How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn
The most suitable car seat for a new baby is one that complies with all safety standards set by the federal government and fits your vehicle. It should also come with useful extras, like the ability to convert into a stroller, and be within your budget. It's also worth ensuring the car seat for your baby clicks into and out of your car with ease especially if you frequently switch between taxis or trips in rental cars and grandparents vehicles.
Safety
A good car seat will come with additional features that go beyond the safety standards of the federal government. These include padded inserts for the shoulders and head and air-repellent fabrics that help keep them cool in hot car and side-impact safety.
Another important safety consideration is the ease to install and use the seat. Ideally, the seat must be simple to install and use, and with clear indicators of its height, position, and security.
There are features that will help you with this, such as belt guides and built-in locks which will assist you in aligning the car seat to your car's seatbelt. It is also important to avoid purchasing used car seats, as they might not be tested for crash safety or have been involved in an accident and might not be safe for your child. If you are forced to purchase an used car seat ensure that it has an expiration date and that the seller is not an individual or a private party who doesn't have proof of ownership.
It's also important to remember that you should only allow your baby in the car seat up to two hours per day, unless it is in an upright position. This will reduce strain on the spine of your child and ensure that they get a chance to breath regularly.
You'll want a seat that will last for a long time, because it's a major investment. Find one that's designed to adapt with your child that will last through the toddler years and on into the teenage years. Our testers for parents were satisfied with the Axkid i-Size. It is suitable for children from birth and is able to be used up to age 7.
Nuna pipa air rx is an additional option that you can use for a lengthy period of time. It rotates 360 degrees, which means you can switch it from rear-facing into front-facing as the child grows. It's also one of the lightest-weight car seats on the market, and weighs less than 9 pounds without its base. It's a great choice for parents who frequently transfer their children between cars or plan on using it for taxi rides, fly-drive holidays, and trips to grandparent's houses.
Comfort
It is important that your child is at ease in their car seat both while they are in it as well as when you install it. Look for padded straps that fit comfortably on their shoulders, and soft fabric that feels comfortable under their stomach, especially when they are in the seat for long drives.
The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. Some have LATCH connectors of premium quality that feature a SuperCinch force multiplier that tightens the seat. Others come with spring-loaded leveling legs as well as belt paths that make installing without a base simpler than ever. Other features allow you to adjust the harness height and headrest, which is important as your child grows.
One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate test, which our parents gave 10 out of 10 for ease of use. It has a clear and simple interface, a no-rethread easy-to adjust harness, a 360-degree rotation and a recline lock indication. This means that you can change from rear-facing to forward-facing as your baby grows without needing to remove the seat and replace it.
Nuna Pipa Aire Rx is a similar example. Our parents who tested it loved it for its comfort simple and adaptability. Its padded shoulder straps and headrests are designed to accommodate the head of your newborn and includes a soft infant pillow to keep them comfy. It can be used as a rear-facing car seat until your baby is at the maximum height or weight limits and then it can be converted into a stroller without the need for an additional adapter.
A good car seat is durable, and some have a warranty. Look for an item that is made up of padding and durable materials to shield your child from accidents. It should also come with an aluminum frame to withstand the impact energy, and an "crumple area" to prevent crash damage. It should also be easy to clean, since spills are commonplace with a baby. To make cleaning easier, search for a car seat with removable covers and pads that can be washed in the machine.
Easy of Use
A car seat needs to be easy to use and install especially if you're going to be using it in an alternate vehicle at least once in a while. To make it as simple as possible, look for features like a belt that can be released quickly, an indicator to show the status of the latch (e.g. green for locked) and a manual that is easy to read.
The Best of The Bump winner comes with a number of practical features, which our parent testers loved, such as a cushioned headrest and harness, plush fabric, and the cup holder. It also has a reclining feature that lets your child sit in an ergonomic position during longer journeys. It can also be used in conjunction with a buggy that is compatible to create an entire travel system which is perfect if you intend to travel for extended durations of time.
The seat is suitable for babies from birth. Our panelists found this car seat easy to put in and adjust. It comes with a recline lock indicator and an LATCH connector that is premium and comes with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener which made securing your child quick and easy. It can also be moved from side to side in the vehicle easily without the need for tools.
One of our top features is the reclining feature that helps you get your infant into and out of the car. This is particularly helpful when you have back problems or drive a small vehicle. It also comes with a reversible cup holder and a handy pocket for toys and snacks.
The seat weighs just nine pounds and can be installed with or without its base. It can also rotate 180 degrees, which can be a real lifesaver if you have limited space or are suffering from back pain. This new feature impressed our panelists, and was selected for inclusion in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
It's an excellent choice for anyone who wants to convert their car seat into a stroller for affordable cost. Its sleek design and high-end material will also stand the test of time. Be sure to wash your cover frequently because smashed biscuits, yoghurt spills and the occasional sick toddler accident is sure to leave their footprints!
Design
The styles of car seats can be as diverse as the vehicles they're installed in. Some parents choose to skip infant car seats and opt for a convertible model. However, the majority of new mothers are looking for something that will grow with their child into the age of toddlerhood. The most versatile choice is an all-in-one infant car seat that lets you switch between forward-facing and rear-facing. It usually has a higher weight and height limit, and can also be used as a booster when your child is old enough.
The ideal car seat for a newborn car seat is light which makes it easy to lift from the base and carry with your child. Our testers with parents loved the Maxi-Cosi Coral, which is only available in a couple of colors, but comes with plenty of safety features and is incredibly lightweight (at 8.4 pounds with seat inserts and canopy). Other standout models include the Nuna PIPA URbN, winner of Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Car Seat Group 0/0+ with its high-end extras like the Dream drape and full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy.
The seat's design and the base should also be taken into consideration. For instance, certain car seats have a specific base that is secured to the buckles on the seat belts, while others have steel-reinforced LATCH connectors that flip out from the sides of the base and turn green when connected correctly. These were useful for parents, particularly when the vehicle only had front-facing seatbelts.
Some infant car seats can also be utilized with a regular seatbelt without the base that is great for parents who often travel by taxi or travel with their child. best car seats infant Push Chairs And Prams liked the Nuna TODL NEXT that can be used with or without the base. It features a smooth swivel movement that makes it simple to get your baby in and out of the seat.
Also, the design of the car seat is crucial. It must fit into your car. (See our guide on car seat compatibility). If you're looking for a car seat that can grow with your baby into an adult, select a model with an adjustable headrest that can be reclining and side impact protection. Make sure that the infant car seat you choose is iSize compatible, and that it uses the proper car seat attachment points as per UK law.