Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns
A rear-facing infant car seat is the safest option for infants. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer when installing a car seat.
The car seat base should be a bit reclined which aids in keeping the baby's head back and chin off their chest decreasing the risk of positioning asphyxia.
infant car seats best
There are two types of car seats that are suitable for infants. A car seat for infants and a convertible baby car seat. Both have advantages and disadvantages however it all depends on your personal preference and the way you intend to use the seat. If you intend to use the seat as part of an automobile travel system, and will be moving vehicles often, a baby car seat may be the best choice. If, however, you're looking for an extremely durable car seat that grows with your child until a booster seat and beyond, then the convertible car seat might be a better choice.
Infant car seats are designed for newborns and babies and are designed to be used in the reverse facing position. This is the safest travel option for small children. They are generally cheaper, but they have a shorter life span than convertible car seat. The majority of seats need to be replaced once your child reaches their weight or height limit (which can differ greatly between seats) or when their age is reached.
Convertible baby chairs, or all-in-one car seats, as they are sometimes referred to are designed to accommodate your infant from birth through their toddler years, and even into their school age years. They can be used as a forward-facing or rear-facing seat and some can even be transformed into a booster seat.
Many of the best car seats for babies are convertible and have many features, such as smooth rotation with easy harness adjustment, and an EPS foam base that is essentially Styrofoam. Parents appreciate these features since they make getting their infants in and out of the seat simpler, while ensuring their children are safe and safe.
When selecting a car seat, you need to ensure that it's compatible with your vehicle and has LATCH to make installation easy. It is also important to check for safety features such as shock-absorbent material and side impact protection. If you're unsure about the type of car seat that is right for your family, talk to an experienced car seat technician. They will guide you through the options and help you pick the right seat for your child.
Safety
It is essential to ensure that the model you select is safe and meets the strictest standards, no matter if you're looking for a convertible car seat or infant car seat, or a travel system for your baby. This is particularly important for newborns as they are smaller, lighter and more fragile than older children. Find a seat that has a five-point harness that attaches below the shoulders (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing), between the legs and around the crotch. This will prevent your child from being thrown from the seat in case of a sudden stop or crash.
You should also look for a car seat that is attached to the vehicle using lower anchors or the seat belt. It should also come with a top tether, which will stop the seat from advancing 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. Infants are prone to get stuck in a seat that is too forward.
It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure proper installation of your car seat. It's a good idea to seek out a certified car seat inspection technician during your pregnancy or immediately after the birth of your baby. A qualified professional can ensure a perfect installation.
Another factor to think about is compatibility with strollers. If you plan to use a stroller often you should consider a baby car seat and stroller combination that clicks together seamlessly. This is an excellent option for parents who are busy because it lets them effortlessly transfer their child from the stroller into the car and vice versa while running errands.
Finally, always make sure you place your seat on hard surfaces (like a car seat base or a car) and never place it on soft surfaces like couches or beds or a couch, as these could cause the seat to tip over, potentially hurting or even killing your child. In the event of an infant or baby's seat being left unattended, it could cause on soft surfaces could cause the suffocation of your child.
Easy of Use
A car seat will only provide the highest level of protection in the event that it is used correctly every time. Unfortunately, many car seat injuries are the result of errors. Some of them are not following the manufacturer's instructions, incorrect installations or using products from aftermarket, and placing the child in a wrong position.
A quality car seat for infants will come with clear instructions for installation and features that will ensure proper usage. Some brands, such as CYBEX have visual indicators or click sounds that confirm that the car seat has been installed correctly. This is crucial as studies have revealed that the incorrect use of a car seat is responsible for as much as half of all 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 is just for a few minutes. A baby left unattended in a safety seat can fall and land on soft surfaces, such as couches or beds and cause serious injuries or even death. The seats can also be flipped over onto their sides, leading to the death of a child.
The ideal infant car seat is determined by several aspects, such as your lifestyle and the longevity of the seat. A all-in-one model may be less expensive initially, but may not work for smaller babies as well and is less flexible than a convertible car seat or booster. A lightweight, simple to install seat is essential for parents who frequently travel. Urban dwellers may prefer a seat which can be put in taxis, Uber, or other vehicle that does not have the base.
A seat that can be connected to strollers is a excellent option for families who are looking to reduce the amount they have to carry in town or on airplane flights. This is particularly relevant if you live in a city and intend to take public transport frequently, as many seats can be attached to an UPPAbaby stroller to allow for easy, quick journeys. Be sure to be aware of how simple it is to install the seat you want to use on vehicles with no lower anchors or tether connectors, because they aren't as popular.
Convenience
Many infant car seats be connected to a stroller system to create an all-inclusive child safety solution. This makes it simple to move a baby who is sleeping from your car to a stroller, even in rainy weather or at night. Always secure the seat before taking off. It's unsafe to leave it in the car, or on the street. Your child may be injured if they get out of the seat without supervision.
Infant car seats are designed specifically for infants and smaller infants, featuring snug and secure fits with plenty of padding for safety and comfort. They're generally lighter than convertible car seats, making them easy to carry for short distances. Most baby car seats can be used with rear-facing, this is the recommended position by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
They have a shorter life span than convertible car seats. Typically, children outgrow their infant car seats between nine months and one year. This means that you might require convertible car seats earlier than you anticipated.
A great infant car seat will come with the strap for harness that sits flat against the child's chest, and also over their hips with the chest clip at armpit level and the crotch buckle lying flat across their thighs. Some models have adjustable and removable inserts to assist parents to maintain the recommended fit.
It is important to keep in mind that if the straps are not secured or tight, babies can be strangled. It's also unsafe to leave your child unattended in a car seat, therefore, choose a seat that has an option to lock off your vehicle or a built-in lock.
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 on the planet He's joined by the mother of two boys Wendy Schmitz, Senior Reviews Editor, and Abriah Wofford, a Senior Review Analyst who's been testing seats since 2016. Our team's expertise and knowledge can help you find the perfect seat for your child and your vehicle.