How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn
The best car seat for newborn s is one that is compliant with federal safety standards, is compatible with your car, has useful features (like making it strollers) and works with your budget. You should also make sure that the car seat is easily inserted into and out of any vehicle, particularly when you frequently switch between rental cars, taxis or the vehicles of your grandparents.
Safety
A quality car seat will have extra features that go beyond the federal safety standards. They include padded inserts for the shoulders and head and also air-repellent fabric to keep them cool while driving in hot temperatures.
The ease of installation and use of the seat is an important aspect to consider for safety. Ideally, the seat should be simple to install and use, with clear indicators of its height and position as well as security.
Find features that make it easier to do that, like built-in locks and belt guides that help to align the car seat to the vehicle's seat belt. You also want to avoid buying used car seats, as they might not be crash-tested or have been in an accident and may not be safe for your child. If you are forced to purchase an old car seat, make sure that it has an expiration date and that the seller is not an individual or a private party who has no evidence of ownership.
Another thing to keep in your mind is to only leave your infant in the car seat for a maximum of 2 hours per day unless they're in a lying-flat position. This is to reduce the spine from becoming strained and to ensure that they get a chance to breathe regularly.
You'll want a seat to last a long time, because it's a major investment. Choose a seat that will develop with your child and last from toddlerhood through the teen years. One that our parent testers liked was the Axkid One i-Size that is suitable for children from the time of birth and can be used until 7 years old.
The Nuna pipa aire rx is another option that can be used for a lengthy time. It can rotate 360 degrees, making it possible to change it from rear-facing into front-facing as your child grows. It is also one of most light-weight car seats on the market with a weight of less than nine pounds. It's a great option for parents who need to move their baby between vehicles frequently or are planning to use it for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives and trips with grandparents.
Comfort
It is crucial that your child is at ease in their car seat, both while they are in it and after you install it. Choose padded straps that are comfortable to wear around their shoulders. Also, look for plush material that feels comfortable beneath their stomachs. This is particularly important when you intend to use the seat for a long period of time.
The most effective infant car seat is also simple to use. Some have premium LATCH connectors with a SuperCinch force multiplier that tightens the seat. Some come with spring-loaded leveling legs and belt paths to make installation without a base simpler than ever. Other features can help you adjust the harness height and headrest, which is particularly crucial as your child grows.
One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate, which our parent testers gave a 10/10 for its ease of use. It features a simple, clear interface and an easy-to-adjust no-rethread harness and also an indicator for recline and 360-degree rotation. This allows you to switch between forward and rear-facing positions as your child grows without needing to remove the seat and replace it.
Another instance is the Nuna Pipa air rx which our parent testers loved for its convenience, comfort and flexibility. Its cushioned shoulder straps and headrests are designed to support the head of your baby and comes with a soft pillow for comfort. It can be used in a rear-facing position until your child is at the maximum height or weight limit. Then, it converts to a stroller.
A high-quality car seat will last and many have a warranty. Look for a seat with solid materials and plenty of padding to protect your child from any injuries, as well as the steel frame that can absorb the force of impact and a "crumple zone" to prevent damage. It should be easy to clean since accidents are likely to happen when you have a child. Choose a car seat with removable seat covers and a pad that is machine washable to make cleanup a breeze.
Easy to Use
It is crucial that a car seat is simple to install and use, particularly in the event that it will be used in different vehicles at times. Look for features such as an easy-release buckle, an indicator that displays the status of the latch system (e.g. green for locked) and a user-friendly manual to make it as stress-free as possible.
The Best of The Bump winner comes with a variety of useful extras that our parents testers adored, such as the headrest and harness that are padded as well as a plush fabric cup holder. It also has a reclining feature that allows your child to sit in an comfortable position for longer trips. It can be used in conjunction with a compatible buggy for a complete travel system. This is perfect if you are planning to travel for a long duration.
Our panelists reported that this car seat was easy to put in and adjust. It comes with an indicator for recline and a premium LATCH connector with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, which makes securing your child quick and easy. It's also designed to be shifted from side-to-side in the vehicle without the necessity of tools.
One of our favorite features is the recline feature that allows you to easily get your infant into and out of the car. This is especially helpful when you are suffering from back pain or drive a smaller car. It also has the ability to reversibly hold your cup and a handy storage pocket for snacks and toys.
The seat weighs less than nine pounds and can be used with or without its base. It can also be rotated around 180 degrees. This is an excellent feature for those who are tight on space or have back pain. Our panelists were awed by this new feature which won a spot in our 2021 Mother&Baby awards.
This is a great choice for those looking to transform their car seats into strollers at affordable prices. Its sleek design and high-quality fabric will endure the test of time as well. Don't forget to wash the cover frequently as spills of yoghurt and biscuits that have been crushed, and even sickening toddler accidents can leave a marks.
Design
The designs of car seats are as varied as the vehicles they're installed in. Some parents opt to ditch the infant car seats in favor of a convertible model. However, the majority of new mothers want something that will develop with their child as they reach the toddler years. The most versatile option is an all-in one baby car seat that allows you to change between forward-facing and rear-facing. It typically has a higher height and weight limit, and it is often used as a booster seat if your child is ready to be one.
An ideal infant car seat newborn is lightweight which makes it easy to lift from the base and then carry your child. The Maxi-Cosi Coral is available in only a few colors, however it comes with a wide array of safety features, and is lightweight (8.4 pounds including seat inserts and canopy). Nuna PIPA URbN is another model that stands out as it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Car Seat Group category for 0/0+ due to top-of-the-line features like the Dream drape and a canopy that covers the entire area with UPF 50+.
The design of the seat and base must be considered as well. Some car seats come with an attached base that is locked into the buckles for the seat belts. Others have steel reinforced connectors for LATCH which flip out of the sides of the base when properly attached. Parents appreciated these connectors particularly if the vehicle only had front-facing seatbelts, and no ISOFIX anchor points.
Some infant car seats can be utilized with a regular seatbelt that is not base-less, which is a bonus for parents who regularly take taxis or need to travel with their infant. The Nuna TODL NEXT was a popular choice among our parents who tested it. It can be used with or without the base and it has a smooth swivel, which makes it easier to get your baby in and out.
Additionally, the design of car seats is vital. It should fit into your car. (See our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're in search of a car seat that can grow with your baby into a booster, look for one with an adjustable headrest that can be reclining and side impact protection. It's also worth checking that your chosen infant car seat is iSize certified and has the proper car seat attachment points in accordance with UK law.