How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn
The best car seat for a new baby is one that complies with all safety standards set by the federal government and fits your vehicle. It should also come with useful extras, like the capability to convert into a stroller, and be within your budget. You should also make sure that the car seat can be easily clicked into and out of any vehicle, especially when you're constantly switching between rental cars, taxis or grandparents' vehicles.
Safety
Car seats are made to ensure your baby is safe and a safe one should include extra features beyond the federal safety standards. They include padded inserts for the shoulders and head and air-repellent fabrics to keep them cool while driving in hot temperatures.
Another crucial safety aspect is the ease to install and use the seat. Idealy, the seat should be simple to install and use, as well as clear indicators of its height, position, and security.
There are features that aid in this process like belt guides and built-in locks which will assist you in aligning the car seat to the seat belt of your vehicle. You also want to avoid purchasing used car seats, which might not have been crash-tested or have been in an accident and might not protect your child. If you must buy a used one, make sure it's not expired and isn't being sold by an individual who doesn't have evidence of ownership.
Another thing to keep in your mind is to keep your child in the car seat for up to two hours per day unless they're in a lying-flat position. This will prevent strain on the spine of your child, and ensure that they are able to breathe regularly.
You'll want a seat to last for a long time as it is a significant investment. Look for one that's designed to adapt to your child's needs that will last through toddlerhood and through the teen years. Our testers for parents were pleased with the Axkid i-Size. It is suitable for children from birth and is able to be used up to age 7.
The Nuna pipa air rx is an alternative that can be used for a lengthy time. It can rotate 360 degrees so you can change it from front-facing to rear-facing as the child grows. It's also among the most light-weight car seats available that weighs less than nine pounds. It's the perfect option for parents who frequently transfer their babies between vehicles or plan on using it for taxi rides, fly-drive holidays and trips to grandparent's homes.
Comfort
A quality infant car seat is comfortable for your child, both when they are in the seat and when you are installing it. Find straps with padding that fit comfortably on their shoulders. Also, look for soft fabric that is comfortable on their tummy, especially when they are in the seat for long rides.
The best infant car seats are easy to use. Some come with premium LATCH connectors with SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, spring-loaded leveling feet and belt paths that make installing without a base more simple than ever before. Other features will help you adjust the height of the harness and headrest, which is especially important as your child grows.
Cosatto All in All Rotate is a good example. Our test subjects scored it a 10 out of 10. It has a clear and simple interface, a no-rethread easy-to-change harness, 360-degree rotation, and a recline lock indication. It is easy to switch your child from rear-facing to front-facing as they grow without having to remove and replace the seat.
Another example is the Nuna Pipa Air rx which our testers who were parents loved for its convenience, comfort and flexibility. Its padded shoulder straps and headrests are designed to accommodate your newborn's head, and it comes with a soft infant cushion to ensure they are comfortable. It can be used as a rear-facing car seat up until your baby is at the maximum height or weight limit and can also be converted into a stroller without the need for an additional adapter.
A high-quality car seat is durable and many come with a warranty. Look for the seat with plenty of padding and strong materials to shield your child from accidents. It should also come with an aluminum frame to withstand impact energy as well as an "crumple area" to avoid damage from a crash. It is also easy to clean as messes are inevitable with a child. Choose car seats with removable seat covers and a pad that is machine washable to make cleaning a breeze.
Easy to Use
It's important that a car seat be easy to install and use, particularly in the event that it will be used in multiple vehicles from time to time. Look for features like an easy-release buckle, a gauge that displays the state of the latch system (e.g., green for locked) and a clear, easy-to-read guide to make it as simple as is possible.
The Best of The Bump winner has many practical extras, which our parent testers appreciated, including a padded headrest and harness, plush material, and a cupholder. It features a reclining function that allows your child to sit in a comfortable position for longer trips. It can also be used with a buggy that is compatible to create a complete travel system, which is ideal if are planning to travel for long periods of time.
baby seat reported that the car seat was simple to put in and adjust. It comes with recline locks and a premium connector with a SuperCinch tightener. This makes it easy to secure your child. It can also be moved from side to side in the vehicle easily 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 if you suffer from back problems or drive a car with a small size. It also features the ability to change the drink holder as well as a handy storage compartment for toys and snacks.
The seat weighs just nine pounds and can be set up with or without its base. It also rotates 180 degrees, which could be a huge help if you have a limited space or are suffering from back pain. This new feature impressed our panelists, and it was selected to be part of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
This is a great choice for those who want to convert their car seats into strollers for an affordable cost. Its sleek design and high-quality fabric will also stand the test time. Don't forget to wash the cover frequently as spills of yoghurt, biscuits that have been crushed, or even sick toddler accidents can leave a mark.
Design
Car seats come in a variety of designs as the cars they're installed in. Some parents opt to ditch the infant car seat in favor of a convertible model. However, most new mothers prefer a product that will develop with their child as they reach the age of toddlerhood. All-in-one car seats are the most versatile, allowing you to switch between forward-facing and rear-facing. It typically has a higher weight and height limit, and can often be used as a booster seat when your child is ready for one.
A great car seat for your infant newborn car seat is light, making it easy to lift it from the base and transport your child. The Maxi-Cosi Coral is available in only a handful of colors, however it comes with a wide array of safety features, and is lightweight (8.4 pounds, including seat inserts and canopy). Other standout models include the Nuna PIPA URbN, 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 full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy.
The design of the base and seat should be taken into consideration. For example, some car seats use a special base that is secured to the buckles of the seat belts as well as others with steel-reinforced LATCH connectors that flip out from the sides of the base and turn green when connected correctly. These were convenient for parents, especially if the vehicle only had front-facing seatbelts.
Some infant car seats can also be utilized with a regular seatbelt that is not base-less, which is a bonus for parents who often travel by taxi or travel with their child. Our parents who tested it really enjoyed the Nuna TODL NEXT which can be used with or without its base. It features a smooth swivel movement that makes it easy to get your baby out and in the seat.
Other important design considerations are whether a car seat comes with a flat design, and how well it is compatible with your car (see our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're in search of a car seat that will grow with your baby into an adult, select one with an adjustable headrest that can be reclining and side impact protection. It's also important to confirm that the infant car seat is i-Size compatible and has the right car seat attachment points, in accordance with UK law.