Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns
A rear-facing infant car seat is the safest option for infants. It's vital to follow the directions of the manufacturer when installing the car seat.
The base of the car seat needs to be slightly reclined. This will help keep the baby's chin and head off their chests, which will reduce the risk of sustaining asphyxia in a position.
Types
There are two types of car seats suitable for infants. A baby car seat and convertible baby car seats. Both have advantages and disadvantages. It all comes down to your personal preference and the way in which the seat will be used. If you plan to use the seat as part of a travel system, and you will be changing vehicles often, a baby car seat may be better suited. If you would prefer an extremely durable car seat that can grow with your child to the stage of a booster seat then a convertible car seat may be a better choice.
Car seats for infants are specially made for babies and newborns and are always used with the backwards facing position. This is the most secure option for traveling with small children. These seats are typically less expensive, but have a shorter life span than convertible car seat. Most seats must be replaced when your child reaches the maximum weight or height (which can vary greatly between seats) or if they reach the age limit.
Convertible car seats, also known as all-in-one carseats are designed to take your infant from birth through their toddler years, and into their school years. They can usually be used as a forward or rear-facing seat, and some can be converted into a booster seat.
Many of the best car seats for newborns are convertible and will have a range of features, including a smooth rotation function with easy harness adjustment, and an foam base made of EPS, which is essentially Styrofoam. Parents love these features as they make getting their infants in and out of the seat much easier, while ensuring that their children are safe and safe.
When choosing a car seat, it's important to check that it is compatible with your vehicle and has LATCH to make installation easy. Also, you should look for safety features, such as shock-absorbing material and side impact protection. Consult a qualified car seat specialist if you aren't sure which car seat is best for your family. They can help you navigate the options and help you choose the best seat for your baby.
Safety
Whether you're shopping for an infant car seat, convertible car seat or baby-ready travel systems it is essential to make sure that the product you select meets the strictest safety standards. This is particularly crucial for infants since they are smaller, lighter and more fragile than older children. Choose a seat with a five-point harness that is attached below the shoulders (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing) or between the legs and around the crotch. This will stop your child from being thrown from the seat in case of an unexpected stop or crash.
If you want to be sure, seek out a seat that can be connected to the vehicle using either lower anchors or seat belt, and offers an upper tether that stops the car seat from moving forward during the event of a crash, and possibly obstructing breathing for the child. Make sure the recline angle is in line as well, since newborns can easily become trapped in a seat that's too high up.
Most importantly, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the proper installation of the model you have chosen. It's also a good idea to collaborate with an approved car seat inspector during pregnancy and/or after the birth of your child, as the expert will help you ensure that your installation is flawless every time.
Compatibility with strollers is another aspect to take into consideration. If you are planning to use your stroller often, consider an infant car and stroller combination that connects seamlessly. This is a great option for parents who are busy because it lets them easily transfer their child from the stroller to their car and vice versa, while doing around doing 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 or a bed, as this could cause it to tip over. This could lead to your child being injured, or even dying. Infant/baby carriers that are not properly secured or supervised on soft surfaces may also cause the suffocation of your child.
User-Friendliness
A car seat will only provide the best protection if it is used properly each time. Unfortunately, a lot of injuries in car seats are caused by mistakes. Some of these include not following the manufacturer's instructions, incorrect installation and using products that are aftermarket and putting the child in the wrong position.
A high-quality car seat for infants will come with clear instructions for installing and features that to ensure proper usage. Certain brands, like CYBEX have visual indicators or click sounds that confirm that the car seat has been installed correctly. This is crucial as studies have revealed that the incorrect use of car seats is responsible for up to 50% of injuries that are related to car seats.
It is also important to remember to not leave your child in the car seat of an infant or carrier in a vehicle even for a short duration. If a child is left unattended, the safety seat could fall and land on soft surfaces like couches or beds which can cause serious injuries or even death. The seats could also be flipped over onto their sides, leading to an inability to breathe.
The ideal infant car seat depends on many aspects, such as your lifestyle and the long-term durability of the seat. An all-in-one model can be less expensive initially, but might not be suitable for smaller infants as well and is less flexible than a convertible car seat or booster. A lightweight, easy-to-install seat is crucial for parents who travel often. Urban dwellers may prefer a seat that can be used in a taxi, Uber, or other vehicle without the base.
A seat that can be attached to strollers is a great choice for new parents who are looking to reduce the amount of baggage they need to carry in town or on airplane flights. This is especially the case in the event that you intend to commute via public transport often and reside in a large city. Many seats can be connected to strollers from UPPAbaby for simple, comfortable commuting. Be sure to be aware of how simple it is to install your chosen seat on vehicles that do not have lower anchors or tether connectors as they are less common.
Convenience
Many infant car seats are compatible with stroller travel systems, allowing you to create an all-inclusive solution to ensure the safety of your child. best car seat for newborn uk 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 put the seat in the stroller before you leave. It's unsafe to leave it in the car or on the road. Your child could be injured if they exit the seat without supervision.
Infant car seats are designed for babies and infants who are smaller. They offer a comfortable and secure fit, and plenty of padding for security and comfort. They're generally lighter than convertible car seats, making them easier to carry over short distances. Most baby car seats can be used with rear-facing, which is the preferred position by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
However they are less durable than convertible car seats. Children usually outgrow their infant seats between nine months and one year. You may have to upgrade your car seat to a convertible one sooner than you think.
A safe infant car seat should include a strap that is flat against the child’s chest over their hips, and with the chest clip located in the armpit of the child. The crotch buckle should be flat across the child's thighs. Some models have adjustable and removable inserts that allow parents to achieve the recommended fit.
It's important to remember that straps that are not secured or tight the baby could be strangled. It's also unsafe to leave your child unattended in a car seat, so make sure you choose one with a lockoff feature for your vehicle or an integrated lock.
The car seats we test are engineered to offer the best possible safety features. Bob Hoffman, our Senior Review Editor, has more car seat installation and scoring experience than anyone on the planet, and he's with his mom of two boys Wendy Schmitz, Senior Reviews Editor, and Abriah Wofford an Analyst for Senior Reviews who's been testing seats since the year 2016. Our team's knowledge and expertise can help you find the perfect seat for your child and your vehicle.