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How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn
The most suitable car seat for newborn s is one that is compliant with federal safety standards, fits your vehicle, has convenient extras (like making it a stroller) and is within your budget. You should also make sure that the car seat is easily removed and put into of any vehicle, especially if you are frequently switching between taxis, rental cars or grandparents' vehicles.
Safety
A good car seat will have extra features that go beyond the safety standards of the federal government. These include padded inserts to the head and shoulders and air-repellent fabrics that help keep them cool in hot cars and side-impact protection.
Easy installation and use of the seat is an important safety consideration. Ideally, the seat must be simple to install and use, and with clear indicators of its level and position as well as security.
There are many features that will help you with this including belt guides and built-in lockoffs that will help you align the car seat with the seat belt of your vehicle. You also want to avoid buying used car seats, as they might not be tested for safety or have been involved in an accident and may not protect your child. If you have to purchase an old one be sure that it's not expired and isn't being sold by an individual seller who doesn't have proof of ownership.
Another thing to bear in your mind is to keep your baby in the car seat for no more than two hours per day unless they are in a lie-flat position. This will help prevent strain on the spine of your child, and ensure that they are able to breath regularly.
You'll need a seat that can last a long time, since it's an important investment. Choose a seat that will develop with your child and last from toddlerhood through the teen years. One of the ones our parents loved was the Axkid One i-Size that is suitable from birth and is able to be used up to 7 years old.
The Nuna pipa aire rx is another option that can be used for a long time. It has a 360-degree rotation, which means you can change it from rear-facing to front-facing as your child grows. It's also one of the most lightweight car seats on the market that weighs less than nine pounds. It's the perfect option for parents who regularly transfer their children between cars or are planning on using it for taxi rides, fly-drive holidays and trips to grandparent's houses.
Comfort
It is crucial that your baby feels at ease in their car seat, both when they are in it and after you install it. Find straps that are padded to fit comfortably around their shoulders, and look for plush fabric that feels good on their stomachs. This is crucial if you plan to use the seat for a long duration.
The best infant car seats are simple to use. Some come with premium LATCH connectors with a SuperCinch force multiplier and tightener. Others have spring-loaded leveling legs and belt paths that make installing without a base simpler than ever. Other features allow you to adjust the height of your harness and headrest, which is important as your child grows.
One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate, which our parent testers gave a 10/10 for its ease of use. It has a clear and simple interface, no-rethread, easy-to-change harness, 360-degree rotation, as well as recline lock indicators. This allows you to switch from forward-facing to rear-facing as your baby grows, without having to remove the seat and replace it.
Another option is the Nuna Pipa air rx which our parent testers loved for its comfort, ease of use and versatility. Its cushioned headrest and shoulder straps are designed to help support the head of your infant, and comes with pillows that are soft for your comfort. It can be used in a back-facing position until your child is at the maximum weight or height limit. It then converts into a stroller.
A high-quality car seat is durable, and some even come with a guarantee. Look for the seat with plenty of padding and strong materials to shield your child from accidents. It should also come with steel frames to absorb the force of impact as well as an "crumple area" to prevent crash damage. It is also easy to clean, since messes are inevitable with a baby. Find car seats with removable seat covers and a pad that is machine washable to make cleaning a breeze.
Easy of Use
It's important that a car seat is easy to install and use, especially if it will be used in multiple vehicles periodically. To make it as easy as possible look for features like the quick-release belt as well as an indicator to indicate the state of the latch (e.g. green for locked), and a manual that is easy to read.
The Best of The Bump winner also has a number of useful extras that our parents testers loved, including a padded harness and headrest as well as a plush fabric cup holder. It also comes with a reclining feature that allows your child to be seated in a more ergonomic position for longer journeys. It can be combined with a compatible buggy for an entire travel system. This is ideal if you are planning to travel for a long period of time.
The seat is suitable for babies from birth. Our panelists found this car seat to be easy to install and adjust. It has 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 without the need for tools.
The reclining feature helps you to take your baby in and out of the vehicle. This is especially useful for those who have back problems or have a small car. It also comes with an adjustable cup holder that can be reversible and a handy pocket for toys and snacks.
The seat is light and can be used with or without the base. It can also be rotated 180 degrees. This is a great option if you're limited in space or have back pain. Our panelists were awed by this new feature, which earned a spot in our 2021 Mother&Baby awards.
It's a great option for those who want to transform their car seat into a stroller at an affordable price. Its sleek design and premium fabric will endure the test of time also. Make sure to clean your cover regularly as smashed biscuits, yoghurt spills and the occasional sick toddler accident is certain to leave a marks!
Design
The styles of car seats are as varied as the vehicles they're used in. While some parents choose to not use infant car seats in favour of a convertible model, most new moms want a product that can continue to grow with their child into toddlerhood. The most versatile option is an all-in one baby car seat that lets you switch between rear-facing and forward-facing. It typically has a higher weight and height limit and can be used as a booster once your child is old enough.
The ideal infant car seat for babies is light and easy to remove from the base with your child inside. Our parent testers loved the Maxi-Cosi Coral, which is only available in a few colors, but has a lot of safety features and is super light (at 8.4 pounds with seat inserts and canopy). Nuna PIPA URbN is another model that stands out, since it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Car Seat Group 0/0+ category, thanks to high-end features such as the Dream drape and a fully-covered canopy with UPF 50+.
The design of the seat and base should also be taken into consideration. For example, some car seats come with a 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 attached correctly. Parents have found these to be convenient especially when the vehicle only had front-facing seatbelts with no ISOFIX anchor points.
Certain infant car seats can be used with standard seatbelts that do not have the base. This is an excellent feature for parents who travel often or travel with their babies. The Nuna TODL NEXT was a favorite among our parents who tested it. It can be used with or without the base and features a smooth swivel that allows you to easily take your baby in and out.
Other important design considerations include whether the car seat is an open design, and how it is compatible with your car (see our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're in search of a car seat newborn that will develop with your baby until a booster, look for one with an adjustable headrest that can be reclining and side impact protection. Make sure the infant car seat you select is iSize compatible and has the appropriate car seat attachment points in accordance with UK law.