How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn

The best car seats car seat for newborns is one that meets federal safety standards, fits in your vehicle, has convenient extras (like making it the stroller) and works with your budget. It's also worth checking that the infant car seat can be inserted into and out of your car easily especially if you frequently switch between taxis or trips in hire cars and grandparents vehicles.

Safety

A good car seat will have extra features that go beyond the federal safety standards. They include padded inserts for the shoulders and head as well as air-repellent fabric to keep them cool while driving in hot temperatures.

Another important aspect to consider is the ease to set up and use the seat. In the ideal scenario, you'll be capable of snapping it into place with minimal effort and with clear indicators that it's secure, level, and positioned properly.

Look for features that make it easier to do this, such as built-in locks and belt guides that help to align the car seat with the seat belt. Avoid buying used car seats that might not have been tested for crash, or which might have been involved in an accident. They may not be safe for your child. If you have to buy a used car seat, ensure that it has an expiration and that the seller isn't an individual who has no proof of ownership.

Another thing to bear in your mind is to only leave your infant car seats on sale in the car seat for a maximum of two hours per day, unless they are lying down in a supine position. This will help prevent strain on the spine of your child, and ensure that they have a chance to breathe regularly.

The choice of a car seat for infants is a significant investment, so you'll want to make sure that it has a lengthy duration. Choose a seat that is designed to adapt with your child that will last through toddlerhood and into the teen years. One product that our testers for parents liked was the Axkid One i-Size, which is suitable from birth and is able to be used for up to 7 years.

The Nuna pipa aire rx is another 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 among the lightest rotating car seats on the market, and weighs less than nine pounds without its base. It's a great option for parents who transfer their child frequently between cars or are planning to use it for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives, and trips with grandparents.

Comfort

It is essential that your child is at ease in their car seat, both while they are in it and when you install it. Look for straps that are padded to fit snugly on their shoulders and plush fabric that feels comfortable under their stomach, particularly if they will be in the seat for long rides.

The most effective infant car seats are simple to use. Some come with premium LATCH connectors with a SuperCinch force multiplier and tightener. Others have spring-loaded leveling legs and belt paths that make installing without a base easier than ever. Other features allow you to adjust the height of the harness and headrest which is crucial as your child grows.

One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate, which our parent testers scored 10/10 for ease of use. It features an easy, clear interface and an easy-to-adjust, no-rethread harness and recline lock indicators and 360-degree rotation. You can easily switch your child's seat from front-facing to rear-facing as they grow without the need to take off and replace the seat.

Another option is the Nuna Pipa air rx which our parent testers loved for its convenience, comfort and its versatility. Its padded shoulder straps as well as headrest are shaped to support your baby's head and includes a soft infant cushion to ensure they are comfortable. It can be used as an rear-facing car seat until your baby hits the max weight or height limits and then it can be converted into a stroller without the need for an additional adapter.

A quality car seat For newborn seat is durable and some even come with a guarantee. Choose a seat made of solid materials and plenty of padding to protect your child from any injuries, as well as an aluminum frame that suffocates the impact energy and has a "crumple zone" to prevent damage. It must also be easy to clean, as messiness is inevitable with a baby. Find car seats that have removable seat covers and a pad that is machine washable to make cleaning a breeze.

Easy of Use

It is crucial that a car seat be simple to install and use, especially when it is going to be used in multiple vehicles from time to time. Look for features such as an easy-release buckle, a gauge that indicates the status of the latch system (e.g. green for locked) and a clear, easy-to-read guide to make it as simple as possible.

The best infant seat of The Bump winner comes with a number of practical features that our testers for parents were pleased with, including a padded headrest and harness, plush material, and cup holders. It also has a reclining feature that lets your child sit in an ergonomic position during longer journeys. It can also be combined with a compatible buggy to create a complete travel system, which is ideal if you plan on traveling for long periods of time.

Our panelists found that this car seat was easy to install and adjust. It comes with a recline lock and an upgraded connector that comes with a SuperCinch tightener. This made it easy to secure your child. It can also be moved from side to side in the vehicle without the use of tools.

One of our top features is the recline feature that makes it easier to get your infant in and out of the car. This is particularly helpful when you have back pain or have a small car. It also has the ability to change the drink holder as well as a convenient storage compartment for snacks and toys.

The seat weighs under nine pounds and can be installed with or without its base. It can also rotate 180 degrees, which can be a huge help if you have limited space or are suffering from back pain. This feature has impressed our panelists, and it was selected to be part of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.

It's a great option for anyone who wants to transform their car seat into a stroller at an affordable cost. Its sleek design and high-end fabric will also stand the test of time. Be sure to wash your cover often because smashed biscuits, yoghurt spills, and the odd sick toddler accident will be certain to leave a footprints!

Design

The designs of car seats are as varied as the cars they're placed in. While some parents opt to leave infant car seats out in favour of a convertible model, most new moms want something that will develop with their baby as they reach toddlerhood. All-in-one car seats are the most flexible, allowing you to switch from rear-facing to forward-facing. It typically has a higher weight and height limit, and can often be used as a booster seat once your child is ready to be one.

The ideal car seat for a newborn car seat is light, making it easy to lift it from the base and then carry your baby in it. Our parent testers loved the Maxi-Cosi Coral, which is only available in a few colors, but has a lot of safety features and is extremely light (at 8.4 pounds with seat inserts and canopy). Other standout models include the Nuna PIPA URbN which was the 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 full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy.

The design of the base and seat must also be considered. Certain car seats have an attached base that is locked into the vehicle buckles for seat belts. Some have steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH which flip out of the sides of the base when properly attached. Parents have found these to be convenient especially when their car only had front-facing seatbelts with no ISOFIX anchor points.

Some infant car seat newborn car seats can also be used with a standard seatbelt, but without the base this is a great benefit for parents who regularly travel by taxi or travel with their child. The Nuna TODL NEXT was a popular choice among our parents who tested it. It can be used either with or without the base and features an easy swivel that allows you to easily take your baby in and out.

Additionally, the design of a car seat is important. It should be able to fit in your car. (See our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're in search of a car seat that will develop with your baby until a booster, look for one with 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 correct car-seat attachment points in accordance with UK law.