How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn
The most suitable car seat for a baby is one that meets all safety standards of the federal government and is compatible with your vehicle. It should also include practical extras, such as the capability to convert into a stroller and be within your budget. Also, make sure that the car seat is easily removed and put into of any vehicle, especially when you frequently switch between taxis, rental cars or the vehicles of your grandparents.
Safety
Car seats are designed to keep your baby safe and a safe one should have some additional features that go beyond the federal safety standards. These include padded inserts on the shoulders and head and air-repellent fabrics to keep them cool when driving in hot weather.
Another important safety consideration is the ease to set up and use the seat. Ideally, the seat must be easy to install and use, as well as clear indicators of its height, position, and security.
Look for features that make it easier to do this, such as built-in lock offs and belt guides that help you align the car seat with the vehicle's seat belt. Avoid buying used car seats that may not have been tested for safety, or which might have been involved in an accident. They might not be safe for your child. If you have to buy a used car seat, ensure that it has an expiration and that the seller is not an individual or a private party who does not have evidence of ownership.
It's also important to remember that you should only leave your child in the car seat for up to two hours per day, unless it is in an upright position. This is to prevent the spine from becoming strained and to ensure they get a chance to breathe regularly.
You'll want a seat that will last a long time, because it's a major investment. Find one that's designed to adapt with your child and will last into toddlerhood and into the teen years. Our parents were impressed with the Axkid i-Size. It is suitable for children as young as birth and is able to be used up to age 7.
Nuna pipa air rx is a second option that can be used for a long time. It rotates 360 degrees, so you can change it from rear-facing into front-facing as the child grows. It is also one of lightest rotating car seat on the market that weighs less than nine pounds. It's the ideal choice for parents who often transfer their children between cars or are planning on using it for taxi rides, fly-drive holidays and trips to grandparent's homes.
Comfort
It is crucial that your baby feels at ease in their car seat both in it and after you install it. Look for padded straps that fit snugly on their shoulders and plush fabric that is soft under their stomach, especially if they will be in the seat for long drives.
The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. Some come with premium LATCH connectors with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, spring-loaded leveling feet as well as belt paths that make putting them on without the base easier than ever. Other features allow you to adjust the height of the harness and headrest which is crucial as your child grows.
One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate, which our parent testers gave a 10/10 for its ease of use. It has a clear and simple interface, no-rethread, easy-to-change harness, 360-degree rotation, as well as recline lock indicator. It is easy to switch your child's seat from front-facing to rear-facing as they grow, without needing to take out and replace the seat.
Nuna Pipa Aire Rx is a different example. Our testers who were parents loved it for its ease of use simple and adaptability. Its padding for the shoulder straps and headrests are designed to support the head of your baby, and comes with a soft pillow for comfort. It can be used as a rear-facing car seat up until your baby reaches the maximum weight or height limits and can also be converted into a stroller without the need for an additional adapter.
A quality car seat is durable, and some even have a warranty. Choose an item that is made up of padding and strong materials to safeguard your child from any accidents. It should also come with steel frames to absorb the force of impact, and a "crumple area" to prevent crash damage. It should be easy to clean, as accidents are sure to happen with the growing age of a child. Find car seats that have removable seat covers and a machine-washable pad to make cleaning a breeze.
Easy to Use
A car seat must be simple to install and use especially if you're going to be using it in the same vehicle from time to time. Look for features like a quick-release buckle, a gauge that indicates the state of the latch system (e.g., green for locked) and a clear, easy-to-read guide to make it as simple as you can.
The Best of The Bump winner comes with a number of practical features that our testers for parents loved, such as a cushioned headrest and harness, plush material, and cup holders. It features a reclining function that allows your child to sit in a comfortable position during longer journeys. It can also be combined with a buggy that is compatible to create a complete travel system, which is perfect if you are planning to travel for long durations of time.
Suitable from birth, our panelists found this car seat simple to set up and adjust. It has a recline lock and a premium connector with a SuperCinch tightener. This made it easy to secure your child. It's also designed to be moved from side-to-side inside the vehicle without the necessity of tools.
The reclining feature helps you to take your baby out and into the vehicle. This is particularly useful for those who have back pain or drive a car with a small size. It also features a reversible drink holder, as well as a handy storage compartment for snacks and toys.
The seat is light and can be used in conjunction with or without the base. It also rotates 180 degrees, which can be a huge help if you have a limited space or are suffering from back pain. Our panelists were awed by this feature, which won a spot in our 2021 Mother&Baby awards.
This is a great option for those who want to convert their car seats into strollers for a reasonable price. Its sleek design and premium material will also stand the test of time. Just don't forget to wash your cover often because smashed yogurt spills, biscuits, and the occasional sick toddler accident are sure to leave their footprints!
best car seat of car seats are as varied as the cars they're placed in. Some parents opt to not use an infant car seat and opt for convertible models. However, most new mothers want something that can develop with their child as they reach toddlerhood. All-in-one car seats are most flexible that allow you to change between forward-facing and rear-facing. It usually has a higher weight and height limit, and can be used as a booster seat when your child is ready to be one.
A great car seat for your infant newborn car seat is light, making it easy to lift from the base and then carry your child. The Maxi-Cosi Coral is available in only a few colors, however it comes with a wide array of safety features and is light (8.4 pounds including canopy and seat inserts). Other standout models include the Nuna PIPA URbN which was the winner of Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Car Seat Group 0/0+, thanks to its high-end extras such as the Dream drape and UPF 50+ full-coverage canopy.
The design of the base and seat must be taken into consideration. Some car seats have an attached base that is locked into the buckles for seat belts. Others have steel reinforced connectors for LATCH which flip out of the sides of the base once properly connected. These were a great option for parents, particularly in the case of vehicles with only front-facing seatbelts.
Some infant car seats can be utilized with a regular seatbelt that is not base-less this is a great benefit for parents who frequently travel by taxi or travel with their baby. The Nuna TODL NEXT was a popular choice among our parent testers. It can be used either with or without the base and it has an easy swivel that allows you to easily get your baby inside and out.
The design of car seats is vital. It should be able to fit in your car. (See our guide on car seat compatibility). If you're looking for a car seat that will grow with your baby into a booster, choose a model with a reclining headrest and side impact protection. It's also important to confirm that the infant car seat is iSize certified and has the proper car seat attachment points, in accordance with UK law.