Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns

A rear facing infant car seat-facing infant car seat is the safest choice for newborns. Using a car seat incorrectly could cause injuries or even death, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing.

The base of the car seat needs to be slightly pulled back. This will help to keep the baby's head and chin off their chest, reducing the risk of sustaining asphyxia in a position.

Types

When selecting a car seat for newborns there are two primary kinds to be considered. There are two kinds of car seats for newborns that include an infant car seat and a baby convertible car seat. Both have advantages and disadvantages. It all is a matter of personal preference and the way in which the seat is utilized. If you plan to use the seat as part of a travel system, and you will be changing vehicles frequently, an infant car seat might be better suited. If you are looking for a car seat that can develop with your child as they become a booster or go beyond, a convertible seat is the best option.

infant car seat that swivels car seats are designed for newborns and babies and are designed to be used in the reverse facing position. This is the most secure option for traveling with small children. These seats are typically cheaper, but they have a shorter life-span than convertible newborn car seat insert seats. The majority of seats need to be replaced when your child is at the limit of their weight or height (which can differ greatly between seats), or if their age is reached.

Convertible baby chairs, or all-in-one car seats as they are often called are designed to carry your infant from birth up through their toddler years, and even into their school age years. They can be used as a forward or rear-facing seat, and some may be converted into an adult booster seat.

Many of the best car seats for infants can be converted and come with a range of features, like smooth rotation with easy harness adjustment, and an EPS foam base that is basically Styrofoam. Parents appreciate these features since they make getting their babies in and out of the seat much simpler, while ensuring their children are comfortable and secure.

It is essential to ensure that the car seat you select is compatible with your vehicle and it also has LATCH that allows for quick and easy installation. Also, you should look at the safety features, including shock-absorbent materials and side impact protection. If you're not sure the type of car seat that is right for your family, speak to a qualified car seat technician. They will guide you through the choices and help you select the appropriate seat for your baby.

Safety

Whether you're shopping for an infant car seat convertible car seat or baby-friendly travel systems it is essential be sure that the one you choose meets stringent safety standards. This is especially crucial for infants since they are smaller, lighter and more fragile than older children. Look for a seat with a five-point harness that attaches to the shoulders below (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing) or between the legs and around the crotch. This will stop your child from being thrown from the seat in the event of a sudden stop or crash.

You'll also want to find a car seat that is connected to your vehicle with lower anchors or the seat belt. It should also include an upper tether that will stop the seat from advancing in a accident, and also obstructing a child's airway. Make sure the recline angle is correct as well, since newborns are often trapped in a car seat that's too high up.

It is important to follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure the proper installation of your model. It is recommended to consult an approved car seat inspector during pregnancy or after the birth of your child. this professional can help you get the perfect installation every time.

It is also a aspect to take into consideration. If you intend to use your stroller often you should consider an infant car and stroller combination that connects seamlessly. This is a great choice for parents with a busy schedule, since it makes it easy to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller and vice versa while running errands or taking a family walk.

Finally, always use your seat on hard surfaces (like a car seat base or a car) and do not place it on soft surfaces, 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. If you leave your infant's or baby's seat or carrier unsupervised on soft surfaces could lead to the suffocation of your child.

User-Friendliness

A car seat will only provide the best protection if it is used properly each time. Unfortunately, a significant number of injuries involving car seats are caused by errors. These include not following the product instructions, incorrect installation or using accessories from aftermarket, and placing the child in an improper position.

To reduce the chance of error, a reliable infant car seat will have easy-to-read installation instructions and features that help to ensure that the seat is used correctly. Some brands, like CYBEX have even included visual indicators and click sound that assure that the seat is fitted correctly. This is crucial as studies have shown that incorrect use of a car seat could be responsible for up to half of all injuries caused by car seats.

You should also be aware that you should never leave your infant in the car seat or in a carrier, even if it is only for a few minutes. Unattended, a baby in a safety car seat or carrier could fall on soft surfaces like couches or beds, causing serious injury or even death. The seats could also tip over on their sides, resulting in suffocation.

Selecting the right infant car seats that swivel car seat for your baby depends on many factors, such as lifestyle and longevity. All-in-one car seats are less expensive initially, but they may not suit smaller infants as well and may be less versatile than a convertible or booster car seat. For parents who plan to travel often, a lightweight, easy-to-install seat is essential, while urban dwellers will likely want an option that is easily installed without a base and can be used in taxis or Uber.

A seat that is connected to strollers is a excellent option for families who are looking to reduce the amount of luggage they carry around the city or on flights. This is true in the event that you intend to commute via public transport often and live in a major city. Many seats can be paired with UPPAbaby's strollers for easy, and simple commutes. Lastly, you should be attentive to the ease of putting in your seat in vehicles that don't have lower anchors or tether connections, as these are less commonly found in many models.

Convenience

Many infant car seats work with stroller travel systems that allow you to design a an all-inclusive solution for child safety. This makes it easier to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller during bad weather or at night. Be sure to secure the seat in the stroller prior to you drive off. It's not safe to leave it in the car or even on the road. Your baby could be injured if they leave the seat without supervision.

Car seats for infants are specially designed for babies and infants who are smaller. They have a snug and secure fit and plenty of padding for comfort and security. They're typically lighter than convertible car seat For newborn seats, making them easy to carry on short trips. Most infant car seats can be used rear-facing this is the recommended position by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

They last a shorter time than convertible car seats. In general, children outgrow infant car seats between the ages of nine months and a year. You may need to upgrade your car seat to a convertible one earlier than you anticipated.

A great infant car seat should have straps for harnesses that lie flat against the child's chest and over their hips with the chest clip located at the armpit level, and the crotch buckle laid flat across their thighs. Some models have removable and adjustable inserts to help parents achieve the recommended fit.

It's important to remember that if the straps are loose or unfastened children could be strangled. It's also dangerous to leave a child in a car without supervision. Select a seat that has a lockoff function for your vehicle, or that has an integrated locking mechanism.

The car seats our experts test are designed to provide the best possible safety features. Bob Hoffman, our Senior Review Editor, has more car seat installation and scoring expertise than anyone on the planet He's joined by mom of two boys Wendy Schmitz, Senior Reviews Editor and Abriah Wofford who is a Senior Review Analyst who has been testing seats since 2016. Our team's expertise and knowledge will help you select the best seat for your child and vehicle.