Seven Explanations On Why Car Seat For Newborn Is So Important
Choosing a Car Seat For Newborns For newborns with an infant car seat that is rear-facing is the most secure option. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer when installing the car seat. The car seat's base should be slightly reclined, which helps to naturally keep the baby's head in a forward position and keep their the chest away from the chin, decreasing the risk of positioning asphyxia. Types When choosing the best car seat for infants There are two main types to take into consideration. There are two types of car seats that are suitable for infants: an infant car seat and a baby convertible car seat. Both have their pros and drawbacks However, it is a matter of personal preference and the way you intend to use the seat. If you want to use the seat as part of an itinerary and you will be changing vehicles often, then an infant car seat could be the better choice. If you are looking for a car seat that can grow with your child and become a booster or beyond, a convertible seat is the best option. Infant car seats are specifically designed for newborns and babies and are always used with the reverse facing position. This is the safest travel option for small children. They are also less expensive than convertible car seats, but they can have a shorter life span. Most will require replacement once your child has reached their weight or height limit (which can differ widely between seats) or if they exceed their age group limit. Convertible car seats, also referred to as all-in-one car seats are designed to take your infant from birth through their toddler years, and into their school years. They can be used as a forward or rear-facing seat and some can even be converted into an adult booster seat. Many of the best convertible car seats for infants will come with a variety of features. These include a smooth rotation feature, a simple harness adjustment, and a base made of EPS foam that is similar to Styrofoam. These features are a favorite among parents as they make it simpler to get their infants into and out of their seats while still ensuring their child is secure and comfortable. It is important to ensure that the car seat you select is compatible with your car, and that it has LATCH for easy installation. Also, you should look at the safety features, like shock-absorbent materials and side impact protection. Consult a qualified car seat specialist if aren't sure which car seat is the best one for your family. They can guide you through the choices and help you select the right seat for your baby. Safety If you're in the market for a car seat for your infant, convertible car seat or baby-ready travel system it is important be sure that the one you choose meets stringent safety standards. This is particularly important for newborns as they are smaller and lighter than older children. Choose seats that have a five-point safety harness that can be stowed between the legs in the crotch, around the waist and below the shoulders when the child is rear-facing or above the shoulders when the child is forward-facing. This will secure your child and prevents them from being thrown from the seat in the event of an accident or sudden stop. You should also look for a car seat that is attached to the vehicle using lower anchors or a seat belt. It should also include an upper tether that prevents the seat from moving forward in the event of a accident, and also obstructing the airway of a child. Also, ensure that the recline angle of the seat is in the right direction. Newborns can easily get trapped in a seat which is too forward. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper installation of your particular model. It's a good idea to seek out a certified car seat inspection technician during your pregnancy and/or shortly after the birth of your child. This professional can ensure a perfect installation. Another thing to think about is compatibility with strollers. If you are planning to frequently use your stroller, consider an infant car and stroller combo that clicks seamlessly together. This is a great option for busy parents, as it makes it easy to transfer your baby from the car to the stroller and back while you run errands, or take an outing with the family. Finally, always use your seat on hard surfaces (like a car seat base or a car) and never place it on soft surfaces like couches or beds or a couch, as these could cause the seat to tip over, possibly hurting or even killing your child. Unattended infant/baby seats or carriers on soft surfaces can cause insuffocation. Easy of Use The best protection is only possible only if the car seat has been utilized correctly every time. Unfortunatelly, many car seat injuries are the result of mistakes. These include not following the product instructions, improper installation and use of aftermarket accessories and putting the child in an incorrect position. To help reduce the risk of error, a reliable infant car seat will have easy-to-read installation instructions and features that help to ensure correct usage. Certain brands, like CYBEX have visual indicators or click sounds to ensure that the car seat has been installed correctly. This is important as studies have revealed that the incorrect use of a car seat could be responsible for up to 50% of car seat-related injuries. It is also crucial to keep in mind that you should not let your baby out of an infant car seat or in a carrier out of your vehicle, even for a short time. A baby left unattended in a safety seat may fall and fall onto soft surfaces, like beds or couches which can cause serious injuries or death. The seats can also be flipped over onto their sides, resulting in suffocation. The best car seat for your newborn is dependent on a variety of factors, such as lifestyle and longevity. All-in-one seats are less expensive up front, but they may not be able to accommodate smaller babies as well and may be less versatile than a booster or convertible car seat. For parents who plan to travel often an easy-to-install, lightweight seat is essential and urban dwellers are likely to require seats that can be easily installed without the base and then in taxis or Uber. Additionally, a seat that integrates with strollers is an ideal option for new parents who wish to reduce the amount of equipment they need to carry around town, or during plane flights. This is particularly relevant if you live in a city, and plan to use public transportation frequently since many seats can be linked to an UPPAbaby stroller for simple, easy commutes. Lastly, you should be attentive to the installation of 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 click into a stroller travel system to create an entire child safety solution. This makes it easier to move your baby from the car to the stroller in bad weather or at night. Make sure to put the seat in the stroller before you leave. Letting it in the car or in the street isn't safe and can allow your baby to exit the seat without supervision and could result in injuries. Infant car seats are made specifically for newborns and infants with smaller sizes, offering snug and secure fits with plenty of padding for safety and comfort. They're generally lighter than convertible car seats, making them easier to carry on short trips. infant car seats on sale of baby car seats can be used rear-facing, which is the preferred position by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However they have a shorter life span than convertible car seats. Children usually outgrow their infant seats between nine months and one year. You might have to upgrade your car seat to a convertible one sooner than you thought. A great infant car seat should have a harness strap that lies flat against the child's chest, and also over their hips and the chest clip located at armpit level and the crotch buckle laid flat across their thighs. Some models come with removable and adjustable inserts that allow parents to get the perfect fit. It is important to keep in mind that when straps are unfastened or loose the baby could be strangled. It is also dangerous to leave a child in a car with no supervision. Select a car seat with an option to lock off your vehicle, or with an inbuilt locking mechanism. The car seats that our experts test are designed to offer the highest level of safety. Bob Hoffman, Senior Review Editor at 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 expertise and knowledge will assist you in choosing the best seat for your child and vehicle.