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Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns For infants, a rear-facing infant car seat is the most secure option. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer when installing a car seat. The car seat base should be slightly reclined, which aids in keeping the baby's head in a forward position and keep their the chest away from the chin, lessening the risk of asphyxia. Types There are two types of car seats for newborns. A baby car seat and convertible baby car seats. Both have their pros and drawbacks However, it depends on your personal preference and the way you plan on using the seat. If you intend to use the seat as part of an auto travel system and will be moving vehicles frequently, an infant car seat may be the best choice. If you are looking for a car seat that can grow with your child and become a booster or go beyond, a convertible seat is the best option. Infant cars seats are designed specifically for newborns and infants and are designed to be placed in the rear position which is the most secure way to travel for little infants. They are also generally less expensive than convertible seats, but may have a shorter life span. Most seats must be replaced once your child is at the weight or height limit (which can vary greatly between seats) or if they reach the age limit. Convertible car seats, also referred to as all-in-one carseats are designed to transport your baby from birth to their toddler years and even into their school years. They can be used as a forward-facing or rear-facing seat, and some may be transformed into a booster seat. A lot of the top car seats for babies can be converted and come with various features, like a smooth rotation function, easy harness adjustment and an foam base made of EPS, which is basically Styrofoam. These features are popular with parents as they make it simpler to get their infants into and out of their seats while still ensuring that their child is secure and comfortable. It is important to ensure that the car seat you select is compatible with your vehicle and that it has LATCH that allows for quick and easy installation. It's also worth checking the safety features, including shock-absorbing materials and side impact protection. Find a reputable car seat expert if you are unsure about which seat is right for your family. They'll be able talk about your options and help you select the best seat for your baby. Safety Whether you're shopping for a car seat for your infant, convertible car seat or baby-friendly travel systems it is important be sure that the one you select meets the strictest safety standards. This is particularly crucial for infants as they are smaller and lighter than older children. Look for a seat with a five-point harness that is attached below the shoulders (rear-facing) or above the shoulder (forward-facing) or between the legs and around the crotch. This helps secure your child and prevents them from being thrown out of the seat in the event of an accident or sudden stop. Ideally, you'll also choose an item that is secured to the vehicle by either lower anchors or seat belts, and has a top tether that prevents the car seat from moving forward in the event of a crash, and possibly obstructing the child's breathing. Be sure that the recline angle is right as well, since newborns are prone to getting trapped in a seat that is too high up. Most importantly, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding proper installation for your specific model. It is recommended to collaborate with an approved car seat inspector during pregnancy and/or following the birth of your child. this professional can help you get the perfect installation every time. Another factor to think about is compatibility with strollers. If you plan to use a stroller often then you should think about an infant car seat and stroller combo that clicks together seamlessly. This is a great option for parents with a busy schedule, since it is easy to transfer your child from the car to the stroller and back when you're running errands or taking strolls with the family. Finally, always place your seat on solid surfaces (like a car seat base or a car) and do not place it on soft ones, such as a bed or sofa as they can cause the seat to tip over, potentially causing injury or even death to your child. In the event of an infant or baby's seat being left unattended, it could cause on soft surfaces could cause the suffocation of your child. User-Friendliness The best protection is possible if the car seat is properly used every time. Unfortunatelly, many car seat injuries are the result of mistakes. Some of these include not following the product instructions, improper installation or using products from aftermarket, and putting the child in a wrong position. A quality car seat for infants will come with clear instructions for installing and features that help ensure proper use. Certain brands, like CYBEX have visual indicators or click sounds that confirm that the seat has been installed correctly. This is crucial as studies have shown incorrect use of car seats is responsible for up to half of all injuries attributed to car seats. You should also keep in mind that you should not leave your infant in a car seat or carrier, even if it is just for a few minutes. A baby left unattended in a safety seat may fall and land on soft surfaces, like couches or beds and cause serious injuries or even death. The seats could also slide over on their sides, leading to the death of a child. The ideal infant car seat is determined by a number of aspects, such as your lifestyle and the long-term durability of the seat. A all-in-one model may be more affordable initially, but it may not work for smaller babies as well and is less flexible than a convertible car seat or booster. For parents who intend to travel frequently an easy-to-install, lightweight seat is a must, while urban dwellers will likely want a seat that can be easily installed without the base and then in taxis or Uber. Furthermore, a seat that can be integrated with strollers could be an ideal option for new parents who want to minimize the amount of equipment they have to carry around town or during flight. This is true if you plan to commute on public transportation frequently and live in a major city. A lot of seats can be attached to UPPAbaby's strollers to facilitate comfortable journeys. Lastly, you should be aware of the ease of putting in your seat in vehicles that don't have lower anchors or tethers, as they aren't common in most models. Convenience Many infant car seats can be used with stroller travel systems that allow you to design a an all-inclusive solution for child safety. This makes it simple to move a baby who is sleeping from your car to a stroller, even in the worst weather and at night. Always secure the seat before leaving the car. If you leave it in the car or in the street isn't secure and could let your child exit the seat unattended and could result in injuries. Infant car seats are made for infants and smaller babies. They have a snug and secure fit, and plenty of padding for security and comfort. They are usually lighter than convertible car seat, making them easier to carry over short distances. Most baby 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 a year. This means that you might need to upgrade to convertible car seats earlier than you expected. A good infant car safety seat will include a strap that is flat against the chest of the child over their hips, and with the chest clip positioned on the child's armpit. The crotch buckle should be flat across the child's thighs. Some models come with adjustable and removable inserts that help parents attain the ideal fit. When selecting a baby car seat, it is important to remember that babies could be trapped if the straps are loose or unfastened. It's also unsafe to leave your child unattended in a car seat, so make sure you choose one with a lockoff feature for your vehicle or a built-in lock. The car seats we test are designed to provide the best possible safety features. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor of Consumer Reports has the most experience with car seat installation and rating. He is joined by Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Editor and Abriah Wolfford, Senior Review Analyst, who have been testing seats since 2016. Our team's experience and knowledge will help you choose the best seat for your child and your vehicle.