5 Laws Anybody Working In Car Seat For Newborn Should Be Aware Of

Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn? A good car seat will ensure your baby is safe and secure while driving. But which one is most suitable for your infant? With features such as latch hooks, load legs and belt paths to consider, choosing the right car seat for your infant can be a challenge. Here's everything you need think about to make the best choice for your family. Ease of Use You'll want to select one that is easy to install and use, whether you're buying a car seat for a new baby or upgrading your toddler's car seat. Consider the size and weight of your child, the size of the seat that will fit in the car, and any extra features, such as the lay-flat option that can also be used as a stroller. Infant-only seats are a great option for babies because they tend to be narrower and fit them more snugly than convertible seats. They come with a harness to support your child's head in an accident, which can reduce the strain on their neck or spinal cord. Convertible car seats are ideal for parents who plan to keep their infants rear-facing for as long as is possible because most models allow children to ride in a rear-facing seat until they're 30 pounds or greater. If you choose to purchase a convertible car seat, look for one that complies with the federal safety standards and has a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds or more. It's important to keep it in mind that even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards, there are many different models available. To avoid the stress and danger of a defective or dangerous seat, make sure you choose one approved by a reputable business or organization, and then look for recalls or manufacturer complaints. The best car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and various recline positions. Some car seats offer extra padding on the straps for the shoulder and near the buckle to keep your baby comfy during long road trips. If you drive a smaller car opt for a smaller infant seat, such as the Clek Liing that is just 17 inches wide and easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max, which can be used together with UPPAbaby Strollers is a great option for families who want a simple car seat. The harness that retracts automatically, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all very easy to use. Safety Features You should consider some aspects when selecting the right infant car seat. If you're looking to ensure your child is comfortable throughout the ride or are looking for a lightweight, safe car seat for your child to use for long trips, you need to keep in mind some of the aspects. Consider the weight and height limits of your infant seat. This will determine the length of time your baby can safely be in the seat. Look for a model which goes up to the 90th centile of your child's height before turning one. Also, consider whether you'd like to put a coat or blanket over the harness straps. The AAP cautions against this, because thick clothing could cause a collapse and make the straps too loose to secure your child, increasing the chance of injury. Other things to consider include whether you intend to install your car seat with a belt on your vehicle or the LATCH system, and whether it's compatible with other strollers or travel systems. A seat that can easily fit onto a compatible base is the best option if you plan to use it for a majority of your car rides and will save you time and energy by not having to remove it and put it back in place every time you use the vehicle. In our tests the Best of the Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with users saying it “has everything you need for a fast and easy installation.” It comes with premium LATCH connectors that can be removed from the base, and then turn green once fully connected. Also included is a SuperCinch strap tightener for force multipliers and a spring-loaded leveling feet. The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another option worth considering. We found it to be user-friendly and affordable as models costing twice more. Its adjustable headrest in five positions that adapts to your child's growth and its buckle holders with magnetic buckles, and its no-rethread harness have been highly praised by our testers. The Maxi-Cosi Jade makes a great choice for newborns due to its unique 180-degree sleep position. This allows them to rest comfortably and for longer on journeys. It's also been praised for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? ADAC giving it the highest lab rating for car seats for infants. Rear-facing Options In the majority of automobiles, the most secure place for a newborn is the back seat. The seat in the center is closest to any collision, and will shield your baby best in an accident. You should choose an infant car seat that allows your child to ride backwards for around an entire year. It's also crucial to ensure that the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest fits comfortably against your child's chest and head. The best way to accomplish this is to speak with an experienced child passenger safety technician, who will provide you with the most current guidelines for car seat use and installation. Find one in your area here. The car seat you select for your newborn will be a major investment, and you'll be using it for a long time. You'll want to choose a seat that has a good crash test score as well as an analysis score. It should also include features to ensure your baby is comfy. The Clek Liing is a great choice for parents who are looking for a budget-friendly rear-facing infant car seat. It scored highly in both our sensor and analysis tests, has an easy-to-use LATCH system that comes with the ability to change colors that indicates when the buckle straps are securely attached to the car, and a load leg that can help prevent frontal crashes. Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, opted for the Graco Extension2Fit to fit her daughters, who were both born up to the age of six. The seat's adjustable harness height and length allow it to fit all children from tall to short. It's a great option for a wide range of vehicles. It also is a light, 50-pound limit on rear-facing weight. Plus, it converts to a booster seat, which Trolio used with her oldest daughter until she turned 10 years older. Another affordable option is the Nuna RAVA. infant car seats that swivel Push Chairs & Prams doesn't come with an base, but it is still simple to put in using the LATCH connectors that are rigid. They flip off the bottom and then turn green when the seat is secured to the vehicle. The RAVA is also comfortable for infants, with an unrethread harness that is not rethread and magnetic buckle holders that make it simple to attach the straps without taking your child from the seat. LaBracio also discovered the recline with six positions to be useful. Options with a Forward-Facing In front-facing seats children's necks are held in the back of the seat rather than pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This position protects them in collisions with other vehicles as well. Most car seats allow infants as young as 20 pounds and 1 year old to sit backwards. However, many experts recommend that children remain rear-facing as long as possible—their neck muscles and bones will become stronger by the time they're ready to move to a forward-facing seat. If you are looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, ensure they meet the i-Size standards with a padded seat pocket, and a cushioned headrest. Check the maximum height and weight limits and think about purchasing an automobile seat that can expand with your child to the position of a booster seat. Certain models come with an all-in-one option that allows the child to be moved from a rear-facing car seats (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing seat with a harness, and then onto a booster seat. It is also important to think about whether the car seat will fit well in your vehicle, particularly in the case of a small trunk or low clearance. Make sure you check the dimensions of the car seat as well as the owners' manuals for your vehicle to determine the best fit. Look for a car-seat that provides adequate support and comfort for your child. Long drives in the vehicle are more enjoyable if they can rest comfortably. This could include features like reclined seat backs as well as a five-point harness that can tighten from the back of your seat, and a range of recline positions. Once you've narrowed down your options, think about crash replacement policies for the car seat you're considering. They can vary from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a personal case review. After you've done your homework and determined what type of car seat you're looking for, it's time to start looking around. Look through the selections at your local baby store or online retailer and ask family members who have children to get their suggestions. You can also book a consultation with a CPST at Rockridge Kids to help you find the right car seat for your newborn.