Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns

A rear-facing infant car seat is the safest option for infants. If a car seat is installed incorrectly, it can lead to injuries or even death, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing.

The base of the car seat needs to be slightly retracted. This will help to keep the baby's chin and head off their chest, reducing the risk of sustaining asphyxia in a position.

Types

When selecting a car seat for newborns, there are two main types to take into consideration. An infant car seat and convertible baby car seats. Both have pros and cons. It really depends on your personal preference and the way in which the seat is utilized. If you plan to use the seat as part of an automobile travel system, and will be changing vehicles often, a baby car seat may be better suited. However, if you prefer the idea of an extremely durable car seat that will grow with your child until the stage of a booster seat, then a convertible car seat may be a better choice.

Infant cars seats are designed specifically for infants and newborns and are placed in the rear position and are the safest way to travel for little infants. They are also cheaper than convertible car seats, but may have a shorter lifespan. They will most likely need to be replaced once your child reaches their weight or height limit (which can differ widely between seats) or if they reach the top of their age group.

Convertible baby chairs, or all-in-one car seats, as they are sometimes referred to, are designed to take your infant from birth through their toddler years and on into their school age years. Some are able to be used as a forward-facing or a rear-facing one.

Many of the best infant car seat car seats for babies can be converted and come with a range of features, such as a smooth rotation function, easy harness adjustment and an EPS foam base that is essentially Styrofoam. These features are well-liked by parents due to the fact that they make it easier to get their infants into and out of their seats, while still ensuring that their child is comfortable and safe.

It is important to ensure that the car seat you pick is compatible with your car, and that it has 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 uncertain about the type of car seat that is best for your family, talk to an experienced car seat technician. They will guide you through the options and help you choose the appropriate seat for your child.

Safety

You should always check that the model you select is safe and meets the strictest standards, whether you are looking for a convertible car seat or an infant car seat an infant travel system that is ready for your baby. This is especially important for newborns as they are smaller and more delicate than older children. Choose a seat that has a five-point safety harness that is attached between the legs, around the crotch and below the shoulders when the child is facing rearwards or above the shoulders when the child is facing forward. This will prevent your child from being thrown from the seat in the event of an abrupt stop or crash.

It is also recommended to consider a car seat that can be attached to the vehicle using lower anchors or a seat belt. It should also come with a top tether, which will stop the seat from advancing in a crash, and obstructing the airway for children. Be sure that the recline angle is in line, too, as newborns are often trapped in a car seat that's too high up.

Most importantly, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the proper installation of your particular model. It is also a good idea to collaborate with a certified car seat inspector during pregnancy and/or after the birth of your child. the expert will help you achieve a flawless installation every time.

It is also a factor to think about. If you plan to frequently use your stroller then you should think about an infant car and stroller set-up that clicks seamlessly together. This is a great option for parents who are busy, since it makes it easy to move your child from the car to the stroller, and vice versa while you run errands, or take an outing with the family.

Always use your seat on hard surfaces (like car seat bases or a car) and do not place it on soft surfaces, such as couches or beds as they can cause the seat to tip over, possibly injuring or even killing your child. Unattended infant/baby seats or carriers on soft surfaces could cause insuffocation.

Easy of Use

A car seat will only provide the highest level of protection when it is properly used every time. Unfortunately, many car injuries to children's seats are caused by errors. This includes not following the manufacturer's instructions, not installing properly or using accessories from aftermarket, and putting the child in an incorrect position.

To reduce the chance of a mistake, a quality infant car seat for newborns will have easy-to-read installation instructions and features that allow you to ensure correct usage. Some brands, like CYBEX, even have visual indicators and click sounds to assure that the seat is fitted correctly. This is crucial because studies have revealed that the incorrect use of car seats could be the cause of up to half of all injuries related to car seats.

It is also crucial to remember to never leave your baby in the car seat of an infant car seat travel or in a carrier outside of a vehicle even for a brief time. A baby seat left unattended in the safety seat could fall and land on soft surfaces like couches or beds which can cause serious injuries or even death. The seats can also be flipped over onto their sides, resulting in the death of a child.

Choosing the best car seat for your baby is based on a variety of factors including the type of lifestyle and longevity. All-in-one car seats are less expensive initially however they might not be able to accommodate smaller babies as well, and are less flexible than a convertible or booster car seat newborn insert seat. If parents are planning to travel frequently and require a light, easy-to-install seat is a must and urban dwellers are likely to require a seat that can be easily installed without a base and can be used in taxis or Uber.

A seat that is attached to strollers is a excellent option for families who want to reduce the amount of luggage they carry in the city or on plane flights. This is particularly relevant if you live in a city, and plan to use public transportation frequently, as many seats can be connected to an UPPAbaby stroller for simple, effortless journeys. Additionally, you must be aware of the installation of your seat in vehicles that don't have lower anchors or tethers, as they aren't often found in the majority of models.

Convenience

Many infant car seats work with stroller travel systems that allow you to design a an entire solution for child safety. This makes it much easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller in bad weather or at night. Be sure to ensure that the seat is secured in the stroller before you leave. It's unsafe to leave it in the car or on the road. Your baby could be injured if they get out of the seat without supervision.

Car seats for infants are designed specifically for babies and smaller infants, with snug and secure fits and lots of extra padding for safety and comfort. They are usually lighter than convertible car seat which makes them more convenient to carry over short distances. The majority of baby car seats can be used with rear-facing, which is the position recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

They have a shorter lifespan than convertible car seats. Typically, children outgrow their infant car seats between nine months and a year. This means that you might require a convertible car seat sooner than you anticipated.

A good infant car seat should have straps for harnesses that lie flat against the child's chest, and also over their hips with the chest clip located at armpit level and the crotch buckle laid flat across their thighs. Some models come with removable and adjustable inserts to help parents maintain this recommended fit.

It is important to keep in mind that if the straps are not secured or tight children could be strangled. It's also not safe to leave a child alone in a car seat so choose one that has the option of locking off your vehicle or an integrated lock.

The car seats our experts test are designed to provide the best safety features possible. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor of Consumer Reports has the most experience in 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 2016. Our team's expertise and knowledge help you find the right seat for your child as well as your vehicle.