15 Current Trends To Watch For Car Seat For Newborn
Which is the best car seats for infants Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A well-designed car seat keeps your baby safe, secure and comfortable while on the road. But which one is most suitable for your baby?
With features like latch hooks, load legs, and belt paths to consider, selecting the right infant car seat isn't easy. Here's everything you need consider to make the right decision for your family.
Easy of Use
If you're in the market for a baby car seat (check) for your newborn or upgrading from a toddler's car seat, you'll need a model that is easy to install and use. Consider the size of the base and the car, how the seat will fit your child's height and weight, and additional features that are convenient, such as an option to lay flat that can double as a bassinet for a stroller.
Infant-only chairs are an ideal option for infants because they are typically shorter and fit more snugly than convertible car seats. They also come with a harness that supports your child's head, which is fragile in a crash which reduces the tension on their neck and the spinal cord.
Convertible car seats are great for parents who want to keep their infants rear-facing as long as possible because the majority of these models allow children to sit in a rear-facing position until they weigh 30 pounds or more. If you choose to purchase a convertible car seat, look for one that meets the safety standards of the federal government and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more.
When looking for a car seat, it's important to remember that even though all carseats must be in compliance with the strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models available on the market. Choose a seat that is approved by a reputable company or company. Also, check for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.
The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and several recline positions. Some car seats come with additional padding on the shoulder strap and close to the buckle to ensure your child is at ease during long road trips. If you have a small vehicle, consider a narrow infant car seat like the Clek Liing. It's less than 17 inches in width, and is easily installed in most automobiles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max which can be used in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great choice for families looking for an easy car seat. Its auto-retracting straps, EZ buckle, premium lower anchor connectors with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it easy to use on every car trip.
Safety Features
There are a few features when choosing an infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure your child is comfortable throughout the journey or you are looking for a light, safe car seat for your child to use on long trips, you need to think about a few features. Consider first the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child is able to safely stay in the seat. Choose a seat that can be used up to the 90th percentile of your child's height before turning 1. Consider whether you might want to use a coat or blanket over the straps of your harness. The AAP cautions against this, since thick clothing can be compressed in a crash and leave the straps loose to restrain your child, thereby increasing the chance of injuries.
It is also important to consider whether your car seat can be secured with the LATCH system, or a belt for your vehicle, and if it is compatible with other strollers or travel systems. If you plan to use your car seat for a majority of your journeys in the car it's best car seat to pick one that can easily fit on a base compatible with it. This will reduce time and energy as you won't have to take out and reinstall the seat every time you use the car.
The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which was awarded Best of The Bump, received top marks in our tests for its ease of installation and adjustments. Testers stated that it "has everything you need for a quick, painless installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that can be flipped out from the base and become green when connected, plus a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener and a spring-loaded leveling foot.
Another option that is worth considering is the affordable Baby Trend Secure-Lift that we've found to be as simple to use as other models that cost twice as much. Our testers have been raving about 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 a great option for newborns due to its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position which lets them sleep longer and more comfortably on travel. It's also praised for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? saying it's one of the most secure infant car seats on the market and ADAC giving it the highest lab score for an infant car seat.
Rear-Facing Options
In most cars, a newborn's safest position is in the middle rear seat. The center seat is the closest to any impact, and will protect your baby from harm in the event of an accident. If possible, you should opt for a car seat that allows your baby to sit rear-facing up to one year old. It is also important to ensure that the car seat is correctly installed and that the headrest is placed perfectly against your child's chest and head. Find a certified child passenger technician who can provide you with the most current recommendations for car seat installation and use. Find one in your area here.
The car seat you pick for your newborn is a significant purchase, and you'll use it for many years. You'll want one with a high crash test score and an analysis score. It should also have features to ensure your baby is at ease. The Clek LIing is a great option for parents who are looking for an infant seat with a rear view that is affordable. It scored extremely high in both our analysis and sensor tests. It has a simple LATCH system that comes with an indicator that changes color and shows how buckle straps are properly attached 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 harness's adjustable height and size allow it to fit children of all sizes as well as taller ones. The seat is suitable for various vehicles, and it has the weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, the seat can be converted into a booster seat, which Trolio used for her daughter's oldest until she was 10 years old.
Another affordable option is the Nuna RAVA. It does not come with a base like most other seats, but is still very simple and quick to install using either method with its rigid LATCH connectors, which flip out from the bottom of the seat and automatically turn green once secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for babies, thanks to a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to secure the straps without removing your baby from the seat. LaBracio also found the six-position recline useful.
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 hard seat of a vehicle. This is a way to protect them from side collisions as well. The majority of car seat for newborn seats allow infants to ride rear-facing until they are over 20 pounds and one year old. However, a lot of experts recommend that children remain rear-facing as long as they can, as their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when they're ready to move to an forward-facing seat.
If you're looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the iSize standards and have a padded harness pocket and a padded headrest for the seat. Make sure you know the maximum height and weight limit, and consider purchasing a car seat that will be able to grow with your child until they are the position of a booster seat. Certain models come with an all-in-one feature that allows you to transfer your child from a rear-facing car seats (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat that has a harness and then into a booster seat.
It is also important to think about whether the seat will fit your vehicle well, especially in the case of a tiny trunk space or a car with a low clearance. Make sure to check the seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure that the seat is the most appropriate fit.
Lastly, look for an automobile seat that offers comfortable and adequate support for your child's body--long trips in the car will be less stressful if they can rest comfortably. This could include features such as an adjustable headrest and a five-point harness that can be tightened from the back of the seat and a wide range of recline positions.
After narrowing your options down, you'll need to consider the policies for replacement in case of a crash of the car seats you're considering. These policies can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by -case review.
Once you've done your research and determined the type of car seat you're interested in now is the time to start shopping around. You can also ask your friends with young children for recommendations. You can also schedule an Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you choose the right car seat for your newborn.