Everything You Need To Know About Car Seat For Newborn
Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns
For infants with a rear-facing infant car seat is the most secure option. If a car seat is installed incorrectly, it could result in injuries or even death, so it's important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer when installing.
The car seat's base should be a little reclined which helps keep the baby's head back and the chin away from their chest, reducing the risk of positional asphyxia.
Types
When selecting a car seat for newborns There are two main kinds to be considered. There are two types of car seats that are suitable for infants that include an infant car seat and a baby convertible car seat. Both have pros and cons. It comes down to your preference and how the seat will be used. If you are planning to use the seat as part of a travel system, and will be changing vehicles often, a baby car seat could be the best choice. If you want a car seat that can expand with your child and become a booster or even beyond an adult, a convertible car seat is the best choice.
Car seats for infants are specially made for babies and newborns and are designed to be used in the backwards facing position. This is the safest travel option for small children. They are also typically cheaper than convertible car seats, but they can have a shorter lifespan. They are most likely to require replacement once your child reaches their weight or height limit (which may differ between seats) or when they reach the top of their age group.
Convertible baby chairs, or all-in-one car seat as they are sometimes referred to are designed to carry your baby from birth through their toddler years, and even 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 can be converted and come with various features, such as a smooth rotation function with easy harness adjustment, and an foam base made of EPS, which is basically Styrofoam. These features are a favorite among parents due to the fact that they make it easier to get their babies into and out of their seats, while ensuring that their child is safe and comfortable.
When selecting a car seat, it's important to ensure that it's compatible with your vehicle and comes with LATCH for ease of installation. Also, you should look for safety features like shock-absorbing material and side impact protection. If you're uncertain about what type of seat is the best fit for your family, talk to a qualified car seat technician. They can guide you through the choices and help you select the right seat for your child.
Safety
It is essential to ensure that the model you select is safe and meets the strictest standards, no matter if you are looking for a convertible car seat or infant car seat, or a travel system ready for your baby. This is especially important for babies, since they are lighter and smaller than older children. Look for a seat that has a five-point safety harness that can be stowed between the legs, around the crotch and below the shoulders when the child is facing rearwards or above the shoulders when the child is forward-facing. This helps secure your child, stopping them from being thrown from the seat in the event of a crash or sudden stop.
If you want to be sure, look for a seat that can be connected to the vehicle using either lower anchors or a seat belts, and also has a top tether that prevents the car seat from moving forward in an accident and could block breathing for the child. Be sure that the recline angle is in line, too, as newborns can easily become trapped in a seat that is too upright.
The most important thing is to follow all manufacturer instructions regarding the proper installation of the model you have chosen. It's a good idea consult a certified car-seat inspection technician during your pregnancy or shortly after the birth of your baby. A qualified professional can ensure an excellent installation.
It is also a factor to think about. If you plan to use your stroller frequently you should consider an infant car and stroller set-up that connects seamlessly. This is a great choice for busy parents, as it is easy to transfer your child from the car to the stroller and vice versa while running errands or taking an outing with the family.
Also, make sure you use your seat on hard surfaces (like car seat bases or a car) and do not place it on soft ones like couches or beds, as these can cause the seat to tip over, possibly injuring or even killing your child. Unattended infant/baby seats or carriers on soft surfaces can cause the suffocation of your child.
Easy to Use
The most effective protection is only possible only if the car seat has been used correctly every time. Unfortunatelly, many car seat injuries are the result of errors. This includes not following the manufacturer's instructions, improper installation or using accessories from aftermarket, and putting the child into an improper position.
To minimize the risk of error, a reliable infant car seat for newborns will come with easy-to-read instructions for installation and features that make it easier to ensure correct usage. Certain brands, like CYBEX have visual indicators or click sounds to ensure that the seat is installed correctly. This is crucial as studies have revealed that the incorrect use of a car seat is responsible for as much as 50% of all car seat-related injuries.
It is also important to remember that you should not leave your child in an infant car seat or carrier in a vehicle even for a brief time. Unattended, a baby in a car seat or carrier may fall on soft surfaces like couches or beds and cause serious injury or even death. The seats could also slide over their sides, resulting in an inability to breathe.
The ideal infant car seat is determined by many factors, including your lifestyle and the durability of the seat. A all-in-one model may be more affordable initially, but it may not work for smaller babies as well and is less adaptable than a convertible car seat or booster. A lightweight, easy-to-install seat is crucial for parents who travel often. Urban dwellers might prefer a seat that can be put in a taxi, Uber, or other vehicle without the base.
Furthermore, a seat that is compatible with strollers can be a great option for new parents who want to minimize the amount of equipment they'll need to carry around town or on airplane flights. This is true if you plan to commute by public transport frequently and live in a major city. Many seats can be paired with UPPAbaby's strollers for easy, simple journeys. Additionally, you must be aware of the installation of your seat in vehicles that don't have lower anchors or tethers, since they are not commonly found in many models.
Convenience
Many infant car seats work with stroller travel systems which allows you to create an entire solution for child safety. 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 prior to leaving the car. It's not safe to leave it in the car or even on the road. Your child could be injured if they leave the seat without supervision.
Infant car seats are designed for newborns and smaller babies. car seats newborn offer a comfortable and secure fit, and plenty of padding to ensure comfort and security. They are generally lighter than a convertible car seat which makes them easier to transport over short distances. The majority of infant car seats are designed to be used rear-facing and are endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the safest position for children in the early years.
They have a shorter life span than convertible car seats. Most children outgrow infant car seats between the ages of nine months and a year. It is possible that you will need to upgrade your car seat to a convertible model sooner than you thought.
A good infant car safety seat will include a strap that is flat against the chest of the child, over their hips and with the chest clip positioned in the armpit of the child. The crotch buckle must be flat across the child’s thighs. Some models have removable and adjustable inserts that help parents get the perfect fit.
When selecting an infant car seat, it is important to remember that babies could be strangled if the straps become loose or are not fastened. It's also dangerous to leave a child in a car without a guardian. Choose a seat with the ability to lock off your vehicle, or one that has a built-in locking mechanism.
The car seats our experts test are engineered to offer the best possible safety features. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor of Consumer Reports has the most experience in car seat installation and rating. He is joined by Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Editor, and Abriah Wolfford, Senior Review Analyst, who have been testing seats since 2016. Our team's expertise and experience will help you choose the best seat for your child and your vehicle.