10 Situations When You'll Need To Be Aware Of Car Seat For Newborn Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A well-designed car seat keeps your baby safe, comfortable and secure on the road. But which one is most suitable for your infant?

Choosing the right infant car seats isn't an easy task. There are so many features to take into consideration, such as latch hooks, belt paths and load legs. Here's everything you need be aware of to make the right decision for your family.

Easy of Use

You'll want to select 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 weight and size of your child, the size of the seat that will fit in the car and any additional features, such as lay-flat options that can also be used as a stroller.

Infant-only chairs are a good option for newborns because they are typically narrower and fit them more snugly than convertible seats. They also provide a harness that supports your child's head, which is fragile in the event of a crash and reduces tension on their neck and spinal cord.


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

When shopping for a car seat it's important to keep in mind that, even though all car seats must meet the strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models available on the market. Pick a seat certified by a trusted organization or company. Also, check for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer.

The best car seats for newborns feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding and a variety of recline positions. Some car seats offer extra padding on the shoulder straps and near the buckle to ensure your child is comfortable during long roadtrips. If you have a smaller vehicle choose a narrow infant seat like the Clek Liing one, which is less than 17 inches in width and is easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby that is specifically designed to work with strollers made by UPPAbaby, is another excellent option for families who want a no-fuss car seat that's easy to use. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all very easy to use.

Safety Features

If you're looking for a safe, lightweight infant car seat to take your little one on long trips or simply need to ensure your child is comfortable for the duration of your ride, a few key features are worth keeping in mind. Consider first the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can be safe in the car seat and so, consider a model that is able to reach minimum your child's 90th percentile measurement before they turn one. Consider whether you would like to drape a blanket or coat on the straps of the harness. The AAP advises against this, because thick clothing could cause a collapse and leave the straps too loose to restrain your child, thereby increasing the risk of injuries.

You should also think about whether your car seat can be secured via the LATCH system or a belt on a vehicle or if it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. If you intend to use your seat for most of your car rides it is best to select one that fits easily onto an appropriate base. This will help you save time and energy since you won't have to take out and reinstall the seat each time you take a trip in the car.

In our testing, the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with reviewers affirming that it "has everything you need for a quick and painless installation." It comes with premium LATCH connectors that open from the base and turn green when fully connected, plus a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener and a spring-loaded leveling foot.

The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another option worth considering. We found it to be simple to use and affordable as other models that cost twice as much. Our test participants have praised it for its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that adapts to the size of your baby, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade is a fantastic choice for newborns due to its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position which lets them sleep longer and more comfortably during travel. It has also been acknowledged for its safety by consumer advocate Which? declaring it to be one of the safest infant car seats available' and ADAC awarding it their highest lab rating for a car seat for infants.

Rear-Facing Options

In most vehicles the most secure position for infants is in the rear seat at the center. The center seat is closest to any impact, and will protect your baby from harm in the event of an accident. If possible, you should opt for a car seat that lets your child ride rear-facing until about an year old. It's also important to ensure the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest fits against your child's chest and head. Consult a certified child passenger technician who can give you the most up-to-date guidelines for car seat installation and use. Find one near you here.

The car seat you choose for your baby is a significant investment, and you'll use it for many years. You'll want a seat that has a high crash test score and analysis score. It should also include features to ensure your baby is comfy. The Clek LIing is an excellent choice for parents seeking a rear-facing infant seat that's affordable. It scored highly in our sensor and analysis test. It comes with a simple LATCH system that changes color to indicate that the buckle straps have been correctly secured to the car and an extra load leg that helps avoid frontal collisions.

Senior editor of the Strategist magazine and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her two daughters who both grew from birth until age 6. The adjustable harness size and height allows it to be adapted to children of all sizes as well as taller ones. It's an excellent option for a variety of vehicles. It has a low, 50-pound rear-facing weight limit. Additionally, it can be converted into a booster seat that Trolio used with her youngest daughter up until she was 10 years old. old.

Another option that is reasonably priced is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't come with a base, but it is still easy to put in using the LATCH connectors, which are rigid. They can be flipped out of the bottom and then turn green when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for babies, with an unrethread harness that is not rethread and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to secure the straps without removing your child from the seat. LaBracio also liked the recline that has six positions.

Options with a Forward-Facing Focus

In front-facing seats the necks of children are held in the seat back, instead of being pushed forward by the car seat that is hard. This protects them from collisions with the sides. Home Page allow infants to sit rear-facing until they weigh over 20 pounds and a year old. However, a lot of experts recommend that children remain rear-facing for as long as they can, as their neck muscles and bones will become stronger by the time they're ready to move to an forward-facing seat.

When looking for options for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the i-Size standards and have a padded harness pocket and a padded seat headrest. Consider buying a car seat which can grow with your child and become a booster. Some models come with an all-in-one feature that lets your child change from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat.

It is also important to think about whether the seat will fit in your vehicle properly, particularly in the case of a tiny trunk space or a vehicle with a low clearance. Check the car seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure the best fit.

Find a car seat that offers good support and comfort for your child. Long drives in the vehicle will be more enjoyable if they are able to sleep comfortably. This may include features such as reclined seat backs and a five-point harness that can tighten from the back of your seat, and a variety of recline positions.

After narrowing your options down, you should consider the policies regarding crash replacement of the car seats you're looking at. They can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy, to a specific case review.

After you've done your homework and decided on the type of car seat you're looking for It's time to begin shopping around. Take a look at the options available at your local baby store or online retailer and talk to family members who have children for recommendations. You can also arrange an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you find the right car seat for your infant.