Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns
For newborns, an infant car seat that is rear-facing is the most secure option. It's vital to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer when installing the car seat.
The car seat's base should be slightly reclined, which helps keep the baby's head back and the chin away from their chest, lessening the risk of asphyxia.
Types
There are two types of car seats that are suitable for infants. There are two kinds of car seats for newborns: an infant car seat and a convertible car seat. Both have their pros and disadvantages however it all comes down to the individual preference and how you intend to use the seat. If best car seats infant Push Chairs And Prams want to use the seat as a part of an itinerary and you'll be moving between vehicles frequently, then an infant car seat could be the best choice. However, if you're looking for a durable car seat that will grow with your child until an adult booster seat and beyond, then the convertible car seat might be the better choice.
Car seats for infants are specially made for babies and newborns and are always used with the reverse facing position. This is the safest option for traveling with small children. They are generally less expensive but 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 if their age group is reached.
Convertible car seats, also known as all-in-one carseats, are designed to carry your infant from birth through their toddler years, and into their school years. They can usually be used as a rear-facing or forward-facing seat, and some may be transformed into an adult booster seat.
A lot of the top car seats for babies are convertible and have a range of features, including smooth rotation as well as a simple harness adjustment. an EPS foam base that is basically Styrofoam. These features are popular with parents because they make it easier to get their babies into and out of their seats, while still ensuring their child is safe and comfortable.
When you are choosing a car seat, it's essential to ensure that it's compatible with your vehicle and has LATCH for ease of installation. It's also important to check the safety features, such as shock-absorbing materials and side impact protection. If you're not sure what type of seat is the best fit for your family, speak to a qualified car seat technician. They can guide you through the options and help you pick the best seat for your child.
Safety
If you're in the market for a car seat for your infant, convertible car seat or baby-ready travel systems it is important to make sure that the product you select meets the strictest safety standards. This is particularly important for babies since they are smaller and lighter than older children. Look for a seat with a five-point harness that is attached beneath the shoulders (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing) and between the legs and around the crotch. This helps secure your child and prevents them from being thrown out of the seat in the event of a crash or sudden stop.
It is also recommended to find a car seat that is attached to the vehicle using lower anchors or the seat belt. It should also have an upper tether that prevents the seat from advancing in a crash, and obstructing a child's airway. Be sure that the recline angle is correct as well, since newborns are prone to getting trapped in a car seat that's too upright.
It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure proper installation of your car seat. It's also a good idea to work with a certified car seat inspector during pregnancy and/or after the birth of your child, as this expert can assist you to achieve a flawless installation every time.
Compatibility with strollers is another aspect to take into consideration. If you are planning to use your stroller often, consider an infant car and stroller combination that clicks seamlessly together. This is a great choice for parents with busy schedules because it lets them easily transfer their child from the stroller to the car, and vice versa, while doing errands.
Always place your seat on solid surfaces (like a car seat base or a car) and do not place it on soft surfaces such as couches or beds, as these can cause the seat to tip over, possibly 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 may also cause suffocation.
Easy of Use
A car seat will only provide the best protection when it is properly used every time. Unfortunatelly, many car seat injuries are the result of errors. Some of these are not following the manufacturer's instructions, incorrect installations or using products from aftermarket, and putting the child into an incorrect position.
A quality car seat for infants will come with clear instructions for installing and features that to 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 crucial because studies have shown incorrect use of car seats could be responsible for up to half of all injuries related to car seats.
It is also important to remember to not let your baby out of the car seat of an infant or carrier in a vehicle, even for a short period of time. If a child is left unattended, the safety seat could fall and land on soft surfaces like couches or beds which can cause serious injuries or death. The seats can also tip over on their sides, leading to suffocation.
The ideal infant car seat depends on several factors, including your lifestyle and the durability of the seat. All-in-one car seats are less expensive up front however they may not suit smaller infants as well and may be less flexible than a convertible or booster car seat. If parents plan to travel often an easy-to-install, lightweight seat is essential for urban dwellers, while suburban parents are likely to require a seat that can be easily installed without the base and then in taxis or Uber.
A seat that can be attached to strollers is a excellent option for families who are looking to minimize the amount of luggage they carry around town or on airplane flights. This is especially true if you plan to commute by public transport frequently and reside in a large city. Many seats can be attached to strollers from UPPAbaby for simple, simple commutes. Lastly, you should be aware of the installation of your seat in vehicles that do not have lower anchors or tether connections since they are not often found in the majority of models.
Convenience
Many infant car seats can also be connected to a stroller system to create an all-inclusive child safety solution. This makes it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller in bad weather or at night. Be sure to secure the seat in the stroller prior to you drive off. Letting it in the car or in the street isn't a good idea and could let your child leave the stroller without supervision and could result in injury.
Car seats for infants are specially made for infants and infants who are smaller. They have a snug and secure fit, and plenty of padding for safety and comfort. They tend to be lighter than convertible car seat which makes them easier to transport over short distances. Most infant car seats can be used rear-facing, which is the preferred position by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
However they have a shorter life span than convertible car seats. Children typically outgrow their infant seats between nine months and a year. You might have to upgrade your car seat to a convertible model earlier than you anticipated.
A safe infant car seat will have a strap flat against the child's chest as well as over their hips with the chest clip positioned at the child’s armpit. The crotch buckle should be flat across the child’s thighs. Some models come with adjustable and removable inserts to aid parents in maintaining the recommended fit.
When choosing an infant car seat, it is important to remember that children can be strangled if the straps become loose or not secured. It's also not safe to leave a child alone in a car seat, so choose one that has a lockoff feature for your vehicle or a built-in lock.
Our experts test car seats to make sure they have the best safety features. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor of Consumer Reports has the most experience in car seat installation and rating. He is joined by Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Editor, and Abriah Wolfford, Senior Review Analyst, who have been testing seats since 2016. Our team's experience and expertise will help you select the right seat for both your child and vehicle.