Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns
A rear-facing infant seat is the most safest option for newborns. Incorrectly using a car seat can lead to injuries or even death, therefore it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing.
The base of the car seat needs to be slightly reclined. This will help keep the baby's chin and head off their chests, which will reduce the risk for positional asphyxia.
Types
There are two types of car seats suitable for infants. There are two types of car seats for newborns: an infant car seat and a baby convertible car seat. Both have their pros and disadvantages however it all comes down to personal preference and how you plan on using the seat. If you intend to utilize the seat as part of a travel system and will be switching between vehicles frequently and frequently, then an infant car seat could be more suitable. If you're looking for a long-lasting car seat that will grow with your child to the stage of a booster seat then the convertible car seat might be the better choice.
Infant car seats are designed specifically for newborns and infants and are placed in the rear position and are the safest method of travel for the little babies. They are also typically cheaper than convertible car seats but can have a shorter lifespan. They are most likely to need to be replaced once your child is at their weight or height limits (which may differ between seats) or when they reach the top of their age-group limit.
Convertible car seats, also known as all-in-one carseats, are designed to carry your baby from birth through their toddler years and on into their school years. Some can be used as a forward-facing seat or a rear-facing one.
Many of the best car seats for newborns are convertible and will have many features, including smooth rotation with easy harness adjustment, and an foam base made of EPS, which is basically Styrofoam. These features are well-liked by parents because they make it simpler to get their infants into and out of their seats, while still ensuring that their child is comfortable and safe.
When choosing a car seat, it's essential to ensure that it's compatible with your vehicle and features LATCH to make installation easy. It is also important to check for safety features such as shock-absorbent material and side impact protection. If you're uncertain about which type of seat is best for your family, consult a qualified car seat technician. They'll be able to talk you through your choices and help you pick the right seat for your newborn.
Safety
If you're in the market for an infant car seat convertible car seat, baby-friendly travel systems, you need to make sure that the product you choose meets stringent safety standards. This is especially important for newborns, as they are lighter and smaller than older children. Choose a seat with five-point harnesses that are attached to the shoulders below (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing) and between the legs and around the crotch. This will secure your child and prevents them from being thrown out of the seat during an accident or sudden stop.
If you want to be sure, choose a seat that can be secured to the vehicle with either lower anchors or a seat belts, and has a top tether that prevents the car seat from moving forward in a crash and potentially obstructing the child's breathing. Make sure the recline angle is in line as well, since newborns are prone to getting trapped in a car seat that's too upright.
Most importantly, be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions regarding the proper installation of your specific model. It's a good idea to seek out a certified car seat inspection technician during your pregnancy or immediately after the birth of your baby. A professional can guarantee the perfect installation.
It is also a factor to consider. If you intend to frequently use your stroller then you should think about an infant car and stroller combination that clicks seamlessly together. This is an excellent option for busy parents because it lets them easily transfer their child from the stroller to the car and vice versa, while doing errands.
Always place infant car seat swivel Pushchairs And Prams on a solid surface (such as a car seat or base) and never on a soft surface like a sofa or bed, as this can cause it to tip over. This could lead to your child being injured or even dying. Unattended infant/baby seats or carriers on soft surfaces may also cause the suffocation of your child.
Easy of Use
The most effective protection is only possible if the car seat is properly used every time. Unfortunately, a lot of car injuries to children's seats are caused by errors. A few of these include not following the manufacturer's instructions, improper installation or using products from aftermarket, and placing the child in an incorrect position.
A good infant car seat should have clear instructions for installing and features that ensure proper usage. Some brands, like CYBEX have even included visual indicators and click sound that confirm the seat is installed correctly. This is important because studies have shown incorrect use of car seats is responsible for up to half of all injuries related to car seats.
It is important to keep in mind that you should not leave your infant in the car seat or in a carrier even if it's just for a few minutes. Unsupervised, a baby in a car seat or carrier could fall on soft surfaces like couches or beds, causing serious injuries or even death. The seats can also be flipped over onto their sides, leading to the death of a child.
Choosing the best infant car seat for your infant is based on a variety of factors including the type of lifestyle and longevity. All-in-one car seats are less expensive up front however they may not be able to accommodate smaller babies as well and be less flexible than a convertible or a 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 taxis, Uber, or other vehicle that does not have the base.
A seat that is compatible with strollers can be an excellent option for parents who want to minimize the amount of equipment they have to carry around town or on flight. This is particularly applicable if you reside in a city and plan to frequent public transportation since many seats can be connected to an UPPAbaby stroller for simple, easy commutes. Also, be attentive to the ease of installing your chosen seat in vehicles that don't have lower anchors or tether connections, as these are less common in most models.
Convenience
Many infant car seats work with stroller travel systems that allow you to design a an entire solution to ensure the safety of your child. This makes it simple to transfer a sleeping baby from your car to a stroller even in the worst weather or at night. Just make sure you always secure the seat in the stroller prior to you leave. It's unsafe to leave it in your car or on the road. Your baby could be injured if they exit the seat without supervision.
Infant car seats are specifically made for infants and babies who are smaller. They provide a snug and secure fit and plenty of padding for comfort and security. They are generally lighter than a convertible car seats which makes them easier to carry for short distances. Most infant car seats are made to be used rear-facing, which is endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the most secure position for young children.
They last a shorter time than convertible car seats. In general, children outgrow infant car seats between the ages of nine months and a year. You might need to upgrade your car seat to a convertible one sooner than you thought.
A quality infant car seat should have the strap for harness that sits flat against the child's chest, and also over their hips, with the chest clip at armpit level and the crotch buckle laid flat across their thighs. Some models come with adjustable and removable inserts to help parents maintain the recommended fit.
When choosing an infant car seat, it's important to remember that children can be trapped if the straps are loose or are not fastened. It's also not safe to leave a child alone in a car seat, therefore, choose a seat that has an option to lock off your vehicle or an integrated lock.
The car seats that our experts test are designed to offer the highest level of safety. Bob Hoffman, our Senior Review Editor, has more car seat installation and scoring experience than anyone else on the planet He's joined by the mother of two boys Wendy Schmitz, Senior Reviews Editor and Abriah Wofford an Analyst for Senior Reviews who's been testing seats since 2016. Our team's expertise and knowledge help you find the right seat for your child as well as your vehicle.