How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn
The most suitable car seat for newborns is one that is compliant with federal safety standards, fits in your car, has useful features (like turning into the stroller) and is within your budget. It is also important to ensure that the car seat can be easily inserted into and out of any vehicle, especially when you're constantly switching between rental cars, taxis or grandparents' vehicles.
Safety
A good car seat will have extra features that are above the safety standards of the federal government. They include padded inserts for the head and shoulders and also air-repellent fabric to keep them cool when driving in hot weather.
Easy installation and use of the seat is an important aspect to consider for safety. In the ideal scenario, you'll be in a position to snap it into place with minimal effort and with clear indications that it's secure in its place, level, and placed correctly.
You can find features that aid in this process like belt guides and built-in locks to help you align the car seat with your vehicle's seatbelt. You also want to avoid purchasing used car seats, as they might not have been tested for safety or have been involved in an accident and may not protect your child. If you must purchase an old car seat, make sure that it has an expiration and that the seller isn't an individual or a private party who doesn't have evidence of ownership.
It's also important to remember that you should only allow your baby in the car seat for up to two hours a day, unless it's in a flat position. This will reduce strain on the spine of your child, and ensure that they get a chance to breath regularly.
Choosing an infant car seat is a significant investment so you'll want to make sure that it has a long life span. Choose a seat that will expand with your child and last from toddlerhood to the teen years. Our testers for parents were pleased with the Axkid i-Size. It is suitable for babies from birth and can be used up to age 7.
Nuna pipa air rx is a second option that you can use for a lengthy period of time. It can rotate 360 degrees, which means you can switch it from front-facing to rear-facing as the child grows. It's also one of the most light-weight car seats on the market, weighing less than nine pounds. It's a great choice for parents who move their child frequently between cars or plan to use it for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives and trips with grandparents.
Comfort
A quality infant car seat will be comfortable for your child, both in the seat as well as when you install it. Look for straps that are padded to are comfortable to wear on their shoulders. Also, look for soft fabric that is comfortable on their tummy, especially when they are in the seat for long rides.
The most effective infant car seats are also simple to use. Some have premium LATCH connectors with a SuperCinch force multiplier and tightener. Some have spring-loaded leveling legs and belt paths to make installation without a base easier than ever. Other features allow you to adjust the height of the harness and headrest that is essential as your child grows.
Cosatto All in All Rotate is a good example. Our testers from our parent company scored it a 10 out of 10. It has an easy-to-use interface and an easy-to-adjust no-rethread harness and also an indicator for recline and 360-degree rotation. You can easily switch your child's position from front-facing to rear-facing as they grow without having to remove and replace the seat.
Nuna Pipa Aire Rx is a similar example. Our parents who tested it loved it for its comfort simple and adaptability. Its padded shoulder straps and headrests are designed to accommodate the head of your newborn, and it comes with an infant pillow that is soft to ensure that they are comfortable. It can be used in a rear-facing position until your child is at the maximum height or weight limit. Then, it transforms to a stroller.
A high-quality car seat is durable, and some will even come with a warranty. Find a seat that has plenty of padding and durable materials to protect your child from accidents. It should also come with a steel frame to absorb the impact energy, and a "crumple area" to avoid damage from a crash. It should also be easy to clean as spills are commonplace with a baby. Look for a car seat with removable seat covers and a machine-washable pad to make cleanup a breeze.
Easy of Use
It's important that a car seat is simple to install and use, especially when it is going to be used in different vehicles periodically. To make it as easy as possible you should look for features such as the quick-release belt and an indicator that shows the state of the latch (e.g. green for locked) and a manual that is easy to read.
The Best of The Bump winner also has a number of practical extras that our parent testers loved, such as the headrest and harness that are padded with a plush material and a cup holder. It features a reclining function that allows your child to sit in an ergonomic position on longer journeys. It can be paired with a compatible buggy to make an entire travel system. This is ideal if you are planning to travel for a long duration.
Suitable from birth, our panelists found this car seat simple to set up and adjust. It comes with an indicator for recline and an exclusive LATCH connector with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, which makes the process of securing your child simple. It can also be moved from side to side of the vehicle easily without the need for tools.
The recline feature makes it easier for you to take your baby into and out of the vehicle. This is especially useful when you are suffering from back pain or drive a smaller car. It also has a reversible cup holder and a handy storage pocket for toys and snacks.
The seat weighs under nine pounds and can be set up with or without its base. It also rotates 180 degrees, which could be a huge help if you have a limited space or are suffering from back pain. This new feature impressed our panelists, and it was selected to be part of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
It's a great choice for anyone looking to transform their car seat into a stroller for an affordable price. Its sleek design and premium fabric will endure the test of time also. Just don't forget to wash your cover often as smashed biscuits, yoghurt spills, and the odd sick toddler accident are sure to leave their marks!
Design
The styles of car seats are as diverse as the vehicles they're used in. Some parents choose to skip infant car seats in favor of a convertible model. However, the majority of new mothers are looking for something that can expand with their child through toddlerhood. The most versatile option is an all-in one baby car seat that allows you to change between rear-facing and forward-facing. It typically has a higher weight and height limit and can also be used as a booster once your child is old enough.
The ideal infant car seat for newborns is lightweight and easy to remove from the base with your baby inside. The Maxi-Cosi Coral is available in only a few colors, however it comes with a wide array of safety features and is also light (8.4 pounds including seat inserts and canopy). Other standout models include the Nuna PIPA URbN, winner of Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Car Seat Group 0/0+ due to its premium features like the Dream drape and UPF 50+ full-coverage canopy.
The base and seat design should also be taken into consideration. best infant carrier car seat have bases that lock into the buckles for seat belts. Some have steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that flip out of the sides of the base once properly joined. Parents found these convenient, especially if their car only had front-facing seatbelts and no ISOFIX anchor points.
Some infant car seats are compatible with standard seatbelts that do not have the base. This is a fantastic feature for parents who travel often or take taxis with their infants. The Nuna TODL NEXT was a popular choice among our parents who tested it. It can be used either with or without the base and it has an easy swivel that allows you to easily take your baby in and out.
Also, the design of a car seat is important. It must fit into your car. (See our guide on car seat compatibility). If you're in search of a car seat that can grow with your baby as he develops into an adult, select a model with the option of reclining headrests and side impact protection. It is also important to ensure that your selected infant car seat is iSize compatible and has the right car seat attachment points, according to UK law.