Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns
A rear-facing infant car seat is the safest choice for infants. Incorrectly using a car seat could result in injury or death, so it is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer when installing.
The base of the car seat needs to be slightly reclined. This will help keep the baby's chin and head off their chests, reducing the chance of asphyxia from a position.
Types
When it comes to choosing a car seat suitable for infants, there are two main kinds to be considered. An infant car seat and convertible baby car seats. Both have pros and cons. It depends on your personal preference and the way in which the seat will be utilized. If you intend to use the seat as part of an automobile travel system, and will be moving vehicles frequently, an infant car seat might be better suited. If rear facing infant car seat want an automobile seat that will grow with your child and become a booster or even beyond, a convertible seat is the best option.
Infant cars seats are designed specifically for infants and newborns and are designed to be used in the rear-facing position and are the safest method for traveling for small ones. They are also generally cheaper than convertible car seats but can have a shorter life span. They will most likely require replacement once your child reaches their weight or height limit (which can vary widely between seats) or if they reach the top of their age group limit.
Convertible baby seats, also known as all-in-one car seats, as they are often referred to are designed to carry your infant from birth through their toddler years, and even into their school age years. Some of them can be used as a forward-facing seat or a rear-facing one.
A lot of the top convertible car seats for newborns will come with a variety of features. They include a smooth rotating feature, an easy harness adjustment and a base made of EPS foam that is similar to Styrofoam. Parents love these features because they make getting their infants in and out of the seat easier, while also ensuring their children are safe and safe.
It is important to ensure that the car seat you select is compatible with your car, and also that it comes with LATCH for easy installation. It's also important to check the safety features, including shock-absorbent materials and side impact protection. If you're not sure which type of seat is right for your family, consult a certified car seat technician. They'll be able to talk about your choices and help you pick the best seat for your baby.
Safety
Whether you're shopping for a car seat for your infant, convertible car seat or baby-ready travel system it is important to ensure that the model you choose meets stringent safety standards. This is particularly crucial for infants as they are lighter and smaller than older children. Look for the seat with five-point safety harnesses that attaches between the legs in the crotch, around the waist and below the shoulders when the child is facing rearwards or above the shoulders when the child is forward-facing. This will stop your child from being thrown from the seat in case of an abrupt 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 have a top tether, which will stop the seat from moving forward in a accident, and also obstructing the airway for children. Also, make sure that the recline angle of the seat is in the right direction. Newborns can easily get stuck in a seat that is too upright.
The most important thing is to follow all manufacturer instructions regarding the proper installation of your particular model. It's a good idea seek out a certified car seat inspection technician during your pregnancy and/or right after the birth of your baby. A qualified professional can ensure an excellent installation.
Another thing to consider is compatibility with strollers. If you plan to frequently use a stroller you should consider a baby car seat and stroller combo that clicks together seamlessly. This is a great choice for parents with busy schedules because it lets them easily transfer their child from the stroller into the car and vice versa, when they're running errands.
Always use your seat on hard surfaces (like car seat bases or a car) and do not place it on soft surfaces such as couches or beds as they can cause the seat to tip over, potentially causing injury or even death to your child. Unattended infant/baby seats or carriers on soft surfaces may also cause the suffocation of your child.
Simple to Use
A car seat can only offer the most effective protection in the event that it is used correctly each time. Unfortunatelly, many car seat injuries are the result of errors. Some of them include not following the product instructions, incorrect installations or using products from aftermarket, and putting the child into a wrong position.
A quality infant car seat will have clear instructions for installation and features that will ensure proper usage. Certain brands, like CYBEX include visual indicators or click sounds to ensure that the car seat has been installed correctly. This is important as studies have shown that incorrect use of a car seat can be responsible for as much as 50% of car seat-related injuries.
It is important to remember that you must never leave your child in the car seat or in a carrier even if it's just for a few minutes. Unattended, a baby in a car seat or carrier may fall on soft surfaces such as couches or beds, and cause serious injury or even death. The seats can also tip over on their sides, resulting in suffocation.
The ideal infant car seat will depend on a number of factors, including your lifestyle and the durability of the seat. An all-in-one model can be more affordable initially, but it might not be suitable for smaller infants as well and is less flexible than a convertible car seat or booster. For parents who intend to travel frequently an easy-to-install, lightweight seat is essential and urban dwellers will likely want seats that can be easily installed without the base and in taxis or Uber.
A seat that is compatible with strollers is an ideal option for new parents who wish to reduce the amount of equipment they have to carry around town, or during airplane flights. This is true in the event that you intend to commute by public transport frequently and live in a major city. Many seats can be paired with UPPAbaby's strollers for easy, comfortable commuting. Lastly, you should pay close attention to the installation of your seat in vehicles that do not have lower anchors or tethers, since they are not common in most models.
Convenience
Many infant car seats can be used with stroller travel systems, allowing you to create an all-inclusive solution for child safety. This makes it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller in bad weather or at night. Make sure to secure the seat prior to taking off. If you leave it in the car or in the street isn't secure and could let your child exit the seat unattended, which could lead to injuries.
Infant car seats are designed specifically for newborns and smaller infants, featuring snug and secure fittings and plenty of padding for safety and comfort. They are generally lighter than a convertible car seats which makes them more convenient to carry for short distances. Most infant car seats are made to be used rear-facing, which is endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the most secure position for young children.
They have a shorter life span than convertible car seats. Most children outgrow infant car seats between the ages of nine months and a year. This means that you might need to upgrade to convertible car seats sooner than expected.
A safe infant car seat should include a strap that is flat against the child's chest over their hips, and with the chest clip placed on the child's armpit. The crotch buckle must be flat across the child's thighs. Some models have adjustable and removable inserts to help parents attain the ideal fit.
It's important to remember that when straps are unfastened or loose, babies can be strangled. It's also risky to let a child ride in a car with no supervision. Choose a seat with the ability to lock off your vehicle, or one with a built-in locking mechanism.
Our experts test car seats to make sure they have the best safety features. Bob Hoffman, our Senior Review Editor, has more car seat installation and scoring experience than anyone else on the planet, and he's joined by mom of two boys Wendy Schmitz, Senior Reviews Editor, and Abriah Wofford, a Senior Review Analyst who has been testing seats since the year 2016. Our team's expertise and experience will help you choose the best seat for your child and your vehicle.