Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns
A rear-facing infant seat is the safest option for infants. Using a car seat incorrectly can lead to injury or death, so it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing.
The car seat base should be a bit reclined which helps keep the baby's head tucked back and the chest away from the chin, reducing the risk of positional asphyxia.
Types
When selecting a car seat for newborns there are two primary kinds to be considered. A car seat for infants and a convertible baby car seat. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, but it really depends on your the individual preference and how you plan on using the seat. If you plan to use the seat as a part of a travel system and you will be changing vehicles frequently the infant car seat might be the better choice. If you want a car seat that can develop with your child as they become a booster or go beyond an adult, a convertible car seat is the best choice.
Infant cars seats are designed specifically for newborns and infants and are used in the rear-facing position and are the safest method of travel for the little infants. They are generally less expensive, but have a shorter life span than convertible car seat. Most seats must be changed once your child is at the limit of their weight or height (which can vary greatly between seats), or if they reach the age limit.
Convertible baby seats, also known as all-in-one car seats as they are often referred to are designed to accommodate your baby from birth through their toddler years and on into their school age years. They can usually be used as a rear-facing or forward-facing seat, and some can be transformed into a booster seat.
Many of the best car seats for babies are convertible and have various features, like smooth rotation, easy harness adjustment and an foam base made of EPS, which is essentially Styrofoam. Parents love these features because they make getting their babies in and out of the seat much simpler, while ensuring their children are kept comfortable and safe.
It is important to ensure that the car seat you select is compatible with your vehicle and it also has LATCH that allows for quick and easy installation. It is also important to check for safety features, such as shock-absorbing material and side impact protection. Consult a qualified car seat expert if you are unsure which seat is the best one for your family. They'll be able talk about your options and help you select the right seat for your baby.
Safety
Always ensure that the model you select is safe and meets the strictest standards, whether you're looking for convertible car seats or infant car seat, or a travel system for your infant. This is especially important for babies, since they are smaller and lighter than older children. Look for a seat with a five-point harness that is attached beneath the shoulders (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing), between the legs and around the crotch. This will stop your child from being thrown from the seat in case of an unexpected stop or crash.
You should also consider a car seat that is secured to the vehicle by lower anchors or the seat belt. It should also come with a top tether, which stops the seat from advancing in a collision, and blocking the airway for children. Be sure that the recline angle is right also, as infants are often trapped in a car seat that's too upright.
It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure proper installation of your car seat. It's a good idea to consult a certified car-seat inspection technician during your pregnancy and/or right after the birth of your child. A qualified professional can ensure a perfect installation.
Another aspect to consider is compatibility with strollers. If you are planning to use your stroller frequently then you should think about an infant car and stroller combination that connects seamlessly. This is a great choice for busy parents as it allows them to effortlessly transfer their child from the stroller to the car and vice versa, when they're running errands.
Finally, always place your seat on solid surfaces (like a car seat base or a car) and never place it on soft surfaces, such as couches or beds or a couch, as these could cause the seat to tip over, possibly causing injury or even death to your child. Infant/baby carriers that are not properly secured or supervised on soft surfaces can cause suffocation.
Easy of Use
The best protection is possible if the car seat is properly used every time. Unfortunately, many car injuries to children's seats are caused by mistakes. These include not following product instructions, incorrect installation and use of aftermarket accessories and placing the child in an improper position.
A quality infant car seat should have clear instructions for installing and features that ensure proper usage. Some brands, such as CYBEX include visual indicators or click sounds to ensure that the seat has been installed correctly. This is crucial as studies have shown that incorrect use of a car seat can be responsible for as much as 50% of all car seat-related injuries.
It is also important to remember to not leave your child in the car seat of an infant or a baby carrier out of your vehicle even for a short duration. If a child is left unattended, the safety seat could fall and fall onto soft surfaces, like beds or couches and cause serious injuries or death. The seats could also be flipped over onto their sides, resulting in an inability to breathe.
Choosing the best car seat for your newborn is dependent on a variety of factors, such as lifestyle and longevity. All-in-one models are cheaper up front, but they may not fit smaller infants as well and be less versatile than a booster or convertible car seat. A lightweight, easy to install seat is crucial for parents who travel frequently. Urban dwellers might prefer a seat that can be put in a taxi, Uber, or other vehicle that does not have the base.
A seat that integrates with strollers is an excellent option for parents who wish to reduce the amount of equipment they need to carry around town or on airplane flights. This is particularly applicable if you reside in a city, and plan to take public transport frequently and many seats can be attached to an UPPAbaby stroller to allow for simple, easy commuting. best car seats for infants should also be aware of how simple it is to install your chosen seat on vehicles without lower anchors or tether connectors because they aren't as popular.
Convenience
Many infant car seats click into a stroller travel system to create a complete child safety gear solution. This makes it easier to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller during bad weather or at night. Always secure the seat before taking off. If you leave it in the car or in the street isn't safe and can let your child leave the stroller without supervision which could cause injuries.
Infant car seats are made for infants and infants who are smaller. They provide a snug and secure fit, and plenty of padding for comfort and security. They're generally lighter than convertible car seats, making them easier to carry on short trips. Most infant car seats are made to be used rear-facing and are endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the safest position for young children.
They have a shorter lifespan than convertible car seats. Children typically outgrow their infant 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 safe infant car seat should have a strap flat against the child's chest over their hips, and with the chest clip positioned on the child's armpit. The crotch buckle should be flat across the child's thighs. Some models come with adjustable and removable inserts to aid parents in maintaining the recommended fit.
When selecting a baby car seat, it is important to be aware that children can be strangled if the straps become loose or unfastened. It's also not safe to leave a child unattended in a car seat, so choose one that has an option to lock off your vehicle or an integrated lock.
Our experts test car seats to make sure they're equipped with the most safety features. Bob Hoffman, our Senior Review Editor, has more car seat installation and scoring expertise than anyone else, and he's joined by the mother of two boys Wendy Schmitz, Senior Reviews Editor and Abriah Wofford who is a Senior Review Analyst who has been testing seats since 2016. Our team's experience and knowledge help you find the right seat for your child and your vehicle.