How to Choose the best car seat newborn uk Car Seat Newborn

The most suitable car seat for newborns is one that meets federal safety standards, fits in your car, has useful features (like making it the stroller) and is within your budget. It's also worth ensuring the baby car seat clicks into and out of your car without difficulty, particularly if you often change between trips to the taxi or in rental cars and grandparents' vehicles.

Safety

A quality car seat comes with extra features that go above and beyond safety standards of the federal government. These include padded inserts on the shoulders and head as well as air-repellent fabric to keep them cool when driving in hot weather.

Easy installation and use of the seat is an important safety consideration. In the ideal scenario, you'll be capable of snapping it in place with minimum effort, and with clear signs that it's safe and level, as well as positioned properly.

Look for features that allow you to do that, like built-in lock offs and belt guides that help you align the car seat with the vehicle's seatbelt. Avoid purchasing used car seats that may not have been tested for crash or have been involved in an accident. They might not be safe for your child. If you must buy an old one ensure that it has an expiration date and isn't being sold by an individual who does not have proof of ownership.

One other thing to keep in mind is to keep your child in the car seat for a maximum of 2 hours per day unless they are in a lie-flat position. This will reduce strain on the spine of your child and ensure that they have a chance to breath regularly.

You'll want a seat that will last for a long time because it's a major investment. Choose a seat that is designed to adapt to your child's needs, which will last through toddlerhood and through the teen years. Our parents were impressed with the Axkid i-Size. It is suitable for children from birth, and is able to be used up to age 7.

The Nuna pipa air rx is a different option that can be used for a long time. It can rotate 360 degrees which means that you can move it from rear facing infant car seat-facing to front-facing as your child grows. It is also one of most light-weight car seats available with a weight of less than nine pounds. It's a great choice for parents who need to move their infant frequently between vehicles or are planning to make use of it for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives, and trips with grandparents.

Comfort

A good infant car seat is comfortable for your child, both in the seat and when you install it. Find straps with padding that are comfortable to wear on their shoulders, and soft fabric that feels comfortable under their stomach, particularly when they are in the seat for long drives.

The best infant car seats are also easy to use. Some come with premium LATCH connectors with SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, spring-loaded leveling feet and belt paths that make putting them on without the base easier than ever. Other features can help you adjust the harness height and headrest, which is important as your child grows.

Cosatto All in All Rotate is a prime example. Our test subjects gave it 10 out of 10. It features a clear, simple interface, no-rethread, easy-to-change harness, 360-degree rotation, as well as recline lock indicator. You can easily switch your child from rear-facing to front-facing as they grow without needing to take out and replace the seat.

Another option is the Nuna Pipa Air rx which our testers who were parents loved for its convenience, comfort and flexibility. Its cushioned shoulder straps and headrest are designed to support the head of your baby and includes pillows that are soft for your comfort. It can be used as an rear-facing car seat until your baby is at the maximum height or weight limits and can also be converted into a stroller without the need for a separate adapter.

A good car seat will be durable and many have a warranty. Find a seat that has solid materials and plenty of padding to shield your child from any injuries, as well as an aluminum frame that suffocates impact energy and a "crumple zone" to reduce the risk of damage. It should be easy to clean since accidents are likely to happen with a child. Find car seats that have removable seat covers and a pad that is machine washable to make cleanup a breeze.

Easy of Use

It is essential that a car seat be simple to install and use, particularly if it will be used in a variety of vehicles from time to time. Look for features such as a quick-release buckle, an indicator that displays the state of the latch system (e.g. green for locked) and a simple-to-read manual to make it as easy as possible.

The Best of The Bump winner includes a variety of useful features that our parents appreciated, including a padded headrest and harness, plush fabric, and the cup holder. It also features a recline feature that allows your baby to sit in a more comfortable position for longer trips. It can also be combined with an appropriate buggy to make a complete travel system, which is perfect if you plan on traveling for long durations of time.

Our panelists noted that the car seat was easy to set up and adjust. It comes with a recline lock indicator and an LATCH connector that is premium and comes with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener which made the process of securing your child simple. It's also designed to be moved from side-to-side inside the vehicle without the need for tools.

One of our most loved features is the reclining feature that makes it easier to get your infant in and out of the car. This is especially helpful when you are suffering from back pain or are driving a smaller vehicle. It also features an adjustable drink holder that can be reversible, as well as a handy storage compartment for toys and snacks.

The seat is light and can be used in conjunction with or without the base. It also rotates 180 degrees, which could be a lifesaver when you have limited space or are suffering from back pain. Our panelists were thrilled by this new feature, which was a finalist in our 2021 Mother&Baby awards.

This is a great option for those who want to transform their car seats into strollers at a reasonable price. Its sleek design and premium materials will stand up to the test time. Just don't forget to wash your cover frequently as smashed biscuits, yoghurt spills, and the odd sick toddler accident are sure to leave their mark!

Design

The designs of car seats are as diverse as the cars they're placed in. Some parents choose to skip baby car seats in favor of convertible models. However, the majority of new mothers prefer a product that will expand with their child through the toddler years. All-in-one car seats are most versatile and allow you to switch between forward-facing and rear-facing. It typically has a greater weight and height limit, and can be used as a booster once your child is old enough.

An ideal infant car seat newborn is lightweight and easy to lift from the base and then carry your child. Our parent testers loved the Maxi-Cosi Coral, which is only available in a couple of colors, but comes with plenty of safety features and is extremely light (at 8.4 pounds with seat inserts and canopy). Other standout models include the Nuna PIPA URbN and the Nuna PIPA URbN, which was a winner of Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards for best infant car seat Car Seat Group 0/0+ with its high-end extras like the Dream drape and UPF 50+ full-coverage canopy.

The design of the base and seat should be taken into consideration. For instance, some car seats have a specific base that is secured to the vehicle's seat belt buckles as well as others with LATCH connectors made of steel that slide out from the sides of the base and turn green when attached correctly. These were useful for parents, especially when the vehicle only had front-facing seatbelts.

Certain infant car seats can be used with standard seatbelts that do not have the base. This is a great feature for parents who frequently travel or travel with their babies. Our parent testers really liked the Nuna TODL NEXT which can be used with or without its base. It has a smooth swivel mechanism that makes it simple to get your child out and in the seat.

Other important considerations for design are whether a car seat comes with a flat design, and how it fits into your particular car (see our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're looking for an infant car seat that will grow with your baby into a booster, look for one with a reclining headrest and side impact protection. Check that the baby car seat you pick is iSize compliant and has the correct car-seat attachment points as per UK law.