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Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns A rear-facing infant car seat is the most safest option for infants. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer when installing the car seat. The base of the car seat needs to be slightly reclined. This will help keep the baby's head and chin off their chests, which will reduce the risk of sustaining asphyxia in a position. Types When it comes to choosing the best car seat for infants, there are two main types to consider. A baby car seat and convertible baby car seats. Both have pros and cons. It really depends on your personal preference and how the seat will be used. If you plan to utilize the seat as part of a travel system and will be switching between vehicles frequently, then an infant car seat could be the best choice. If, however, you're looking for a long-lasting car seat that grows with your child into the stage of a booster seat, then an convertible car seat could be a better choice. Car seats for infants are specially designed for newborns and babies and are always used with the backwards facing position. This is the most secure option for traveling with small children. They are also less expensive than convertible car seats but can have a shorter lifespan. Most seats must be changed once your child reaches the limit of their weight or height (which can vary greatly between seats), or if their age is reached. Convertible car seats, also referred to as all-in-one seats are designed to take your infant from birth to their toddler years, and even into their school years. They are typically used as a rear-facing or forward-facing seat, and some may be transformed into a booster seat. Many of the best car seats for newborns are convertible and have a range of features, like a smooth rotation function with easy harness adjustment, and an foam base made of EPS, which is essentially Styrofoam. These features are a favorite among parents because they make it simpler to get their babies into and out of their seats, while ensuring that their child is comfortable and safe. It is essential to ensure that the car seat you choose is compatible with your vehicle, and that it has LATCH for easy installation. Also, you should look at the safety features, like shock-absorbing materials as well as side impact protection. If you're uncertain about which type of seat is best for your family, talk to a qualified car seat technician. They'll be able talk about your options and help you select the best seat for your newborn. Safety Whether you're shopping for a baby car seat, convertible car seat or baby-ready travel system it is essential be sure that the one you choose is safe and meets strict safety standards. This is particularly crucial for infants as they are smaller and lighter than older children. Look for a seat with five-point harnesses that are attached to the shoulders below (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing) and between the legs and around the crotch. This will prevent your child from being thrown from the seat in the event of an abrupt stop or crash. If you want to be sure, choose an item that is secured to the vehicle by either lower anchors or seat belts, and has the option of a top tether to prevent the car seat from moving forward during a crash and potentially obstructing breathing of the child. Make sure the recline angle is in line also, as infants are prone to getting trapped in a seat that's too high up. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions to ensure the proper installation of your particular model. It is also a good idea to collaborate with an approved car seat inspection technician during pregnancy and/or following the birth of your child, as this expert can assist you to achieve a flawless installation every time. Another thing to consider is compatibility with strollers. If you are planning to frequently use your stroller you should consider an infant car and stroller combination that works seamlessly. This is a great choice for parents with busy schedules as it allows them to easily transfer their baby from the stroller to their car and vice versa, while running errands. Finally, always make sure you place your seat on hard surfaces (like a car seat base or a car) and never place it on soft ones such as a bed or sofa, as these can cause the seat to tip over, possibly causing injury or even death to your child. Leaving an infant/baby seat or carrier unsupervised on soft surfaces can also result in death by suffocation. User-Friendliness The most effective protection is only possible when the car seat is utilized correctly every time. Unfortunately, a large number of injuries in car seats involve mistakes. car seat for newborn include not following the product instructions, improper installation and use of aftermarket accessories and putting the child into the wrong position. A high-quality infant car seat should have clear instructions for installation as well as features that help 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 as studies have proven that improper use of a car seat can be responsible for as much as 50% of injuries caused by car seats. Also, be aware that you should never leave your child in the car seat or a carrier, even if it is just for a short period of time. A baby left unattended in a safety seat may fall and land on soft surfaces, such as couches or beds, causing serious injury or even death. The seats may also slide over their sides and cause the death of a child. The ideal infant car seat is determined by several factors, including your lifestyle and the long-term durability of the seat. A one-piece model is cheaper upfront but may not work for smaller babies as well and is less adaptable than a convertible car seat or booster. A lightweight, easy-to-install seat is essential for parents who frequently travel. Urban dwellers may prefer a seat which can be installed in taxis, Uber, or other vehicle without the base. A seat that can be connected to strollers is a excellent option for families who are looking to reduce the amount they have to carry around the city or on flights. This is true if you plan to commute by public transport frequently and live in a major city. Many seats can be connected to strollers from UPPAbaby for simple, and simple commuting. Lastly, you should be aware of the ease of putting in your seat in vehicles that do not have lower anchors or tether connections as these are less common in most models. Convenience Many infant car seats are compatible with stroller travel systems which allows you to create an entire solution for child safety. This makes it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller in bad weather or at night. Make sure to secure the seat prior to driving off. Letting it in the car or on the streets isn't safe and can allow your baby to exit the stroller without supervision and could result in injuries. Car seats for infants are designed specifically for newborns and smaller infants, with comfortable and secure fit and plenty of padding for comfort and safety. They are generally lighter than a convertible car seats which makes them easier to transport over short distances. The majority of infant car seats can be used with rear-facing, which is the preferred position by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However they are less durable than convertible car seats. Children usually outgrow their infant seats between nine months and one year. This means that you could require convertible car seats sooner than expected. A great infant car seat will come with straps for harnesses that lie flat against the child's chest, and also over their hips, with the chest clip at armpit level and the crotch buckle laid flat across their thighs. Some models come with adjustable and removable inserts to help parents achieve the recommended fit. When selecting an infant car seat, it's important to be aware that babies could be strangled if the straps become loose or not secured. It's also unsafe to leave a child alone in a car seat, therefore, choose a seat that has the option of locking off your vehicle or an integrated lock. Our experts test car seats to make sure they have the best safety features. Bob Hoffman, our Senior Review Editor, has more car seat installation and scoring experience than anyone else on the planet and is joined by the mother of two boys Wendy Schmitz, Senior Reviews Editor and Abriah Wofford an Analyst for Senior Reviews who's been testing seats since 2016. Our team's expertise and knowledge can help you find the perfect seat for your child and your vehicle.