20 Myths About Car Seat For Newborn: Debunked

Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A well-designed car seat will keep your baby safe, secure and comfortable when you're on the road. Which one is the most suitable for your child?

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

Simple to Use

You'll need to choose an option that is easy to install and use whether you're buying an infant car seat for a new baby or upgrading your toddler's car seat. Take into consideration the size of the base and the car, how well the seat will fit your child's weight and height, and convenient extra features like a lay-flat option that can double as a bassinet for a stroller.

Infant-only seats can be a good option for newborns because they are typically smaller and fit more snugly than convertible seats. They also come with the safety of a harness to protect your child's fragile head in the event of a collision which reduces the tension on their neck and spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who want to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they can. The majority of models allow children to ride rear-facing until 30 pounds or more. If you decide on a convertible car seat, look for one that complies with the safety standards of the federal government and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more.

It's important to keep it in mind that, despite the fact that all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards, there are many different models available. To avoid the stress and danger of a dangerous or defective seat, make sure you choose one certified by a reputable company or a reputable organization, and also look for recalls or complaints from manufacturers.

The top-rated car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and various recline positions. Certain car seats provide extra padding on the straps for the shoulder and around the buckle to ensure your child is comfortable during long roadtrips. If you drive a smaller car, look for a narrow infant seat like the Clek Liing that is under 17 inches wide and is easy to install in most vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max, that can be used in conjunction in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great option for families looking for an easy car seat. Its auto-retracting straps EZ buckle, premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and no-rethread harness make it simple to use for every car trip.

Safety Features

Whether you're looking for a safe, lightweight infant car seat to take your little one for long drives or need to ensure your child is comfortable during the duration of a trip there are a few important aspects that are worth keeping in mind. Consider first the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the car seat and so, look for a model that goes up to minimum 90th percentile before they turn one. Also, consider whether you'd prefer to use blankets or coats on the straps of your harness. The AAP recommends against this because thick clothing could cause a collapse and leave the straps loose to hold your child, thereby increasing the risk of injury.

Other things to consider include whether you intend to install your car seat with a belt on your vehicle or the LATCH system, and if it's compatible other strollers or travel systems. A car seat that is able to fit on a base that is compatible is the best option if you plan to use it for the 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.

In our tests the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for its ease of installation and adjustments, with reviewers saying it "has everything you need for a fast and painless installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that flip out of the base, and then turn green once fully connected. Also included are a SuperCinch force multiplier strap tightener as well as a spring-loaded leveling feet.

The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another excellent option. We found it to be as simple to use and affordable as models that cost twice as much. Our test participants have praised it for its five-position headrest, height-adjustable 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 stay asleep longer and more comfortably during road trips. It's also praised for its Kinderkraft Safety FIX2 Car Seat - Group 1-2-3 Pushchairs Store - his comment is here -, with consumer advocate Which? declaring it to be one of the safest infant car seats available as well as ADAC awarding the highest lab rating for an infant car seat.

Rear-Facing Options

In most cars the safest place for a newborn is in the middle rear seat. The center position is farthest from any potential impact and will shield your child from harm in the event of a crash. If you are able, choose a car seat for infants that lets your child ride rear-facing until about one year old. It is also important to make sure the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest is placed comfortably against your child's chest and head. The easiest way to do 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 the nearest one here.

The car seat you choose for your baby will be a major purchase, and you'll use it for many years. You'll want a seat with a high crash test score and analysis score. It should also come with features to 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 well in our sensor and analysis test. It has a simple LATCH system that changes color to show that the buckle straps are properly attached to the car and an extra load leg that helps avoid frontal collisions.

Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, used the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters who were both born up to the age of six. The harness's adjustable height and size allow it to accommodate children of all sizes as well as taller ones. It's an excellent option for a wide range of vehicles. It is a light, 50-pound limit on rear-facing weight. 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 affordable is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't have a base like many other seats, but is still extremely quick and easy to install using either method with its rigid LATCH connectors that flip out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green once secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for infants, with an unrethread harness that is not rethread and magnetic buckle holders that make it simple to attach the straps without taking your baby from the seat. LaBracio also liked the recline that has six positions.

Options with a Forward-Facing Focus

Necks of children can be cradled by the seat back in front-facing seats, rather than being pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This position protects them in collisions with the sides. Most car seats allow infants to sit rear-facing until they weigh over 20 pounds and one year old. Many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing for as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time to move to the front-facing seat.

If you are looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the i-Size standards with a padded seat pocket and a padded seat headrest. Consider buying a car seat which will grow with your child and become a booster. Some models have an all-in one feature that lets your child change from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat.

It's important to also consider whether the car seat will fit in your vehicle, particularly when it has a narrow trunk or a low clearance. Make sure to check the seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure the most appropriate fit.

Find a car seat that provides adequate support and comfort to your Nania Topo Child Booster Seat in Blue. Long drives in the vehicle will be more enjoyable if they can rest comfortably. This can include features such as reclined seat backs as well as a five-point harness that tightens from the rear of your seat and a range of recline positions.

Once you've narrowed your options, think about the policies on crash replacement 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 the type of car seats you want, you can start shopping. You can also ask friends who have children to recommend. You can also request an appointment for a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to assist you in choosing the best car seat for a newborn.