Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns

A rear-facing infant seat is the safest option for newborns. Incorrectly using a car seat could cause injury or death, so it's essential to follow instructions of the manufacturer when installing.

The car seat base should be a little reclined which helps keep the baby's head tucked back and the chest away from the chin, lessening the risk of asphyxia.

Types

When it comes to choosing the best car seat for infants, there are two main types to consider. An infant car seat and a convertible baby car seat. Both have advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on your personal preference and the way in which the seat will be utilized. If you intend to use the seat as part of an overall travel system and you'll be moving between vehicles frequently the infant car seat may be the best choice. If, however, you're looking for a durable car seat that grows with your child to an adult booster seat and beyond, then an convertible car seat could be a better choice.

Infant car seats are designed specifically for newborns and infants and are used in the rear-facing position which is the most secure way to travel for little ones. They are also typically less expensive than convertible car seats, but may have a shorter life span. Most seats will need to be replaced when your child reaches the weight or height limit (which can vary greatly between seats) or when their age group is reached.

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

Many of the best car seats for newborns are convertible and have various features, such as a smooth rotation function with easy harness adjustment, and an EPS foam base that is essentially Styrofoam. Parents love these features as they make getting their infants in and out of the car seat simpler, while ensuring their children are safe and safe.

When you are choosing a car seat, it's important to make sure it's compatible with your vehicle and comes with LATCH for ease of installation. You should also check the safety features like shock-absorbing material and side impact protection. Get a certified car seat specialist if are unsure which seat is best for your family. They can guide you through the options and help you pick the best seat for your baby.

Safety

Always ensure that the product you select meets strict safety standards, whether you are looking for convertible car seats, infant car seat or a travel system ready for your baby. This is particularly important for newborns as they are smaller and more delicate than older children. Look for a seat with five-point harnesses that are attached to the shoulders below (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing) or between the legs and around the crotch. This will prevent your child from being thrown out of the seat in case of an abrupt stop or crash.

It is also recommended to find a car seat that can be attached to the vehicle using lower anchors or the seat belt. It should also come with top tethers, which will stop the seat from moving forward in the event of a collision, and blocking the airway of a child. Make sure the recline angle is correct as well, since newborns can easily become trapped in a car seat that's too upright.

It is essential to follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure proper installation of your particular model. It's also a good idea to work with a certified car seat inspection technician during pregnancy and/or following the birth of your child, as this expert can assist you to achieve a flawless installation every time.

Another thing to think about is compatibility with strollers. If you intend to use your stroller frequently you should consider an infant car and stroller combo that connects seamlessly. This is a great option for parents who are busy, since it is easy to move your child from the car to the stroller and vice versa when you're running errands or taking an outing with the family.

Always use your seat on hard surfaces (like car seat bases or a car) and do not place it on soft surfaces such as a bed or sofa as they can cause the seat to tip over, potentially causing injury or even death to your child. Leaving an infant/baby seat or carrier in a car unsupervised on soft surfaces may cause death by suffocation.

User-Friendliness

A car seat will only provide the highest level of protection if it is used properly every time. Unfortunately, many car seat injuries are caused by errors. These include not following the product instructions, incorrect installation, using aftermarket accessories, and placing the child in an improper position.

To help reduce the risk of a mistake, a quality infant car seat will have easy-to-read installation instructions and features that make it easier to ensure that the seat is used correctly. Some brands, such as CYBEX include visual indicators or click sounds to confirm that the seat is installed correctly. This is crucial because studies have revealed that the incorrect use of car seats can be responsible for as much as 50% of injuries that are related to car seats.

It is also crucial to remember that you should not let your baby out of the car seat of an portable infant car seat or a baby carrier out of your vehicle even for a brief time. Unsupervised children in the safety seat could fall and fall onto soft surfaces, like couches or beds, causing serious injury or even death. The seats can also slide over on their sides, resulting in suffocation.

The best car seat for your newborn is dependent on a variety of factors, such as lifestyle and longevity. All-in-one car seats are less expensive up front however they may not suit smaller infants as well and may be less flexible than a booster or convertible car seat. A lightweight, easy-to-install seat is vital for parents who travel frequently. Urban dwellers may prefer a seat that can be installed in taxis, Uber, or other vehicle without the base.

A seat that can be attached to strollers is excellent option for families who want to reduce the amount of baggage they need to carry around town or on airplane flights. This is particularly true if you live in a city and plan to use public transportation frequently and many seats can be attached to an UPPAbaby stroller to allow for easy, quick journeys. Lastly, you should be attentive to the ease of putting in your seat in vehicles that don't have lower anchors or tether connections since they are not commonly found in many models.

Convenience

Many infant car seat cheap car seats can also click into a stroller travel system to create an entire child safety solution. This makes it simple to transfer a sleeping baby from your car to a stroller, even in rainy conditions and at night. Make sure to secure the seat prior to driving off. It's not safe to leave it in the car, or on the street. Your baby could be injured if they leave the seat without supervision.

Infant car seats are made specifically for babies and smaller infants, with snug and secure fittings and plenty of padding for safety and comfort. They're generally lighter than convertible car seats, making them easy to carry over short distances. Most infant car seats can be used with rear-facing, this is the recommended position by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

They have a shorter life span than convertible car seats. Most children outgrow infant car seats between nine months and one year. You may have to upgrade your car seat to a convertible one sooner than you think.

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

When choosing an infant car seat, it is important to be aware that babies could be strangled if the straps become loose or not secured. It is also dangerous to allow a child to be in a car with no supervision. Select a car seat that has a lockoff function for your vehicle, or that has an inbuilt locking mechanism.

Our experts test car seats to make sure they're equipped with the most 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 the year 2016. Our team's expertise and experience will help you select the best car seat for your child and vehicle.