The Unspoken Secrets Of Car Seat For Newborn
Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns
For infants who are rear-facing, the 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 is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing.
The base of the car seat should be slightly reclined, which aids in keeping the baby's head in a forward position and keep their chin off their chest decreasing the risk of positioning asphyxia.
Types
There are two types of car seats suitable for infants. There are two types of car seats for newborns: an infant car seat and a baby convertible car seat. Both have their advantages and drawbacks However, it comes down to the individual preference and how you intend to use the seat. If you are planning to use the seat as part of a travel system, and will be moving vehicles frequently, an infant car seat could be the best choice. However, if you prefer the idea of a long-lasting car seat that will grow with your child to the stage of a booster seat, then a convertible car seat may be better.
Infant car seats are specifically designed for babies and infants and are always used with the backwards facing position. This is the most secure travel option for small children. They are also generally cheaper than convertible car seats, but may have a shorter lifespan. They are most likely to require replacement once your child is at their weight limit or height (which may differ between seats) or when they exceed their age group limit.
Convertible baby chairs, or all-in-one car seats, as they are sometimes called are designed to accommodate your infant from birth up through their toddler years and on into their school years. They can be used as a forward or rear-facing seat, and some can be transformed into a booster seat.
A lot of the top car seats for infants are convertible and will have many features, like smooth rotation as well as a simple harness adjustment. an foam base made of EPS, which is essentially Styrofoam. Parents appreciate these features since they make getting their children in and out of the seat much easier, while ensuring that their children are kept comfortable and secure.
It is crucial to make sure that the car seat you select is compatible with your car, and that it has LATCH to allow for simple installation. Also, you should look at the safety features, such as shock-absorbing materials as well as side impact protection. Get a certified car seat expert if you are unsure about which seat is the best one for your family. They'll be able to guide about your options and help you select the perfect seat for your newborn.
Safety
Always ensure whether the model you choose is safe and meets the strictest standards, whether you're looking for a convertible car seat or infant car seat, or a travel system ready for your baby. This is especially important for newborns, as they weigh less and are smaller than older children. Choose seats that have five-point safety harnesses that attaches between the legs in the crotch, around the waist and below the shoulders when the child is facing rearwards or above the shoulders when the child is facing forward. This will secure your child, preventing them from being thrown from the seat during a crash or sudden stop.
You should also find a car seat that is connected to your vehicle with lower anchors or the seat belt. Push Chairs & Prams should also include an upper tether that stops the seat from moving forward in the event of a collision, and blocking a child's airway. Make sure the recline angle is right also, as infants are prone to getting trapped in a seat that's too high up.
It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the proper installation of your car seat. It's a good idea consult a certified car-seat inspection technician during your pregnancy and/or shortly after the birth of your child. A qualified professional can ensure a perfect installation.
Another thing to think about is compatibility with strollers. If you intend to use your stroller often you should consider an infant car and stroller combo that connects seamlessly. This is a fantastic option for parents who are busy, since it makes it easy to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller, and vice versa when you're running errands or taking an outing with the family.
Finally, always make sure you place your seat on hard surfaces (like a car seat base or a car) and do not place it on soft surfaces such as a bed or sofa, as these can cause the seat to tip over, potentially injuring or even killing your child. Leaving an infant/baby seat or carrier unattended on soft surfaces may lead to suffocation.
Ease of Use
A car seat can only provide the highest level of protection when it is properly used each time. Unfortunately, a significant number of injuries in car seats involve mistakes. Some of these are not following the manufacturer's instructions, incorrect installations, using aftermarket products, and placing the child in the wrong position.
To help reduce the risk of error, a reliable infant car seat for newborns will have easy-to-read installation instructions and features that make it easier to ensure proper usage. Certain brands, like CYBEX include visual indicators or click sounds to confirm that the car seat has been installed correctly. This is crucial because studies have shown incorrect use of car seats can be responsible for up to half of all injuries attributed to car seats.
You should also remember that you must never leave your infant in the car seat or in a carrier even if it's just for a few minutes. Unsupervised children in a safety seat may fall and land on soft surfaces, like couches or beds and cause serious injuries or death. The seats can also slide over on their sides, leading to an inability to breathe.
Selecting the right infant car seat for your newborn is dependent on a variety of factors, such as lifestyle and longevity. All-in-one models are cheaper initially, but they may not be able to accommodate smaller babies as well, and are less versatile than a convertible or a booster car seat. For parents who are planning to travel frequently and require a light, easy-to-install seat is a must, while urban dwellers are likely to want seats that can be easily installed without the base and then in a taxi or Uber.
Furthermore, a seat that integrates with strollers can be an excellent option for parents who wish to reduce the amount of equipment they need to carry around town or on flight. This is particularly relevant if you live in a city, and plan to use public transportation frequently, as many seats can be linked to an UPPAbaby stroller to allow for easy, quick commuting. Also, be attentive to the installation of your seat in vehicles that don't have lower anchors or tether connections, as these are less common in most models.
Convenience
Many infant car seats work with stroller travel systems which allows you to create a complete solution to ensure the safety of your child. This makes it easy to transfer a sleeping baby from your car to a stroller, even in the worst conditions and at night. Make sure to put the seat in the stroller before you leave. It's not safe to leave it in your car or even on the road. Your child could be injured if they get out of the seat without supervision.
Infant car seats are designed specifically for newborns and smaller infants, featuring snug and secure fits and plenty of padding for safety and comfort. They are generally lighter than a convertible car seat which makes them more convenient to carry over short distances. Most infant car seats are designed to be used rear-facing which is recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the most secure position for infants and toddlers.
However, they have shorter lifespans than convertible car seats. Children typically outgrow their infant seats between nine months and one year. You may need to upgrade your car seat to a convertible one earlier than you anticipated.
A good infant car safety seat should include a strap that is flat against the chest of the child, over their hips and with the chest clip placed at the child’s armpit. The crotch buckle should be flat across the child's thighs. Some models come with removable and adjustable inserts that help parents achieve the recommended fit.
It's important to remember that straps that are loose or unfastened, babies can be strangled. It's also risky to let a child ride in a car without a guardian. Select a car seat that has the ability to lock off your vehicle, or one with a built-in locking mechanism.
The car seats that our experts test are designed to offer the highest level of safety. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor at 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 assist you in choosing the best car seat for your child and vehicle.