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Car Seat For Newborn: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A car seat that is safe and secure keeps your baby safe, comfortable and secure when you're on the road. Which is the best for your baby?

With features such as latch hooks, load legs and belt routes to consider, picking the right infant car seat can be a challenge. Here's everything you need think about to make the best choice for your family.

User-Friendliness

Whether you're shopping for an infant car seat for your newborn or upgrading from an infant car seat, you'll need a model that is easy to set up and use. Take into consideration the size of the seat base and the car, how well the seat is suited to your baby's weight and height, and useful extra features such as a lay-flat option that doubles as a stroller bassinet.

Infant-only chairs are a good option for newborns because they tend to be shorter and fit more comfortably than convertible car seats. They also have a harness that can support your child's fragile head in the event of a crash which reduces the stress on their neck and spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who intend to keep their infants rear-facing for as long as they can because most models allow children to sit in a rear-facing position until they're 30 pounds or more. If you opt for a convertible car seat, you should look for one that is compliant with federal safety standards and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more.

It's important to keep it in mind that, even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards there are a myriad of models available. Pick a seat certified by a reputable organization or company. Also, check for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

The best car seats for babies feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding, and a range of recline positions. Some car seats offer extra padding on the shoulder straps and near the buckle to keep your baby comfy during long road trips. If you drive a smaller car choose an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing, which is just 17 inches in width and is easy to install in most cars. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby, which is designed to be used with strollers made by UPPAbaby, is another great choice for families who want a no-fuss car seat that is simple to use. Its auto-retracting straps, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it simple to use on every car journey.

Safety Features

If you're in search of a safe, lightweight infant car seat to take your child on long trips or simply want to make sure your child is comfortable for the duration of a ride, a few key features are worth considering. Take into consideration the weight and height limits of your infant seat. This will determine how long your child can be safe in the car seat, so consider a model that goes up to minimum your child's 90th percentile measurement prior to when they turn one. Consider whether you would like to drape a blanket or coat over the harness straps. The AAP warns against this because heavy clothing may compress in the event of a crash, making straps too loose for your child to be secured, increasing the chance of injuries.

You should also consider whether your car seat can be secured with the LATCH system, or a belt for your vehicle and if it's compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. A car seat that is able to be fitted onto a base that is compatible is ideal if you plan to use it for a majority of your car trips in order to save time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it every time you drive.

The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, received top marks during our testing for its ease of installation and adjustments. Testers said it "has everything needed to make a quick and easy installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that open from the base and become green when connected, plus a SuperCinch strap tightener that can force-multiply and an adjustable foot with springs.

Another great option is the budget-friendly Baby Trend Secure-Lift that we've found to be as simple to use as models that cost twice as much. Its adjustable headrest in five positions that grows with your child's development and its magnetic buckle holders and no-rethread harness have been highly praised by our test subjects.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade is a ideal choice for babies because of its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position, which lets them sleep longer and more comfortably during road trips. It's also been praised for its safety, with consumer champion Which? calling it 'one of the safest infant car seats on the market' and ADAC awarding it their highest lab rating for a car seat that is suitable for infants.

Rear-facing Options

In the majority of cars, the safest place for a newborn is the rear center seat. The center position is farthest from any potential impact and will safeguard your child from harm in the event of a crash. If best car seats for newborns can, select an infant car seat that lets your child ride rear-facing until about one year old. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is correctly installed and that the headrest fits perfectly against your child's chest and head. The best way to accomplish this is to talk to an accredited child safety technician who will provide you with up-to-date recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your locality here.

Choosing the right car seat for your newborn is a huge purchase that you'll likely be using for a long duration, so you'll need to choose one with an amazing crash test sensor and score, as in addition to features that will keep your child safe. The Clek Liing is a great choice to parents looking for a budget-friendly rear-facing infant car seat. It scored highly in both our analysis and sensor tests, has an easy-to-use LATCH system with the ability to change colors that indicates when the buckle straps are securely attached to the car, as well as a load leg that can help prevent frontal crashes.

Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, opted for the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters who were both born until age six. The adjustable harness height and size allow it to be adapted to children of all sizes, including taller ones. The seat is compatible with numerous vehicles, and has an upper limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, it can be converted into an adult seat that Trolio used with her youngest daughter up to the time she reached 10 years old. young.

Another option that is affordable is the Nuna RAVA. It does not have a base, however it's still easy to put in using the LATCH connectors that are rigid. They can be flipped out of the bottom and turn green when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for babies, with a no-rethread harness 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.

Forward-Facing Options

In front-facing seats, children's necks are cradled in the seat back, rather than pushed forward on the car seat that is hard. This position also protects children from side-impacts better. Car seats typically allow infants to sit rear-facing until they weigh over 20 pounds and a year old. Many experts recommend that kids remain rear-facing as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time to move to an front-facing seat.

If you are looking at alternatives for forward-facing car seats ensure they meet iSize requirements, have a padded head rest, and a deep harness pocket. Make sure you know the maximum height and weight limit, and consider purchasing an automobile seat that can expand with your child to a booster seat. Some models have an all-in-one option that allows you to transfer your child from a rear-facing car seat (with tether and harness) to a forward-facing car seat that has a harness and then to the booster seat.

It is also important to think about whether the seat will fit your vehicle, particularly when you have a limited trunk space or a car with a low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and the owner's manual for the best fit.

Finally, you should look for a car seat that provides adequate support and comfort for your child's body. Long trips in the car will be more bearable when they are able to rest comfortably. This can include features such as a reclining seat back as well as a five-point harness that tightens from the back of your seat, and a range of recline positions.

Once you've narrowed your options, consider the policies regarding crash replacement for the car seat you're thinking of buying. 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 seats you'd like to purchase, you can start shopping. You can also ask friends who have children to recommend. You can also request a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you choose the right car seat for a newborn.