Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns

A rear-facing infant seat is the safest option for infants. Incorrectly using a car seat could result in injury or death, so it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing.

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

Types

When selecting a car seat for newborns, there are two main kinds to be considered. There are two types of car seats that are suitable for infants: an cheap infant car seats car seat and a convertible car seat. Both have their advantages and disadvantages however it all depends on your personal preference and the way you plan on using the seat. If you plan to use the seat as part of an itinerary and you'll be moving between vehicles often the infant car seat might be more suitable. If, however, you prefer the idea of a long-lasting car seat that grows with your child into the stage of a booster seat, then an convertible car seat could be a better choice.

Infant car seats are designed for babies and infants and are always used with the backwards facing position. This is the most secure option for traveling with small children. These seats are typically less expensive, but have a shorter life-span than convertible car seats. Most will require replacement once your child has reached their weight limit or height (which can vary widely between seats) or if they reach the top rated baby car seats of their age group limit.

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

Many of the best car seats for newborns convertible car seats designed for infants will come with a variety of features. These include a smooth rotating feature, a simple harness adjustment, and a base made of EPS foam which is similar to Styrofoam. Parents appreciate these features since they make getting their infants in and out of the car seat easier, while ensuring that their children are safe and secure.

It is important to ensure that the car seat you pick is compatible with your car, and that it has LATCH that allows for quick and easy installation. You should also check the safety features like shock-absorbing material and side impact protection. If you're uncertain about which type of seat is best for your family, consult an experienced car seat technician. They can guide you through the choices and help you select the best car seats newborn seat for your baby.

Safety

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

It is recommended to seek out an item that is secured to the vehicle by either lower anchors or a seat belts, and also has the option of a top tether to prevent the car seat from moving forward during the event of a crash, and possibly obstructing the child's breathing. Also, make sure that the recline angle of the seat is in the right direction. Infants are prone to get trapped in a seat which is too high up.

It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure proper installation of your car seat. It's a good idea to seek out a certified car seat inspection technician during your pregnancy and/or immediately after the birth of your baby. A professional can guarantee a perfect installation.

The compatibility of strollers is a further factor to consider. If you intend to use your stroller often you should consider an infant car and stroller combo that works seamlessly. This is an excellent option for busy parents because it lets them effortlessly transfer their child from the stroller to the car, and vice versa, while running errands.

Finally, always place your seat on solid surfaces (like a car seat base or a car) and never place it on soft ones like a bed or sofa, as these can cause the seat to tip over, possibly hurting or even killing your child. Leaving an infant/baby seat or carrier unattended on soft surfaces could cause the suffocation of your child.

Simple to Use

A car seat will only provide the best protection if it is used properly every time. Unfortunately, many car injuries to children's seats are caused by errors. Some of them are not following the manufacturer's instructions, incorrect installation or using products from aftermarket, and placing the child in the wrong position.

A quality car seat for infants will come with clear instructions for installation and features that ensure proper usage. Certain brands, like CYBEX have visual indicators or click sounds to confirm that the seat is installed correctly. This is important because studies have proven that improper use of a car seat is the cause of up to 50% of car seat-related injuries.

You should also keep in mind that you should not leave your child in a car seat or carrier, even if it is only for a few minutes. Unattended, a baby in a car seat or carrier may fall on soft surfaces such as couches or beds, and cause serious injuries or even death. The seats can also slide over on their sides, resulting in suffocation.

Choosing the best infant car seat for your infant is based on a variety of factors including the type of lifestyle and longevity. All-in-one models are cheaper in the beginning, but they may not suit smaller infants as well and may be less flexible than a convertible or booster car seat. For parents who plan to travel often, a lightweight, easy-to-install seat is a must and urban dwellers are likely to want an option that is easily installed without a base and can be used in taxis or Uber.

A seat that is attached to strollers is a ideal option for parents with a newborn who are looking to minimize the amount of luggage they carry in town or on airplane flights. This is true when you plan to travel on public transportation frequently and live in a big city. A lot of seats can be connected to UPPAbaby's strollers to facilitate simple commutes. Lastly, you should be attentive to the ease of installing your chosen seat in vehicles that don't have lower anchors or tethers, since they are not commonly found in many models.

Convenience

Many infant car seats be connected to a stroller system to create an entire child safety solution. This makes it simple to move a sleepy baby from your car to a stroller, even in rainy weather and at night. Make sure to secure the seat prior to taking off. It's not safe to leave it in the car seat for newborn, or even on the road. Your child could be injured if they leave the seat without supervision.

Infant car seats are designed for babies and babies who are smaller. They offer a comfortable and secure fit and plenty of padding for security and comfort. They're typically lighter than convertible car seats, making them easier to carry on short trips. The majority of infant car seats are made to be used rear facing, which is endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the safest position for children in the early years.

They last a shorter time than convertible car seats. Children typically outgrow their infant seats between nine months and a year. It is possible that you will need to upgrade your car seat to a convertible model earlier than you anticipated.

A good infant car safety seat should include a strap that is flat against the child’s chest, over their hips and with the chest clip positioned in the armpit of the child. The crotch buckle should be flat across the child's thighs. Some models have adjustable and removable inserts to assist parents to maintain this recommended fit.

When selecting an infant car seat, it is important to keep in mind that babies could be strangled if the straps become loose or unfastened. It's also dangerous to leave a child in a car without supervision. Choose a seat with a lockoff function for your vehicle, or one that has a built-in locking mechanism.

The car seats that our experts test are engineered to offer the highest level of safety. Bob Hoffman, our Senior Review Editor, has more car seat installation and scoring expertise than anyone on the planet, and he's with his mom of two boys Wendy Schmitz, Senior Reviews Editor and Abriah Wofford who is a Senior Review Analyst who has been testing seats since 2016. Our team's knowledge and expertise can help you find the perfect seat for your child and your vehicle.