Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns
For infants, a rear-facing infant car seat is the most secure option. It is essential 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 head and chin off their chests, reducing the risk for positional asphyxia.
Types
When selecting a car seat for newborns there are two primary kinds to be considered. There are two kinds of car seats for infants: an infant car seat and a convertible car seat. Both have advantages and drawbacks However, it depends on your the individual preference and how you intend to use the seat. If you plan to use the seat as part of an auto travel system and will be changing vehicles often, an infant car seat might be better suited. However, if you prefer the idea of an extremely durable car seat that grows with your child until the stage of a booster seat, then an convertible car seat could be the better choice.
Infant cars seats are designed specifically for infants and newborns and are always used in the rear-facing position, which is the safest method of travel for the little babies. They are also generally cheaper than convertible car seats, but they 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 vary greatly between seats) or when their age group is reached.
Convertible car seats, also referred to as all-in-one car seats are designed to transport your infant from their birth to their toddler years and on into their school years. Some can be used as a forward-facing or a rear-facing one.
Many of the
best car seats for newborns are convertible and have many features, including a smooth rotation function, easy harness adjustment and an EPS foam base that is basically Styrofoam. These features are popular with parents because they make it simpler to take their infants in and out of their seats while ensuring that their child is secure and comfortable.
It is essential to ensure that the car seat you pick is compatible with your vehicle and that it has LATCH for easy installation. You should also check the safety features, such as shock-absorbing material and side impact protection. If you're unsure about what type of seat is the best fit for your family, talk to an experienced car seat technician. They'll be able to talk about your options and help you choose the
best infant seat seat for your newborn.
Safety
It is essential to ensure that the model you select has been tested to meet the highest safety standards, whether you are looking for a convertible car seat, infant car seat or an infant travel system that is ready for your baby. This is particularly important for newborns, as they weigh less and are smaller than older children. Look for a seat with a five-point harness that is attached to the shoulders below (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing), between the legs and around the crotch. This will protect your child from being thrown out of the seat in the event of a sudden stop or crash.
Ideally, you'll also choose a seat that can be connected to the vehicle using either lower anchors or seat belts, and has the option of a top tether to prevent the car seat from moving forward during a crash and potentially obstructing breathing of the child. Make sure the recline angle is correct also, as infants are often trapped in a seat that's too high up.
Most importantly, be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions regarding proper installation for your particular model. It's also a good idea to consult an approved car seat inspection technician during pregnancy and/or following the birth of your child, since the expert will help you ensure that your installation is flawless every time.
Compatibility with strollers is another factor to think about. If you plan to use a stroller often you should consider a
baby car seat and stroller combination that can be connected seamlessly. This is a great choice for parents who are busy because it lets them easily transfer their child from the stroller into the car and vice versa while they are doing on errands.
Always ensure that your seat is on a solid surface (such as car seats or bases) and not on a soft surface, such as a sofa or bed because this could cause it to tip over. This could lead to your child being injured, or even killed. Unattended infant/baby seats or carriers on soft surfaces could cause suffocation.
Easy of Use
The most effective protection is only possible when the car seat is utilized correctly every time. Unfortunately, a lot of car seat injuries are caused by mistakes. This includes not following the manufacturer's instructions, improper installation, using aftermarket accessories, and putting the child in an incorrect position.
To help reduce the risk of a mistake, a quality infant car seat is one that has easy-to-read installation instructions and features that help to ensure correct usage. Certain brands, such as CYBEX have even included visual indicators and click sounds to assure that the seat is fitted correctly. This is important because studies have found that improper use of car seats could be responsible for as much as 50% of injuries that are related to car seats.
You should also be aware that you should never leave your infant in the car seat or in a carrier even if it's just for a few minutes. Unsupervised children in a safety seat may fall and land on soft surfaces such as couches or beds and cause serious injuries or death. The seats could also tip over on their sides which can cause suffocation.
Choosing the
best car seats for newborns infant Car Seat For Newborn (
Poundlily5.Bravejournal.Net) seat for your newborn depends on many factors, including lifestyle and longevity. All-in-one seats are less expensive up front, but they may not be able to accommodate smaller babies as well and be less versatile than a convertible or booster car seat. A lightweight, easy to install seat is vital for parents who travel often. Urban dwellers may prefer a seat that can be used in a taxi, Uber, or other vehicle that does not have the base.
A seat that is attached to strollers is great choice for new parents who are looking to minimize the amount of baggage they need to carry in the city or on plane flights. This is especially true if you live in a city, and plan to use public transportation frequently, as many seats can be linked to an UPPAbaby stroller to allow for simple, effortless commutes. You should also pay attention to how easy it is to install your preferred 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 that allow you to design a an all-inclusive solution to ensure the safety of your child. This makes it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller during bad weather or at night. Make sure to secure the seat in the stroller prior to you leave. Leaving it in the car or in the street isn't a good idea and could let your child exit the seat without supervision which could cause injuries.
Infant car seats are designed specifically for infants and infants with smaller sizes, offering snug and secure fittings with plenty of padding for safety and comfort. They're generally lighter than convertible car seats, making them easy to carry for short distances. The majority of infant car seats are made to be used rear facing, which is endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the safest position for young children.
They last a shorter time than convertible car seats. Children typically outgrow their infant seats between nine months and one year. This means that you may require convertible car seats sooner than expected.
A safe infant car seat will include a strap that is flat against the chest of the child over their hips, and with the chest clip positioned at the child’s armpit. The crotch buckle should be flat across the child’s thighs. Some models come with adjustable and removable inserts to assist parents to maintain this recommended fit.
It is important to keep in mind that straps that are loose or unfastened the baby could be strangled. It is also dangerous to allow a child to be in a car without a guardian. Select a seat that has an option to lock off your vehicle, or that has a built-in locking mechanism.
Our experts test car seats to ensure they're fitted with the highest safety features. Bob Hoffman, our Senior Review Editor has more car seat installation and scoring expertise than anyone else 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 has been testing seats since 2016. Our team's expertise and knowledge will help you choose the best seat for your child as well as your vehicle.