year of age to ride rearward. Many experts advise that children remain rear-facing as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when it's time to switch to the front-facing seat.

If you are looking at alternatives for forward-facing car seats, ensure they meet iSize specifications, have a padded head rest, and a large harness pocket. Think about purchasing a car seat that will grow with your child and eventually become a booster. 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 that has a harness and then into a booster seat.

It's also important to consider whether the seat fits your vehicle well, especially if you have a small trunk space or a car with a low clearance. Make sure you check the dimensions of the car seat as well as the owners' manuals for your vehicle to determine the best car seat for Newborn fit.

Also, make sure you choose a car seat that provides comfortable and adequate support for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be more bearable if they can rest comfortably. This could include features such as an adjustable headrest or a five-point harness which can be adjusted from the rear of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.

After narrowing down your options, you should consider crash replacement policies for the car seat you're looking at. These policies can vary from the manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by-case review.

After you've done some study and determined what kind 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 ask your family members who have children to get their suggestions. You can also schedule a consultation with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you find the right car seat for your newborn.