Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns
For newborns with the rear-facing infant car seat is the most secure option. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer when installing the car seat.
The car seat's base should be a bit reclined which aids in keeping the baby's head back and the chest away from the chin, decreasing the risk of positioning asphyxia.
Types
When selecting a car seat for newborns, there are two main types to consider. A baby car seat and convertible baby car seat for newborn seats. Both have pros and cons. It all depends on your preference and how the seat will be used. If you intend to use the seat as part of an auto travel system and you will be changing vehicles often, an infant car seat might be the better choice. If you are looking for a car seat that will develop with your child as they become a booster or go beyond, a convertible seat is the best infant carrier car seat choice.
Car seats for infants are specially designed for newborns and babies and are designed to be used in the backwards facing position. This is the most secure option for traveling with small children. They are also generally less expensive than convertible car seats but can have a shorter lifespan. Most seats must be changed once your child is at the weight or height limit (which can differ greatly between seats) or when their age is reached.
Convertible car seats, also referred to as all-in-one seats are designed to transport your baby from birth through their toddler years, and on into their school years. Some are able to be used as a forward-facing seat or a rear-facing seat.
Many of the best convertible car seats for infants are equipped with a variety of features. They include a smooth rotating infant car seat feature, a simple harness adjustment and a base constructed of EPS foam which is similar to Styrofoam. Parents love these features because they make getting their babies in and out of the car seat easier, while ensuring that their children are kept comfortable and secure.
It is crucial to make sure that the car seat you choose is compatible with your vehicle, and that it has LATCH for easy installation. Also, you should look at the safety features, like shock-absorbing materials as well as side impact protection. Get a certified car seat specialist if aren't sure which car seat is right for your family. They'll be able talk you through your options and help you choose the right seat for your baby.
Safety
If you're in the market for a baby car seat, convertible car seat or baby-friendly travel systems, you need to ensure that the model you select meets the strictest safety standards. This is particularly important for newborns, as they are smaller and lighter than older children. Find the seat with a five-point safety harness that is attached between the legs between the crotch and below the shoulders when the child is facing rearwards or above the shoulders when the child is facing forward facing infant car seat. This will prevent your child from being thrown from the seat in case of an unexpected stop or crash.
It is also recommended to find a car seat that can be connected to your vehicle with lower anchors or the seat belt. It should also have a top tether, which stops the seat from advancing in a accident, and also obstructing a child's airway. Also, ensure that the recline angle of the seat is right. Infants can easily become stuck in a seat that is too upright.
The most important thing is to follow all manufacturer instructions regarding the proper installation of the model you have chosen. It is recommended to collaborate with a certified car seat inspection technician during pregnancy and/or following the birth of your child, since this professional can help you achieve a flawless installation every time.
It is also a aspect to take into consideration. If you plan to frequently use a stroller you should consider a baby car seat and stroller combo that connects seamlessly. This is a great option for parents who are busy because it lets them easily transfer their child from the stroller into the car and vice versa, while they are doing on errands.
Always use your seat on a hard surface (such as car seats or bases) and never on a soft one, such as beds or sofas because this could cause it to tip over. This could result in your child being injured, or even killed. Leaving an infant/baby seat or carrier unsupervised on soft surfaces can also lead to the suffocation of your child.
Easy of Use
A car seat can only provide the best protection if it is used properly every time. Unfortunately, a lot of car seat injuries are caused by mistakes. These include not following product instructions, incorrect installation or using accessories from aftermarket, and putting the child in an improper position.
To minimize the risk of error, a good infant car seat for newborns will come with easy-to-read instructions for installation and features that help to ensure proper usage. Some brands, like CYBEX include visual indicators and click sounds to confirm the seat is installed correctly. This is important as studies have revealed that the incorrect use of a car seat can be responsible for up to 50% of all injuries caused by car seats.
It is also important to remember to not let your baby out of the car seat of an infant or a baby carrier outside of a vehicle even for a brief duration. If a child is left unattended, a safety seat may fall and land on soft surfaces, such as couches or beds and cause serious injuries or death. The seats could also fall on their side and cause suffocation.
The best infant car seat depends on several aspects, such as your lifestyle and the durability of the seat. A all-in-one model may be cheaper upfront but might not be suitable for smaller infants as well and is less adaptable than a convertible car seat or booster. A lightweight, easy to install seat is essential for parents who travel frequently. Urban dwellers might prefer a seat that can be put in taxis, Uber, or other vehicle without the base.
A seat that can be connected to strollers is a excellent option for families who are looking to minimize the amount of baggage they need to carry around the city or on plane flights. This is particularly applicable if you reside in a city, and plan to use public transportation frequently and many seats can be linked to an UPPAbaby stroller for easy, quick commutes. Be sure to be aware of how simple it is to install your preferred seat on vehicles without lower anchors or tether connectors, because they aren't as popular.
Convenience
Many infant car seats connect to a stroller travel system to create an all-inclusive child safety solution. This makes it easy to move a sleepy baby from your car to a stroller even in the worst conditions and at night. Just make sure you always secure the seat in the stroller prior to you drive off. Leaving it in the car or on the streets isn't secure and could let your child exit the seat without supervision which could cause injuries.
Car seats for infants are specially designed for newborns and infants who are smaller. They provide a snug and secure fit and plenty of padding for comfort and security. They tend to be lighter than convertible car seats which makes them easier to carry over short distances. The majority of infant car seats are designed to be used rear-facing, which is endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the safest position for children in the early years.
However, they have shorter lifespans than convertible car seats. In general, children outgrow infant car seats between the ages of nine months and one year. It is possible that you will have to upgrade your car seat to a convertible one sooner than you think.
A great infant car seat will have a harness strap that lies flat against the child's chest and across their hips with the chest clip located at the armpit level, and the crotch buckle lying flat across their thighs. Some models have adjustable and removable inserts to aid parents in maintaining the recommended fit.
When choosing an infant car seat, it's important to be aware that children can be trapped if the straps are loose or not secured. It's also dangerous to leave a child in a car with no supervision. Select a car seat with the ability to lock off your vehicle, or one that has an inbuilt locking mechanism.
The car seats our experts test are designed to offer the best possible safety features. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor at Consumer Reports has the most experience with 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 2016. Our team's experience and expertise will help you select the right seat for both your child and your vehicle.