Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns

A rear-facing infant car seat is the most safest option for newborns. Using a car seat incorrectly could result in injury or death, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing.

The base of the car seat should be slightly reclined. This will help to keep the baby's chin and head off their chests, which will reduce the risk of sustaining asphyxia in a position.

Types

When selecting the best car seat for infants there are two primary kinds to be considered. A baby seat (http://jade-crack.com) car seat and convertible baby car seats. Both have their pros and disadvantages, but it really depends on your the individual preference and how you plan on using the seat. If you intend to use the seat as a part of an overall travel system and you'll be moving between vehicles frequently the infant car seat might be the best choice. If you're looking for a durable car seat that grows with your child until a booster seat and beyond the age of an convertible car seat could be better.

Infant car seats are made specifically for infants and newborns and are designed to be placed in the rear position which is the most secure method of travel for the little ones. They are also less expensive than convertible car seats but can have a shorter life span. Most seats will need to be replaced once your child reaches the maximum weight or height (which can differ greatly between seats) or if their age is reached.

Convertible car seats, also known as all-in-one seats are designed to transport your infant from birth through their toddler years, and on into their school years. They can be used as a forward or rear-facing seat, and some may be converted into an adult booster seat.

A lot of the top convertible car seats designed for infants are equipped with a variety of features. These include a smooth-rotation feature, a simple harness adjustment and a base constructed of EPS foam that is similar to Styrofoam. Parents love these features as they make getting their children in and out of the seat easier, while ensuring that their children are comfortable and secure.

When selecting a car seat, it's important to check that it is compatible with your vehicle and features LATCH for ease of installation. Also, you should look for safety features like shock-absorbing material and side impact protection. If you're not sure which type of seat is right for your family, consult a qualified car seat technician. They will guide you through the options and help you pick the best infant seat seat for your child.

Safety

You should always check that the model you select is safe and meets the strictest standards, whether you're looking for convertible car seats or an infant car seat an infant travel system that is ready for your baby. This is especially important for newborns as they are smaller, lighter and more fragile than older children. Find the seat with five-point safety harnesses that attaches between the legs, around the crotch and below the shoulders when the child is facing rearwards or above the shoulders when the child is facing forward. This helps secure your child, preventing them from being thrown out of the seat in the event of an accident or sudden stop.

Ideally, you'll also choose an item that is secured to the vehicle by either lower anchors or seat belts, and has the option of a top tether to prevent the car seat from moving forward in the event of a crash, and possibly obstructing the child's breathing. Also, make sure that the recline angle of the seat is in the right direction. Infants are prone to get trapped in a seat that is too high up.

Most importantly, be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions regarding the proper installation of the model you have chosen. It's a good idea consult a certified car-seat inspection technician during your pregnancy or right after the birth of your baby. A professional can guarantee an excellent installation.

Another thing to think about is compatibility with strollers. If you intend to use a stroller frequently, consider an infant car seat and stroller combo that connects seamlessly. This is a great option for parents who are busy, since it makes it easy to transfer your child from the car to the stroller, and vice versa while you run errands, or take an outing with the family.

Finally, always place your seat on solid surfaces (like car seat bases or a car) and never place it on soft ones such as a bed or sofa as they can cause the seat to tip over, possibly hurting or even killing your child. Unattended infant/baby seats or carriers on soft surfaces may also cause insuffocation.

Ease of Use

A car seat will only provide the highest level of protection in the event that it is used correctly every time. Unfortunately, a significant number of injuries in car seats are caused by errors. A few of these are not following the manufacturer's instructions, incorrect installations and using products that are aftermarket and putting the child in an incorrect position.

To minimize the risk of error, a good infant car seat for newborns is one that has easy-to-read installation instructions and features that make it easier to ensure correct usage. Certain brands, such as CYBEX, even have visual indicators and click sound that ensure that the seat is installed correctly. This is important as studies have revealed that the incorrect use of a car seat could be the cause of up to 50% of injuries caused by car seats.

You should also be aware that you should never leave your child in the car seat or a carrier even if it's just for a few minutes. A baby left unattended in the safety seat could fall and fall onto soft surfaces, like beds or couches, causing serious injury or even death. The seats could also fall on their side which can cause suffocation.

The best infant car seat will depend on a number of factors, such as your lifestyle and the long-term durability of the seat. All-in-one models are cheaper up front however they might not fit smaller infants as well and be less versatile than a convertible or booster car seat. A lightweight, easy-to-install seat is essential for parents who travel frequently. Urban dwellers may prefer a seat which can be used in a taxi, Uber, or other vehicle without the base.

A seat that can be integrated with strollers could be an excellent option for parents who want to minimize the amount of equipment they have to carry around town or on plane flights. This is true in the event that you intend to commute via public transport often and live in a big city. A lot of seats can be attached to strollers from UPPAbaby for simple, and simple commutes. You should also pay attention to how easy it is to install your chosen seat on vehicles with no lower anchors or tether connectors because they aren't as popular.

Convenience

Many infant car seats can also connect to a stroller travel system to create a complete child safety gear solution. This makes it much easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller during bad weather or at night. Make sure to ensure that the seat is secured in the stroller before you leave. It's unsafe to leave it in your car or on the street. Your baby could be injured if they get out of the seat without supervision.

Car seats for infants are designed specifically for infants and infants with smaller sizes, offering snug and secure fittings and lots of extra padding for safety and comfort. They are generally lighter than a convertible car seat, making them easier to carry over short distances. The majority of baby car seats can be used with rear-facing, which is the position recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

However they have a shorter life span than convertible car seats. In general, children outgrow infant car seats between nine months and a year. This means that you might need to upgrade to a convertible car seat sooner than you anticipated.

A great infant car seat will have the strap for harness that sits flat against the child's chest, and also over their hips with the chest clip located at armpit level and the crotch buckle laid flat across their thighs. Some models have adjustable and removable inserts to assist parents to maintain this recommended fit.

It's important to remember that if the straps are unfastened or loose, babies can be strangled. It's also not safe to leave a child unattended in a car seat, so choose one that has a lockoff feature for your vehicle, or a built-in lock.

Our experts test car seats to ensure they're equipped with the most safety features. Bob Hoffman, our Senior Review Editor, has more car seat installation and scoring expertise than anyone on the planet and is joined by the mother of two boys Wendy Schmitz, Senior Reviews Editor, and Abriah Wofford an Analyst for Senior Reviews who has been testing seats since 2016. Our team's knowledge and expertise help you find the right seat for your child as well as your vehicle.