The 10 Scariest Things About Best Car Seat Newborn
How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn
The best car seat newborn is one that is compliant with federal safety standards, fits in your car, has useful features (like turning into a stroller) and is within your budget. It's also worth checking that the car seat for your baby clicks into and out of your car easily especially if you frequently change between trips to the taxi or in rental cars and grandparents' vehicles.
Safety
A high-quality car seat will come with additional features that go above and beyond safety standards of the federal government. These include padded cushions on the shoulders and head and also air-repellent fabric to keep them cool while driving in hot weather.
Another crucial safety aspect is the ease to set up and use the seat. Ideally, you want to be able to snap it in place with little effort and with clear indications that it's safe and level, as well as positioned properly.
Find features that make it easier to do that, like built-in locks and belt guides that can help you align the car seat to the vehicle's seatbelt. Avoid purchasing used car seats that might not have been crash-tested, or which might have been involved in an accident. They could not protect your child. If you do decide to purchase a used car seat be sure that it's on the expiration date and isn't being sold by an individual seller who does not have evidence of ownership.
It is also important to remember that you should only leave your baby in the car seat for up to two hours a day, unless you are in a flat position. This is to reduce the spine from becoming strained and to ensure that they are able to breathe regularly.
The choice of a car seat for infants is a major investment, so you'll want to be sure it has a long duration. Choose a seat that is designed to adapt to your child's needs, which will last through toddlerhood and through the teen years. One that our parent testers liked was the Axkid One i-Size, which is suitable from birth and can be used until 7 years.
The Nuna pipa air rx is a different option that can be used for a lengthy time. It can rotate 360 degrees which means you can switch it from front-facing to rear-facing as the child grows. It's also one of the most light-weight car seats available with a weight of less than nine pounds. It's a great option for parents who transfer their infant frequently between vehicles or are planning to use it for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives, and trips with grandparents.
Comfort
It is crucial that your baby is at ease in their car seat both in it and when you install it. Look for padded straps that are comfortable to wear on their shoulders, and soft fabric that feels comfortable under their stomach, especially when they are in the seat for long rides.
The best car seat for infants is also easy to use. Some have LATCH connectors of premium quality with a SuperCinch force multiplier tightener. Some also come with spring-loaded leveling legs as well as belt paths that make installing without a base simpler than ever. Other features allow you to adjust the height of the harness and headrest, which is important as your child grows.
One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate, which our parent testers gave a 10/10 for ease of use. It comes with an easy-to-use interface, and a simple-to-adjust no-rethread harness, as well as an indicator for recline and 360-degree rotation. It is easy to switch your child's position from front-facing to rear-facing as they grow, without the need to take off and replace the seat.
Another example is the Nuna Pipa aire rx, which our parents loved for its comfort, ease of use and flexibility. Its padded shoulder straps and headrest are designed to support your baby's head and includes a soft infant pillow to keep them comfy. 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 good car seat is durable and many come with a warranty. Find an item that is made up of padding and sturdy materials to safeguard your child from accidents. It should also have an aluminum frame to withstand the impact energy as well as an "crumple area" to stop damage from crashes. It is important to keep it clean as accidents are bound to happen with a child. To simplify cleaning, look for a car seat with removable covers and an easy-to-clean pad.
Ease of Use
A car seat should be simple to use and install, especially if you're likely to use it in an alternate vehicle at least once in a while. To make it as easy as possible look for features such as the quick-release belt and an indicator that shows the condition of the latch (e.g. green for locked) and a manual that is easy to read.
The best car seats of The Bump winner comes with a number of practical features that our parents appreciated, including a padded headrest and harness, plush material and a cupholder. It also comes with a reclining feature that allows your baby to sit in a more ergonomic position for longer journeys. It can be paired with a compatible buggy to make an entire travel system. This is ideal if you are planning to travel for a long time.
Our panelists reported that the car seat was simple to install and adjust. It comes with a recline lock and an upgraded connector that comes with a SuperCinch tightener. This makes it easy to ensure your child's safety. It's designed to be easily shifted from side-to-side in the vehicle without the need for tools.
One of our favorite features is the recline feature that allows you to easily get your infant into and out of the car. This is especially useful when you have back problems or have a small car. It also has an adjustable cup holder that can be reversible and a handy storage compartment for snacks and toys.
The seat is light and can be used without or with the base. It can also rotate 180 degrees, which could be a lifesaver when you have limited space or struggle with back pain. This feature was a big hit with our panelists and was awarded a place in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
This is an excellent option for those who want to convert their car seat newborn insert seats into strollers for affordable prices. Its sleek design and premium fabric will endure the test of time as well. Make sure to clean your cover frequently, as squashed yogurt spills, biscuits, and the odd sick toddler accident will be sure to leave a mark!
Design
Car seats come in a variety of designs as the vehicles they're placed in. Some parents prefer to not use infant car seats in favour of convertible models, most new moms want a product that will grow with their baby into toddlerhood. The most flexible choice is an all-in-one infant car seat, which lets you switch between rear-facing and forward-facing. It typically has a higher weight and height limit, and can be used as a booster once your child is old enough.
The ideal car seat for a newborn is lightweight and easy to lift from the base and transport your baby in it. Our testers with parents loved the Maxi-Cosi Coral, which is only available in a handful of colors, but comes with plenty of safety features and is incredibly light (at 8.4 pounds with seat inserts and canopy). 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+ due to its premium extras like the Dream drape and a full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy.
The design of the seat and base should be considered. Certain car seats have bases that lock into the seat belt buckles. Others have steel reinforced connectors for LATCH which flip out of the sides of the base once properly attached. Parents found these convenient, especially if their car only had front-facing seatbelts with no ISOFIX anchor points.
Some infant car seats can be used with a regular seatbelt, but without the base, which is a bonus for parents who regularly take taxis or need to travel with their baby. The Nuna TODL NEXT was a favorite among our testers who are parents. It can be used with or without the base and features an easy swivel that allows you to easily take your baby in and out.
The design of a car seat is important. It should fit into your car seats by age. (See our guide on car seat compatibility). If you're looking for a newborn infant car seat that will expand with your child's growth into a booster seat make sure you choose a seat with a reclined backrest and side impact protection. It is also important to ensure that your selected infant car seat is i-Size certified and has the proper car seat attachment points as per UK law.