The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Car Seat For Newborn Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A good car seat keeps your baby safe, comfortable and secure while on the road. Which one is most suitable for your child?

The right choice for infant car seats isn't an easy task. There are many features to consider such as latch hooks, belt pathways, and load legs. Here's everything you need to be aware of to make the right decision for your family.

Easy of Use

You'll need to choose an option that is easy to set up and use, whether you're buying an infant car seat for a new baby or upgrading your toddler's car seat. Take into consideration the size of the seat base and the car, as well as how the seat fits your baby's weight and height, as well as convenient extra features like the lay-flat option that can double as a bassinet for a stroller.

Infant-only chairs are a good choice for small babies because they're typically narrower than convertible car seats and can fit infants more comfortably. They have a harness to ensure your child's head is supported in an accident, which can reduce the stress on their neck or the spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are great for parents who wish to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they are able to. Most models let the child sit rear-facing until the weight is 30 pounds or greater. If you decide on a convertible car seat, search for one that is compliant with the federal safety standards and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more.

When you're looking for a car seat, it's important to keep in mind that while all car seats must conform to the strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models on the market. Pick a seat certified by a reputable organization or company. Also, check for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

Top-rated car seats are made with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and various recline positions. Some even have additional padding in the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your baby stay comfortable during long travel. If you're in a smaller vehicle, consider a narrow infant car seat like the Clek Liing. It's less than 17 inches in width, and is easily installed in a variety of automobiles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby, which is specifically designed to work with strollers from UPPAbaby, is a excellent option for families who need a simple car seat that is simple to use. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all easy to use.

Safety Features

If you're looking for a safe, lightweight infant car seat to take your little one on long journeys or want to ensure that your child is comfortable during the duration of your ride there are a few important aspects that are worth keeping in mind. First, think about the height and weight limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the seat, so look for a model that goes up to at least your child's 90th percentile before they turn 1. Consider whether you want to cover a blanket or coat over the harness straps. The AAP cautions against this, because thick clothing could be compressed in a crash and leave the straps too loose to restrain your child, thereby increasing the chance of injury.

You should also think about whether your car seat will be installed with the LATCH system, or a vehicle belt, and if it is compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. If you intend to use your seat for the majority of your driving it's best to pick one that fits easily onto an appropriate base. This will save you time and energy since you won't have to remove and reinstall the seat each time you use the car.

In our tests the Best of the Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for its ease of installation and adjustments, with reviewers commenting that it "has everything you need for a fast and easy installation." This includes premium LATCH connecters that flip out of the base, and turn green once fully connected. Also included are a SuperCinch strap tightener that increases the force of the strap and spring-loaded leveling feet.

Another option that is worth considering is the budget-friendly Baby Trend Secure-Lift We've found it to be just as simple to use as other models that cost twice as much. Our test participants have been raving about its five-position, height-adjustable headrest that adapts to the size of your baby harness, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade makes an excellent choice for babies, thanks to its unique sleeping position of 180 degrees. best infant car seat lets them sleep comfortably and longer during road trips. It's also been praised for its safety, with consumer champion Which? declaring it to be one of the safest infant car seats available and ADAC giving it their highest lab rating for an infant car seat.

Rear-facing Options

In the majority of cars the safest place for a newborn is in the middle rear seat. The seat in the center is most away from any collision, and will shield your baby in the event of an accident. It is recommended to choose a car seat for infants that allows your child to sit rear-facing for about one year. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest is secure against your child's head and chest. The easiest way to do this is to speak with an experienced child passenger safety technician, who can give you the most current recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one near you here.

Choosing the right car seat for your infant is a huge investment that you'll probably use for a very long time, so you'll want to select one that has an excellent crash test sensor and score as along with features to keep your child comfortable. The Clek Liing is a great option for parents who are looking for a low-cost rear-facing infant car seat. It scored highly in our analysis and sensor test. It has an easy-to-use LATCH system that changes color to show whether the buckle straps are properly secured to the car. It also has an extra load leg that helps avoid frontal collisions.

Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, utilized the Graco Extension2Fit to fit her daughters who were both born up to age six. The adjustable harness size and height allows it to be adapted to children of all sizes and heights, including taller ones. The seat is suitable for various vehicles, and it has the weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, the seat can be converted into a booster seat, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter until she was 10 years old.

Another option that is reasonably priced is the Nuna RAVA. It does not come with a base like the majority of seats, however it is still very simple and quick to install using either method, thanks to its rigid LATCH connectors that flip out from the bottom of the seat and automatically turn green when secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for babies, with the harness being non-rethread and has magnetic buckle holders that allow you to fasten the straps without having to remove your baby from the seat. LaBracio also found the six-position recline useful.

Options with a Forward-Facing

In front-facing seats children's necks are held in the seat back, rather than pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This position also protects them better in side crashes. Car seats typically allow infants to ride rear-facing until they are over 20 pounds and a year old. Many experts recommend that kids remain rear-facing as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when it's time to move to the front-facing seat.


When considering options for forward-facing car seats make sure they meet i-Size requirements, have a padded head rest, and a large harness pocket. Think about buying a car seat which can expand with your child, and then become a booster. Some models have an all-in-one feature that lets you to move your child from a rear-facing car seats (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing seat that has a harness and then to the booster seat.

It's also important to consider whether the seat will fit your vehicle, particularly if you have a small trunk space or a car with an uninspiring clearance. Check the dimensions of the car seat as well as the vehicle owner's manual for the best fit.

Lastly, look for a car seat that has adequate support and comfort for your child's body. Long trips in the car will be easier when they are able to rest comfortably. This can include features such as the ability to recline the seat back, a five point harness that can tighten from the rear of your seat and a range of recline positions.

Once you've narrowed your options, consider the policies on crash replacement for the car seat you're thinking of buying. These can vary from the manufacturer's replacement policy, to a case-by-case analysis.

After you've done your research and decided what type of car seats you want then you can begin shopping. You can also ask your friends with young children for recommendations. You can also book an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you choose the best car seat for your newborn.