How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn
The most suitable car seat for a new baby is one that meets all safety standards set by the federal government and is compatible with your vehicle. It should also have convenient extras, such as the capability to convert into a stroller and be within your budget. It's also worth checking that the baby car seat clicks into and out of your car easily, particularly if you often shift between taxis or rides in rental cars or grandparents' vehicles.
Safety
Car seats are designed to protect your baby and a quality one should include additional features that go beyond federal safety standards. These include padded inserts on the head and shoulders and also air-repellent fabric to keep them cool when driving in hot weather.
Another important aspect to consider is how easy it is to set up and use the seat. Ideally, the seat must be easy to install and use, as well as clear indicators of its height, position, and security.
There are features that will help you with this, such as belt guides and built-in locks that will help you align the car seat with your car's seatbelt. Avoid purchasing used car seats that might not have been tested for crash or have been involved in an accident. They could not protect your child. If you do decide to purchase a used one be sure that it has an expiration date and isn't being sold by an individual who does not have evidence of ownership.
It's also important to keep in mind that you should only allow your child in the car seat for up to two hours per day, unless it is in an upright position. This is to reduce strain on their developing spine and to ensure that they have the chance to breathe regularly.
Selecting a car seat for your infant is a major investment, so you'll want to be sure that it has a lengthy duration. Find one that's designed to adapt with your child and will last into the toddler years and on into the teenage years. One of the ones our parents liked was the Axkid One i-Size, which is suitable from birth and can be used for up to 7 years.
The Nuna pipa aire rx is another option that can be used for a long time. It has a 360-degree rotation that means you can switch it from front-facing to rear-facing as your child grows. It's also among the lightest car seats that rotate on the market and weighs less than 9 pounds without its base. It's a great option for parents who need to move their child frequently between cars or plan to take it on taxi rides, holiday fly-drives and trips with grandparents.
Comfort
It is essential that your child is comfortable in their car seat, both when they are in it and when you install it. Look for padded straps that fit snugly on their shoulders and plush fabric that feels comfortable under their stomach, particularly if they will be in the seat for long drives.
The best infant car seat is also user-friendly. Some come with premium LATCH connectors that feature a SuperCinch force multiplier and tightener. Some also come with spring-loaded leveling legs and belt paths to make installation without a base simpler than ever. Other features will help you adjust the harness height and headrest, which is particularly important as your child gets older.
One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate that our testers from the past gave 10 out of 10 for ease of use. It has a clear and simple interface, no-rethread, easy-to-change harness, 360-degree rotation and recline lock indicators. It is possible to easily change your child's seat from front-facing to rear-facing as they grow, without needing to take out and replace the seat.
Nuna Pipa Aire Rx is a different example. Our testers who were parents loved it for its comfort and simplicity, as well as its versatility. Its padded shoulder straps and headrest are designed to support your newborn's head, and it comes with a soft infant cushion to keep them comfy. It can be used in a back-facing position until your child reaches the maximum weight or height limit. It then converts into a stroller.
A good car seat is sturdy and some even have a warranty. Find the seat with plenty of padding and durable materials to protect your child from any accidents. It should also include a steel frame to absorb the force of impact and an "crumple area" to prevent crash damage. It should be easy to clean since accidents are likely to happen with a child. To simplify cleaning, look for a car seat with removable covers and an easy-to-clean pad.
User-Friendliness
It is crucial that the car seat you choose to purchase is easy to install and use, especially if it will be used in different vehicles periodically. Look for features like an easy-release buckle, a gauge that displays the status of the latch system (e.g. green for locked) and a clear, easy-to-read guide to make it as stress-free as is possible.
The Best of The Bump winner has many practical extras that our parents loved, such as a cushioned headrest and harness, plush fabric, and cup holders. It also has a reclining feature that allows your child to sit in an ergonomic position for longer journeys. It can be combined with a buggy that is compatible to create a complete travel system. This is perfect when you plan to travel for a long time.
Our panelists noted that the car seat was simple to install and adjust. It comes with a recline lock indicator and a premium LATCH connector with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener which made securement of your child quick and easy. It's designed to be easily moved from side-to-side inside the vehicle without the need for tools.
The recline feature allows you to get your baby out and into the vehicle. This is particularly helpful for those with back problems or are driving a smaller vehicle. It also comes with a reversible drink holder, as well as a convenient storage compartment for snacks and toys.
The seat weighs under nine pounds and can be used with or without its base. It can also be rotated 180 degrees. This is a great feature if you are limited in space or suffer from back pain. Our panelists were impressed by this feature, which was a finalist in our 2021 Mother&Baby awards.
This is an excellent option for those looking to convert their car seats into strollers for affordable prices. Its sleek design and high-quality material will also stand the test of time. Be sure to wash your cover frequently because smashed biscuits, yoghurt spills and the odd sick toddler accident are certain to leave a mark!
Design
Car seat designs are as varied as the cars they're installed in. While some parents choose to skip infant car seats and opt for convertible models, the majority of new moms want something that will continue to grow with their child into toddlerhood. The most versatile option is an all-in one baby car seat that allows you to change between rear-facing and forward-facing. It typically has a higher weight and height limit, and can also be used as a booster once your child is old enough.
The ideal infant car seat for newborns is lightweight and easy to take off the base with your baby inside. Our testers with parents loved the Maxi-Cosi Coral, which is only available in a few colours, but offers plenty of safety features and is super light (at 8.4 pounds with seat inserts and canopy). Other models that stand out are the Nuna PIPA URbN, winner of Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Car Seat Group 0/0+ with its high-end extras such as the Dream drape and UPF 50+ full-coverage canopy.
The base and seat design must be considered as well. For instance, some car seats have a specific base that locks into the buckles on the seat belts as well as others with steel-reinforced LATCH connectors that flip out from the sides of the base and turn green when attached correctly. Parents appreciated these connectors especially when their car only had front-facing seatbelts, and no ISOFIX anchor points.
Some infant car seats can be used with regular seatbelts, but without the base. This is a fantastic feature for parents who frequently travel or take taxis with their infants. Our parent testers really liked the Nuna TODL NEXT that can be used with or without its base and features a smooth swivel movement that makes it easy to get your infant out and in the seat.
Other important design considerations include whether the car seat is a flat design, and how well it will fit into your specific car (see our guide to car seat compatibility). If newborn car seat insert looking for a car seat that will grow with your baby as he develops into a booster, look for a model with an adjustable headrest that can be reclining and side impact protection. It is also important to ensure that your selected infant car seat is iSize compatible and has the right car seat attachment points as per UK law.