Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns

A rear-facing infant car seat is the safest option for newborns. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer when installing a car seat.

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 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 advantages and drawbacks, but it really comes down to personal preference and the way you plan on using the seat. If you plan to use the seat as part of a travel system, and you will be changing vehicles often, a baby car seat could be better suited. If you want an automobile seat that will develop with your child as they become a booster or even beyond, a convertible seat is the best option.

Infant car seats are specifically made for babies and newborns and are always used with the backwards facing position. This is the most secure travel option for small children. They are also cheaper than convertible car seats, but they can have a shorter life span. They will most likely need to be replaced when your child is at their weight or height limit (which may differ between seats) or if they exceed their age group limit.

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

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

When you are choosing a car seat, it's important to check that it is compatible with your vehicle and has LATCH for ease of installation. It's also worth checking the safety features, like shock-absorbing materials as well as side impact protection. Find a reputable car seat specialist if are unsure about which seat is best for your family. They'll be able talk you through your options and help you select the right seat for your infant.

Safety

Whether you're shopping for an infant car seat, convertible car seat or baby-friendly travel systems it is essential to make sure that the product you choose is safe and meets strict safety standards. This is particularly important for babies, since they weigh less and are smaller than older children. Look for a seat with a five-point harness that is attached below the shoulders (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing) or between the legs and around the crotch. This helps secure your child and prevents them from being thrown out of the seat during an accident or sudden stop.

It is also recommended to look for a Car seat for newborn seat that is connected to your vehicle with lower anchors or a seat belt. It should also come with top tethers, which stops the seat from moving forward in a crash, and obstructing the airway of a child. Be sure that the recline angle is right, too, as newborns are often trapped in a seat that's too upright.

Most importantly, be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions regarding proper installation for your particular model. It is recommended to consult an approved car seat inspection technician during pregnancy or after the birth of your child, as this professional can help you ensure that your installation is flawless every time.

The compatibility of strollers is a further aspect to take into consideration. If you plan to use a stroller frequently you should consider a baby car seat and stroller combination that connects seamlessly. This is a great choice for busy parents, as it is simple to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller, and vice versa when you're running errands or taking an outing with the family.

Always use your seat on hard surfaces (like car seat bases or a car) and never place it on soft surfaces, such as a bed or sofa or a couch, as these could cause the seat to tip over, potentially hurting or even killing your child. Leaving an infant/baby seat or carrier unattended on soft surfaces may lead to death by suffocation.

User-Friendliness

The most effective protection is only possible when the car seat is used correctly every time. Unfortunately, a lot of injuries involving car seats result from errors. These include not following product instructions, incorrect installation or using accessories from aftermarket, and putting the child in the wrong position.

To reduce the chance of error, a reliable infant car seat will have easy-to-read installation instructions and features that help to ensure correct usage. Some brands, such as CYBEX include visual indicators or click sounds to ensure that the seat is installed correctly. This is crucial as studies have revealed that the incorrect use of a car seat can be responsible for up to half of all injuries caused by car seats.

It is also crucial to keep in mind that you should not let your baby out of an infant car seat or carrier in a vehicle even for a short duration. Unattended, a baby in a car seat that is safe or carrier may fall on soft surfaces such as couches or beds, causing serious injuries or even death. The seats could also be flipped over onto their sides, leading to suffocation.

The best infant car seat will depend on many factors, including your lifestyle and the longevity of the seat. A all-in-one model may be cheaper upfront but may not work for smaller babies as well, and is less versatile than a convertible car seat or booster. If parents are planning to travel frequently, a lightweight, easy-to-install seat is a must, while urban dwellers are likely to require an option that is easily installed without the base and in taxis or Uber.

A seat that can be integrated with strollers could be an excellent option for parents who wish to reduce the amount of equipment they need to carry around town or on airplane flights. This is true if you plan to commute on public transportation frequently and reside in a large city. Many seats can be connected to UPPAbaby's strollers to facilitate comfortable commuting. Lastly, you should be aware of the ease of putting in your seat in vehicles that don't have lower anchors or tethers, as these are less commonly found in many models.

Convenience

Many infant car seats can also be connected to a stroller system to create an entire child safety solution. This makes it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller in bad weather or at night. Just make sure you always ensure that the seat is secured in the stroller before you leave. It's not safe to leave it in the car or on the street. Your child may be injured if they get out of the seat without supervision.

Infant car seats are specifically designed for babies and infants who are smaller. They have a snug and secure fit and plenty of padding to ensure safety and comfort. They are generally lighter than a convertible car seats which makes them more convenient to transport over short distances. Most baby car seats newborn seats can be used rear-facing, which is the position recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

However, they have shorter lifespans than convertible car seats. Children usually outgrow their infant seats between nine months and a year. You may need to upgrade your car seat to a convertible one earlier than you anticipated.

A great 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 at armpit level and the crotch buckle lying flat across their thighs. Some models have removable and adjustable inserts that assist parents to maintain this recommended fit.

When selecting a baby car seat, it's important to remember that children can be trapped if the straps are loose or unfastened. It's also not safe to leave a child alone in a car seat, so choose one that has an option to lock off your vehicle or an integrated lock.

Our experts test car seats to ensure they're equipped with the most safety features. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor at 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 will assist you in choosing the best car seat for your child and your vehicle.