Choosing a car seat can seem overwhelming to new parents, and the importance of keeping your baby safe can add to the stress of the decision. We’ve made the process easier by selecting only the best newborn car seats for your little one. Our select range includes well-known brands including Cybex and Maxi Cosi that will keep your new arrival comfortable and safe whenever you take them for a drive.
How to Choose the Best Car Seat for a Newborn
There are two things to remember for newborn car seat safety: their physical development and protecting them in case of a traffic incident.
Newborn babies need a lot of physical support. A specialised newborn car seat will properly support their spine and help keep their airway open.
The safest way for a newborn to travel in a vehicle is rear-facing; that is, they will be facing the back of the car, rather than the front like you do. This position offers better protection for their head, neck, and spine.
Another consideration is how you’ll secure the car seat inside your vehicle. Traditional car seats were secured with the seat belt, but new safety features mean you can lock the car seat to fixed points in the car for sturdier, more secure installation. But which is right for you?
What Are ISOFIX Car Seats?
ISOFIX is a system that anchors your newborn car seat to your car by clamping onto anchors that are hidden between the cushions of your rear passenger seats. All cars manufactured since 2014 (except for two-seater cars) come with Isofix points.
Is ISOFIX Safer than Seatbelts?
ISOFIX car seats are easier to install than using a seat belt. Indicators on the seats make it clear if they’ve been properly or improperly installed; once your seat is in place, you’ll have the peace of mind that your newborn’s car seat is safe and secure.
Seat belt installation is trickier and comes with a bigger risk of improper installation: it’s easy to potentially twist the belt or leave too much slack, leaving your little one at risk.
On the other hand, ISOFIX car seats are less convenient if you often want to move the car seat from vehicle to vehicle. Car manufacturers implement ISOFIX points in different ways, meaning that it isn’t a universal system: you’ll need to check that a car seat is compatible with your car.
Whereas newborn car seats that are secured with a seat belt are compatible with more cars, making it easier if you need to move the seat between cars on a regular basis.
How Long Can a Newborn Be in a Car Seat?
There is no set time limit on how long a baby should spend in a car seat, but most healthcare professionals recommend no longer than 2 hours at a time and should be taken out frequently.
You also shouldn’t leave a baby to sleep in a car seat, and you should take breaks on longer journeys. This will reduce the risk that your newborn will experience breathing difficulties.
Can Newborns Use Travel Systems?
A travel system is a pram that allows you to attach a compatible car seat. This makes it much easier to get your child in and out of the car as you can lift out the car seat and attach it to the pram base. You can get travel systems with or without ISOFIX, and they’re perfectly safe for newborns as long as you don’t leave them in the seat for too long without a break.
We offer a range of safe and trusted travel systems that will make life easy for you and your baby.
