How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn
The ideal car seat for a baby is one that complies with all safety standards set by the federal government and fits your vehicle. It should also include practical extras, such as the capability to convert into a stroller, and be within your budget. It is also important to ensure that the car seat is easily inserted into and out of any vehicle, particularly if you are frequently switching between rental cars, taxis or grandparents' vehicles.
Safety
A good car seat will have extra features that go above and beyond federal safety standards. These include padded cushions on the shoulders and head and also air-repellent fabric to keep them cool when driving in hot weather.
The ease of installation and use of the seat is another important aspect to consider for safety. Ideally, the seat should be simple to install and use, as well as clear indicators of its height and position as well as security.
There are features that will help you with this, such as belt guides and built-in locks that will help you align the car seat with your car's seatbelt. Also, you should avoid buying used car seats, as they might not be tested for safety or have been involved in an accident, and could not be safe for your child. If you have to buy an used car seat ensure that it is not expired. an expiration date and that the seller isn't an individual who does not have evidence of ownership.
Another thing to keep in mind is that it's best to keep your baby in the car seat for a maximum of 2 hours per day unless they are lying down in a supine position. This is to prevent stress on their spine and to ensure that they get a chance to breathe regularly.
The choice of a car seat for infants is a significant investment, therefore you'll need to make sure it has a long duration. Choose a seat that is designed to adapt to your child's needs, which will last through toddlerhood and through the teen years. One that our parent testers loved was the Axkid One i-Size, which is suitable from birth and is able to be used up to 7 years old.
The Nuna pipa air rx is a different option that can be used for a long time. It is 360-degree in rotation that means you can switch it from rear-facing to front-facing as your child grows. It's also among the lightest-weight car seats available and weighs less than nine pounds without its base. It's the ideal choice for parents who often move their children between vehicles or plan to use it for taxi rides, fly-drive holidays, and trips to grandparent's houses.
Comfort
It is essential that your baby is comfortable in their car seat, both in it and when you install it. Find straps with padding that fit comfortably on their shoulders and plush fabric that is comfortable on their tummy, especially if they will be in the seat for long drives.
The best car seat for infants is also easy to use. Some have premium LATCH connectors with a SuperCinch force multiplier tightener. Some also come with spring-loaded leveling legs as well as belt paths that make installing without a base easier than ever. Other features will help you adjust the harness height and headrest, which is important as your child gets older.
Cosatto All in All Rotate is an example. Our test subjects gave it a score of 10 out of 10. It features a clear, simple interface, no-rethread, easy-to-reset harness, a 360-degree rotation, as well as recline lock indicator. It is possible to easily change your child from rear-facing to front-facing as they grow, without needing to take out and replace the seat.
Nuna Pipa Aire Rx is a different example. Our parents who tested it loved it for its comfort and simplicity, as well as its versatility. Its padded shoulder straps as well as headrests are designed to accommodate the head of your newborn, and it comes with a soft infant pillow to ensure they are comfortable. It can be used as a rear-facing car seat until your baby is at the maximum height or weight limits and then it can be converted into a stroller without the need for an additional adapter.
A high-quality car seat is sturdy and some even come with a warranty. Choose the seat with plenty of padding and durable materials to shield your child from any injuries. It should also come with steel frames to absorb the force of impact, and an "crumple area" to prevent crash damage. It is important to keep it clean as accidents are bound to happen with the growing age of a child. To make cleaning easier, search for a car-seat with removable covers and pads that can be washed in the machine.
Easy of Use
It is crucial that a car seat is easy to install and use, particularly in the event that it will be used in multiple vehicles periodically. Look for features such as a quick-release buckle, a gauge that shows the state of the latch system (e.g., green for locked) and a clear, easy-to-read guide to make it as easy as you can.
The Best of The Bump winner has many practical extras that our parents were pleased with, including a padded headrest and harness, plush material, and the cup holder. It has a reclining function that lets your child sit in a comfortable position on longer journeys. It can also be used in conjunction with a buggy that is compatible to create a complete travel system, which is perfect if you plan on traveling for long periods of time.
Our panelists found that this car seat was easy to put in and adjust. It has recline lock indicators and an exclusive LATCH connector with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener that made securing your child quick and simple. It's also designed to be moved from side to side in the vehicle without the necessity of tools.
The recline feature allows you to get your baby into and out of the vehicle. This is especially helpful if you have back issues or have a smaller vehicle. It also features a reversible drink holder, as well as a handy storage compartment for snacks and toys.
The seat weighs less than nine pounds and can be used with or without its base. It also rotates 180 degrees, which can be a huge help if you have limited space or are suffering from back pain. This feature was a big hit with our panelists and was awarded a place in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
It's a great choice for anyone looking to transform their car seat into a stroller at an affordable cost. Its sleek design and high-quality fabric will also stand the test time. Just don't forget to wash your cover regularly, as squashed yogurt spills, biscuits, and the occasional sick toddler accident will be sure to leave a mark!
Design
Car seat designs are as varied as the cars they're used in. Some parents opt to not use an infant car seats and opt for a convertible model. However, the majority of new mothers prefer a product that will expand with their child through the age of toddlerhood. best car seats newborn is an all-in-one infant car seat that allows you to switch between rear-facing and forward-facing. It typically has a higher weight and height limit and can be used as a booster once your child is old enough.
The ideal car seat for a newborn car seat is lightweight which makes it easy to lift it from the base and carry with your baby in it. Our testers with parents loved the Maxi-Cosi Coral, which is only available in a few colors, but has a lot of safety features and is extremely light (at 8.4 pounds with seat inserts and canopy). Other standout models include the Nuna PIPA URbN, winner of Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Car Seat Group 0/0+, thanks to its high-end extras like the Dream drape and full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy.
The design of the seat and base must also be taken into consideration. For instance, some car seats use a special base that is secured to the vehicle's seat belt buckles, while others have LATCH connectors made of steel that slide out from the sides of the base and turn green when attached correctly. Parents appreciated these connectors especially when their vehicle had only front-facing seatbelts with no ISOFIX anchor points.
Certain infant car seats can be used with regular seatbelts without the base. This is a great feature for parents who travel frequently or take taxis with their babies. Our testers with parents really liked the Nuna TODL NEXT, which can be used with or without its base. It includes a smooth swivel motion that makes it simple to get your baby out and in the seat.
Other important design considerations include whether a car seat has a flat design, and how well it is compatible with your car (see our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're in search of a car seat that can grow with your baby as he develops into an adult, select one that has a reclining headrest and side impact protection. It's also worth checking that the infant car seat is i-Size compatible and has the right car seat attachment points according to UK law.