Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns
For infants with an infant car seat that is rear-facing is the most secure option. Incorrectly using a car seat could result in injuries or even death, so it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing.
The base of the car seat should be slightly retracted. This will help to keep the baby's chin and head off their chest, reducing the chance of asphyxia from a position.
Types
When choosing a car seat for newborns there are two primary types to consider. A baby car seat and convertible baby car seats. Both have their advantages and disadvantages however it all depends on your the individual preference and how you plan on using the seat. If you intend to utilize the seat as part of an itinerary and you will be changing vehicles often and frequently, then an infant car seat might be the best choice. If you're looking for a durable car seat that can grow with your child into an adult booster seat and beyond the age of the convertible car seat might be better.
Infant cars seats are designed specifically for infants and newborns and are always placed in the rear position, which is the safest method of travel for the little babies. These seats are typically cheaper, but they have a shorter life-span than convertible car seats. The majority of seats need to be replaced once your child reaches their limit of their weight or height (which can differ greatly between seats) or if their age group is reached.
Convertible car seats, also referred to as all-in-one carseats, are designed to carry your infant from their birth through their toddler years, and even into their school years. They are typically used as a rear-facing or forward-facing seat, and some can be transformed into an adult booster seat.
A lot of the top car seats for babies are convertible and have many features, such as a smooth rotation function, easy harness adjustment and an foam base made of EPS, which is basically Styrofoam. These features are a favorite among parents because they make it simpler to take their infants in and out of their seats, while ensuring that their child is safe and comfortable.
It is important to ensure that the car seat you select is compatible with your car, and it also has LATCH for easy installation. Also, you should look for safety features like shock-absorbing material and side impact protection. If you're not sure which type of seat is the best fit for your family, talk to an experienced car seat technician. They'll be able talk about your options and help you choose the best seat for your baby.
Safety
It is essential to ensure whether the model you choose has been tested to meet the highest safety standards, regardless of whether you are looking for a convertible car seat or an infant car seat a travel system ready for your baby. This is particularly important for babies since they are smaller and more delicate than older children. Choose a seat that has a five-point safety harness that is attached between the legs between the crotch and below the shoulders when the child is facing rearwards or above the shoulders when the child is facing forward. This secures your child, stopping them from being thrown out of the seat in the event of an accident or sudden stop.
It is recommended to seek out an item that is connected to the vehicle using either lower anchors or seat belt, and offers an upper tether that stops the car seat from moving forward in the event of a crash, and possibly obstructing breathing of the child. Also, make sure that the recline angle of the seat is right. Infants can easily become trapped in a seat that is too forward.
It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation of your model. It's a good idea to seek out a certified car seat inspection technician during your pregnancy or immediately after the birth of your baby. This professional can ensure a perfect installation.
The compatibility of strollers is a further aspect to take into consideration. If you are planning to use your stroller frequently then you should think about an infant car and stroller set-up that connects seamlessly. This is a great option for parents who are busy as it allows them to easily transfer their child from the stroller to the car and vice versa while they are running on errands.
Always make sure you place your seat on hard surfaces (like car seat bases or a car) and do not place it on soft ones, such as couches or beds or a couch, as these could cause the seat to tip over, possibly causing injury or even death to your child. Unattended infant/baby seats or carriers on soft surfaces may also cause suffocation.
Ease of Use
A car seat can only provide the best protection if it is used properly every time. Unfortunatelly, many car seat injuries are the result of mistakes. Some of these include not following the manufacturer's instructions, incorrect installations or using products from aftermarket, and putting the child into an incorrect position.
A high-quality car seat for infants will come with clear instructions for installing and features that help to ensure proper usage. Certain brands, like CYBEX have visual indicators or click sounds that confirm that the seat has been installed correctly. This is important because studies have revealed that the incorrect use of a car seat is responsible for as much as half of all injuries caused by car seats.
It is also crucial to keep in mind that you should not leave your child in the car seat of an infant or a baby carrier outside of a vehicle even for a brief period of time. Unsupervised children in the safety seat could fall and fall onto soft surfaces, such as couches or beds, causing serious injury or even death. The seats can also be flipped over onto their sides, leading to an inability to breathe.
Selecting the right car seat for your infant is based on a variety of factors including the type of lifestyle and longevity. All-in-one car seats are less expensive initially however they may not be able to accommodate smaller babies as well and may be less versatile than a convertible or a booster car seat. For parents who intend to travel frequently and require a light, easy-to-install seat is a must, while urban dwellers will likely want seats that can be easily installed without a base and can be used in a taxi or Uber.
A seat that integrates with strollers is a great option for new parents who want to minimize the amount of equipment they have to carry around town or during airplane flights. This is especially applicable if you reside in a city and plan to frequent public transportation, as many seats can be attached to an UPPAbaby stroller, which allows for easy, quick journeys. Additionally, you must be aware of the ease of putting in your seat in vehicles that do not have lower anchors or tethers, as they aren't commonly found in many models.
newborn car seat can be used with stroller travel systems that allow you to design a an entire solution for child safety. This makes it simple to move a sleepy baby from your car to a stroller even in rainy weather and at night. Always secure the seat before driving off. If you leave it in the car or on the streets isn't secure and could let your child leave the seat unattended, which could lead to injury.
Infant car seats are made specifically for newborns and smaller infants, with comfortable and secure fit and lots of extra padding to ensure safety and comfort. They're generally lighter than convertible car seats, making them easy to carry for short distances. Most infant car seats can be used rear-facing, which is the position recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
However they are less durable than convertible car seats. Children usually outgrow their infant seats between nine months and one year. This means that you may need to upgrade to a convertible car seat sooner than you anticipated.
A great infant car seat will come with straps for harnesses that lie flat against the child's chest and over their hips with the chest clip at armpit level and the crotch buckle laid flat across their thighs. Some models have removable and adjustable inserts to aid parents in maintaining the recommended fit.
When choosing an infant car seat, it is important to keep in mind that children can be strangled if the straps become loose or unfastened. It's also unsafe to leave a child unattended in a car seat therefore, choose a seat that has the option of locking off your vehicle, or a built-in lock.
The car seats that our experts test are engineered to offer the highest level of safety. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor of 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 right seat for both your child and vehicle.