How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn

The most suitable car seat for a newborn is one that complies with all safety standards set by the federal government and is compatible with your vehicle. It should also include convenient extras, such as the capability to transform into a stroller and be within your budget. You should also make sure that the car seat can be easily clicked into and out of any vehicle, particularly when you're constantly switching between taxis, rental cars or the vehicles of your grandparents.

Safety

Car seats are designed to protect your baby, and a good one should come with extra features that go beyond the safety standards set by the federal government. These include padded inserts to the shoulders and head and air-repellent fabrics that help keep them cool in hot car seats by age and side-impact protection.

The ease of installation and use of the seat is an important safety consideration. Idealy, the seat should be simple to install and use, as well as clear indicators of its height, position, and security.

Find features that allow you to do this, such as locks built-in to the seat and belt guides that can help you align the car seat with the seatbelt. Avoid buying used car seats that might not have been tested for crash or have been involved in an accident. They may not be safe for your child. If you must purchase an used car seat make sure that it has an expiration date and that the seller isn't an individual or a private party who doesn't have proof of ownership.

Another thing to keep in your mind is to keep your child in the car seat for no more than two hours per day, unless they're in a lying-flat position. This is to prevent stress on their spine and to ensure that they get a chance to breathe regularly.

Selecting a car seat for your infant is a major investment, so you'll want to be sure that it has a lengthy life span. Pick a seat that can expand with your child and last from toddlerhood through teen years. One product that our testers for parents loved was the Axkid One i-Size, which is suitable from the time of birth and can be used up to 7 years.

The Nuna pipa air rx is a different option that can be used for a long time. It rotates 360 degrees, so you can change it from rear-facing into front-facing as your child grows. It's also among the most lightweight car seats on the market with a weight of less than nine pounds. It's a great option for parents who transfer their infant car seat newborn frequently between vehicles or are planning to make use of it for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives and trips with grandparents.

Comfort

It is important that your baby feels at ease in their car seat, both while they are in it and when you install it. Find straps with padding that are comfortable to wear on their shoulders. Also, look for soft fabric that is soft under their stomach, particularly when they are in the seat for long trips.

The best car seats for infants infant car seats - Get Source - are simple to use. Some have premium LATCH connectors that come with the SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener spring-loaded leveling feet as well as belt paths that make putting them on without the base much easier than ever before. Other features allow you to adjust the height of your harness and headrest, which is important as your child grows.

One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate that our testers from the past gave a 10/10 for its ease of use. It features a clear, simple interface, a no-rethread, easy-to-change harness, 360-degree rotation and recline lock indicator. This means you can switch from forward-facing to rear-facing as your baby grows, without needing to take the seat off and replace it.

Another instance is the Nuna Pipa Air rx which our testers who were parents loved for its comfort, ease of use and flexibility. Its padded shoulder straps as well as headrest are designed to support your baby's head and includes a soft infant pillow to ensure they are comfortable. It can be used in a rear-facing position until your child is at the maximum weight or height limit. Then, it converts into the position of a stroller.

A good car seat is durable, and many have a warranty. Choose the seat with plenty of padding and sturdy materials to shield your child from accidents. It should also have a steel frame to absorb the impact energy, and a "crumple area" to prevent crash damage. It is also easy to clean, since messiness is inevitable with a child. To make cleaning easier, look for a car seat that has removable covers and pads that can be washed in the machine.

Ease of Use

A car seat needs to be simple to install and use, especially if you're likely to use it in an alternate vehicle at least once in a while. Look for features like an easy-release buckle, an indicator that displays the state of the latch system (e.g. green for locked) and a user-friendly manual to make it as easy as you can.

The best car seats infant of The Bump winner includes a variety of useful features, which our parent testers loved, such as a cushioned headrest and harness, plush fabric, and cup holders. It also has a reclining feature that allows your baby to be seated in a more comfortable position for longer travels. It can also be used in conjunction with an appropriate buggy to make an entire travel system which is perfect if you are planning to travel for long periods of time.

The seat is suitable for babies from birth. Our panelists found this car seat to be easy to install and adjust. It has recline locks as well as a premium connector with a SuperCinch tightener. This made it easy to ensure your child's safety. It can also be moved from side to side of the vehicle without the use of tools.

One of our most loved features is the recline feature that helps you get your infant into and out of the car. This is particularly useful if you suffer from back issues or have a small car. It also has an adjustable drink holder that can be reversible, as well as a convenient storage compartment for toys and snacks.

The seat weighs just nine pounds and can be used with or without its base. It can also rotate 180 degrees, which could be a lifesaver when you have limited space or are suffering from back pain. Our panelists were awed by this feature, which earned a spot in our 2021 Mother&Baby awards.

This is an excellent option for those looking to convert their car seats into strollers at affordable prices. Its streamlined design and high-quality fabric will stand the test of time, too. Just don't forget to wash your cover often because smashed biscuits, yoghurt spills, and the odd sick toddler accident will be sure to leave a mark!

Design

The designs of car seats can be as diverse as the cars they're placed in. While some parents opt to skip infant car seats in favour of a convertible model, most new moms want something that can continue to grow with their child into toddlerhood. The most versatile option is an all-in one baby car seat that allows you to change between rear-facing and forward-facing. It typically has a greater weight and height restriction and can also be used as a booster once your child is old enough.

The ideal car seat for infants for newborns is lightweight and easy to lift off the base with your child inside. Our testers with parents loved the Maxi-Cosi Coral, which is only available in a handful of colors, but comes with plenty of safety features and is super light (at 8.4 pounds with seat inserts and canopy). Other models that stand out are 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 such as the Dream drape and a full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy.

The design of the base and seat should also be considered. For instance, certain car seats have a specific base that is secured to the buckles of the seat belts, while others have LATCH connectors made of steel that slide out from the sides of the base and turn green when attached correctly. Parents have found these to be convenient particularly if the vehicle only had front-facing seatbelts, and no ISOFIX anchor points.

Some infant car seats can be utilized with a regular seatbelt that is not base-less this is a great benefit for parents who frequently use taxis or travel with their child. Our parents who tested it really enjoyed the Nuna TODL NEXT that can be used with or without its base. It features a smooth swivel movement that makes it simple to get your child into and out of the seat.

Other important design considerations include whether a car seat has a lie flat design, and how it is compatible with your car (see our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're looking for a new infant car seat best car seat that will expand with your child's growth into a booster seat make sure you choose a seat that has an adjustable backrest as well as side impact protection. It's also important to confirm that your selected infant car seat is iSize compatible and has the right car seat attachment points, in accordance with UK law.