Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns
For newborns with a rear-facing infant car seat is the safest option. Using a car seat incorrectly can lead to injuries or even death, so it's essential to follow manufacturer's instructions when installing.
The base of the car seat should be a bit reclined which aids in keeping the baby's head back and the chest away from the chin, lessening the risk of asphyxia.
Types
There are two kinds of car seats for newborns. There are two types of car seats for newborns such as an infant car seat and a baby convertible car seat. Both have advantages and disadvantages However, it depends on your personal preference and how you intend to use the seat. If you are planning to use the seat as part of a travel system, and will be changing vehicles frequently, an infant car seat may be the best choice. However, if you prefer the idea of an extremely durable car seat that will grow with your child into an adult booster seat and beyond the age of an convertible car seat could be better.
Infant cars seats are designed specifically for infants and newborns and are placed in the rear position and are the safest method for traveling for small ones. They are also less expensive than convertible seats, but they can have a shorter lifespan. Most seats must be replaced once your child reaches their weight or height limit (which can differ greatly between seats) or if their age group is reached.
Convertible baby chairs, or all-in-one car seats, as they are sometimes called, are designed to take your baby from birth through their toddler years, and even into their school years. Some can be used as a forward-facing seat or a rear-facing seat.
Many of the best car seats for babies can be converted and come with a range of features, including a smooth rotation function, easy harness adjustment and an foam base made of EPS, which is essentially Styrofoam. Parents appreciate these features since they make getting their babies in and out of the seat simpler, while ensuring their children are kept comfortable and secure.
When you are choosing a car seat, you need to check that it is compatible with your vehicle and features LATCH to make installation easy. It's also worth checking the safety features, including shock-absorbing materials as well as side impact protection. Consult a qualified car seat specialist if you are unsure about which seat is best for your family. They will guide you through the options and help you choose the right seat for your baby.
Safety
If you're looking for an infant car seat, convertible car seat or baby-ready travel system, you need to make sure that the product you choose meets stringent safety standards. This is particularly important for babies since they are smaller and more delicate than older children. Look for a seat that has five-point safety harnesses that attaches between the legs, around the crotch and below the shoulders when the child is facing rearwards or above the shoulders when the child is forward-facing. This secures your child, stopping them from being thrown out of the seat during a crash or sudden stop.
Ideally, you'll also choose seats that are 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 a crash and potentially obstructing the child's breathing. Also, ensure that the recline angle of the seat is in the right direction. Newborns can easily get trapped in a seat that is too upright.
It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the proper installation of your car seat. It's a good idea to consult a certified car-seat inspection technician during your pregnancy or right after the birth of your baby. A professional can guarantee the perfect installation.
Another factor to consider is compatibility with strollers. If you plan to use a stroller often you should consider a baby car seat and stroller combination that can be connected seamlessly. This is a great option for parents with busy schedules because it lets them effortlessly transfer their child from the stroller to their car and vice versa, while they are doing on errands.
Always place your seat on a solid surface (such as car seats or bases) and never on a soft one like a sofa or bed or a bed, as this could cause it to tip over. This could lead to your child being injured or even dying. If you leave your infant's or baby's seat or carrier unattended on soft surfaces can also cause suffocation.
Easy of Use
The most effective protection is only possible if the car seat is properly used every time. Unfortunatelly, many car seat injuries are the result of mistakes. Some of them include not following the product instructions, improper installation, using aftermarket products, and putting the child into the wrong position.
A quality car seat for infants will come with clear instructions for installation and features that will to ensure proper usage. Some brands, like CYBEX include visual indicators and click sounds that confirm the seat is installed correctly. This is important because studies have shown that incorrect use of a car seat could be responsible for up to 50% of all car seat-related injuries.
It is also crucial to remember to not leave your child in the car seat of an infant or in a carrier outside of a vehicle even for a short time. If left unattended, a child in a car seat or carrier could fall on soft surfaces such as couches or beds, and cause serious injuries or even death. The seats may also fall on their side which can cause an inability to breathe.
Choosing the best infant car seat for your newborn is based on a variety of factors including lifestyle and longevity. A all-in-one model may be cheaper upfront but may not work for smaller babies as well and is less flexible than a convertible car seat or booster. A lightweight, easy to install seat is essential for parents who frequently travel. Urban dwellers may prefer a seat which can be put in taxis, Uber, or other vehicle that does not have the base.
A seat that can be connected to strollers is a great choice for new parents who are looking to reduce the amount they have to carry around the city or on plane flights. This is especially the case when you plan to travel on public transportation frequently and live in a big city. Many seats can be attached to UPPAbaby's strollers to facilitate comfortable commuting. It is important to be aware of how simple it is to install the seat you want to use on vehicles without lower anchors or tether connectors, because they aren't as popular.
Convenience
Many infant car seats work with stroller travel systems which allows you to create an entire solution for child safety. This makes it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller during bad weather or at night. Always secure the seat before taking off. If you leave it in the car or in the street isn't secure and could let your child exit the seat without supervision, which could lead to injury.
Car seats for infants are designed specifically for newborns and smaller infants, featuring comfortable and secure fit and lots of extra padding to ensure safety and comfort. They're typically lighter than convertible car seats, making them easier to carry for short distances. Most infant car seats are designed to be used rear-facing and are endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the safest position for young children.
However, they have shorter lifespans than convertible car seats. Typically, children outgrow their infant car seats between the ages of nine months and a year. This means that you may require a convertible car seat sooner than you expected.
A good infant car safety seat should have a strap flat against the child’s chest as well as over their hips with the chest clip placed in the armpit of the child. The crotch buckle must be flat across the child's thighs. Some models have adjustable and removable inserts to help parents maintain this recommended fit.
It is important to keep in mind that when straps are unfastened or loose the baby could be strangled. It's also risky to leave a child in a car with no supervision. Select best infant car seat pushchairsandprams.uk with the ability to lock off your vehicle, or that has an inbuilt locking mechanism.
The car seats we test are designed to offer the best safety features possible. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor of 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 experience and knowledge can help you find the perfect seat for your child and your vehicle.