5 Laws Everyone Working In Car Seat For Newborn Should Be Aware Of
Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?
A quality car seat can keep your baby secure and comfortable while driving. Which one is the most suitable for your infant?
With features like latch hooks, load legs, and belt paths to consider, selecting the right infant car seat can be daunting. Here's what you should consider to make the right choice for your family.
Simple to Use
Whether you're shopping for a car seat for your infant for your newborn or upgrading from a toddler's car seat, you'll need one that is easy to set up and use. Take into consideration the weight and size of your child, the size of the seat that will fit in your car, and any other features, like the lay-flat option that can also be used as stroller.
Infant-only seats are a great option for babies as they're typically narrower than convertible car seats and can fit newborns more snugly. They also provide a harness that can support your child's head, which is fragile in the event of a crash and reduces stress on their neck and the spinal cord.
Convertible car seat are ideal for parents who wish to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they are able to. The majority of models allow children to sit rear-facing until the weight is 30 pounds or more. If you decide on a convertible car seat, search for one that meets the federal safety standards and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more.
It is important to keep in mind that even though all car seats must meet strict NHTSA standards there are a myriad of models available. To avoid the hassle and risk of a dangerous or defective seat, make sure you choose one certified by a reputable company or organization, and check for recalls in the past and complaints from manufacturers.
The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and several recline positions. Some car seats offer extra padding on the straps for the shoulder and close to the buckle to keep your baby at ease during long road trips. If you drive a smaller car opt for a narrow infant seat like the Clek Liing that is less than 17 inches wide and easy to install in most vehicles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby that is specifically designed for use with strollers made by UPPAbaby, is another ideal option for families that require a car seat with no fuss that is easy to use. The harness that retracts automatically, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all easy to use.
Safety Features
If you're looking for an infant safe, lightweight car seat to take your little one on long journeys or need to ensure your child is comfortable during the duration of your ride, a few key features are worth keeping in mind. First, consider the height and weight limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the seat. Choose a seat that is able to accommodate the 90th percentile of your child's height before turning one. Also, think about whether you'd prefer to use a coat or blanket over the straps of the harness. The AAP warns against this since heavy clothing may compress in the event of a crash, making straps too loose for your child to be secured and increase the risk of injuries.
It is also important to consider whether your car seat will be secured via the LATCH system or a vehicle belt and if it's compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. A car seat that is able to fit on a base that is compatible is ideal if you plan to use it for the majority of your car trips and will save you time and energy by not having to take it off it and put it back in place every time you use the vehicle.
In our testing the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with testers saying it "has everything you need for a fast and simple installation." This includes premium LATCH connectors that open from the base and turn green when fully connected, plus a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener and an adjustable foot with springs.
The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another option worth considering. We found it to be simple to use and affordable as models that cost twice as much. Our test subjects have praised it for its five-position, height-adjustable headrest that grows with your baby harness, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is great option for newborns due to its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position which lets them sleep longer and more comfortably during road trips. It's also been praised for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? ADAC giving it the highest laboratory score for infant car seats.
Rear-facing Options
In the majority of cars, the safest place for a baby is the rear seat. The seat in the center is most away from any impact, and can protect your baby from harm in the event of an accident. If you can, select an infant car seat that allows your baby to sit rear-facing up to one year old. It's also important to ensure the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest is secure against your child's head and chest. Find a certified child passenger technician who can give you the most up-to-date guidelines for car seat installation and use. Find one in your area here.
The choice of the right car seat for your infant is a significant purchase that you'll likely be using for a very long period of time, so it's important to select one that has an impressive crash test sensor and analysis score, as along with features to keep your child comfortable. The Clek Liing is a great choice to parents looking for a budget-friendly rear-facing infant car seat. It scored high in our analysis and sensor test. It has an easy LATCH system that changes color to show that the buckle straps have been properly attached to the car, and a load-leg that helps prevent frontal collisions.
Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, used the Graco Extend2Fit to fit her daughters, who were both born up to the age of six. The adjustable harness height and size allows it to accommodate children of all sizes as well as taller ones. The seat is compatible with numerous vehicles, and has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Additionally, it can be converted into a booster seat that Trolio used with her youngest daughter up to the time she reached 10 years old. young.
Another option that is reasonably priced is the Nuna RAVA. It does not have a base as most other seats, but is still extremely quick and easy to install using either method, thanks to its rigid LATCH connectors, which flip out from the bottom of the seat. They then automatically turn green when secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is comfortable for babies with a no rethread harness. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps, without removing your child from the car seat. It also features the ability to recline in six positions, which LaBracio found useful.
Options with a Forward-Facing Focus
In front-facing seats the necks of children are held in the back of the seat instead of being pushed forward by the hard seat of a vehicle. This also helps protect them from injuries in side crashes. The majority of car seats allow children to ride rear-facing until they are over 20 pounds and a year old. Many experts advise that children remain rear-facing as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when it's time to switch to an front-facing seat.
When looking for options for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the i-Size requirements with a padded seat pocket, and a cushioned seat headrest. Think about buying a car seat that will grow with your child and become a booster. Certain models come with an all-in-one feature that allows you to transfer your child from a rear-facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing seat that has a harness and then onto the booster seat.
It's also important to determine whether the seat fits your vehicle, particularly if you have a small trunk space or a vehicle with a low clearance. Make sure to check the seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure that the seat is the most appropriate fit.
Choose a car seat that provides good support and comfort to your child. Long journeys in the vehicle will be more enjoyable if they are able to sleep comfortably.
top rated infant car seats could include features such as reclined headrests or a five-point harness which can be tightened from the rear of the seat, and a wide range of recline positions.
After you've narrowed your options down, you'll want to look at the policies for replacement in case of a crash of the car seats you're thinking of buying. They can differ from the manufacturer's replacement policy, to a case-by -case review.
After you've done your homework and decided on the kind of car seat you're looking at now is the time to start shopping around. Look through the selections at your local baby store or online retailer, and ask parents of young children to get their suggestions. You can also request a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you select the right car seat for your newborn.