How to Choose the best car seats for infants Car Seat Newborn
The ideal car seat for a baby is one that meets all safety standards set by the federal government and is compatible with your vehicle. It should also come with convenient extras, such as the ability to convert into a stroller and be within your budget. It's also important to ensure that the infant car seat can be inserted into and out of your car without difficulty, particularly if you often change between trips to the taxi or in rental cars and 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 air-repellent fabrics to keep them cool while driving in hot weather.
Easy installation and use of the seat is an important aspect to consider for safety. Ideally, the seat should be simple to install and use, as well as clear indicators of its level and position as well as security.
There are many features that can aid in this process, such as belt guides and built-in locks which will assist you in aligning the car seat to the seat belt of your vehicle. Avoid purchasing used car seats that may not have been tested for safety, or which might have been involved in an accident. They might not be safe for your child. If you must buy an old one, make sure it's not expired and isn't being sold by an individual seller who does not have proof of ownership.
Another thing to bear in your mind is to keep your child in the car seat for a maximum of two hours per day unless they are in a lie-flat position. This will reduce strain on the spine of your child, and ensure that they get a chance to breath regularly.
Choosing an infant car seat is a significant investment, so you'll want to be sure that it has a long lifespan. Look for one that's designed to grow with your child that will last through toddlerhood and into the teen years. Our parent testers were very pleased with the Axkid i-Size. It is suitable for children as young as birth, and can be used up to age 7.
Nuna pipa air rx is a second alternative that can be used for a lengthy period of time. It has a 360-degree rotation that means you can move it from front-facing to rear-facing as your child grows. It is also one of lightest rotating car seat on the market, weighing less than nine pounds. It's an excellent choice for parents who move their baby between vehicles frequently or are planning to use it for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives, and trips with grandparents.
Comfort
A well-designed infant car seat is comfortable for your baby, both in the seat and when you install it. Find straps with padding that fit comfortably on their shoulders, and soft fabric that is soft under their tummy, especially if they will be in the seat for long trips.
The best infant car seats are also easy to use. Some have LATCH connectors of premium quality with a SuperCinch force multiplier tightener. Some come with spring-loaded leveling legs as well as belt paths that make installing without a base much easier than ever. Other features will help you adjust the harness height and headrest, which is crucial as your child grows.
Cosatto All in All Rotate is a prime example. Our testers from our parent company gave it 10 out of 10. It features a simple, clear interface and an easy-to-adjust no-rethread harness and an indicator for recline and 360-degree rotation. It is possible to easily change your child's seat from front-facing to rear-facing as they grow without the need to take off and replace the seat.
Nuna Pipa Aire Rx is another example. Our parents who tested it were impressed by its comfort, simplicity and versatility. Its cushioned shoulder straps and headrest are designed to support the head of your newborn, and comes with an extra soft pillow to ensure comfort. It can be used as a rear-facing car seat up until your baby reaches the maximum weight or height limits and can also be converted into a stroller without the need for an additional adapter.
A good car seat will be durable and some come with a warranty. Find the seat with plenty of padding and sturdy materials to shield your child from any accidents. It should also come with an aluminum frame to withstand impact energy and a "crumple area" to stop damage from crashes. It is important to keep it clean since accidents are likely to happen when you have children. To make cleaning easier, search for a car-seat with removable covers and an easy-to-clean pad.
Ease of Use
It is crucial that a car seat is simple to install and use, particularly if it will be used in multiple vehicles at times. To make it as easy as possible look for features such as a quick-release belt and an indicator that shows the state of the latch (e.g. green for locked) and a manual that is easy to read.
The Best of The Bump winner comes with a variety of practical features that our parent testers loved, including the headrest and harness that are padded as well as a plush fabric cup holder. It also features a recline feature that allows your child to sit in a more ergonomic position for longer journeys. It can be used in conjunction with a compatible buggy for a complete travel system. This is a great option for those who plan to travel for a long period of time.
The seat is suitable for babies from birth. Our panelists found this car seat simple to install and adjust. It comes with an indicator for recline and a premium LATCH connector with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener which made the process of securing your child simple. It's designed to be easily moved from side to side in the vehicle without the necessity of tools.
One of our top rated baby car seats features is the recline feature that makes it easier to take your baby in and out of the car. This is particularly useful when you have back pain or drive a car with a small size. It also comes with the ability to reversibly hold your cup and a handy storage compartment for snacks and toys.
The seat is light and can be used without or with the base. It can also rotate 180 degrees, which could be a real lifesaver if you have limited space or suffer from back pain. This feature has impressed our panelists and was awarded a place in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
It's a great choice for those who want to transform their car seat into a stroller at affordable cost. Its sleek design and high-quality fabric will also stand the test time. Don't forget to wash the cover regularly as spills of yoghurt or biscuits that are crushed and even sickening toddler accidents can leave a mark.
Design
The designs of car seats are as varied as the vehicles they're installed in. While some parents opt to skip infant car seats on sale car seats in favour of convertible models, the majority of new moms want a product that will grow with their baby into toddlerhood. All-in-one car seats are most versatile that allow you to change from rear-facing to forward facing infant car seat-facing. It typically has a greater height and weight limit, and it is often used as a booster seat when your child is old enough to need one.
An ideal infant car seat newborn is lightweight which makes it easy to lift it from the base and then carry your baby in it. Our parent testers loved the Maxi-Cosi Coral, which is only available in a couple of colors, but has a lot of safety features and is extremely 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+ due to its premium features like the Dream drape and a full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy.
The design of the base and the seat should be considered. For example, some car seat newborn insert seats have a specific base that locks into the vehicle's seat belt buckles, while others have steel-reinforced LATCH connectors which flip out from the sides of the base and turn green when connected correctly. These were a great option for parents, especially in the case of vehicles with only front-facing seat belts.
Some infant car seats can be used with a standard seatbelt without the base this is a great benefit for parents who frequently travel by taxi or travel with their infant. Our parents who tested it really enjoyed the Nuna TODL NEXT, which can be used with or without its base and includes a smooth swivel motion that makes it easy to get your infant out and in the seat.
Other important considerations for design are whether the car seat is an open design, and how well it will fit into your specific car (see our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're looking for a newborn infant car seat that will expand with your child's development into a booster make sure you choose a seat that features an adjustable backrest as well as side impact protection. It's also important to confirm that your selected infant car seat is iSize certified and has the proper car seat attachment points as per UK law.