Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns

A rear-facing infant seat is the most safest option for infants. Using a car seat incorrectly could result in injuries or even death, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing.

The car seat base should be a little reclined which helps to naturally keep the baby's head in a forward position and keep their the chest away from the chin, decreasing the risk of positioning asphyxia.

Types

When it comes to choosing a car seat for newborns, there are two main kinds to be considered. A car seat for newborn seat for infants and convertible baby car seat for newborn seats. Both have their advantages and disadvantages however it all comes down to the individual preference and how you intend to use the seat. If you plan to use the seat as part of an automobile travel system, and will be moving vehicles often, an infant car seat could be the best choice. If you're looking for a car seat that can expand with your child and become a booster or go beyond the age of a convertible seat, it is the best option.

Infant car seats are made for babies and newborns and are used in the backwards facing position. This is the most secure option for traveling with small children. They are also generally cheaper than convertible car seats but can have a shorter life span. The majority of seats need to be replaced once your child reaches their weight or height limit (which can vary greatly between seats), or if they reach the age limit.

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

A lot of the top car seats for infants are convertible and will have many features, such as smooth rotation as well as a simple harness adjustment. an foam base made of EPS, which is essentially Styrofoam. These features are well-liked by parents as they make it easier for parents to get their babies into and out of their seats, while still ensuring that their child is safe and comfortable.

When you are choosing a car seat, it's important to make sure it's compatible with your vehicle and comes with LATCH for ease of installation. Also, you should look for safety features, such as shock-absorbing material and side impact protection. Get a certified car seat specialist if are unsure about which seat is the best car seat one for your family. They can guide you through the choices and help you select the best seat for your child.

Safety

You should always check that the model you select has been tested to meet the highest safety standards, no matter if you're looking for a convertible car seat, infant car seat or a travel system for your baby. This is particularly important for babies, since they are smaller and lighter than older children. Look for a seat with five-point harnesses that are attached beneath the shoulders (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing) and between the legs and around the crotch. This will prevent your child from being thrown from the seat in case of a sudden stop or crash.

If you want to be sure, choose a seat that can be secured to the vehicle by either lower anchors or a seat belts, and has a top tether that prevents the car seat from moving forward in a crash and potentially obstructing the child's breathing. Make sure the recline angle is in line also, as infants can easily become trapped in a seat that is too upright.

It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions for proper installation of your particular model. It is recommended to work with an approved car seat inspection technician during pregnancy or after the birth of your child. this professional can help you ensure that your installation is flawless every time.

Another factor to consider is compatibility with strollers. If you are planning to use your stroller frequently, consider an infant car and stroller set-up that connects seamlessly. This is a great choice for busy parents, as it makes it easy to transfer your child from the car to the stroller and back while running errands or taking an outing with the family.

Always place your seat on a hard surface (such as a car seat or base) and never on a soft surface, such as beds or sofas or a bed, as this could cause it to tip over. This could result in your child being injured, or even dying. Leaving an infant/baby seat or carrier unattended on soft surfaces can also lead to death by suffocation.

Ease of Use

A car seat will only provide the highest level of protection if it is used properly every time. Unfortunately, a significant number of injuries in car seats involve mistakes. Some of them are not following the manufacturer's instructions, incorrect installation, using aftermarket products, and putting the child into an incorrect position.

A good infant car seat should have clear instructions for installation as well as features that help to ensure proper usage. Certain brands, such as CYBEX have even included visual indicators and click sounds that assure that the seat is fitted correctly. This is important as studies have shown that incorrect use of a car seat can be the cause of up to 50% of all injuries caused by car seats.

It is also important to remember that you should never leave your baby in an infant newborn car seat seat or in a carrier in a vehicle even for a brief time. Unsupervised, a baby in a car seat that is safe or carrier could fall on soft surfaces like couches or beds and cause serious injury or even death. The seats could also be flipped over onto their sides, resulting in an inability to breathe.

The best infant car seat is determined by several factors, including your lifestyle and the long-term durability of the seat. An all-in-one model can be cheaper upfront but might not be suitable for smaller infants as well and is less adaptable than a convertible car seat or booster. If parents intend to travel frequently an easy-to-install, lightweight seat is a must for urban dwellers, while suburban parents are likely to require an option that is easily installed without a base and can be used in a taxi or Uber.

A seat that is attached to strollers is great choice for new parents who are looking to minimize the amount of baggage they need to carry around the city or on flights. This is particularly relevant if you live in a city, and plan to frequent public transportation since many seats can be attached to an UPPAbaby stroller, which allows for simple, easy commutes. Lastly, you should be aware of the ease of installing your chosen seat in vehicles that do not have lower anchors or tethers, as they aren't common in most models.

Convenience

Many infant car seats can also click into a stroller travel system to create an entire child safety solution. This makes it easy to transfer a sleeping baby from your car to a stroller, even in rainy weather and at night. Just make sure you always secure the seat in the stroller prior to you leave. It's not safe to leave it in your car or on the road. Your baby could be injured if they leave the seat without supervision.

Infant car seats are made for infants and infants who are smaller. They have a snug and secure fit and plenty of padding for safety and comfort. They're typically lighter than convertible car seats, making them easy to carry on short trips. The majority of infant car seats can be used rear-facing which is the preferred position by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

However they are less durable than convertible car seats. Typically, children outgrow their infant car seats between the ages of nine months and one year. This means that you may need to upgrade to convertible car seats earlier than you expected.

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

It's important to remember that if the straps are loose or unfastened the baby could be strangled. It's also risky to allow a child to be in a car with no supervision. Select a car seat with a lockoff function for your vehicle, or with an integrated locking mechanism.

The car seats our experts test are designed to provide the highest level of safety. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor at Consumer Reports has the most experience with 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 will assist you in choosing the right seat for both your child and vehicle.