10 Mistaken Answers To Common Car Seat For Newborn Questions Do You Know The Right Answers?

Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn? A quality car seat will keep your baby secure and comfortable while on the road. Which one is most suitable for your child? With features such as latch hooks, load legs and belt paths to consider, selecting the best infant car seat can be a challenge. Here's what you should be aware of to make the right decision for your family. Easy of Use You'll want to choose one that is easy to install and use, whether you're purchasing an infant car seat for a newborn or upgrading your toddler's seat. Take into consideration the weight and size of your child, the seat's capacity in your car, and any additional features, like a lay-flat option which can also be used as stroller. Infant-only seats are a great choice for small babies because they're generally narrower than convertible car seats and can fit newborns more snugly. They also have a harness that can support your child's head, which is fragile in the event of a collision and reduces stress on their neck and spinal cord. Convertible car seats are ideal for parents who intend to keep their children rear-facing for as long as is possible because most models allow children to sit in a rear-facing seat until they're 30 pounds or more. If you decide on a convertible car seat, you should look for one that complies with federal safety standards and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more. It's important to keep it in mind that, even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards, there are many different models available. To avoid the hassle and risk of a defective or dangerous seat, make sure you choose one approved by a reputable business or organization, and check for recent recalls and manufacturer complaints. The most rated car seats for newborns feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding and a range of recline positions. Some car seats come with additional padding on the shoulder straps and around the buckle to keep your baby comfy during long road trips. If you're driving a small vehicle, think about a small infant car seat, such as the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches wide and is easily installed in most vehicles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby, which is specifically designed for use with strollers from UPPAbaby, is a excellent option for families who require a car seat with no fuss that's easy to use. The harness that retracts automatically, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all very easy to use. Safety Features If you're in search of a secure, lightweight infant car seat to take your child for long drives or want to ensure that your child is comfortable during the duration of your ride There are some key aspects that are important to keep in mind. First, consider the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine the maximum time your child is able to safely stay in the seat. Choose a seat that is able to accommodate your child's 90th centile measurement before turning one. Consider whether you'd like to wear blankets or coats on the harness straps. The AAP cautions against this as heavy clothing may shrink in the event of a crash, making the straps too loose for your child to be restrained and increase the risk of injury. Other factors to consider are whether you're planning to attach your car seat using a belt on your vehicle or the LATCH system, and if it's compatible other strollers or travel systems. A seat that can easily fit on a base that is compatible is ideal if you intend to use it for a majority of your journeys, as you'll save time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it every time you use the vehicle. In our testing, the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for its ease of installation and adjustments, with testers saying it “has everything you need for a fast and simple installation.” This includes premium LATCH connecters that flip out of the base and turn green once fully connected. Additionally, there is a SuperCinch strap tightener for force multipliers as well as a spring-loaded leveling foot. Another option is the budget-friendly Baby Trend Secure-Lift, which we've found to be just as easy to use as other models that cost twice as much. The adjustable headrest that can be adjusted to five positions, which grows with your child's development as well as its buckle holders that are magnetic and no-rethread harness have been highly praised by our testers. The Maxi-Cosi Jade makes the perfect choice for infants because of its unique 180-degree sleeping position. This lets them sleep comfortably and longer during travel. It is also highly praised for its safety by the consumer advocate Which? calling it 'one of the safest infant car seats on the market' and ADAC giving it their highest lab rating for an infant car seat. Rear-Facing Options In most automobiles, the most secure place for a newborn is in the rear seat. The seat in the center is most away from any collision, and will shield your baby best in an accident. You should choose an infant car seat which allows your child to be backwards for around a year. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is installed correctly and that the headrest fits against your child's chest and head. Find a certified child passenger technician who can provide you with the most current guidelines for car seat installation and use. Find the nearest one here. The choice of an infant car seat for your newborn is a huge purchase that you'll likely be using for a long period of time, so it's important to choose a seat with an excellent crash test sensor and analysis score, as well as features to keep your child safe. The Clek Liing is a great option for parents who are looking for an affordable rear-facing infant car seat. rear facing infant car seat scored highly in both our sensor and analysis tests. It has a simple LATCH system that has a color change indication that indicates how buckle straps are attached properly to the car, and an extra load leg to help stop frontal collisions. Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, utilized the Graco Extension2Fit to fit her daughters who were both from birth up to age six. The adjustable harness height and size allows it to be adapted to children of all sizes and heights, including taller ones. The seat is suitable for many vehicles, and it has the weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. It also converts into an adult seat, which Trolio used with her oldest daughter until she turned 10 years older. Another affordable option is the Nuna RAVA. It does not have a base as the majority of seats, however it is still quick and easy to install using either method, thanks to its rigid LATCH connectors that flip out from the bottom of the seat and automatically turn green when secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for infants, with the harness being non-rethread and has magnetic buckle holders that allow you to attach the straps without taking your baby from the seat. It also has the ability to recline in six positions that LaBracio found to be useful. Options with a Forward-Facing In front-facing seats children's necks are held in the back of the seat instead of being pushed forward on the hard seat of a vehicle. This position protects them in collisions with other vehicles as well. Most car seats allow infants to sit rear-facing until they weigh over 20 pounds and one year old. Many experts advise that children remain rear-facing for as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when it's time for them to transition to a front-facing seat. If you are looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, be sure they meet the i-Size standards, have a padded harness pocket, and a cushioned seat headrest. Make sure you know the maximum height and weight limits, and consider purchasing a car seat that will expand with your child to a booster seat. Certain models have an all-in-one feature that allows your child to change from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward facing car seat. It's important to also consider whether the car seat will fit well in your vehicle, particularly when it has a narrow trunk or low clearance. Check the dimensions of the car seat and owner's manual of the vehicle to ensure the best fit. Choose a car seat that provides adequate support and comfort to your child. Long drives in the vehicle are more enjoyable if they can rest comfortably. This could include features such as reclined headrests and a five-point harness that can be adjusted from the rear of the seat, and a variety of recline positions. Once you've narrowed down your options, think about crash replacement policies for the car seat you're considering. These policies can vary from the manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by -case review. After you've done some research and determined the type of car seats you'd like to purchase then you can begin shopping. Take a look at the options available at your local baby store or online retailer and ask family members who have children for their recommendations. You can also request an Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you choose the right car seat for a newborn.