Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn? A car seat that is safe and secure will keep your baby safe, secure and comfortable while on the road. But which one is most suitable for your baby? The right choice for infant car seat isn't an easy task. There are a lot of features to consider such as latch hooks, belt paths and load legs. Here's what you must be aware of in order to make the right choice for your family. Easy of Use You'll need to choose an option that is easy to set up and use, whether you're buying an infant car seat for your newborn or upgrading from your toddler's seat. Take into consideration the size of the seat base and the car, how well the seat is suited to your baby's weight and height, as well as useful extra features such as a lay-flat option that can also double as a bassinet for your stroller. Infant-only seats are a good option for infants because they're typically narrower than convertible car seats and can fit infants more comfortably. They have a harness to help your child's head during an accident, which can reduce the strain on their neck or the spinal cord. Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who want to keep their child rear-facing for as long as they want. Most models let the child ride rear-facing until 30 pounds or more. Find a convertible seat that is compliant with federal safety regulations and has the weight minimum of 50 pounds. When you're looking for a car seat, it's important to remember that, even though all car seats must be in compliance with the strict NHTSA safety standards There are plenty of different models on the market. Select a car seat that has been certified by a reputable organization or company. Also, look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer. The most rated car seats for newborns feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding and a range of recline positions. Some even have additional padding around the buckle and on the shoulder harness to help your newborn stay comfortable during long road trips. If you have a smaller vehicle opt for an infant seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing that is just 17 inches wide and easy to install in most cars. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby, which is designed to be used with strollers from UPPAbaby, is a excellent option for families who want a no-fuss car seat that is easy to use. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all simple to use. Safety Features You should consider a few features when choosing the right infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure that your child is comfortable during the entire ride or are looking for a lightweight and safe car seat for your child to use for long trips, it's important to keep in mind some of the aspects. First, think about the height and weight limit of your infant car seat. This will determine the maximum time your child can safely spend in the seat. Choose a seat which goes up to the 90th centile of your child's height prior to turning 1. Also, consider whether you'd like to use a coat or blanket over the straps of the harness. The AAP cautions against this as thick clothing can shrink during a crash, leaving the straps loose enough for your child to be secured and increase the chance of injuries. Other considerations include 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. If you intend to use your car seat for a majority of your journeys in the car it is best to select one that fits easily onto the base that is compatible with it. This will reduce time and energy as you won't need to take off and reinstall your seat each time you use the car. The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, received top marks in our tests for its ease of installation and its ability to adjust. https://www.pushchairsandprams.uk/categories/baby-car-seats said it "has everything you need to ensure a fast, easy installation." This includes premium LATCH connectors that can be flipped out from the base and become green when connected, and a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener as well as a spring-loaded leveling foot. Another option is the affordable Baby Trend Secure-Lift that we've found to be just as simple to use as models that cost twice as much. Our test participants have been raving about its five-position, height-adjustable headrest that adapts to the size of your baby, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders. The Maxi-Cosi Jade is great option for newborns because of its unique 180-degree flat sleeping position which lets them sleep longer and more comfortably during travel. It's also been praised for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? declaring it to be one of the safest infant car seats on the market' and ADAC awarding it the highest lab score for an infant car seat. Rear-facing Options In most cars, the safest place for a newborn is the back seat. The seat in the middle is the furthest from any possible impact and will shield your child the best in the event of a crash. If you are able, select an infant car seat that lets your child ride rear-facing until about one year old. It is also essential to make sure the car seat is correctly installed and that the headrest is placed snugly against your child's chest and head. The easiest way to do this is to speak with an experienced child passenger safety technician, who will provide you with up-to-date recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your area here. The car seat you pick for your infant will be a major investment, and you'll use it for many years. You'll want to choose a seat that has a high crash test score as well as an analysis score. It should also have features that will keep your baby comfy. The Clek LIing is an excellent choice for parents looking for an infant rear-facing seat that is affordable. It scored well in our sensor and analysis test, has an easy-to-use LATCH system that changes color to show that the buckle straps have been properly secured to the car. It also has a load-leg to help prevent frontal collisions. Senior editor of the Strategist magazine and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her two daughters who both grew from birth until age 6. The seat's adjustable height and length help it fit all children, from tall to short. It is suitable for numerous vehicles, and has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Plus, it converts to a booster seat, which Trolio used with her oldest daughter until she turned 10 years old. Nuna RAVA is a different, affordable option. It does not have a base as many other seats, but is still very simple and quick to install using either method with its rigid LATCH connectors that slide out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green once secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for infants, with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that allow you to secure the straps without removing your baby from the seat. LaBracio also found the six-position recline useful. Forward-Facing Options Children's necks can be cradled by the back of the seat in front-facing seats rather than being pushed forward on the car seat. This also helps protect them from injuries in side crashes. Car seats typically allow infants to sit rear-facing until they weigh over 20 pounds and one year old. However, many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as they can, as their neck muscles and bones will become stronger by the time they're ready for a forward-facing seat. When considering options for forward-facing car seats make sure they meet i-Size requirements, have a padded head rest, and a deep harness pocket. Consider purchasing a car seat that can expand with your child and become a booster. Some models have an all-in-one feature that allows your child to go from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward facing car seat. It is important to consider whether the car seat will fit in your vehicle, particularly when it has a narrow trunk or low clearance. Check the dimensions of the car seat as well as the owners' manuals for your vehicle to determine the best fit. Also, make sure you choose a car seat that has comfortable and adequate support for your child's body--long trips in the car will be more bearable in the event that they rest comfortably. This may include features like reclined seat backs, a five point harness that can tighten from the back of the seat, and a variety of recline positions. Once you've narrowed down your options, you should consider crash replacement policies for the car seat you're looking at. They can be anything from a manufacturer's replacement policy to an individual case review. After you've done your research and decided what type of car seats you want then you can begin shopping. You can also ask friends with children for recommendations. You can also book an appointment for a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to assist you in choosing the best car seat for a newborn.