What NOT To Do When It Comes To The Car Seat For Newborn Industry
Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn? A good car seat keeps your baby safe, comfortable and secure when you're on the road. Which one is the most suitable for your infant? With features such as latch hooks, load legs and belt routes to consider, picking the best infant car seat can be a challenge. Here's what you need to be aware of in order to make the right buying decision for your family. User-Friendliness You'll need to choose a model that's easy to install and use, whether you're purchasing an infant car seat for a new baby or upgrading your toddler's seat. Consider the size and weight of your child, the seat's capacity in the car and any additional features, such as lay-flat options that can also be used as stroller. Infant-only chairs are a good option for babies as they're generally narrower than convertible car seats and can fit infants more comfortably. They come with a harness to support your child's head in an accident, which could reduce the strain on their neck or spinal cord. Convertible car seats are great for parents who want to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they are able to. The majority of models let the child ride rear-facing until 30 pounds or greater. If you choose to purchase a convertible car seat, you should look for one that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government and has a weight limit of 50 pounds or more. When shopping for a car seat, it's important to remember that while all car seats must conform to strict NHTSA safety standards, there are a lot of different models available on the market. To avoid the burden and risk of a defective or dangerous seat, select one that's approved by a reputable business or a reputable organization, and also look for recent recalls and complaints from the manufacturer. The top-rated car seats for newborns feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding and a variety of recline positions. Some car seats come with extra padding on the shoulder straps and around the buckle to keep your baby comfy during long road trips. If you have a small vehicle, think about an infant car seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing. It's less than 17 inches wide, and is able to be installed in a variety of automobiles. The Mesa Max from UPPAbaby that is specifically designed to work with UPPAbaby strollers, is another excellent option for families who require a car seat with no fuss that is easy to use. Its auto-retracting straps EZ buckle and connectors for lower anchors that are premium with guides, and a no-rethread harness make it simple to use on every car journey. Safety Features There are the following aspects when selecting an infant car seat. If you're looking to ensure your child is comfortable throughout the journey or you are looking for a light, safe car seat for your child to use for long journeys, it's essential to think about a few features. Take into consideration the weight and height limits of your infant seat. This will determine how long your child can safely be in the car seat So, you should choose a seat that is able to reach minimum your child's 90th percentile measurement prior to when they turn 1. Consider whether you want to cover a blanket or coat on the straps of your harness. The AAP recommends against this because thick clothing could be compressed in a crash and make the straps too loose to secure your child, thereby increasing the chance of injury. It is also important to consider whether your car seat can be fitted using the LATCH system or a vehicle belt or if it's compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. If you plan to use your seat for the majority of your driving it is best to select one that can easily fit on a base compatible with it. This will save you time and energy because you won't have to take out and reinstall your seat each time you drive. In our testing, the Best of The Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for its ease of installation and adjustments, with testers commenting that it “has everything you need to have a quick and painless installation.” This includes premium LATCH connecters that flip out of the base, and turn green once they're fully connected. Also included is a SuperCinch strap tightener that increases the force of the strap and a spring-loaded leveling foot. Another option that is worth considering is the affordable Baby Trend Secure-Lift We've found it to be just as easy to use as other models that cost twice as much. Its five-position adjustable headrest that adapts to your child's development, its buckle holders with magnetic buckles, and its no-rethread harness have been praised by our testers. The Maxi-Cosi jade is an excellent choice for babies because of its unique sleeping position of 180 degrees. This lets them sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on travel. best car seats infant is also acknowledged for its safety by consumer champion Which? ADAC giving it the highest laboratory rating for infant car seats. Rear-facing Options In the majority of cars the most secure position for infants is in the rear seat at the center. The center position is farthest from any potential impact and will protect your child the best in the event of an accident. If possible, you should select an infant car seat that allows your baby to ride rear-facing until they're about a year old. It is also essential to ensure that the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest fits against your child's head and chest. The best way to accomplish this is to consult a certified child passenger safety technician who will provide you with up-to-date recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your locality here. Selecting the right car seat for your infant is a significant investment that you'll probably use for a very long duration, so you'll need to select one that has an excellent crash test sensor and score, as in addition to features that will keep your child comfortable. The Clek LIing is an excellent option for parents who are looking for an infant rear-facing seat that is affordable. It scored extremely high in both our analysis and sensor tests. It comes with a simple LATCH system that comes with a color change indication that shows how buckle straps are properly attached to the car, and a load leg that can help prevent frontal crashes. Strategist senior editor and mom of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit with her daughters who both went from birth to age 6. The adjustable harness height and size allow it to fit children of all sizes as well as taller ones. It's an excellent option for a variety of vehicles. It comes with a modest 50-pound limit on rear-facing weight. It also converts into a booster seat that Trolio used with her youngest daughter up until she turned 10 years young. Nuna RAVA is a similar option. It does not come with a base like most other seats, but is still very simple and quick to install using either method, thanks to its rigid LATCH connectors that flip out from the bottom of the seat. They then automatically turn green when secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for babies, with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that make it simple to fasten the straps without having to remove your baby from the seat. It also features an adjustable recline of six positions that LaBracio discovered useful. Options with a Forward-Facing Children's necks can be held by the seat back in front-facing seats rather than being pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This position also protects them better in side crashes. Most car seats allow children to ride rear-facing until they weigh over 20 pounds and one year old. Many experts recommend that kids remain rear-facing as long as they are able to. Their neck muscles and bones are stronger when it's time for them to transition to the front-facing seat. When looking for options for forward-facing seats, make sure they meet the iSize standards, have a padded harness pocket and a padded seat headrest. You should consider purchasing a car seat that can grow with your child, and then become a booster. Certain 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 also important to think about whether the car seat will fit in your vehicle, particularly when it has a narrow trunk or low clearance. Check the car seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure that the seat is 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 easier in the event that they sleep comfortably. This could include features such as a reclining headrest or a five-point harness which can be tightened from the back of the seat and a variety of recline positions. Once you've narrowed your choices down, you'll want to look at the crash replacement policies of the car seats you're looking at. These can vary from the manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by -case review. Once you've done your research and determined the kind of car seat you're looking at now is the time to start shopping around. Look through the selections at your local baby store or online retailer, and talk to family members who have children to get their suggestions. You can also request an appointment for a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to assist you in choosing the best car seat for your newborn.