"Ask Me Anything," 10 Responses To Your Questions About Car Seat For Newborn

Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

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

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

Simple to Use

Whether you're shopping for a baby car seat for your newborn or upgrading from an older car seat, you'll want a model that is easy to install and use. Consider the size and weight of your child, the seat's fit in the car, and any additional features, like the lay-flat option that can also be used as stroller.

Infant-only seats are a great option for babies as they're generally smaller than convertible car seats and fit infants more comfortably. They have a harness to ensure your child's head is supported in an accident, which will reduce the stress on their neck or the spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who want to keep their infants rear-facing for as long as they can because most models let children ride in a rear-facing position until they weigh 30 pounds or more. If you choose to purchase a convertible car seat, search for one that is compliant with the federal safety standards and has a 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 many different models available. To avoid the hassle and risk of a defective or dangerous seat, select one that's certified by a reliable company or a reputable organization, and also look for recalls in the past and complaints from manufacturers.

The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and several recline positions. Certain car seats provide extra padding on the shoulder strap and around the buckle to keep your baby comfortable during long roadtrips. If you drive a smaller car choose an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing one, which is under 17 inches in width and is easy to install in most cars. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby, which is specifically designed for use with UPPAbaby strollers, is another ideal option for families that require a car seat with no fuss that is simple to use. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all very easy to use.

Safety Features

Whether you're looking for an infant safe, lightweight car seat to take your little one on long trips or simply want to ensure that your child is comfortable for the duration of a trip, 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 safely in the seat and so, choose a seat that is able to reach minimum your child's 90th percentile measurement prior to when they turn one. Also, consider whether you'd like to use blankets or coats over the straps of the harness. The AAP cautions against this as heavy clothing may shrink during a crash, leaving the straps too loose for your child to be restrained, increasing the chance of injuries.

Other factors to consider are whether you plan to install your car seat using a vehicle belt or the LATCH system, and if 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 the base that is compatible with it. This will reduce time and energy because you won't have to take out and reinstall the seat every time you take a trip in the car.

In our tests, the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with testers saying it "has everything you need to have a quick and easy installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that can be flipped out from the base and become green when connected, and a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener as well as an adjustable foot with springs.

Another great option is the budget-friendly Baby Trend Secure-Lift We've found it to be as simple to use as other models that cost twice as much. Our test participants have applauded it for its five-position, height-adjustable headrest that adapts to the size of your baby harness, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade is a fantastic choice for newborns due to its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position which allows them to sleep longer and more comfortably on road trips. It's also been praised for its safety, with consumer champion Which? ADAC giving it the highest laboratory score for car seats for infants.

Rear-Facing Options

In the majority of cars the most secure position for infants is in the rear seat at the center. The seat in the middle is the furthest from any impact that could occur and will protect your child from harm in an accident. If you can, select an infant car seat that allows your baby to ride rear-facing until they're about a year old. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is correctly installed and that the headrest is placed comfortably against your child's chest and head. Consult a certified child passenger technician who will provide you with the most current guidelines for car seat installation and use. Find one in your area here.

The car seat you pick for your infant will be a major investment, and you'll use it for a long time. You'll want one that has a high crash test score as well as an analysis score. It should also come with features that will keep your baby comfy. The Clek Liing is a great option for parents who are looking for an affordable rear-facing infant car seat. It scored well in our sensor and analysis test, has an easy LATCH system that changes color to indicate that the buckle straps have been correctly secured to the car, and a load-leg that helps prevent frontal collisions.

Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, utilized the Graco Extension2Fit to fit her daughters who were both from birth up to age six. The adjustable harness size and height allows it to be adapted to children of all sizes as well as taller ones. The seat is compatible with various vehicles, and it has the weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Plus, the seat converts into a booster, which Trolio used for her daughter's oldest until she was 10 years old.

Another option that is reasonably priced is the Nuna RAVA. It does not come with a base like many other seats, but is still quick and easy to install using either method with its rigid LATCH connectors, which flip out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green once secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is a comfortable baby seat with no rethread harness. Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to secure the straps, without having to take your baby from the car seat. LaBracio also liked the recline that has six positions.

Options with a Forward-Facing

Children's necks can be held by the back of the seat in front-facing seats instead of being pushed forward on the car seat. This is a way to protect them from collisions with the sides. Car seats typically allow infants up to 20 pounds and 1 year old to ride backwards. However, a lot of experts recommend that children remain rear-facing for 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, ensure they meet the i-Size standards, have a padded harness pocket, and a padded headrest. Check the maximum height and weight limit and think about purchasing a car seat that will be able to grow with your child until they are a booster seat. Certain models have an all-in one feature that allows your child to move from a rear-facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat.

It is also important to think about whether the car seat will fit in your vehicle, especially if it has a small trunk or low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and the owner's manual to ensure the best fit.

Also, make sure you choose an automobile seat that offers good support and comfort for your child's body--long trips in the car will be more bearable in the event that they sleep comfortably. This could include features like a reclining seat back as well as a five-point harness that tightens from the back of the seat, and a range of recline positions.

Once you've narrowed your choices down, you'll need to consider the policies regarding crash replacement of the car seats you're thinking of buying.  best car seats pushchairsandprams  can be anything from a manufacturer's replacement policy to an individual case review.

After you've done some research and determined the type of car seats you'd like to purchase You can begin looking. You can also ask friends who have children to recommend. You can also request an Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to assist you in choosing the best car seat for a newborn.