10 Apps That Can Help You Manage Your Car Seat For Newborn
Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn? A quality car seat will keep your baby safe and secure while on the road. But which one is best for your newborn? With features like latch hooks, load legs, and belt paths to consider, selecting the right infant car seat isn't easy. Here's everything you need to think about to make the best choice for your family. Easy of Use If you're in the market for an infant car seat for your baby or upgrading from an infant car seat, you'll want an option that is simple to install and use. Think about the size of the seat base and the car, as well as how the seat is suited to your baby's weight and height, and additional features that are convenient, such as the lay-flat option that can also double as a bassinet for your stroller. Infant-only chairs are a good option for newborns since they are generally smaller and fit more comfortably than convertible car seats. They also have the safety of a harness to protect your child's delicate head in the event of a crash, which can reduce tension on their neck and spinal cord. Convertible car seats are great for parents who wish to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they can. Most models let the child sit rear-facing until the weight is 30 pounds or greater. Choose a convertible car seat that is compliant with federal safety regulations and has an upper limit of at least 50 pounds. When shopping for a car seat it's important to remember that, even though all car seats must be in compliance with the strict NHTSA safety standards There are a variety of different models on the market. To avoid the burden and risk of a dangerous or defective seat, choose one that's certified by a reputable company or organization, and then look for recalls in the past and manufacturer complaints. The top-rated car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and a variety of recline positions. Some car seats offer additional padding on the shoulder straps and close to the buckle to keep your baby at ease during long road trips. If you're in a smaller vehicle, you should consider an infant car seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing. It is less than 17 inches wide and is easily installed in most vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mezza Max, that is compatible in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great option for families looking for a simple car seat. The harness that retracts automatically, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all easy to use. Safety Features It is important to consider some aspects when selecting the right infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure your child is safe throughout the entire journey or are in search of a light and safe car seat for your child to use for long journeys, it's essential to keep in mind a few features. First, consider the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the car seat, so consider a model that goes up to minimum your child's 90th percentile before they turn 1. Consider whether you want to put a blanket or coat over the harness straps. The AAP advises against this, since heavy clothing may compress in a crash and make the straps too loose to restrain your child, thereby increasing the risk of injury. Other things to consider include whether you intend to install your car seat using a vehicle belt or the LATCH system and if it's compatible other strollers or travel systems. A seat that can easily be fitted onto a base that is compatible is ideal if you plan to use it for a majority of your car trips in order to save time and energy by not having to take it off it and reinstall it every time you use the vehicle. In our testing the Best of the Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for ease of installation and adjustments, with testers commenting that it “has everything you need for a quick and easy installation.” This includes premium LATCH connecters that flip out of the base and turn green once fully connected. Also included are a SuperCinch force multiplier strap tightener as well as a spring-loaded leveling feet. The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another option worth considering. We found it to be simple to use and affordable as models costing twice as much. Our test participants have been raving about its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that grows with your baby harness, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders. The Maxi-Cosi jade is an excellent choice for babies, thanks to its unique 180-degree sleep position. This allows them to sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on road trips. It has also been acknowledged for its safety by consumer advocate Which? calling it 'one of the most secure infant car seats available and ADAC awarding it the highest lab score for a car seat for infants. Rear-facing Options In most cars the most secure position for infants is in the middle rear seat. The position in the center is the most secure from any possible impact and will protect your child the best in the event of the event of a crash. If you are able, choose a car seat for infants that lets your child ride rear-facing until they're about one year old. It's also crucial to make sure the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest fits snugly against your child's chest and head. The best way to accomplish this is to consult an accredited child safety technician, who will give you the most current recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your locality here. The car seat you pick for your infant will be a major investment, and you'll be using it for many years. You'll want one that has a good crash test score as well as an analysis score. It should also come with features to keep your baby at ease. The Clek LIing is an excellent choice for parents seeking an infant seat with a rear view that is affordable. It scored well in our analysis and sensor test. It comes with an easy-to-use LATCH system that changes color to show that the buckle straps have been properly attached to the car. It also has a load-leg that helps prevent frontal collisions. Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, used the Graco Extend2Fit to fit her daughters who were both from birth until age six. The seat's adjustable harness height and length make it suitable for all children from tall to short. The seat is suitable for many vehicles, and it has a weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. The seat also converts into a booster seat, which Trolio used for her daughter's oldest until she was 10 years old. Nuna RAVA is a different, affordable option. It doesn't come with a base, however it is still simple to install using the LATCH connectors, which are rigid. They can be flipped out of the bottom and turn green automatically when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for babies, thanks to a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders that make it simple to secure the straps without removing your baby from the seat. best car seats newborn comes with the ability to recline in six positions that LaBracio discovered useful. Options with a Forward-Facing Focus In front-facing seats, children's necks are cradled in the seat back, instead of being pushed forward by the car seat that is hard. This also helps protect them better in side crashes. Most car seats allow infants as young as 20 pounds and 1 year old to ride rearward. However, many experts recommend that children remain rear-facing for as long as possible—their neck muscles and bones will become stronger when they're ready to switch to a forward-facing seat. If you're looking for alternatives for forward-facing seats, be sure they meet the i-Size requirements, have a padded harness pocket, and a padded seat headrest. Be sure to check the maximum height and weight limit, and consider purchasing an automobile seat that can expand with your child to the position of a booster seat. Some models have an all-in one feature that allows your child to move from a rear-facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward facing car seat. It is important to consider whether the car seat is a good fit in your vehicle, especially when it has a narrow trunk or low clearance. Make sure to check the seat's dimensions and the owner's manual for the best fit. Look for a car-seat that provides adequate support and comfort for your child. Long drives in the vehicle will be more enjoyable when they can rest comfortably. This may include features like reclined seat backs, a five point harness that can be tightened from the back of your seat, and a variety of recline positions. Once you've narrowed your options, think about crash replacement policies for the car seat you're looking at. These policies can vary from the manufacturer's replacement policy, to a case-by-case review. After you've done your homework and decided on the kind of car seat you're looking at It's time to begin looking around. Check out the selection at your local baby store or online retailer, and ask your friends who have young children for their recommendations. You can also schedule an Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you select the best car seat for your baby.