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Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn? A well-designed car seat will keep your baby safe and secure on the road. Which one is best for your baby? Selecting the best infant car seat isn't easy. There are a lot of features to take into consideration, such as latch hooks, belt paths and load legs. Here's what you need to know to make the best choice for your family. Simple to Use You'll need to choose a model that's easy to install and use, whether you're buying a car seat for your newborn or upgrading from your toddler's car seat. Take into consideration the size of the base and the car, as well as how the seat is suited to your baby's height and weight, and convenient extra features like the lay-flat option that can double as a bassinet for a stroller. Infant-only seats are a good choice for small babies because they're generally narrower than convertible car seats and can fit infants more comfortably. They also provide a harness that can support your child's delicate head in the event of a collision which reduces the tension on their neck and spinal cord. Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who intend to keep their babies rear-facing as long as possible since most of these models allow children to sit in a rear-facing seat until they're 30 pounds or more. If you choose to purchase a convertible car seat, search for one that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government and has a weight limit of 50 pounds or more. It's important to keep in mind that even though all car seats must comply with strict NHTSA standards, there are many different models to choose from. To avoid rear facing infant car seat and risk of a dangerous or defective seat, choose one that's approved by a reputable business or a reputable organization, and also look for recalls or complaints from the manufacturer. The top-rated car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding and a variety of recline positions. Some even have additional padding near the buckle area and on the shoulder harness to help your baby remain comfortable on long road trips. If you have a smaller vehicle choose a smaller infant seat, such as the Clek Liing that is just 17 inches wide and easy to install in a majority of vehicles. The UPPAbaby MezzaMax, that is compatible in conjunction with UPPAbaby Strollers, is a great choice for families looking for a simple car seat. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all easy to use. Safety Features You should consider the following aspects when selecting the right infant car seat. Whether you want to ensure your baby is safe throughout the entire journey or you are looking for an easy-to-use car seat that is safe for your child to use for long trips, it's important to keep in mind some of the features. Consider first the weight and height limits of your infant car seat. This will determine how long your child can safely spend in the seat. Choose a seat that can be used up to the 90th centile of your child's height prior to turning 1. Also, think about whether you'd like to put blankets or coats on the straps of the harness. The AAP recommends against this since thick clothing can cause a collapse and leave the straps too loose to secure your child, increasing the chance of injuries. You should also think about whether your car seat can be fitted with the LATCH system, or a belt on a vehicle, and if it is compatible with other travel systems or strollers. If you plan to use your car seat for a majority of your journeys in the car it's best to pick one that fits easily onto a base compatible with it. This will reduce time and energy as you won't need to take off and reinstall your seat each time you take a trip in the car. In our testing the Best of the Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for its ease of installation and adjustments, with testers affirming that it “has everything you need to have a quick and painless installation.” It comes with premium LATCH connectors that can be flipped out from the base and turn green when fully connected, plus a SuperCinch force-multiplying strap tightener and a spring-loaded leveling foot. The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another option worth considering. We found it to be as user-friendly and affordable as models costing twice more. The adjustable headrest that can be adjusted to five positions that adapts to your child's development and its buckle holders that are magnetic and no-rethread harness have been highly praised by our test subjects. The Maxi-Cosi Jade is a great choice for newborns, thanks to its unique 180-degree sleep position. This lets them sleep comfortably and longer during travel. It's also praised for its safety, with consumer champion Which? ADAC awarding it the highest laboratory score for infant car seats. Rear-facing Options In most vehicles the safest place for a newborn is in the rear seat at the center. The center position is farthest from any impact that could occur and will shield your child best in a crash. If you can, choose a car seat for infants that allows your baby to ride rear-facing until about a year old. It's also important to ensure the car seat is set up correctly and that the headrest is snug against your child's chest and head. Get a certified child-passenger technician who can give you the most up-to date recommendations for car seat installation and use. Find the nearest one here. The choice of a car seat for your baby is a significant investment that you'll probably use for a very long time, so you'll want to choose one with an excellent crash test sensor and score, as well as features to keep your child safe. The Clek Liing is a great option for parents who are looking for a budget-friendly rear-facing infant car seat. It scored high in our analysis and sensor test. It has an easy LATCH system that changes color to show whether the buckle straps have been properly attached to the car. It also has an extra load leg that helps avoid frontal collisions. Jen Trolio, senior editor at Strategist and mother of two, opted for the Graco Extension2Fit to fit her daughters, who were both from birth up to the age of six. The harness's adjustable height and size allow it to be adapted to children of all sizes as well as taller ones. The seat is compatible with numerous vehicles, and has the weight limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. The seat also converts into a booster, which Trolio used for her daughter's oldest until she was 10 years old. Another option that is reasonably priced is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't have a base like the majority of seats, however it is still very simple to put in by using either of the rigid LATCH connectors that flip out from the bottom of the seat and automatically turn green when connected to the vehicle. The RAVA is a comfortable baby seat without rethreads. The buckle holders are magnetic, making it easy to secure the straps without removing your baby from the car seat. LaBracio also found the six-position recline useful. Options with a Forward-Facing Focus Children's necks can be cradled by the back of the seat in front-facing seats, rather than being pushed forward onto the hard seat of a vehicle. This position also protects them better in side crashes. Most car seats allow children to ride rear-facing until they are over 20 pounds and one year old. However, many experts recommend that children ride rear-facing as long as they can, as their neck muscles and bones will be stronger by the time they're ready to switch to a forward-facing car seat. When considering options for forward-facing car seats, make sure they meet i-Size requirements, have a padded head rest, and a spacious harness pocket. Check the maximum height and weight limits, and consider purchasing a car seat that will be able to grow with your child until they are the position of a booster seat. Certain models have an all-in one feature that allows your child to go from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward facing car seat. It's also important to consider whether the seat will fit your vehicle properly, particularly if you have a small trunk space or a car with an uninspiring clearance. Make sure you check the dimensions of the car seat and owner's manual of the vehicle to ensure the most appropriate fit. Also, make sure you choose a car seat that provides good support and comfort for your child's body. Long journeys in the car will be less stressful if they can rest comfortably. This can include features such as reclined seat backs, a five point harness that can be tightened from the rear of your seat and a variety of recline positions. Once you've narrowed down your options, think about crash replacement policies for the car seat you're thinking of buying. These can range from a manufacturer’s replacement policy to a personal case review. Once you've done your research and decided on the kind of car seat you're interested in, it's time to start shopping around. Take a look at the options available at your local baby store or online retailer and talk to parents of young children for their recommendations. You can also schedule an appointment for a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to assist you in choosing the right car seat for your newborn.