Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns
A rear-facing infant seat is the safest option for infants. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer when installing a car seat.
The car seat base should be a bit reclined which aids in keeping the baby’s head in a forward position and keep their chin off their chest lessening the risk of asphyxia.
Types
When choosing a car seat for newborns, there are two main types to consider. An infant car seat and convertible baby car seats. Both have their advantages and disadvantages However, it is a matter of personal preference and how you plan on using the seat. If you plan to use the seat in an automobile travel system, and you will be changing vehicles frequently, an infant car seat might be better suited. If you’re looking for an extremely durable car seat that will grow with your child until the stage of a booster seat the age of the convertible car seat might be a better choice.
Infant car seats are specifically designed for babies and infants and are used in the backwards facing position. This is the safest travel option for small children. They are also less expensive than convertible car seats, but may have a shorter lifespan. They will most likely require replacement once your child has reached their weight limit or height (which can differ widely between seats) or when they exceed their age group limit.
Convertible baby seats, or all-in-one car seats, as they are often referred to, are designed to take your infant from birth through their toddler years, and even into their school years. They can usually be used as a forward or rear-facing seat and some can even be transformed into a booster seat.
Many of the best car seats for newborns are convertible and will have a range of features, like a smooth rotation function as well as a simple harness adjustment. an foam base made of EPS, which is essentially Styrofoam. Parents love these features as they make getting their infants in and out of the car seat easier, while also ensuring their children are kept comfortable and safe.
When selecting a car seat, it’s essential to make sure it’s compatible with your vehicle and features LATCH to make installation easy. Also, you should look for safety features, such as shock-absorbing material and side impact protection. Consult a qualified car seat expert if you are unsure about which seat is the best one for your family. They’ll be able to guide you through your choices and help you pick the best seat for your infant.
Safety
Whether you’re shopping for a car seat for your infant, convertible car seat or baby-ready travel systems it is essential to make sure that the product you select meets the strictest safety standards. This is especially important for newborns, as they weigh less and are smaller than older children. Look for the seat with five-point safety harnesses that is attached 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 secures your child, preventing them from being thrown from the seat in the event of a crash or sudden stop.
If you want to be sure, look for an item that is connected to the vehicle using either lower anchors or a seat belts, and has a top tether that prevents the car seat from moving forward during a crash and potentially obstructing the child’s breathing. Make sure the recline angle is in line, too, as newborns can easily become trapped in a seat that is too upright.
Most importantly, be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions regarding the proper installation of your specific model. It is recommended to consult an approved car seat inspector during pregnancy and/or following the birth of your child. this professional can help you ensure that your installation is flawless every time.
Another aspect to consider is compatibility with strollers. If you are planning to use your stroller often you should consider an infant car and stroller combination that connects seamlessly. This is a great option for busy parents, as it makes it easy to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller and back while you run errands, or take strolls with the family.
Finally, always use your seat on hard surfaces (like a car seat base or a car) and do not place it on soft ones such as a bed or sofa, as these can cause the seat to tip over, possibly hurting or even killing your child. Leaving an infant/baby seat or carrier unsupervised on soft surfaces may result in suffocation.
Easy to Use
A car seat can only offer the most effective protection when it is properly used each time. Unfortunately, a significant number of injuries in Car Seat For Newborn seats result from mistakes. These include not following product instructions, not installing properly, using aftermarket accessories, and placing the child in an incorrect position.
To reduce the chance of a mistake, a quality infant car seat travel car seat for newborns will come with easy-to-read instructions for installation and features that make it easier to ensure proper usage. Some brands, like CYBEX include visual indicators and click sounds to assure that the seat is fitted correctly. This is crucial because studies have revealed that the incorrect use of car seats could be responsible for up to 50% of injuries that are related to car seats.
It is also crucial to keep in mind that you should not leave your child in the car seat of an infant or in a carrier out of your vehicle, even for a short time. If a child is left unattended, a safety seat can fall and fall onto soft surfaces, like couches or beds which can cause serious injuries or even death. The seats can also fall on their side which can cause suffocation.
Selecting the right car seat for your infant depends on many factors, including lifestyle and longevity. All-in-one seats are less expensive up front however they may not be able to accommodate smaller babies as well and be less flexible than a booster or convertible car seat. For parents who are planning to travel frequently an easy-to-install, lightweight seat is essential for urban dwellers, while suburban parents will likely want seats that can be easily installed without a base and can be used in taxis or Uber.
A seat that is connected to strollers is a ideal option for parents with a newborn who are looking to minimize the amount of luggage they carry in the city or on flights. This is especially the case if you plan to commute via public transport often and live in a major city. Many seats can be attached to strollers from UPPAbaby for simple, comfortable commutes. Lastly, you should pay close attention to the ease of installing your chosen seat in vehicles that do not have lower anchors or tethers, as they aren’t often found in the majority of models.
Convenience
Many infant car seats click into a stroller travel system to create a complete child safety gear solution. This makes it simple to move a sleepy baby from your car to a stroller, even in the worst conditions and at night. Be sure to secure the seat in the stroller prior to you drive off. If you leave it in the car or on the street isn’t a good idea and could let your child leave the seat without supervision which could cause injury.
Infant car seats are designed for newborns and infants who are smaller. They offer a comfortable and secure fit and plenty of padding to ensure safety and comfort. They tend to be lighter than convertible car seats which makes them more convenient to carry for short distances. Most infant car seats are designed to be used rear facing infant car seat facing, which is endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the safest position for children in the early years.
However, they have shorter lifespans than convertible car seats. In general, children outgrow infant car seats between the ages of nine months and one year. It is possible that you will have to upgrade your car seat to a convertible one earlier than you anticipated.
A safe infant car seat will have a strap flat against the child’s chest over their hips, and with the chest clip positioned at the child’s armpit. The crotch buckle should be flat across the child’s thighs. Some models come with removable and adjustable inserts to help parents maintain the recommended fit.
It’s important to remember that if the straps are not secured or tight, babies can be strangled. It’s also risky to let a child ride in a car with no supervision. Choose a seat with a lockoff function for your vehicle, or one with an inbuilt locking mechanism.
The car seats that our experts test are designed to provide the best possible safety features. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor of Consumer Reports has the most experience in car seat installation and rating. He is joined by Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Editor, and Abriah Wolfford Senior Review Analyst who have been testing seats since 2016. Our team’s experience and expertise will help you choose the best seat for your child and your vehicle.