How to Choose the Best Car Seat Newborn

The best car seat newborn is one that is compliant with federal safety standards, is compatible with your vehicle, comes with useful extras (like making it a stroller) and is within your budget. It is also important to ensure that the car seat is easily removed and put into of any vehicle, especially when you frequently switch between rental cars, taxis or grandparents' vehicles.

Safety

A high-quality car seat will have extra features that go beyond the safety standards of the federal government. They include padded inserts for the head and shoulders as well as air-repellent fabric to keep them cool when driving in hot weather.

The ease of installation and use of the seat is an important aspect of safety. Ideally, you should be capable of snapping it in place with little effort and with clear indications that it's safe, level, and positioned correctly.

There are many features that can help you with this including belt guides and built-in locks that will help you align the car seat with your vehicle's seatbelt. It is also important to avoid buying used car seats that might not have been tested for safety or have been involved in an accident and may not be safe for your child. If you are forced to purchase an used car seat make sure that it has an expiration date and that the seller isn't an individual who does not have proof of ownership.

It's also important to remember that you should only allow your baby in the car seat for up to two hours per day, unless it's in a flat position. This is to prevent the spine from becoming strained and to ensure that they have the chance to breathe regularly.

You'll want a seat to last a long time, as it is a significant investment. Pick a seat that can expand with your child's age and last from toddlerhood to teen years. Our testers for parents were pleased with the Axkid i-Size. It is suitable for children from birth, and can be used until age 7.

The Nuna pipa air rx is a different option that can be used for a lengthy time. It can rotate 360 degrees, which means you can switch it from rear-facing into front-facing as your child grows. It is also one of lightest rotating car seat on the market with a weight of less than nine pounds. It's a great choice for parents who move their child frequently between cars or are planning to use it for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives, and trips with grandparents.

Comfort

A quality infant car seat is comfortable for your baby both in the seat as well as when you install it. Choose padded straps that fit comfortably around their shoulders, and look for soft fabric that is comfortable on their stomachs. This is particularly important when you intend to use the seat for a long period of time.

The best car seat for infants is also easy to use. Some come with premium LATCH connectors that come with the SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener spring-loaded leveling feet, and belt paths that make fitting without the base easier than ever. Other features let you adjust the height of the harness and headrest that is essential as your child grows.

Cosatto All in All Rotate is a prime example. Our parent testers scored it a 10 out of 10. It has a clear and simple interface, a no-rethread, easy-to-reset harness, a 360-degree rotation, as well as a recline lock indication. 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 similar example. Our parent testers loved it for its ease of use, simplicity and versatility. Its padded shoulder straps as well as headrest are shaped to support the head of your newborn and includes a soft infant cushion to keep them comfy. It can be used as an rear-facing car seat until your baby hits the max weight or height limits and then it can be converted into a stroller without the need for an additional adapter.

A good car seat is durable, and many come with a guarantee. Find a seat that has robust materials and plenty of padding to shield your baby from accidents, as well as a steel frame that absorbs the force of impact and a "crumple zone" to reduce the risk of damage. It must also be easy to clean, since messiness is inevitable with a baby. To simplify cleaning, look for a car seat that has removable covers and pads that can be washed in the machine.

Easy of Use

It is essential that a car seat is simple to install and use, particularly in the event that it will be used in different vehicles periodically. Look for features like a quick-release buckle, a gauge that shows the status of the latch system (e.g. green for locked) and a user-friendly manual to make it as easy as possible.

The Best of The Bump winner includes a variety of useful features, which our parent testers were pleased with, including a padded headrest and harness, plush material and a cupholder. It also comes with a reclining feature that allows your baby to sit in a more comfortable position for longer trips. It can be used in conjunction with a buggy that is compatible to create a complete travel system. This is perfect for those who plan to travel for a long time.

Our panelists reported that the car seat was easy to set up and adjust. It comes with a recline lock indicator and an exclusive LATCH connector with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, which makes securement of your child quick and simple. It's designed to be easily moved from side-to-side inside the vehicle without the necessity of tools.

The reclining feature makes it easier for you to take your baby in and out of the vehicle. This is especially useful when you have back pain or have a small car. It also has a reversible cup holder and a handy storage compartment for snacks and toys.

The seat is light and can be used without or with the base. It can also be rotated around 180 degrees. This is a fantastic option if you're limited on space or have back pain. This new feature impressed our panelists, and it was selected for inclusion in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.

This is a great option for those looking to transform their car seats into strollers at a reasonable price. Its sleek design and high-end material will also stand the test time. Be sure to wash your cover regularly as smashed yogurt spills, biscuits, and the occasional sick toddler accident is sure to leave a mark!

Design

Car seat designs are as varied as the vehicles they're placed in. While some parents opt to leave infant car seats out and opt for a convertible model, most new moms want something that will develop with their baby as they reach toddlerhood. The most versatile choice is an all-in-one infant car seat travel car seat, which allows you to change between forward-facing and rear-facing. It typically has a higher weight and height limit, and can also be used as a booster once your child is old enough.

A great car seat for your infant newborn car seat is lightweight which makes it easy to lift it from the base and then carry your child. Our parent testers loved the Maxi-Cosi Coral, which is only available in a few colors, but comes with plenty of safety features and is super lightweight (at 8.4 pounds with seat inserts and canopy). Nuna PIPA URbN is another model that stands out, as it won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Car Seat Group category, thanks to features that are high-end, such as the Dream drape, and a full-coverage canopy with UPF 50+.

The design of the base and seat must also be considered. For example, some car seats come with a 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 they are attached correctly. These were a great option for parents, particularly if the vehicle only had front-facing seat belts.

Some infant car seats can also be used with a regular seatbelt, but without the base this is a great benefit for parents who frequently use taxis or travel with their baby. The Nuna TODL NEXT was a favorite among our testers who are parents. It can be used with or without the base, and features a smooth swivel, which makes it easier to get your baby inside and out.

Other important considerations for design are whether the car seat is a lie flat design, and how it will fit into your specific car (see our guide to car seat compatibility). If you are looking for an infant car seat that will grow along with your child's growth into a booster make sure you choose a seat that has a reclined backrest and side impact protection. Check that the portable infant car seat car seat you choose is iSize compatible and also has the proper car seat attachment points, as required by UK law.