How to Choose the best car seats for newborns Car Seat Newborn

The best car seat infant car seat newborn is one that is compliant with federal safety standards, is compatible with your vehicle, has convenient extras (like making it the stroller) and fits within your budget. It's also worth checking that the baby car seat clicks into and out of your car easily, particularly if you often shift between taxis or rides in rental cars or grandparents' vehicles.

Safety

A quality car seat comes with extra features that are above the safety standards of the federal government. They include padded inserts for the shoulders and head, air-repellent fabrics to help keep them cool in hot vehicles and side-impact protection.

Another important aspect to consider is how easy it is to install and use the seat. Ideally, the seat must be easy to install and use, and with clear indicators of its height, position, and security.

There are many features that will aid in this process like belt guides and built-in lockoffs that will help you align the car seat to the seat belt of your vehicle. You also want to avoid purchasing used car seats, as they may not be tested for crash safety or have been involved in an accident, and could not protect your child. If you have to buy a used car seat, make sure that it has an expiration and that the seller isn't a private person who has no evidence of ownership.

One other thing to keep in mind is that it's best car seats for newborns to keep your child in the car seat for a maximum of two hours per day, unless they're in a lying-flat position. This is to reduce strain on their developing spine and ensure that they are able to breathe regularly.

The choice of a car seat for infants is a significant investment so you'll want to be sure that it has a lengthy life span. Choose a seat that will develop with your child's age and last from toddlerhood through teen years. Our testers for parents were impressed with the Axkid i-Size. It is suitable for children from birth, and can be used up to age 7.

The Nuna pipa air rx is a different option that can be used for a long time. It can rotate 360 degrees that means you can switch it from rear-facing to front-facing as your child grows. It is also one of most light-weight car seats on the market, weighing less than nine pounds. It's a great option for parents who move their child frequently between cars or are planning to make use of it for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives, and trips with grandparents.

Comfort

It is crucial that your baby is comfortable in their car seat both in it and when you install it. Look for padded straps which are comfortable to wear around their shoulders, and look for plush material that feels comfortable under their tummy. This is especially important when you intend to use the seat for a long period of time.

The best car seat for infants is also simple to use. Some come with premium LATCH connectors with SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, spring-loaded leveling feet, and belt paths that make installing without a base more simple than ever before. Other features allow you to adjust the harness height and headrest, which is particularly crucial as your child grows.

Cosatto All in All Rotate is a prime example. Our parent testers gave it a score of 10 out of 10. It has a clear, simple interface, no-rethread, easy-to-change harness, 360-degree rotation, as well as recline lock indicator. It is possible to easily change your child's seat from front-facing to rear-facing as they grow, without needing to take out and replace the seat.

Nuna Pipa Aire Rx is another example. Our parents who tested it were impressed by its comfort, simplicity and versatility. Its padding for the shoulder straps and headrest are designed to help support the head of your infant car seat rear facing, and comes with an extra soft pillow to ensure comfort. It can be used as a rear-facing car seat until your baby is at the maximum height or weight limit and then it can be converted into a stroller without the need for an additional adapter.

A good car seat is durable and some have a warranty. Find an item that is made up of padding and durable materials to safeguard your child from any accidents. It should also include an aluminum frame to withstand impact energy and an "crumple area" to prevent crash damage. It should also be easy to clean, as spills are commonplace with a baby. To make cleaning easier, look for a car-seat with removable covers and a machine washable pad.

Easy of Use

A car seat needs to be simple to install and use, especially if you're likely to be using it in the same vehicle from time to time. To make it as simple as possible, look for features such as a quick-release belt and an indicator that shows the status of the latch (e.g. green for locked), and a manual that is easy to read.

The Best of The Bump winner includes a variety of useful features that our parents loved, such as a cushioned headrest and harness, plush material, and cup holders. It features a reclining function that allows your child to sit in a comfortable and ergonomic position during longer journeys. It can be used in conjunction with a compatible buggy to make a complete travel system. This is a great option if you are planning to travel for a long time.

Our panelists found that the car seat was simple to set up and adjust. It has recline lock indicators and an LATCH connector that is premium and comes with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener that made securing your child quick and simple. It's designed to be easily moved from side-to-side inside the vehicle without the need for tools.

The recline feature makes it easier for you to get your baby in and out of the vehicle. This is especially useful for those with back problems or drive a smaller car. It also has an adjustable drink holder that can be reversible, as well as a convenient storage compartment for toys and snacks.

The seat is light and can be used in conjunction with or without the base. It can also rotate 180 degrees, which can be a lifesaver when you are in a tight space or are suffering from back pain. Our panelists were thrilled by this feature, which earned a spot in our 2021 Mother&Baby awards.

It's a great option for anyone looking to convert their car seat into a stroller at an affordable cost. Its sleek design and high-quality material will also stand the test of time. Don't forget to wash the cover often as yoghurt spills, biscuits that have been crushed, or even sick toddler accidents can leave a footprints.

Design

Car seat designs are as varied as the vehicles they're placed in. Some parents opt to ditch the infant car seat and opt for a convertible model. However, most new mothers are looking for something that can develop with their child as they reach the age of toddlerhood. The most flexible choice is an all-in-one infant car seat that allows you to switch between forward-facing and rear-facing. It typically has a greater height and weight limit, and is often used as a booster seat if your child is old enough to need one.

The ideal car seat for a newborn is lightweight which makes it easy to lift it from the base and transport your baby in it. Our parents loved the Maxi-Cosi Coral, which is only available in a couple of colours, but offers plenty of safety features and is super light (at 8.4 pounds with seat inserts and canopy). Other models that stand out are the Nuna PIPA URbN and the Nuna PIPA URbN, which was a winner of Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Car Seat Group 0/0+ due to its premium extras such as the Dream drape and a full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy.

The design of the base and seat should be taken into consideration. For instance, certain car seats have a specific base that is secured to the buckles of the seat belts, while others have steel-reinforced LATCH connectors which flip out from the sides of the base and turn green when attached correctly. These were useful for parents, particularly in the case of vehicles with only front-facing seat belts.

Some infant car seats can also be used with a standard seatbelt without the base this is a great benefit for parents who often travel by taxi or travel with their baby. Our parent testers really liked the Nuna TODL NEXT, which can be used with or without its base and includes a smooth swivel motion that makes it simple to get your child out and in the seat.

Other important considerations for design are whether the car seat is a lie flat design, and how it fits into your particular car (see our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're in search of a car seat that can grow with your baby as he develops into a booster, choose one that has an adjustable headrest that can be reclining and side impact protection. Make sure the baby car seat you pick is iSize compliant and also has the proper car seat attachment points in accordance with UK law.