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Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns

For newborns with the rear-facing infant car seat is the safest option. If a car seat is installed incorrectly, it could cause injuries or even death, therefore it's essential to follow instructions of the manufacturer when installing.

The car seat base should be slightly reclined, which helps keep the baby's head tucked back and chin off their chest reducing the risk of positional asphyxia.

Types

When choosing a car seat for newborns there are two primary kinds to be considered. A car seat for infants and a convertible baby car seat. Both have pros and cons. It all depends on your personal preference and the way in which the seat is used. If you are planning to use the seat as part of a travel system, and will be changing vehicles often, a baby car seat could be better suited. If you're looking for a car seat that will develop with your child as they become a booster or go beyond an adult, a convertible car seat is the best option.

Infant cars seats are designed specifically for infants and newborns and are used in the rear-facing position which is the most secure method of travel for the little infants. They are also typically less expensive than convertible car seats but can have a shorter lifespan. Most seats will need to be changed once your child reaches the limit of their weight or height (which can differ greatly between seats), or if their age group is reached.

Convertible car seats, also known as all-in-one car seats are designed to take your baby from birth through their toddler years, and into their school years. Some are able to be used as a forward-facing or a rear-facing seat.

A lot of the top convertible car seats for newborns will have a range of features. They include a smooth rotation feature, an easy harness adjustment, and a base made of EPS foam that is similar to Styrofoam. These features are popular with parents as they make it simpler to take their infants in and out of their seats, while ensuring that their child is comfortable and safe.

When you are choosing a car seat, it's essential to make sure it's compatible with your vehicle and has LATCH for easy installation. Also, you should look for safety features like shock-absorbing material and side impact protection. If you're not sure the type of car seat that is best for your family, talk to a certified car seat technician. They will guide you through the choices and help you select the appropriate seat for your baby.

Safety

You should always check that the product you select has been tested to meet the highest safety standards, no matter if you are shopping for a convertible car seat or infant car seat, or an infant travel system that is ready for your infant. This is especially important for newborns as they are smaller and lighter than older children. Choose the seat with a five-point safety harness that can be stowed between the legs, around the crotch and below the shoulders when the child is facing rearwards or above the shoulders when the child is facing forward. This will protect your child from being thrown out of the seat in the event of an abrupt stop or crash.

If you want to be sure, look for seats that are secured to the vehicle with either lower anchors or seat belts, and also has the option of a top tether to prevent the car seat from moving forward in an accident and could block breathing for the child. Also, ensure that the recline angle of the seat is in the right direction. Newborns can easily get trapped in a seat which is too high up.

It is important to follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure proper installation of your particular model. It's a good idea consult a certified car-seat inspection technician during your pregnancy and/or right after the birth of your child. A professional can guarantee a perfect installation.

Compatibility with strollers is another aspect to take into consideration. If you plan to frequently use a stroller you should consider a baby car seat and stroller combination that connects seamlessly. This is a great option for busy parents because it lets them effortlessly transfer their child from the stroller to their car and vice versa when they're running errands.

Always ensure that your seat is on a hard surface (such as a car seat or base) and never on a soft one like the bed or sofa, as this can cause it to tip over. This could result in your child being injured, or even dying. Leaving an infant car seat rear facing/baby seat or carrier in a car seat for newborn unsupervised on soft surfaces may result in death by suffocation.

Ease of Use

The best protection is possible only if the car seat has been used correctly every time. Unfortunately, a large number of injuries involving car seats result from mistakes. This includes not following the manufacturer's instructions, not installing properly, using aftermarket accessories, and placing the child in the wrong position.

To reduce the chance of error, a reliable infant car seat will have easy-to-read installation instructions and features that make it easier to ensure correct usage. Some brands, like CYBEX include visual indicators and click sounds to ensure that the seat is installed correctly. This is important because studies have shown that incorrect use of a car seat is the cause of up to 50% of car seat-related injuries.

You should also be aware that you should never leave your child in the car seat or in a carrier, even if it is only for a few minutes. If left unattended, a child in a safety car seat or carrier can fall onto soft surfaces like couches or beds, and cause serious injury or even death. The seats can also tip over on their sides, resulting in an inability to breathe.

Choosing the best infant car seat for your newborn is dependent on a variety of factors, such as lifestyle and longevity. A all-in-one model may be cheaper upfront but may not work for smaller babies as well and is less flexible than a convertible car seat or booster. A lightweight, easy-to-install seat is vital for parents who travel often. Urban dwellers might prefer a seat which can be installed in taxis, Uber, or other vehicle that does not have the base.

A seat that is connected to strollers is a excellent option for families who are looking to reduce the amount of luggage they carry around the city or on plane flights. This is particularly applicable if you reside in a city and intend to use public transportation frequently and many seats can be connected to an UPPAbaby stroller to allow for simple, easy commuting. You should also be aware of how simple it is to mount your chosen seat on vehicles without lower anchors or tether connectors, since they are not as common.

Convenience

Many infant car seats connect to a stroller travel system to create an entire child safety solution. This makes it easy to move a baby who is sleeping from your car to a stroller, even in bad conditions and at night. Be sure to put the seat in the stroller prior to you leave. It's not safe to leave it in the car, or on the street. Your baby could be injured if they get out of the seat without supervision.

infant car seat newborn car seats are made specifically for infants and infants with smaller sizes, offering snug and secure fits with plenty of padding for comfort and safety. They're typically lighter than convertible car seats, making them easy to carry on short trips. Most infant car seats are designed to be used rear-facing, which is endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the most secure position for infants and toddlers.

They have a shorter life span than convertible car seats. Children usually outgrow their infant seats between nine months and one year. This means that you could need to upgrade to convertible car seats earlier than you expected.

A great infant car seat newborn car seat will come with straps for harnesses that lie flat against the child's chest, and also over their hips and the chest clip placed at armpit level and the crotch buckle lying flat across their thighs. Some models come with adjustable and removable inserts that allow parents to attain the ideal fit.

When selecting an infant car seat, it's important to be aware that children can be strangled if the straps become loose or not secured. It's also unsafe to leave a child unattended in a car seat, therefore, choose a seat that has a lockoff feature for your vehicle or an integrated lock.

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 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 expertise and knowledge can help you find the perfect seat for your child and your vehicle.