Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns
For infants with a rear-facing infant car seat is the best option. It's vital to follow the instructions of the manufacturer when installing the car seat.
The base of the car seat should be slightly pulled back. This will help to keep the baby's chin and head off their chests, reducing the risk of sustaining asphyxia in a position.
Types
When choosing a car seat suitable for infants there are two primary types to take into consideration. There are two types of car seats for infants that include an infant car seat and a convertible car seat. Both have advantages and drawbacks however it all comes down to the individual preference and how you plan on using the seat. If you want to use the seat as a part of an itinerary and will be switching between vehicles often and frequently, then an infant car seat could be the best choice. If you are looking for a car seat that will develop with your child as they become a booster or go beyond an adult, a convertible car seat is the best option.
Car seats for infants are specially designed for newborns and babies and are always used with the backwards facing position. This is the safest option for traveling with small children. They are also generally less expensive than convertible car seats, but may have a shorter lifespan. Most seats must be changed once your child reaches their weight or height limit (which can differ greatly between seats), or if they reach the age limit.
Convertible car seats, also referred to as all-in-one car seats are designed to transport your baby from birth through their toddler years, and even into their school years. Some are able to be used as a forward-facing or a rear-facing one.
Many of the best convertible car seats for infants will have a range of features. These include a smooth-rotation feature, a simple harness adjustment and a base made of EPS foam which is similar to Styrofoam. Parents love these features because they make getting their infants in and out of the seat much easier, while ensuring that their children are safe and secure.
It is crucial to make sure that the car seat you pick is compatible with your vehicle, and that it has LATCH to allow for simple installation. Also, you should look at the safety features, like shock-absorbent materials and side impact protection. If you're unsure about which type of seat is the best fit for your family, talk to an experienced car seat technician. They will guide you through the options and help you pick the right seat for your child.
Safety
Whether you're shopping for a baby car seat convertible car seat, baby-ready travel systems, you need to ensure that the model you choose meets stringent safety standards. This is particularly important for newborns as they are smaller and more delicate than older children. Choose a seat with a five-point harness that is attached below the shoulders (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing) or between the legs and around the crotch. This secures your child, preventing them from being thrown from the seat during an accident or sudden stop.
You'll also want to consider a car seat that can be attached to the vehicle using lower anchors or a seat belt. It should also have top tethers, which stops the seat from advancing in a accident, and also obstructing the airway of a child. Also, make sure that the recline angle of the seat is right. Infants can easily become trapped in a seat that is too forward.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure the proper installation of your particular model. It is recommended to work with a certified car seat inspection technician during pregnancy or after the birth of your child. this professional can help you achieve a flawless installation every time.
Another thing to consider is compatibility with strollers. If infant car seats on sale pushchairsandprams.uk are planning to frequently use a stroller then you should think about an infant car seat and stroller combination that can be connected seamlessly. This is a great option for parents with a busy schedule, since it makes it easy to transfer your child from the car to the stroller, and vice versa while running errands or taking a family walk.
Always ensure that your seat is on a solid surface (such as car seats or bases) and never on a soft one, such as a sofa or bed or a bed, as this could cause it to tip over. This could result in your child getting injured or even dying. In the event of an infant or baby's seat being left unattended, it could cause on soft surfaces could cause suffocation.
User-Friendliness
The most effective protection is only possible when the car seat is properly used every time. Unfortunately, a significant number of injuries that occur in car seats involve mistakes. Some of these include not following the manufacturer's instructions, incorrect installation, using aftermarket products, and putting the child in an incorrect position.
A good infant car seat will have clear instructions for installation as well as features that help ensure proper usage. Certain brands, such as CYBEX, even have visual indicators and click sounds that ensure that the seat is installed correctly. This is crucial as studies have revealed that the incorrect use of car seats can be the cause of up to 50% of injuries that are related to car seats.
Also, remember that you must never leave your child in the car seat or a carrier, even if it is just for a short period of time. If left unattended, a child in a safety car seat or carrier can fall onto soft surfaces like couches or beds, and cause serious injuries or even death. The seats could also be flipped over onto their sides, resulting in the death of a child.
The ideal infant car seat is determined by a number of aspects, such as your lifestyle and the durability of the seat. A all-in-one model may be less expensive initially, but may not fit smaller babies as well and is less flexible than a convertible car seat or booster. A lightweight, easy-to-install seat is crucial for parents who frequently travel. Urban dwellers may prefer a seat which can be installed in taxis, Uber, or other vehicle without the base.
A seat that can be connected to strollers is a ideal option for parents with a newborn who want to reduce the amount they have to carry around town or on airplane flights. This is especially relevant if you live in a city and intend to use public transportation frequently, as many seats can be attached to an UPPAbaby stroller, which allows for easy, quick journeys. Be sure to be aware of how easy it is to put your preferred seat on vehicles without lower anchors or tether connectors, because they aren't as popular.
Convenience
Many infant car seats are compatible with stroller travel systems which allows you to create a complete solution to ensure the safety of your child. This makes it much easier to transfer your sleeping baby from the car to the stroller during bad weather or at night. Make sure to ensure that the seat is secured in the stroller prior to you leave. Letting it in the car or on the street isn't safe and can let your child leave the stroller without supervision which could cause injuries.
Infant car seats are made for infants and smaller babies. They offer a comfortable and secure fit and plenty of padding for comfort and security. They're generally lighter than convertible car seats, making them easy to carry on short trips. The majority of infant car seats are made to be used rear-facing which is recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the safest position for infants and toddlers.
However 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. You might have to upgrade your car seat to a convertible model sooner than you think.
A safe infant car seat will have a strap flat against the child's chest over their hips, and with the chest clip positioned on the child's armpit. The crotch buckle should be flat across the child’s thighs. Some models come with removable and adjustable inserts to aid parents in maintaining the recommended fit.
When choosing an infant car seat, it's important to be aware that children can be strangled if the straps become loose or unfastened. It is also dangerous to leave a child in a car without a guardian. Select a seat with the ability to lock off your vehicle, or that has an integrated locking mechanism.
The car seats our experts test are designed to offer the best safety features possible. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor of Consumer Reports, has the most experience with 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 knowledge will help you select the best car seat for your child and your vehicle.