15 Things You Don't Know About Car Seat For Newborn Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns


For newborns with a rear-facing infant car seat is the most secure option. It's vital to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer when installing the car seat.

The base of the car seat needs to be slightly retracted. This will help to keep the baby's head and chin off their chests, which will reduce the risk for positional asphyxia.

Types

There are two types of car seats suitable for infants. There are two kinds of car seats that are suitable for infants such as an infant car seat and a baby convertible car seat. Both have their pros and disadvantages however it all comes down to personal preference and how you plan on using the seat. If you want to use the seat as a part of a travel system and you will be changing vehicles frequently, then an infant car seat may be the best choice. However, if you would prefer a durable car seat that grows with your child to the stage of a booster seat then an convertible car seat could be a better choice.

Infant car seats are specifically designed for newborns and babies and are used in the reverse facing position. This is the most secure choice for children who are small. They are also generally less expensive than convertible seats but can have a shorter lifespan. They will most likely need to be replaced once your child reaches their weight limit or height (which may differ between seats) or when they reach the maximum of their age group limit.

Convertible car seats, also referred to as all-in-one seats are designed to transport your infant from birth to their toddler years and into their school years. Some can be used as a forward-facing seat or a rear-facing one.

Many of the best convertible car seats for infants will come with a variety of features. These include a smooth rotating feature, a simple harness adjustment and a base constructed of EPS foam, which is similar to Styrofoam. These features are well-liked by parents because they make it easier to get their babies into and out of their seats while ensuring that their child is safe and comfortable.

When choosing a car seat, you need to make sure it's compatible with your vehicle and features LATCH for easy installation. It is also important to check for safety features, such as shock-absorbing material and side impact protection. If you're unsure about the type of car seat that is the best fit for your family, consult a certified car seat technician. They can help you navigate the options and help you pick the right seat for your baby.

Safety

Whether you're shopping for an infant car seat convertible car seat or baby-ready travel systems it is essential be sure that the one you select meets the strictest safety standards. This is particularly important for newborns as they are smaller and more delicate than older children. Find the seat with a five-point safety harness that is attached between the legs in the crotch, around the waist and below the shoulders when the child is facing rearwards or above the shoulders when the child is forward-facing. This helps secure your child, preventing them from being thrown out of the seat in the event of a crash or sudden stop.

You'll also want to consider a car seat that is secured to the vehicle by lower anchors or the seat belt. It should also come with an upper tether that will stop the seat from advancing in a accident, and also obstructing the airway of a child. Make sure the recline angle is correct as well, since newborns are prone to getting trapped in a seat that's too upright.

It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure proper installation of your car seat. It's recommended to consult a certified car seat inspection technician during pregnancy and/or after the birth of your child, as the expert will help you achieve a flawless installation every time.

Another factor to consider is compatibility with strollers. If you are planning to frequently use a stroller you should consider a baby car seat and stroller combination that connects seamlessly. This is a great option for busy parents because it lets them easily transfer their child from the stroller to their car, and vice versa, when they're running around doing errands.

Also, make sure you 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, as these can cause the seat to tip over, possibly injuring or even killing your child. Leaving an infant/baby seat or carrier unattended on soft surfaces can also result in death by suffocation.

Simple to Use

The best protection is possible only if the car seat has been properly used every time. Unfortunately, many car seat injuries are caused by mistakes. Some of them include not following the product instructions, incorrect installations, using aftermarket products, and placing the child in the wrong position.

To reduce the chance of error, a good infant car seat for newborns will have easy-to-read installation instructions and features that allow you to ensure that the seat is used correctly. Some brands, like CYBEX include visual indicators and click sounds that confirm the seat is installed correctly. This is crucial as studies have revealed that the incorrect use of a car seat could be responsible for up to half of all car seat-related injuries.

Also, be aware that you should never leave your child in the car seat or a carrier even if it's just for a short period of time. A baby left unattended in a safety seat may fall and land on soft surfaces like couches or beds which can cause serious injuries or even death. The seats can also tip over on their sides which can cause the death of a child.

The ideal infant car seat will depend on a number of factors, such as your lifestyle and the durability of the seat. All-in-one car seats are less expensive in the beginning however they might not be able to accommodate smaller babies as well, and are less versatile than a booster or convertible car seat. If parents are planning to travel frequently and require a light, easy-to-install seat is essential for urban dwellers, while suburban parents are likely to require a seat that can be easily installed without the base and then in taxis or Uber.

A seat that is attached to strollers is a excellent option for families who are looking to reduce the amount they have to carry around town or on airplane flights. best car seats infant is especially true if you plan to commute on public transportation frequently and reside in a large city. Many seats can be paired with UPPAbaby's strollers for easy, simple journeys. You should also pay attention to how easy it is to install your chosen seat on vehicles with no 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 bad conditions and at night. Always secure the seat before leaving the car. If you leave it in the car or in the street isn't secure and could allow your baby to exit the seat without supervision which could cause injuries.

Car seats for infants are designed specifically for babies and infants with smaller sizes, offering snug and secure fittings and lots of extra padding for comfort and safety. They're typically lighter than convertible car seats, making them easy to carry on short trips. The majority of infant car seats are designed to be used rear-facing which is recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the most secure position for children in the early years.

They have a shorter lifespan than convertible car seats. Children typically outgrow their infant seats between nine months and one year. This means that you could need to upgrade to convertible car seats sooner than expected.

A safe infant car seat will include a strap that is flat against the child's chest over their hips, and with the chest clip positioned at the child’s armpit. The crotch buckle must be flat across the child's thighs. Some models have adjustable and removable inserts to help parents achieve the recommended fit.

It is important to keep in mind that when straps are loose or unfastened the baby could be strangled. It's also not safe to leave your child unattended in a car seat, therefore, choose a seat that has a lockoff feature for your vehicle or an integrated lock.

The car seats we test are designed to provide the best safety features possible. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor of 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 the year 2016. Our team's experience and expertise will assist you in choosing the right seat for both your child and vehicle.