Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns

For infants with the rear-facing infant car seat is the best car seats for infants option. If a car seat is installed incorrectly, it could cause injury or death, so it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing.

The base of the car seat needs to be slightly retracted. This will help keep the baby's head and chin off their chests, which will reduce the risk for positional asphyxia.

Types

There are two types of car seats that are suitable for infants. There are two types of car seats for infants: an infant car seat and a baby convertible car seat. Both have advantages and disadvantages. It all comes down to your personal preference and how the seat is used. If you plan to utilize the seat as part of an overall travel system and will be switching between vehicles frequently the infant car seat might be the better choice. If you're looking for a long-lasting car seat that grows with your child until a booster seat and beyond then a convertible car seat may be a better choice.

Infant car seats are made for babies and newborns and are used in the backwards facing position. This is the most secure choice for children who are small. They are also generally cheaper than convertible car seats, but may have a shorter lifespan. The majority of seats need to be replaced once your child reaches the maximum weight or height (which will vary widely between seats), or if their age group is reached.

Convertible baby seats, or all-in-one car seat as they are often referred to are designed to carry your infant from birth through their toddler years and on into their school years. They are typically used as a forward or rear-facing seat, and some can be converted into a booster seat.

A lot of the top car seats for infants can be converted and come with many features, like a smooth rotation function, easy harness adjustment and an foam base made of EPS that is basically Styrofoam. These features are a favorite among parents due to the fact that they make it easier to get their infants into and out of their seats while still ensuring their child is safe and comfortable.

It is crucial to make sure that the car seat you pick is compatible with your vehicle and that it has LATCH for easy installation. It's also worth checking the safety features, including shock-absorbent materials and side impact protection. If you're uncertain about the type of car seat that is best car seat for your family, talk to a certified car seat technician. They'll be able to talk about your options and help you choose the right seat for your newborn.

Safety

Always ensure that the product you select meets strict safety standards, whether you are looking for convertible car seats or an infant car seat a travel system ready for your baby. This is especially important for newborns as they are smaller, lighter and more fragile than older children. Look for the seat with five-point safety harnesses that is attached between the legs in the crotch, around the waist and below the shoulders when the child is rear-facing or above the shoulders when the child is facing forward. This will protect your child from being thrown out of the seat in case of a sudden stop or crash.

It is recommended to choose seats that are connected to the vehicle using either lower anchors or a seat belts, and has the option of a top tether to prevent the car seat from moving forward during an accident and could block breathing of the child. Make sure the recline angle is correct, too, as newborns are often trapped in a seat that's too high up.

The most important thing is to follow all manufacturer instructions regarding proper installation for your particular model. It is recommended to work with an approved car seat inspector during pregnancy and/or following the birth of your child, as this professional can help you achieve a flawless installation every time.

It is also a factor to think about. If you are planning to use your stroller frequently then you should think about an infant car and stroller set-up that connects seamlessly. This is a great choice for parents who are busy because it lets them easily transfer their baby from the stroller into the car and vice versa while they are running on errands.

Always use your seat on a hard surface (such as car seats or bases) and never on a soft surface like a sofa or bed because this could cause it to tip over. This could result in your child being injured, or even dying. Unattended infant/baby seats or carriers on soft surfaces could cause insuffocation.

Easy of Use

A car seat will only provide the highest level of protection if it is used properly every time. Unfortunately, a lot of car injuries to children's seats are caused by mistakes. Some of these are not following the manufacturer's instructions, incorrect installation, using aftermarket products, and putting the child in a wrong position.

A high-quality infant car seat will have clear instructions for installation and features that will to ensure proper usage. Certain brands, like CYBEX have visual indicators or click sounds to ensure that the seat has been installed correctly. This is important as studies have shown that incorrect use of a car seat could be responsible for as much as 50% of all car seat-related injuries.

It is important to keep in mind that you should not leave your child in a car seat or carrier even if it's only for a few minutes. If left unattended, a child in a car seat or carrier can fall onto soft surfaces such as couches or beds and cause serious injuries or even death. The seats may also slide over their sides, resulting in an inability to breathe.

The best car seat for newborn uk infant car seat for your newborn depends on many factors, such as lifestyle and longevity. All-in-one car seats are less expensive initially however they might not fit smaller infants as well and may be less versatile than a convertible or a booster car seat. A lightweight, easy-to-install seat is essential for parents who travel often. Urban dwellers may prefer a seat that can be used in taxis, Uber, or other vehicle without the base.

A seat that can be attached to strollers is excellent option for families who are looking to reduce the amount of baggage they need to carry around the city or on flights. This is especially the case if you plan to commute by public transport frequently and live in a major city. Many seats can be paired with UPPAbaby's strollers for easy, comfortable journeys. It is important to pay attention to how easy it is to mount the seat you want to use on vehicles without lower anchors or tether connectors, since they are not as common.

Convenience

Many infant car seats click into a stroller travel system to create an all-inclusive child safety solution. This makes it much easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller in bad weather or at night. Be sure to ensure that the seat is secured in the stroller before you drive off. If you leave it in the car or on the street isn't secure and could allow your baby seat (Morphomics noted) to exit the seat unattended and could result in injury.

Car seats for infants are designed specifically for infants and smaller infants, with comfortable and secure fit and lots of extra padding to ensure safety and comfort. They tend to be lighter than convertible car seat which makes them more convenient to carry over short distances. Most infant car seats can be used with rear-facing, this is the recommended position by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

They last a shorter time than convertible car seats. Typically, children outgrow their infant car seats between nine months and one year. You might have to upgrade your car seat to a convertible version sooner than you thought.

A good infant car safety seat should have a strap that is flat against the child’s chest, over their hips and with the chest clip located at the child’s armpit. The crotch buckle must be flat across the child’s thighs. Some models have removable and adjustable inserts to help parents maintain this recommended fit.

It's important to remember that when straps are not secured or tight children could be strangled. It's also unsafe to leave a child alone in a car seat, so make sure you choose one with a lockoff feature for your vehicle or an integrated lock.

Our experts test car seats to ensure they're equipped with the most safety features. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor of Consumer Reports, has the most experience with 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 knowledge and expertise can help you find the perfect seat for your child and your vehicle.