You ll Never Guess This Car Seat For Newborn s Benefits
Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns
A rear-facing infant car seat is the safest option for newborns. Using a car seat incorrectly can lead to injuries or even death, so it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing.
The base of the car seat needs to be slightly reclined. This will help to keep the baby's head and chin off their chest, reducing the chance of asphyxia from a position.
Types
When selecting a car seat for newborns there are two primary types to consider. A baby car seat and convertible baby car seats. Both have their 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 in an auto travel system and you will be changing vehicles often, a baby car seat could be better suited. If you're looking for a car seat that will grow with your child and become a booster or beyond the age of a convertible seat, it is the best choice.
Infant cars seats are designed specifically for newborns and infants and are used in the rear-facing position which is the most secure method of travel for the little ones. They are also generally less expensive than convertible seats, but they can have a shorter life span. Most will need to be replaced when your child has reached their weight limit or height (which may differ between seats) or if they exceed their age-group limit.
Convertible baby seats, also known as all-in-one car seat as they are sometimes referred to are designed to accommodate your baby from birth through their toddler years and into their school years. Some are able to be used as a forward-facing seat or a rear-facing seat.
Many of the best car seats for babies are convertible and have many features, such as a smooth rotation function, easy harness adjustment and an EPS foam base that is basically Styrofoam. These features are a favorite among parents as they make it simpler to take their infants in and out of their seats, while still ensuring that their child is safe and comfortable.
It is essential to ensure that the car seat you pick is compatible with your car, and that it has LATCH for easy installation. It's also important to check the safety features, like shock-absorbent materials and side impact protection. If you're unsure about what type of seat is best for your family, speak to an experienced car seat technician. They'll be able to talk you through your options and help you select the right seat for your infant.
Safety
Whether you're shopping for a baby car seat convertible car seat, baby-ready travel system it is essential to make sure that the product you choose is safe and meets strict safety standards. This is especially crucial for infants since they are smaller and more delicate than older children. Look for a seat with five-point harnesses that are attached to the shoulders below (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing) and between the legs and around the crotch. This will secure your child and prevents them from being thrown out of the seat during an accident or sudden stop.
Ideally, you'll also choose an item that is secured to the vehicle with either lower anchors or a seat belts, and also has the option of a top rated infant car seats tether to prevent the car seat from moving forward during an accident and could block breathing of the child. Be sure that the recline angle is in line, too, as newborns can easily become trapped in a car seat that's too upright.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's directions for proper installation of your model. It's a good idea seek out a certified car seat inspection technician during your pregnancy and/or immediately after the birth of your child. A qualified professional can ensure the perfect installation.
The compatibility of strollers is a further factor to consider. If you plan to use a stroller frequently, consider an infant car seat and stroller combo that clicks together seamlessly. This is an excellent option for busy parents because it lets them easily transfer their child from the stroller to their car and vice versa when they're doing around doing errands.
Always place your seat on a solid surface (such as car seats or bases) and never on a soft one like the bed or sofa because 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 could cause the suffocation of your child.
User-Friendliness
The most effective protection is only possible when the car seat is properly used every time. Unfortunately, many car seat injuries are the result of mistakes. Some of these are not following the manufacturer's instructions, improper installation, using aftermarket products, and putting the child in an incorrect position.
To reduce the chance of error, a good infant car seat is one that has easy-to-read installation instructions and features that help to ensure proper usage. Certain brands, such as CYBEX, even have visual indicators and click sound that confirm the seat is installed correctly. This is crucial because studies have found that improper use of car seats can be the cause of up to half of all injuries related to car seats.
It is also crucial to remember that you should not let your baby out of an infant car seats that swivel car seat or in a carrier out of your vehicle even for a brief time. A baby left unattended in the safety seat could fall and fall onto soft surfaces, like beds or couches which can cause serious injuries or death. The seats may also fall on their side and cause suffocation.
The ideal infant car seat is determined by a number of aspects, such as your lifestyle and the longevity of the seat. All-in-one car seats are less expensive initially however they might not suit smaller infants as well, and are less versatile than a booster or convertible car seat. A lightweight, simple to install seat is vital for parents who travel often. Urban dwellers may prefer a seat which can be installed in taxis, Uber, or other vehicle without the base.
Furthermore, a seat that is compatible with strollers could be an ideal option for new parents who want to minimize the amount of equipment they'll need to carry around town or on plane flights. This is especially the case when you plan to travel on public transportation frequently and live in a major city. Many seats can be paired with UPPAbaby's strollers to facilitate and simple journeys. Lastly, you should pay close attention to the installation of your seat in vehicles that don't have lower anchors or tether connections, since they are not common in most models.
Convenience
Many infant car seat swivel car seats work with stroller travel systems, allowing you to create a complete solution to ensure the safety of your child. This makes it much easier to move your baby from the car seat for newborn to the stroller during bad weather or at night. Be sure to secure the seat in the stroller before you drive off. If you leave it in the car or in the street isn't secure and could let your child exit the seat unattended and could result in injury.
Infant car seats are designed specifically for infants and infants with smaller sizes, offering snug and secure fits with plenty of padding for safety and comfort. They are usually lighter than convertible car seats which makes them more convenient to transport over short distances. The majority of infant car seats are designed to be used rear-facing, which is endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the safest position for young children.
However they are less durable than convertible car seats. Most children outgrow infant car seats between the ages of nine months and one year. This means that you might require a convertible car seat sooner than you anticipated.
A quality infant car seat will come with the strap for harness that sits flat against the child's chest and across their hips, with the chest clip located at armpit level and the crotch buckle lying flat across their thighs. Some models come with removable and adjustable inserts that allow parents to achieve the recommended fit.
When selecting a baby car seat, it is important to be aware that babies could be strangled if the straps become loose or unfastened. It's also unsafe to leave a child unattended in a car seat, so choose one that has the option of locking off your vehicle or a built-in 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 else and is joined by the mother of two boys Wendy Schmitz, Senior Reviews Editor, and Abriah Wofford who is a Senior Review Analyst who has been testing seats since the year 2016. Our team's experience and knowledge will help you choose the best seat for your child as well as your vehicle.