How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn
The most suitable car seat for a baby is one that meets all federal safety standards and fits your vehicle. It should also include useful extras, like the capability to convert into a stroller, and be within your budget. Also, make sure that the car seat can be easily clicked into and out of any vehicle, particularly when you frequently switch between taxis, rental cars or your grandparents' vehicles.
Safety
Car seats are designed to ensure your baby is safe, and a good one should have some additional features that go beyond the federal safety standards. They include padded inserts for the head and shoulders as well as air-repellent fabric to keep them cool while driving in hot weather.
Another crucial safety aspect is how easy it is to install and use the seat. In the ideal scenario, you'll be capable of snapping it in place with minimum effort, and with clear signs that it's safe, level, and positioned correctly.
You can find features that help you with this, such as belt guides and built-in lockoffs which will assist you in aligning the car seat to your car's seatbelt. Avoid purchasing used car seats that may not have been tested for safety or have been involved in an accident. They might not be safe for your child. If you are forced to purchase a used car seat, ensure that it is not expired. an expiration date and that the seller is not an individual or a private party who doesn't have proof of ownership.
It's also important to remember that you should only leave your child in the car seat up to two hours a day, unless it's in an upright position. This will reduce strain on the spine of your child, and ensure that they get a chance to breathe regularly.
Choosing an infant car seat is a significant investment so you'll want to make sure that it has a lengthy life span. Choose a seat that is designed to adapt with your child and will last into toddlerhood and through the teen years. One of the ones our parents loved was the Axkid One i-Size that is suitable for children from the time of birth and can be used up to 7 years.
The Nuna pipa aire rx is another option that can be used for a long time. It is 360-degree in rotation that means you can change it from front-facing to rear-facing as your child grows. It's also among the lightest car seats that rotate on the market, and weighs less than nine pounds without its base. It's a great choice for parents who often move their children between vehicles or plan to use it for taxi rides, fly-drive holidays and trips to grandparent's homes.
Comfort
It is important that your child is at ease in their car seat both when they are in it as well as when you install it. Look for padded straps that fit comfortably on their shoulders and plush fabric that is comfortable on their stomach, particularly if they will be in the seat for long rides.
The best infant car seats are easy to use. Some come with premium LATCH connectors that feature a SuperCinch force multiplier tightener. Some also come with spring-loaded leveling legs as well as belt paths to make installation without a base much easier than ever. Other features let you adjust the height of the headrest and harness, which is important as your child grows.
One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate test, which our parents gave a 10/10 for its ease of use. It features an easy, clear interface and an easy-to-adjust, no-rethread harness and also an indicator for recline and 360-degree rotation. This means that you can change from rear-facing to forward-facing as your child grows without having to remove the seat and replace it.
Another example is the Nuna Pipa air rx which our parents loved for its convenience, comfort and its versatility. Its padding for the shoulder straps and headrest are designed to accommodate the head of your baby and includes an extra soft pillow to ensure comfort. It can be used in a back-facing position until your child reaches the maximum weight or height limit. It then converts into a stroller.
A good car seat is durable and many come with a warranty. Find a seat that has sturdy materials and plenty of padding to shield your baby from any accidents as well as a steel frame that absorbs the impact energy and has a "crumple zone" to prevent damage. It must also be easy to clean as messiness is inevitable when you have a baby. Look for a car seat with removable seat covers and a machine-washable pad to make cleaning a breeze.
Easy to Use
A car seat should be easy to install and use, especially if you're likely to be using it in a different vehicle from time to time. To make it as simple as possible, look for features like the quick-release belt as well as an indicator to indicate the state of the latch (e.g. green for locked) and a manual that is easy to read.
The Best of The Bump winner comes with a number of practical features, which our parent testers loved, such as a cushioned headrest and harness, plush fabric, and the cup holder. It also has a reclining feature that allows your child to be seated in a more comfortable position for longer trips. It can be combined with a compatible buggy for a complete travel system. This is ideal for those who plan to travel for a long time.
Our panelists reported that the car seat was simple to set up and adjust. It comes with a recline lock indicator and an exclusive LATCH connector with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener which made securing your child quick and simple. It's also designed to be moved from side-to-side inside the vehicle without the need for tools.
The recline feature makes it easier for you to take your baby in and out of the vehicle. This is particularly helpful when you have back pain or have a small car. It also has an adjustable drink holder that can be reversible, and a handy storage compartment for toys and snacks.
The seat is light and can be used in conjunction with or without the base. It can also be rotated around 180 degrees. This is a fantastic option if you're limited on space or have back pain. This feature was a big hit with our panelists, and was awarded a place in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
It's a great option for those who want to transform their car seat into a stroller at an affordable price. Its sleek design and premium material will also stand the test time. Make sure to clean your cover regularly as smashed biscuits, yoghurt spills and the occasional sick toddler accident are sure to leave their mark!
Design
The designs of car seats are as diverse as the vehicles they're installed in. While some parents opt to leave infant car seats out in favour of a convertible model, most new mothers want a seat that can grow with their baby into toddlerhood. All-in-one car seat are the most versatile, allowing you to switch between forward-facing and rear-facing. infant car seats that swivel pushchairsandprams has a higher weight and height limit, and can also be used as a booster when your child is old enough.
The ideal car seat for a newborn car seat is light and easy to lift it from the base and then carry your child. The Maxi-Cosi Coral is available in only a handful of colors however it comes with a wide array of safety features and is lightweight (8.4 pounds, including canopy and seat inserts). Other models that stand out are the Nuna PIPA URbN, winner of Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Car Seat Group 0/0+ with its high-end extras like the Dream drape and full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy.
The design of the base and the seat should also be considered. Some car seats have an attached base that is locked into the vehicle seat belt buckles. Others have steel reinforced connectors for LATCH that slide out of the sides of the base when properly joined. These were convenient for parents, especially when the vehicle only had front-facing seat belts.
Some infant car seats can be utilized with a regular seatbelt without the base, which is a bonus for parents who frequently take taxis or need to travel with their child. Our parents who tested it really enjoyed the Nuna TODL NEXT, which can be used with or without its base. It features a smooth swivel movement that makes it simple to get your infant out and in the seat.
Other important considerations for design are whether a car seat comes with a lie flat design, and how well it will fit into your specific car (see our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're looking for a new infant car seat that will develop with your child's development into a booster seat, choose a model that features a reclined backrest and side impact protection. Make sure that the infant car seat you select is iSize-compliant and also has the appropriate car seat attachment points, as required by UK law.