10 Wrong Answers To Common Car Seat For Newborn Questions Do You Know The Right Ones?
Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn? A car seat that is safe and secure ensures your baby is secure, comfortable and safe on the road. But which one is most suitable for your baby? With features like latch hooks, load legs, and belt routes to consider, picking the right car seat for your infant can be a challenge. Here's everything you need to be aware of to make the right choice for your family. Easy of Use If you're looking for a car seat for your infant for your newborn or if you're upgrading from an older car seat, you'll need a model that is easy to install and use. Consider the size and weight of your child, the seat's fit in your car, and any extra features, like a lay-flat option which can also be used as stroller. Infant-only seats can be a good option for newborns because they tend to be smaller and fit more snugly than convertible car seats. They have a harness to support your child's head in an accident, which could lessen the strain on their neck or the spinal cord. Convertible car seats are great for parents who want to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they can. Most models let the child rear-facing for 30 pounds or greater. Choose a convertible car seat that meets federal safety standards and has a the weight limit of at least 50 pounds. When you're looking for a car seat it's important to keep in mind that while all car seats must be in compliance with strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models on the market. To avoid best car seat newborn and risk of a defective or dangerous seat, select one that's approved by a reputable business or a reputable organization, and also look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer. Top-rated car seats are made with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and several recline positions. Some also offer additional padding in the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your newborn stay comfortable during long journeys. If you drive a smaller car opt for an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing that is less than 17 inches in width and is easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mesa Max, which is specifically designed for use with UPPAbaby strollers, is another great choice for families who need a simple car seat that is easy to use. Its auto-retracting straps, EZ buckle and connectors for lower anchors that are premium with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it easy to use on every car trip. Safety Features Whether you're looking for a secure, lightweight infant car seat to take your baby on long journeys or need to ensure your child is comfortable during the duration of a ride There are some key aspects that are important to keep in mind. First, consider the height and weight limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the seat. Look for a model which goes up to your child's 90th centile measurement before turning 1. Consider whether you'd prefer to put blankets or coats over the harness straps. The AAP cautions against this, since heavy clothing may be compressed in a crash and leave the straps loose to restrain your child, thereby increasing the chance of injuries. Other considerations include whether you're planning to attach your car seat with a vehicle belt or the LATCH system and whether it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. A seat that can easily fit on a base that is compatible is the best option if you plan to use it for a majority of your car rides, as you'll save time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it every time you drive. In our tests, the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for its ease of installation and adjustments, with testers affirming that it “has everything you need for a quick and painless installation.” It comes with premium LATCH connectors that can be flipped out from the base and change to green when fully connected, as well as a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener as well as an adjustable foot with springs. The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another excellent option. We found it to be as simple to use and affordable as other models that cost twice more. Its adjustable headrest in five positions that grows with your child's growth as well as its buckle holders that are magnetic, and its no-rethread harness have been highly praised by our test subjects. The Maxi-Cosi Jade is great option for newborns because of its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position, which allows them to stay asleep longer and more comfortably on travel. It's also been lauded for its safety, with consumer champion Which? ADAC giving it the highest laboratory rating for car seats for infants. Rear-Facing Options In the majority of cars, a newborn's safest position is the center rear seat. The center seat is the most away from any collision, and will shield your baby in the event of an accident. If possible, you should opt for a car seat that lets your child ride rear-facing until they're about an year old. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest is snug against your child's chest and head. The best way to accomplish this is to talk to an experienced child passenger safety technician, who can provide you with up-to-date recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your area here. Selecting the right car seat for your newborn is a huge investment that you'll probably use for a long time, so you'll want to choose a seat with an amazing crash test sensor and analysis score as in addition to features that will ensure your child's comfort. The Clek Liing is a great choice for parents who are looking for a low-cost rear-facing infant car seat. It scored highly in both our analysis and sensor tests. It comes with a simple LATCH system with a color change indication that indicates when the buckle straps are properly attached to the car, and a load leg that helps stop frontal collisions. Strategist senior editor and mom of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit with her daughters who both went from birth until age 6. The harness's adjustable height and size allow it to be adapted to children of all sizes, including taller ones. The seat is compatible with many vehicles, and it has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Plus, it converts to a booster seat, which Trolio used with her youngest daughter up until she turned 10 years old. Nuna RAVA is another affordable alternative. It doesn't have an base, but it is still easy to put in using the rigid LATCH connectors. They flip out of the bottom and then turn green when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for infants, with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to attach the straps without taking your baby from the seat. LaBracio also discovered the recline with six positions to be useful. Forward-Facing Options Children's necks can be cradled by the seat back in front-facing seats instead of being pushed forward onto the hard seat of a vehicle. This also helps protect children from side-impacts better. Car seats typically allow infants weighing up to 20 pounds and 1 year old to ride backwards. However, many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as they can, as their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when they're ready to move to an forward-facing seat. If you are looking at alternatives for forward-facing car seats make sure they meet i-Size requirements, have a padded head rest, and a deep harness pocket. Check the maximum height and weight limits and think about purchasing an automobile seat that can expand with your child to the position of a booster seat. Some models have an all-in-one feature that allows your child to change from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat. It is important to consider whether the car seat will fit well in your vehicle, especially in the case of a small trunk or low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat as well as the vehicle owner's manual for the best fit. Also, make sure you choose a car seat that has good support and comfort for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be less stressful if they can sleep comfortably. This could include features such as the ability to recline the seat back as well as a five-point harness that can be tightened from the rear of your seat and a range of recline positions. Once you've narrowed down your options, consider the policies on crash replacement for the car seat you're thinking of buying. They can range from a manufacturer’s replacement policy to a personal case review. Once you've done your research and determined the kind of car seat you're looking for now is the time to start shopping around. Look through the selections at your local baby store or online retailer, and talk to parents of young children for their recommendations. You can also book an appointment with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you find the right car seat for your newborn.