Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns
A rear-facing infant car seat is the most safest option for infants. Incorrectly using a car seat could result in injuries or even death, so it's important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer when installing.
The car seat base should be a little reclined which aids in keeping the baby's head tucked back and the chest away from the chin, decreasing the risk of positioning asphyxia.
Types
When it comes to choosing the best car seat for infants, there are two main types to take into consideration. A baby car seat and a convertible baby car seat. Both have pros and cons. It really depends on your personal preference and the way in which the seat is used. If you intend to utilize the seat as part of an itinerary and you'll be moving between vehicles often and frequently, then an infant car seat might be the better choice. If you want a car seat that will develop with your child as they become a booster or go beyond, a convertible seat is the best choice.
Car seats for infants are specially made for babies and newborns and are designed to be used in the backwards facing position. This is the most secure choice for children who are small. They are also typically less expensive than convertible car seats but 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 can vary widely between seats) or if they reach the maximum of their age group.
Convertible baby seats, also known as all-in-one car seat as they are often referred to, are designed to take your infant from birth through their toddler years and on into their school age years. Some can be used as a forward-facing seat or a rear-facing one.
A lot of the top car seats for babies are convertible and have a range of features, including smooth rotation with easy harness adjustment, and an foam base made of EPS, which is essentially Styrofoam. Parents love these features as they make getting their children in and out of the car seat easier, while ensuring that their children are safe and secure.
When you are choosing a car seat, it's important to make sure it's compatible with your vehicle and features LATCH for easy installation. It's also important to check the safety features, like shock-absorbing materials and side impact protection. If you're uncertain about the type of car seat that is best for your family, speak to an experienced car seat technician. They can guide you through the choices and help you select the appropriate seat for your baby.
Safety
Whether you're shopping for a baby car seat convertible car seat or baby-friendly travel systems it is essential to ensure that the model you select meets the strictest safety standards. This is particularly crucial for infants since they are smaller and more delicate than older children. Find a seat that has a five-point harness that is attached below the shoulders (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing), between the legs and around the crotch. This will prevent your child from being thrown from the seat in the event of an abrupt stop or crash.
It is also recommended to consider a car seat that can be connected to your vehicle with lower anchors or a seat belt. It should also include top tethers, which prevents the seat from moving forward in a collision, and blocking the airway for children. Also, ensure that the recline angle of the seat is right. Infants can easily become stuck in a seat that is too upright.
Be sure to follow all manufacturer's guidelines regarding proper installation for the model you have chosen. It is recommended to work with a certified car seat inspector during pregnancy and/or after the birth of your child, as this expert can assist you to ensure that your installation is flawless every time.
It is also a factor to think about. If you are planning to frequently use a stroller you should consider a baby car seat and stroller combo that clicks together seamlessly. This is a great option for parents who are busy, since it is simple to move your child from the car to the stroller and back while you run errands, or take strolls with the family.
Always use your seat on a solid surface (such as a car seat or base) and never on a soft one, such as a sofa or bed, as this can cause it to tip over. This could lead to your child being injured, or even killed. In the event that you leave your baby's infant or baby's car seat or carrier in a car unsupervised on soft surfaces could lead to suffocation.
Easy to Use
The best protection is possible if the car seat is used correctly every time. Unfortunately, many car seat injuries are caused by mistakes. Some of them include not following the manufacturer's instructions, incorrect installations, using aftermarket products, and putting the child into the wrong position.
A quality infant car seat will have clear instructions for installation and features that will ensure proper use. Certain brands, such as CYBEX have even included visual indicators and click sounds to assure that the seat is fitted correctly. This is crucial because studies have found that improper use of car seats could be responsible for up to half of all injuries attributed to car seats.
It is also important to remember that you should never leave your baby in the car seat of an infant or a baby carrier in a vehicle even for a short duration. A baby left unattended in the safety seat could fall and land on soft surfaces like couches or beds, causing serious injury or even death. The seats can also slide over on their sides, resulting in an inability to breathe.
The best infant car seat will depend on a number of aspects, such as your lifestyle and the long-term durability of the seat. All-in-one seats are less expensive initially however they might not suit smaller infants as well, and are less flexible than a convertible or booster car seat. A lightweight, easy to install seat is vital for parents who frequently travel. Urban dwellers might prefer a seat that can be used in a taxi, Uber, or other vehicle without the base.
A seat that is attached to strollers is excellent option for families who want to reduce the amount of baggage they need to carry in the city or on flights. This is especially true if you live in a city, and plan to use public transportation frequently, as many seats can be connected to an UPPAbaby stroller to allow for easy, quick journeys. Lastly, you should be attentive to the ease of installing your chosen 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 be connected to a stroller system to create a complete child safety gear solution. This makes it much easier to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller during bad weather or at night. Make sure to secure the seat prior to leaving the car. Leaving it in the car or in the street isn't secure and could let your child exit the stroller without supervision and could result in injuries.
Infant car seats are specifically made for infants and babies who are smaller. They provide a snug and secure fit, and plenty of padding for comfort and security. They are usually lighter than convertible car seat which makes them more convenient to transport over short distances. Most infant car seats are made to be used rear facing which is recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the most secure position for children in the early years.
They have a shorter life span than convertible car seats. Children typically outgrow their infant seats between nine months and a year. This means that you could require convertible car seats sooner than you anticipated.
car seats by age will come with a harness strap that lies flat against the child's chest and over their hips with the chest clip placed at the armpit level, and the crotch buckle laid flat across their thighs. Some models come with removable and adjustable inserts to help parents maintain this recommended fit.
When selecting a baby car seat, it's important to remember that babies can be trapped if the straps are loose or not secured. It's also risky to allow a child to be in a car without a guardian. Select a seat with the ability to lock off your vehicle, or one that has an integrated locking mechanism.
The car seats we test are designed to offer the best possible safety features. Bob Hoffman, our Senior Review Editor, has more car seat installation and scoring experience than anyone on the planet, and he's joined by mom of two boys Wendy Schmitz, Senior Reviews Editor, and Abriah Wofford an Analyst for Senior Reviews who's been testing seats since the year 2016. Our team's expertise and knowledge will assist you in choosing the right seat for both your child and your vehicle.