How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn

The best car seat for newborns is one that meets federal safety standards, fits in your vehicle, has convenient extras (like making it a stroller) and works with your budget. You should also make sure that the car seats newborn seat is easily removed and put into of any vehicle, especially when you're constantly switching between rental cars, taxis or grandparents' vehicles.

Safety

A quality car seat will have extra features that are above the safety standards of the federal government. They include padded inserts for the shoulders and head and air-repellent fabrics to keep them cool while driving in hot temperatures.

Another important safety consideration is how easy it is to install and use the seat. Ideally, you want to be able to snap it in place with little effort, and with clear signs that it's secure and level, as well as positioned correctly.

There are many features that will make this easier, such as belt guides and built-in locks to help you align the car seat with the seat belt of your vehicle. Also, you should avoid buying used car seats that may not be tested for safety or have been involved in an accident and may not protect your child. If you have to buy an old car seat, make sure that it has an expiration date and that the seller isn't an individual or a private party who doesn't have evidence of ownership.

Another thing to bear in your mind is to keep your child in the car seat for a maximum of 2 hours per day unless they are in a lie-flat position. This will prevent strain on the spine of your child and ensure that they have a chance to breathe regularly.

Choosing an infant car seats cheap car seat is a major investment, so you'll want to make sure that it has a lengthy life span. Select a seat that will expand with your child's age and last through toddlerhood to teen years. One of the ones our parents liked was the Axkid One i-Size, which is suitable from the time of birth and can be used until 7 years old.

The Nuna pipa air rx is a different option that can be used for a lengthy time. It rotates 360 degrees, which means you can switch it from rear-facing into front-facing as the child grows. It's also one of the lightest car seats that rotate on the market, and weighs less than 9 pounds without its base. It's a great option for parents who need to 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 child is at ease in their car seat, both in it as well as when you install it. Choose padded straps that fit comfortably around their shoulders, and for plush material that feels comfortable under their tummy. This is especially important if you plan to use the seat for a long duration.

The most effective infant car seat is also user-friendly. Some feature premium LATCH connectors that come with SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, spring-loaded leveling feet, and belt paths that make putting them on without the base easier than ever before. Other features let you adjust the height of the harness and headrest that is essential as your child grows.

One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate test, which our parents scored 10/10 for its ease of use. It has a clear and simple interface, no-rethread, easy-to adjust harness, a 360-degree rotation and a recline lock indication. It is easy to switch your child's seat from front-facing to rear-facing as they grow, without having to remove and replace the seat.

Another example is the Nuna Pipa Air rx which our testers who were parents loved for its convenience, comfort and its versatility. Its padded headrest and shoulder straps are designed to accommodate the head of your newborn and comes with pillows that are soft for your comfort. It can be used in a back-facing position until your child is at the maximum height or weight limit. Then, it transforms to an infant stroller.

A high-quality car seat is durable and many have a warranty. Look for the seat with plenty of padding and sturdy materials to safeguard your child from accidents. It should also include steel frames to absorb the impact energy and an "crumple area" to avoid damage from a crash. It must also be easy to clean, since messiness is inevitable with a baby. Choose car seats with removable seat covers and a pad that is machine washable to make cleaning a breeze.

Easy of Use

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

The Best Car Seat For Newborn of The Bump winner comes with a number of practical features that our testers for parents loved, such as a cushioned headrest and harness, plush fabric, and cup holders. It also features a recline feature that allows your baby to sit in an ergonomic position for longer journeys. It can also be combined with a compatible buggy to create a complete travel system, which is perfect if you intend to travel for extended periods of time.

It is suitable from birth. Our panelists found this car seat simple to set up and adjust. It has recline locks and an upgraded connector that comes with a SuperCinch tightener. This made it easy to secure your child. It's also designed to be easily shifted from side-to-side in the vehicle without the need for tools.

One of our top features is the recline feature that helps you take your baby in and out of the car. This is particularly helpful when you have back pain or have a small car. It also has an adjustable drink holder that can be reversible, as well as a convenient storage compartment for snacks and toys.

The seat is light and can be used in conjunction with or without the base. It can also be rotated 180 degrees. This is a great feature if you are limited in space or suffer from back pain. Our panelists were awed by this new feature which won a spot in our 2021 Mother&Baby awards.

It's a great option for anyone who wants to convert their car seat into a stroller for an affordable cost. Its streamlined design and high-quality fabric will last for a long time also. Make sure to clean your cover regularly as smashed biscuits, yoghurt spills, and the occasional sick toddler accident is sure to leave their footprints!

Design

The designs of car seats are as diverse as the cars they're placed in. While some parents opt to not use infant car seats to opt for convertible models, most new mothers want a seat that can develop with their baby as they reach toddlerhood. All-in-one car seats are the most flexible that allow you to change from rear-facing to forward facing infant car seat-facing. It typically has a greater weight and height limit, and can also be used as a booster when your child is old enough.

An ideal infant car seat newborn is lightweight and easy to lift from the base and transport your child. The Maxi-Cosi Coral is available in only a handful of colors but it offers a lot of safety features and is also light (8.4 pounds, including seat inserts and canopy). Other models that stand out are the Nuna PIPA URbN, winner of Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Car Seat Group 0/0+, thanks to its high-end extras like the Dream drape and a full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy.

The design of the seat and base should also be taken into consideration. For instance, some car seats come with a base that is secured to the vehicle's seat belt buckles, while others have steel-reinforced LATCH connectors that flip out from the sides of the base and turn green when connected correctly. Parents found these convenient especially when the vehicle only had front-facing seatbelts, and no ISOFIX anchor points.

Some infant car seats can be used with a standard seatbelt without the base, which is a bonus for parents who often use taxis or travel with their child. The Nuna TODL NEXT was a popular choice among our parents who tested it. It can be used with or without the base, and it has a smooth swivel, which allows you to easily get your baby in and out.

Other important design considerations include whether the car seat is a flat design, and how well it is compatible with your car (see our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're in search of a car seat newborn that will grow with your baby as he develops into an adult, select a model with a reclining headrest and side impact protection. It is also important to ensure that your chosen infant car seat is i-Size compatible and has the right car seat attachment points, as per UK law.