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

The best car seat newborn is one that is compliant with federal safety standards, fits your vehicle, has convenient extras (like making it a stroller) and works with your budget. Also, make sure that the car seat is easily clicked into and out of any vehicle, particularly if you are frequently switching between taxis, rental cars or your grandparents' vehicles.

Safety

A good infant car seats car seat will have extra features that go above and beyond federal safety standards. These include padded cushions on the shoulders and head and air-repellent fabrics to keep them cool when driving in hot weather.

Installation and use of the seat is another important aspect to consider for safety. Ideally, the seat should be simple to install and use, with clear indicators of its height, position, and security.

Look for features that make it easier to do this, such as locks built-in to the seat and belt guides that help to align the car seat to the vehicle's seat belt. Avoid purchasing used car seats that may not have been tested for crash, or which might have been involved in an accident. They could not protect your child. If you do decide to purchase a used car seat ensure that it's on the expiration date and isn't being sold by an individual seller who doesn't have evidence of ownership.

Another thing to bear in mind is to keep your baby in the car seat for no more than two hours per day, unless they are lying down in a supine position. This will reduce strain on the spine of your child, and ensure that they get a chance to breathe regularly.

You'll want a seat to last a long time, since it's an important investment. Choose a seat that is designed to adapt with your child that will last through the toddler years and on into the teenage years. One product that our testers for parents loved was the Axkid One i-Size that is suitable from birth and is able to be used up to 7 years.

Nuna pipa air rx is another option that you can use for a lengthy period of time. It can rotate 360 degrees, which means you can move it from front-facing to rear-facing as your child grows. It is also one of lightest rotating car seat available, weighing less than nine pounds. It's a great choice for parents who regularly move their children between vehicles or plan on using it for taxi rides, fly-drive holidays and trips to grandparent's houses.

Comfort

It is crucial that your baby is comfortable in their car seat both while they are in it and after you install it. Look for padded straps which fit comfortably around their shoulders. Also, look for plush fabric that feels good beneath their stomachs. This is crucial in the event that you plan to use the seat for a long duration.

The most effective infant car seats are also simple to use. Some have premium LATCH connectors that come with the SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener spring-loaded leveling feet, and belt paths that make installing without the base much easier than ever. Other features allow you to adjust the height of the headrest and harness that is essential as your child grows.

One example is the Cosatto All in All Rotate that our testers from the past gave a 10/10 for ease of use. It features a simple, clear interface, and a simple-to-adjust no-rethread harness and an indicator for recline and 360-degree rotation. This allows you to switch from forward-facing to rear-facing as your baby grows, without having to remove the seat and replace it.

Nuna Pipa Aire Rx is a different example. Our parent testers loved it for its comfort simple and adaptability. Its padded shoulder straps as well as headrest are designed to support your baby's head and comes with a soft infant cushion to ensure that they are comfortable. It can be placed in a rear-facing position until your child reaches the maximum height or weight limit. Then, it transforms into the position of a stroller.

A quality car seat is durable, and many come with a warranty. Look for an item that is made up of padding and sturdy materials to shield your child from any accidents. It should also come with steel frames to absorb the force of impact as well as a "crumple area" to stop damage from crashes. It should be easy to clean as accidents are bound to happen with the growing age of a child. Find car seats that have removable seat covers and a machine-washable pad to make cleaning easy.

Ease of Use

It is essential that a car seat be simple to install and use, particularly when it is going to be used in different vehicles from time to time. Look for features like an easy-release buckle, an indicator that indicates 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 has many practical extras that our parents loved, such as a cushioned headrest and harness, plush material and a cupholder. It also has a reclining feature that allows your child to sit in a comfortable position during longer journeys. It can also be used with an appropriate buggy to make a complete travel system, which is perfect if you are planning to travel for long durations of time.

Suitable from birth, our panelists found this car seat easy to install and adjust. It comes with recline lock indicators and an LATCH connector that is premium and comes with a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, which makes securement of your child quick and easy. It can also be moved from side to side in the vehicle without the use of tools.

One of our most loved features is the recline feature that makes it easier to get your infant car seats cheap in and out of the car. This is particularly helpful for those who have back issues or drive a small vehicle. It also has the ability to reversibly hold your cup and a handy pocket for snacks and toys.

The seat is lightweight and can be used without or with the base. It can also rotate 180 degrees, which could be a real lifesaver if you are in a tight space or suffer from back pain. This new feature impressed our panelists, and was awarded a place in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards.

It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to convert their car seat into a stroller for an affordable cost. Its sleek design and high-quality fabric will stand the test of time also. Be sure to wash your cover frequently because smashed yogurt spills, biscuits, and the odd sick toddler accident are certain to leave a mark!

Design

Car seat designs are as varied as the cars they're installed in. Some parents choose to skip infant car seats and opt for convertible models. However, the majority of new mothers are looking for something that can develop with their child as they reach the toddler years. The most versatile choice is an all-in-one infant car seat that lets you switch between forward-facing and rear-facing. It typically has a higher weight and height restriction and can also be used as a booster once your child is old enough.

An ideal infant car seat newborn car seat is lightweight, making it easy to lift it from the base and transport your baby in it. Our parent testers loved the Maxi-Cosi Coral, which is only available in a handful of colors, but comes with plenty of safety features and is incredibly light (at 8.4 pounds with seat inserts and canopy). Nuna PIPA URbN is another model that stands out, since it was awarded Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Car Seat Group category for 0/0+ due to features that are high-end, like the Dream drape and a canopy that covers the entire area with UPF 50+.

The seat's design and the base must also be taken into consideration. Certain car seats have an attached base that is locked into the vehicle seat belt buckles. Some have steel-reinforced connectors for LATCH that slide out of the sides of the base when correctly joined. Parents have found these to be convenient particularly if the vehicle only had front-facing seatbelts and no ISOFIX anchor points.

Some infant car seats can be used with a standard seatbelt without the base, which is a bonus for parents who often use taxis or travel with their child. The Nuna TODL NEXT was a favorite among our parents who tested it. It can be used either with or without the base, and it has an easy swivel that makes it easier to get your baby inside and out.

Other important design considerations are whether the car seat is a flat design, and how it is compatible with your car (see our guide to car seat compatibility). If you're in search of an infant car seat that can expand with your child's growth into a booster pick a model with a reclining backrest and side impact protection. Make sure that the infant car seat you select is iSize compliant and also has the proper car seat attachment points, as required by UK law.