How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn
The best car seat for newborns is one that is compliant with federal safety standards, fits in your car, has useful features (like turning into a stroller) and fits within your budget. Also, make sure that the car seat can be easily inserted into and out of any vehicle, especially when you frequently switch between taxis, rental cars or the vehicles of your grandparents.
Safety
A good car seat comes with extra features that are above the safety standards of the federal government. These include padded inserts for the shoulders and head as well as air-repellent fabric to help keep them cool in hot cars, and side-impact protection.
Another important safety consideration is how easy it is to set up and use the seat. Ideally, you should be capable of snapping it in place with minimum effort and with clear indications that it's secure, level, and positioned correctly.
Look for features that make it easier to accomplish this, such as built-in locks and belt guides that assist you align the car seat to the vehicle's seat belt. Avoid purchasing used car seats that may not have been crash-tested or been involved in an accident. They might not be safe for your child. If you have to purchase a used one be sure that it's not expired and isn't being sold by a private seller who does not have proof of ownership.
It's also important to keep in mind that you should only leave your child in the car seat for up to two hours per day, unless it's in a flat position. This will prevent strain on the spine of your child, and ensure that they are able to breathe regularly.
You'll need a seat that can last a long time, because it's a major investment. Look for one that's designed to grow with your child and will last into toddlerhood and into the teen years. One that our parent testers loved was the Axkid One i-Size that is suitable from birth and is able to be used up to 7 years.
Nuna pipa air rx is a second option that can be used for a long time. It can rotate 360 degrees which means you can switch it from front-facing to rear-facing as your child grows. It's also one of the lightest rotating car seat on the market with a weight of less than nine pounds. It's a great choice for parents who often transfer their babies between vehicles or plan on using it for taxi rides, fly-drive holidays and trips to grandparent's houses.
Comfort
It is essential that your child is at ease in their car seat both while they are in it and when you install it. Find straps that are padded to fit comfortably around their shoulders. Also, look for plush material that feels comfortable beneath their stomachs. This is particularly important when you intend to use the seat for a long time.
The best car seat for infants is also user-friendly. Some come with premium LATCH connectors that feature a SuperCinch force multiplier and tightener. Others come with spring-loaded leveling legs and belt paths to make installation without a base much easier than ever. Other features allow you to adjust the height of the headrest and harness, which is important as your child grows.
One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate, which our parent testers gave 10 out of 10 for ease of use. It comes with an easy-to-use interface, and a simple-to-adjust no-rethread harness, as well as a recline lock indicator and 360-degree rotation. This allows you to switch from rear-facing to forward-facing as your baby grows, without needing to take the seat off and replace it.
Another option is the Nuna Pipa aire rx, which our testers who were parents loved for its comfort, ease of use and its versatility. Its padded shoulder straps and headrests are designed to accommodate your baby's head, and it comes with a soft infant cushion to ensure that they are comfortable. It can be used as a rear-facing car seat until your baby hits the max height or weight limits and can also be converted into a stroller without the need for an additional adapter.
A good car seat is durable, and some even have a warranty. Find a seat that has solid materials and plenty of padding to protect your baby from any accidents as well as a steel frame that absorbs impact energy and a "crumple zone" to prevent damage. It must also be easy to clean, since spills are commonplace with a baby. To make cleaning easier, search for a car seat with removable covers and an easy-to-clean pad.
Easy of Use
A car seat must be simple to install and use especially if you're going to be using it in an alternate vehicle at times. Look for features such as an easy-release buckle, an indicator that displays the state of the latch system (e.g. green for locked) and a clear, easy-to-read guide to make it as stress-free as possible.
The Best of The Bump winner also comes with several practical extras that our parent testers loved, such as the headrest and harness that are padded as well as a plush fabric cup holder. It also has a reclining feature that allows your child to sit in a comfortable position on longer journeys. It can also be combined with a compatible buggy to create an entire travel system which is perfect if you intend to travel for extended durations of time.
infant car seats cheap reported that the car seat was simple to put in and adjust. It comes with a recline lock indicator and an LATCH connector that is premium and comes with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener that made the process of securing your child simple. It can also be moved from side to side in the vehicle easily without the use of tools.
The recline feature allows you to carry your child into and out of the vehicle. This is especially helpful for those with back problems or are driving a smaller vehicle. It also comes with a reversible drink holder, and a handy storage compartment for toys and snacks.
The seat weighs just nine pounds and can be set up with or without its base. It also rotates 180 degrees, which could be a huge help if you have a limited space or are suffering from back pain. This new feature impressed our panelists and was selected to be part of the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.
This is a great option for those who want to convert their car seats into strollers at affordable prices. Its sleek design and premium fabric will endure the test of time, too. Be sure to wash your cover regularly as smashed biscuits, yoghurt spills and the occasional sick toddler accident are certain to leave a footprints!
Design
The designs of car seats are as diverse as the vehicles they're installed in. Some parents opt to not use an baby car seats in favor of convertible models. However, most new mothers are looking for something that can develop with their child as they reach toddlerhood. The most versatile option is an all-in-one baby car seat, which lets you switch between rear-facing and forward-facing. It typically has a greater weight and height limit and can also be used as a booster once your child is old enough.
The ideal infant car seat for babies is light and easy to take off the base with your baby inside. Our parents loved the Maxi-Cosi Coral, which is only available in a handful of colors, but comes with plenty of safety features and is extremely light (at 8.4 pounds with seat inserts and canopy). Other standout models include 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 a full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy.
The base and seat design must be considered as well. For instance, certain car seats use a special base that is secured to the vehicle's seat belt buckles and others use steel-reinforced LATCH connectors which flip out from the sides of the base and turn green when they are attached correctly. Parents found these convenient particularly if their car only had front-facing seatbelts with no ISOFIX anchor points.
Certain infant car seats can be used with regular seatbelts without the base. This is an excellent feature for parents who frequently travel or travel with their infants. The Nuna TODL NEXT was a popular choice among our parent testers. It can be used either with or without the base and features an easy swivel that allows you to easily get your baby in and out.
Other important design considerations include whether a car seat has an open design, and how well it fits into your particular car (see our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're in search of a new infant car seat that will expand with your child to become a booster seat pick a model with a reclining backrest and side impact protection. It's also worth checking that your chosen infant car seat is i-Size compatible and has the right car seat attachment points in accordance with UK law.