14 Smart Strategies To Spend Leftover Car Seat For Newborn Budget

Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A well-designed car seat can keep your baby safe and comfortable on the road. Which one is the most suitable for your child?

Choosing the right infant car seat isn't easy. There are many features to take into consideration, such as latch hooks, belt pathways, and load legs. Here's everything you need to think about to make the best decision for your family.

Simple to Use

You'll want to select an option that is easy to install and use whether you're buying a car seat for your newborn or upgrading from your toddler's seat. Consider the size of the seat base and the car, how the seat will fit your child's height and weight, and convenient extra features like the lay-flat option that can also double as a bassinet for your stroller.

Infant-only chairs are a good option for infants because they're generally narrower than convertible car seats and fit newborns more snugly. They come with a harness that can support your child's head in an accident, which can reduce the stress on their neck or the spinal cord.

Convertible car seats are perfect for parents who want to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they can. Most models allow children to sit rear-facing until the weight is 30 pounds or more. If you decide on a convertible car seat, look for one that meets the federal safety standards and has a weight limit of 50 pounds or more.

When shopping for a car seat it's important to remember that even though all carseats must conform to the strict NHTSA safety standards There are a variety of different models available on market. To avoid the burden and risk of a defective or dangerous seat, make sure you choose one certified by a reliable company or organization, and check for recalls in the past and complaints from manufacturers.

The most rated car seat inserts for newborns seats for babies feature skin-friendly fabrics, plush padding and a range of recline positions. Certain car seats provide extra padding on the shoulder straps and near the buckle to keep your baby comfy during long road trips. If you have a smaller vehicle opt for a narrow infant car seats seat like the Clek Liing that is under 17 inches wide and is easy to install in most vehicles. The UPPAbaby Mesa Max, which is designed to be used with strollers from UPPAbaby, is a excellent option for families who require a car seat with no fuss that is easy to use. The auto-retracting harness, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all very easy to use.

Safety Features

It is important to consider a few features when choosing an infant car seat. If you're looking to ensure your baby is comfortable during the entire journey or you are looking for a lightweight baby car seat, safe car seat for your child to use for long journeys, it's essential to think about certain characteristics. Take into consideration the weight and height limits of your infant car seat rear facing car seat. This will determine how long your baby can safely be in the seat. Choose a seat which goes up to your child's 90th centile measurement before turning 1. Consider whether you might want to use a coat or blanket over the harness straps. The AAP recommends against this because thick clothing could cause a collapse and make the straps too loose to secure your child, thereby increasing the chance of injuries.

You should also consider whether your car seat will be secured with the LATCH system, or a belt on a vehicle or if it's compatible with other strollers or other travel systems. A car seat that can fit on a base that is compatible is ideal if you plan to use it for a majority of your car trips, as you'll save time and energy by not having to remove it and put it back in place every time you use your vehicle.

The Cybex Cloud G Lux, which won Best of The Bump, scored top marks in our testing for its ease of installation and its ability to adjust. Testers stated that it "has everything needed for a quick, painless installation." This includes LATCH connectors of premium quality that slide out of the base, and turn green once they're fully connected. Also included are a SuperCinch strap tightener that increases the force of the strap and a spring-loaded leveling feet.

Another option that is worth considering is the affordable Baby Trend Secure-Lift that we've found to be just as simple to use as models that cost twice as much. Our test subjects have been raving about its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that adapts to the size of your baby harness, no-rethread harness, and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade is an excellent choice for babies because of its unique 180-degree sleep position. This lets them rest comfortably and for longer on journeys. It is also acknowledged for its safety by consumer champion Which? calling it 'one of the most secure infant car seats available' and ADAC awarding the highest lab rating for a car seat that is suitable for infants.

Rear-facing Options

In most vehicles the most secure position for infants is in the middle rear seat. The seat in the middle is the furthest from any potential impact and will protect your child from harm in an accident. If you are able, select an infant car seat that lets your child ride rear-facing until they're about an year old. It's also crucial to make sure the car seat is correctly installed and that the headrest is placed comfortably against your child's chest and head. The best way to accomplish this is to talk to an experienced child passenger safety technician, who will provide you with up-to-date recommendations for car seat use and installation. Find one in your area here.

The choice of a car seat for your infant is a significant purchase that you'll likely be using for a long duration, so you'll need to choose a seat with an excellent crash test sensor and score as along with features to keep your child safe. The Clek LIing is a great choice for parents looking for an infant rear-facing seat that is affordable. It scored well in our analysis and sensor test, has an easy LATCH system that changes color to show when the buckle straps are correctly secured to the car and an extra load leg that helps avoid frontal collisions.

Strategist senior editor and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her two daughters who both grew from birth until age 6. The adjustable harness height and size allows it to fit children of all sizes as well as taller ones. The seat is suitable for numerous vehicles, and has an upper limit of 50 pounds rear-facing. Plus, it converts to a booster seat, which Trolio used with her youngest daughter up until she turned 10 years old.

Nuna RAVA is a similar alternative. It does not come with a base like many other seats, but is still quick and easy to install using either method with its rigid LATCH connectors, which flip out from the bottom of the seat. They automatically turn green when connected to the vehicle. The RAVA is also a comfortable seat for infants, with an unrethread harness that is not rethread and magnetic buckle holders that make it simple to fasten the straps without having to remove your baby from the seat. It also comes with the ability to recline in six positions that LaBracio found useful.

Forward-Facing Options

Children's necks can be held by the back of the seat in front-facing seats instead of being pushed forward on the hard seat of a vehicle. This position also protects them from injuries in side crashes. The majority of car seats allow infants up to 20 pounds and 1 year of age to sit rearward. However, many experts recommend that children remain rear-facing as long as possible--their neck muscles and bones will be stronger by the time they're ready for a forward-facing car seat.

When considering options for forward-facing car seat, make sure they meet i-Size requirements, have a padded head rest, and a deep harness pocket. Think about buying a car seat which can expand with your child and eventually become a booster. Some models have an all-in-one feature that allows your child to go from a rear facing car seat (with harness and tether) to a forward-facing car seat.

It's important to also consider whether the car seat will fit well in your vehicle, especially in the case of a small trunk or low clearance. Take a look at the dimensions of the car seat and the owner's manual to ensure the best fit.

Look for a car-seat that offers good support and comfort to your child. Long drives in the vehicle are more enjoyable if they can sleep comfortably. This may include features like reclined seat backs, a five point harness that can be tightened from the back of the seat, and a variety of recline positions.

Once you've narrowed your choices down, you should consider the policies regarding crash replacement of the car seats you're considering. They can differ from a manufacturer's replacement policy to a case-by -case review.

Once you've done your research and determined what kind of car seat you're looking at, it's time to start looking around. Take a look at the options available at your local baby shop or online, and ask family members who have children to get their suggestions. You can also book an appointment for a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you select the best car seat for your newborn.