Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns

For infants, the rear-facing infant car seat is the most secure option. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer when installing a car seat.

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

Types

When selecting the best car seat for infants There are two main types to consider. A baby car seat and convertible baby car seats by age seats. Both have pros and cons. It is a matter of personal preference and how the seat will be used. If you plan to use the seat as a part of an itinerary and you will be changing vehicles often, then an infant car seat may be more suitable. If you're looking for a car seat that will develop with your child as they become a booster or beyond the age of a convertible seat, it is the best option.

Infant car seats are made specifically for newborns and infants and are placed in the rear position and are the safest way to travel for little infants. They are also cheaper than convertible car seats, but may have a shorter life span. They are most likely to need to be replaced once your child reaches their weight or height limits (which may differ between seats) or when they reach the top rated baby car seats of their age group limit.

Convertible car seats, also known as all-in-one seats, are designed to carry your infant from birth through their toddler years and into their school years. They can be used as a forward or rear-facing seat, and some may be transformed into an adult booster seat.

Many of the best convertible car seats designed for infants will come with a variety of features. These include a smooth rotating feature, a simple harness adjustment and a base made of EPS foam which is similar to Styrofoam. Parents love these features as they make getting their infants in and out of the seat much easier, while also ensuring their children are kept comfortable and secure.

It is essential to ensure that the car seat you select is compatible with your car, and that it has LATCH that allows for quick and easy installation. It is also important to check for safety features, such as shock-absorbing material and side impact protection. If you're unsure about the type of car seat that is best for your family, talk to an experienced car seat technician. They can guide you through the choices and help you select the best seat for your baby.

Safety

Always ensure whether the model you choose is safe and meets the strictest standards, no matter if you're looking for convertible car seats or an infant car seat a travel system for your baby. This is especially crucial for infants since they are smaller, lighter and more fragile than older children. Find a seat that has a five-point harness that is attached to the shoulders below (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing) and between the legs and around the crotch. This will prevent your child from being thrown from the seat in the event of a sudden stop or crash.

If you want to be sure, choose a seat that can be connected to the vehicle using either lower anchors or a seat belts, and has an upper tether that stops the car seat from moving forward during an accident and could block breathing for the child. Be sure that the recline angle is correct also, as infants can easily become trapped in a seat that is too high up.

Be sure to follow all manufacturer's guidelines regarding the proper installation of your particular model. It is a good idea to seek out a certified car seat inspection technician during your pregnancy or shortly after the birth of your baby. This professional can ensure the perfect installation.

Compatibility with strollers is another factor to think about. If you plan to frequently use your stroller, consider an infant car and stroller set-up that works seamlessly. This is an excellent option for parents with busy schedules because it lets them easily transfer their child from the stroller into the car, and vice versa, while they are doing errands.

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, such as a bed or sofa as they can cause the seat to tip over, possibly causing injury or even death to your child. If you leave your infant's or baby's seat or carrier unsupervised on soft surfaces may cause the suffocation of your child.

User-Friendliness

A car seat can only provide the highest level of protection in the event that it is used correctly every time. Unfortunately, a lot of car seat injuries are the result of mistakes. These include not following product instructions, incorrect installation or using accessories from aftermarket, and putting the child into an improper position.

A quality infant car seat should have clear instructions for installing and features that help to ensure proper usage. Certain brands, such as CYBEX include visual indicators and click sounds that ensure that the seat is installed correctly. This is important because studies have proven that improper use of a car seat can be the cause of up to 50% of all car seat-related injuries.

Also, keep in mind that you should not leave your infant in a car seat or carrier, even if it is just for a short period of time. Unattended, a baby in a car seat that is safe or carrier may fall on soft surfaces like couches or beds, and cause serious injury or even death. The seats could also tip over on their sides, leading to suffocation.

The ideal infant car seat depends on many aspects, such as your lifestyle and the longevity of the seat. All-in-one seats are less expensive in the beginning however they may not be able to accommodate smaller babies as well and be less flexible than a booster or convertible car seat. A lightweight, simple to install seat is vital for parents who frequently travel. Urban dwellers might prefer a seat that can be put in taxis, Uber, or other vehicle without the base.

A seat that integrates with strollers is an ideal option for new parents who wish to reduce the amount of equipment they need to carry around town, or during flight. This is particularly relevant if you live in a city, and plan to use public transportation frequently and many seats can be linked to an UPPAbaby stroller, which allows for simple, effortless journeys. Additionally, you must be attentive to the ease of putting in your seat in vehicles that don't have lower anchors or tether connections as they aren't often found in the majority of models.

Convenience

Many infant car seats work with stroller travel systems which allows you to create an entire solution to ensure the safety of your child. This makes it simple to transfer a sleeping baby from your car to a stroller even in the worst weather or at night. Be sure to ensure that the seat is secured in the stroller prior to you drive off. Leaving it in the newborn car seat insert or on the streets isn't a good idea and could allow your baby to exit the seat without supervision and could result in injury.

Infant car seats are made specifically for babies and smaller infants, with snug and secure fittings and lots of extra padding for comfort and safety. They're typically lighter than convertible car seats, making them easy to carry over short distances. Most infant car seats are designed to be used rear facing and are endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the safest position for infants and toddlers.

However they have a shorter life span than convertible car seats. Typically, children outgrow their infant car seats between the ages of nine months and one year. This means that you may need to upgrade to a convertible car seat sooner than you expected.

A good infant car seat travel car safety seat will have a strap that is flat against the chest of the child, 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 that allow parents to attain the ideal fit.

When choosing an infant car seat, it's important to be aware that children can be strangled if the straps become loose or are not fastened. It's also risky to allow a child to be in a car with no supervision. Select a car seat that has an option to lock off your vehicle, or one that has a built-in locking mechanism.

Our experts test car seats to ensure they're fitted with the highest 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 expertise and knowledge will help you select the best car seat for your child and your vehicle.