The 10 Scariest Things About Best Car Seat Newborn
How to Choose the best infant car seat Car Seat Newborn
The best car seat newborn is one that is compliant with federal safety standards, is compatible with your vehicle, comes with useful extras (like turning into strollers) and works with your budget. Also, make sure that the car seat is easily inserted into and out of any vehicle, especially when you're constantly switching between taxis, rental cars or the vehicles of your grandparents.
Safety
A high-quality car seat will come with additional features that are above the safety standards of the federal government. These include padded cushions on the shoulders and head as well as air-repellent fabric to keep them cool when driving in hot weather.
Another important safety consideration is the ease to set up and use the seat. Idealy, the seat should be simple to install and use, with clear indicators of its level and position as well as security.
You can find features that make this easier like belt guides and built-in lockoffs which will assist you in aligning the car seat with the seat belt of your vehicle. Avoid purchasing used car seats that might not have been tested for safety or been involved in an accident. They might not be safe for your child. If you do decide to purchase an old one ensure that it's on the expiration date and isn't being sold by an individual seller who doesn't have evidence of ownership.
Another thing to keep in your mind is to keep your baby in the car seat for up to 2 hours per day unless they are in a lie-flat position. This will prevent strain on the spine of your child and ensure they have a chance to breathe regularly.
The choice of a car seat for infants is a significant investment, so you'll want to make sure that it has a lengthy life span. Choose a seat that is designed to adapt with your child, which will last through toddlerhood and into the teen years. One of the ones our parents loved was the Axkid One i-Size, which is suitable from the time of birth and can be used until 7 years old.
The Nuna pipa air rx is an alternative that can be used for a lengthy time. It can rotate 360 degrees which means that you can switch it from rear-facing to front-facing as your child grows. It's also among the lightest-weight car seats available and weighs less than nine pounds without its base. It's a great choice for parents who need to move their infant frequently between vehicles or plan to make use of it for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives, and trips with grandparents.
Comfort
It is important that your baby feels comfortable in their car seat, both in it and when you install it. Find straps with padding that fit snugly on their shoulders, and soft fabric that is comfortable on their tummy, especially if they will be in the seat for long drives.
The best infant car seat is also easy to use. Some have LATCH connectors of premium quality that feature a SuperCinch force multiplier that tightens the seat. Some come with spring-loaded leveling legs and belt paths that make installing without a base simpler than ever. Other features allow you to adjust the height of the harness and headrest that is essential as your child grows.
One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate that our testers from the past scored 10/10 for ease of use. It features an easy, clear interface and an easy-to-adjust, no-rethread harness, as well as recline lock indicators and 360-degree rotation. This means you can switch from rear-facing to forward-facing as your baby grows without needing to remove the seat and replace it.
Another instance is the Nuna Pipa aire rx, which our parents loved for its convenience, comfort and flexibility. Its padded shoulder straps and headrests are designed to accommodate the head of your newborn and includes a soft infant pillow to ensure they are comfortable. It can be used in a back-facing position until your child reaches the maximum height or weight limit. It then converts into a stroller.
A high-quality car seat is durable, and some come with a warranty. Find the seat with plenty of padding and strong materials to protect your child from accidents. It should also include a steel frame to absorb the force of impact and an "crumple area" to stop damage from crashes. It is also easy to clean as messes are inevitable when you have a baby. To make cleaning easier, search for a car seat with removable covers and a machine washable pad.
User-Friendliness
It's important that a car seat be simple to install and use, particularly when it is going to be used in multiple vehicles from time to time. To make it as easy as possible look for features like a quick-release belt, an indicator to show the condition of the latch (e.g. green for locked) and a user manual that is easy to read.
The Best of The Bump winner has many practical extras that our testers for parents loved, such as a cushioned headrest and harness, plush material and cup holders. It features a reclining function that lets your child sit in a comfortable position during longer journeys. It can also be used with a compatible buggy to create an entire travel system which is ideal if are planning to travel for long durations of time.
Our panelists reported that the car seat was easy to put in and adjust. It comes with a recline lock indicator and an exclusive LATCH connector with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, which makes securement of your child quick and simple. It can also be moved from side to side in the vehicle without the need for tools.
One of our favorite features is the reclining feature that helps you get your infant into and out of the car seat newborn insert. This is particularly helpful when you have back problems or drive a car with a small size. It also features the ability to change the drink holder as well as a convenient storage compartment for toys and snacks.
The seat is lightweight and can be used in conjunction with or without the base. It can also be rotated around 180 degrees. This is an excellent option if you're limited on space or suffer from back pain. This feature has impressed our panelists and was selected to be part of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
This is a great choice for those who want to convert their car seats into strollers for affordable prices. Its streamlined design and high-quality fabric will last for a long time also. Don't forget to wash the cover regularly because yoghurt spills and biscuits that have been crushed, or even sick toddler accidents can leave a mark.
Design
Car seat designs are as diverse as the cars they're used in. Some parents choose to skip infant car seats in favor of convertible models. However, the majority of new mothers prefer a product that can expand with their child through the age of toddlerhood. All-in-one car seat are the most flexible, allowing you to switch between forward-facing and rear-facing. It usually has a higher weight and height limit, and can also be used as a booster once your child is old enough.
A great car seat for your infant newborn is lightweight which makes it easy to lift it from the base and carry with your child. Our parents loved the Maxi-Cosi Coral, which is only available in a handful of colors, but has a lot of safety features and is incredibly lightweight (at 8.4 pounds with seat inserts and canopy). Nuna PIPA URbN is another model that stands out since it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards best car seat for newborn uk Car Seat Group category for 0/0+ due to features that are high-end, like the Dream drape and a fully-covered canopy with UPF 50+.
The base and seat design should be considered. Some car seats have a base that locks into the vehicle buckles for the seat belts. Others have steel reinforced connectors for LATCH that flip out of the sides of the base once properly joined. These were convenient for parents, particularly in the case of vehicles with only front-facing seat belts.
Certain infant car seat travel car seats work with regular seatbelts, but without the base. This is an excellent feature for parents who travel frequently or travel with their children. The Nuna TODL NEXT was a top pick among our parents who tested it. It can be used with or without the base, and features a smooth swivel that makes it easier to take your baby in and out.
Other important considerations for design are whether the car seat is a flat design, and how it is compatible with your car (see our guide to car seat compatibility). If you are looking for a new infant car seat that can grow along with your child's growth into a booster seat pick a model with an adjustable backrest as well as side impact protection. Make sure the infant car seat you select is iSize-compliant and has the proper car seat attachment points, as required by UK law.
