Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns
For infants, the rear-facing infant car seat is the best option. Using a car seat incorrectly could cause injuries or even death, so it's essential to follow manufacturer's instructions when installing.
The base of the car seat needs to be slightly pulled back. This will help to keep the baby's head and chin off their chest, reducing the chance of asphyxia from a position.
Types
When choosing a car seat for newborns There are two main types to consider. There are two kinds of car seats for infants that include an infant car seat and a baby convertible car seat. Both have pros and cons. It depends on your preference and how the seat will be used. If you intend to use the seat as part of a travel system and you will be changing vehicles frequently and frequently, then an infant car seat may be the better choice. If you want a car seat that will develop with your child as they become a booster or go beyond, a convertible seat is the best choice.
Infant car seats are made specifically for infants and newborns and are designed to be placed in the rear position, which is the safest way to travel for little babies. These seats are typically cheaper, but they have a shorter life-span than convertible car seat. They are most likely to need to be replaced when your child has reached their weight or height limit (which can vary widely between seats) or when they reach the maximum of their age-group limit.
Convertible baby seats, or all-in-one car seats as they are often called, are designed to take your infant from birth through their toddler years and into their school age years. Some can be used as a forward-facing or a rear-facing one.
Many of the best convertible car seats for infants are equipped with a variety of features. They include a smooth rotating feature, a simple harness adjustment, and a base made of EPS foam which is similar to Styrofoam. These features are well-liked by parents as they make it easier for parents to get their infants into and out of their seats while still ensuring that their child is secure and comfortable.
When selecting a car seat, it's essential to make sure it's compatible with your vehicle and features LATCH for easy installation. You should also check the safety features, such as shock-absorbing material and side impact protection. Consult a qualified car seat expert if you aren't sure which car seat is best for your family. They'll be able to guide about your options and help you choose the best seat for your infant.
Safety
If you're in the market for an infant car seat convertible car seat or baby-ready travel systems it is important be sure that the one you select meets the strictest safety standards. This is particularly important for babies, since they weigh less and are smaller than older children. Look for the seat with five-point safety harnesses that can be stowed between the legs, around the crotch and below the shoulders when the child is facing rearwards or above the shoulders when the child is forward-facing. This secures your child, preventing them from being thrown from the seat during a crash or sudden stop.
You should also consider a car seat that is secured to the vehicle by lower anchors or a seat belt. It should also include an upper tether that prevents the seat from moving forward in a collision, and blocking the airway for children. Be sure that the recline angle is right as well, since newborns are often trapped in a car seat that's too upright.
It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the proper installation of your car seat. It's a good idea seek out a certified car seat inspection technician during your pregnancy or shortly after the birth of your baby. A professional can guarantee the perfect installation.
Another thing to consider is compatibility with strollers. If you intend to frequently use a stroller then you should think about an infant car seat and stroller combo that can be connected seamlessly. This is a great choice for parents with a busy schedule, since it is simple to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller and vice versa while running errands or taking a family walk.
Always use your seat on hard surfaces (like car seat bases or a car) and do not place it on soft ones like couches or beds or a couch, as these could cause the seat to tip over, potentially injuring or even killing your child. Leaving an infant/baby seat or carrier in a car unsupervised on soft surfaces can also lead to death by suffocation.
Ease of Use
A car seat will only provide the best protection in the event that it is used correctly every time. Unfortunately, a lot of injuries that occur in car seats are caused by mistakes. Some of them include not following the product instructions, incorrect installations or using products from aftermarket, and placing the child in a wrong position.
A good infant car seat should have clear instructions for installing and features that ensure proper use. Certain brands, like CYBEX have visual indicators or click sounds that confirm that the seat has been installed correctly. This is crucial because studies have shown incorrect use of car seats is the cause of up to 50% of injuries that are related to car seats.
Also, keep in mind that you should not leave your infant in the car seat or a carrier even if it's just for a few minutes. Unattended, a baby in a safety car seat or carrier can fall onto soft surfaces like couches or beds, and cause serious injuries or even death. The seats could also tip over on their sides, resulting in suffocation.
The best infant car seat depends on several factors, including your lifestyle and the longevity of the seat. Push Chairs & Prams -in-one models are cheaper initially however they might not be able to accommodate smaller babies as well and be less versatile than a convertible or booster car seat. A lightweight, easy-to-install seat is vital for parents who frequently travel. Urban dwellers might prefer a seat that can be installed in a taxi, Uber, or other vehicle that does not have the base.
Furthermore, a seat that can be integrated with strollers is an excellent option for parents who want to minimize the amount of equipment they'll need to carry around town or during plane flights. This is true if you plan to commute by public transport frequently and reside in a large city. A lot of seats can be connected to UPPAbaby's strollers to facilitate and simple commutes. Lastly, you should be aware of the installation of your seat in vehicles that don't have lower anchors or tether connections since they are not common in most models.
Convenience
Many infant car seats connect to a stroller travel system to create a complete child safety gear solution. This makes it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller during bad weather or at night. Be sure to secure the seat in the stroller prior to you drive off. It's unsafe to leave it in the car or on the street. Your child could be injured if they leave the seat without supervision.
Car seats for infants are specially made for infants and babies who are smaller. They offer a comfortable and secure fit, and plenty of padding for safety and comfort. They are usually lighter than convertible car seats which makes them easier to transport over short distances. Most infant car seats can be used rear-facing, which is the position recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
They have a shorter life span than convertible car seats. Typically, children outgrow their infant car seats between nine months and one year. This means that you may need to upgrade to convertible car seats earlier than you anticipated.
A great infant car seat will come with straps for harnesses that lie flat against the child's chest, and also over their hips and the chest clip placed at armpit level and the crotch buckle lying flat across their thighs. Some models come with adjustable and removable inserts to help parents maintain this recommended fit.
When selecting a baby car seat, it's important to remember that children can be strangled if the straps become loose or not secured. It's also dangerous to leave a child in a car with no supervision. Select a seat that has a lockoff function for your vehicle, or that has an integrated locking mechanism.
Our experts test car seats to ensure they're fitted with the highest safety features. Bob Hoffman, our Senior Review Editor has more car seat installation and scoring experience than anyone on the planet, and he's joined by mom of two boys Wendy Schmitz, Senior Reviews Editor and Abriah Wofford, a Senior Review Analyst who's been testing seats since the year 2016. Our team's experience and expertise will help you choose the best car seat for your child and your vehicle.