How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn
The best car seat for a new baby is one that meets all safety standards set by the federal government and fits your vehicle. It should also include convenient extras, such as the ability to transform into a stroller and be within your budget. It's also worth checking that the infant car seat can be inserted into and out of your car without difficulty, particularly if you often switch between taxis or trips in rental cars or grandparents vehicles.
Safety
A good car seat will come with additional features that go above and beyond federal safety standards. They include padded inserts for the head and shoulders and also air-repellent fabric to keep them cool when driving in hot weather.
Easy installation and use of the seat is another important aspect of safety. Idealy, the seat should be simple to install and use, as well as clear indicators of its level and position as well as security.
You can find features that will make this easier like belt guides and built-in lockoffs which will assist you in aligning the car seat with your vehicle's seatbelt. Also, you should avoid purchasing used car seats, as they might not have been tested for crash safety or have been involved in an accident, and could not protect your child. If you have to buy a used car seat, ensure that it is not expired. an expiration and that the seller isn't an individual or a private party who does not have evidence of ownership.
It's also important to keep in mind that you should only allow your baby in the car seat up to two hours per day, unless it's in a flat position. This will reduce strain on the spine of your child and ensure they have a chance to breath regularly.
You'll want a seat to last for a long time since it's an important investment. Select a seat that will grow with your child and last through toddlerhood to teen years. One that our parent testers liked was the Axkid One i-Size, which is suitable from birth and is able to be used up to 7 years old.
Nuna pipa air rx is a second option that can be used for a lengthy period of time. It is 360-degree in rotation which means that you can move it from rear-facing to front-facing as your child grows. It's also among the lightest-weight car seats on the market and weighs less than nine pounds without its base. It's an excellent choice for parents who transfer their child frequently between cars or are planning to make use of it for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives, and trips with grandparents.
Comfort
It is crucial that your baby feels comfortable in their car seat both in it as well as when you install it. Look for padded straps that fit snugly on their shoulders and plush fabric that is soft under their tummy, especially if they will be in the seat for long trips.
The best infant car seats are simple to use. Some have LATCH connectors of premium quality that feature a SuperCinch force multiplier and tightener. Others come with spring-loaded leveling legs and belt paths to make installation without a base easier than ever. Other features can help you adjust the harness height and headrest, which is particularly crucial as your child grows.
Cosatto All in All Rotate is a good example. Our parent testers gave it a score of 10 out of 10. It has an easy, clear interface and an easy-to-adjust, no-rethread harness, as well as a recline lock indicator and 360-degree rotation. This means you can switch from forward-facing to rear-facing as your child grows without needing to remove the seat and replace it.
Another option is the Nuna Pipa Air rx which our parent testers loved for its convenience, comfort and flexibility. Its padded shoulder straps and headrest are shaped to support the head of your newborn and comes with a soft infant cushion to ensure that they are comfortable. It can be placed in a rear-facing position until your child is at the maximum height or weight limit. It then converts into the position of a stroller.
A good car seat will last, and some will even come with a warranty. Choose a seat made of solid materials and plenty of padding to safeguard your baby from accidents, as well as a steel frame that absorbs impact energy and a "crumple zone" to reduce the risk of damage. It must be easy to clean since accidents are likely to happen when you have children. Find a car seat with removable seat covers and a pad that is machine washable to make cleanup a breeze.
Ease of Use
A car seat should be simple to use and install especially if you're going to use it in an alternate vehicle at times. Look for features such as a quick-release buckle, an indicator that displays the state of the latch system (e.g. green for locked) and a simple-to-read manual to make it as easy as you can.
The Best of The Bump winner also comes with several useful extras that our parents testers adored, such as a padded harness and headrest, plush fabric and a cup holder. It also has a reclining feature that allows your child to sit 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 ideal if plan on traveling for long periods of time.
Suitable from birth, our panelists found this car seat easy to put in and adjust. It has recline lock indicators and an exclusive LATCH connector with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, which makes the process of securing your child easy. best car seat newborn 's also designed to be easily shifted from side-to-side in the vehicle without the need for tools.
One of our favorite features is the reclining feature that makes it easier to take your baby in and out of the car. This is particularly helpful if you suffer from back pain or have a small car. It also comes with an adjustable drink holder that can be reversible, and a handy storage compartment for toys and snacks.
The seat is light and can be used in conjunction with or without the base. It can be rotated 180 degrees. This is a fantastic feature if you are limited in space or have back pain. Our panelists were awed by this feature, which earned a spot in our 2021 Mother&Baby awards.
This is a great option for those looking to transform their car seats into strollers at affordable prices. Its sleek design and premium fabric will stand the test of time also. Be sure to wash your cover regularly as smashed biscuits, yoghurt spills, and the odd sick toddler accident are sure to leave their footprints!
Design
The styles of car seats can be as diverse as the vehicles they're installed in. While some parents choose to leave infant car seats out and opt for a convertible model, most new mothers want a seat that can develop with their baby as they reach toddlerhood. All-in-one car seat are the most versatile that allow you to change between forward-facing and rear-facing. It usually has a higher weight and height restriction and can be used as a booster once your child is old enough.
The ideal infant car seat for infants is light and easy to remove from the base with your child inside. The Maxi-Cosi Coral is available in only a handful of colors but it offers a lot of safety features, and is light (8.4 pounds, including 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+ with its high-end extras such as the Dream drape and a full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy.
The design of the base and seat must be taken into consideration. For instance, some car seats use a special base that is secured to the buckles of the seat belts as well as others with LATCH connectors made of steel that slide out from the sides of the base and turn green when they are attached correctly. Parents found these convenient, especially if their vehicle had only front-facing seatbelts, and no ISOFIX anchor points.
Some infant car seats can be utilized with a regular seatbelt, but without the base, which is a bonus for parents who regularly use taxis or travel with their infant. The Nuna TODL NEXT was a popular choice among our testers who are parents. It can be used either with or without the base, and features a smooth swivel, which makes it easier to get your baby in and out.
Also, the design of the car seat is crucial. It should be able to fit in your car. (See our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're looking for an infant car seat that will grow with your baby as he develops into a booster, look for a model with the option of reclining headrests and side impact protection. It's also important to confirm that the infant car seat is iSize compliant and uses the correct car seat attachment points, as per UK law.