As travel with an infant comes with a few extra worries, the primary concern of parents with a newborn is safety during travel. A commonly asked question comes as follows, Which seat is safest for a newborn car seat? The right position of the seat protects in case of an accident and ensures the comfort of the little passenger on board. When it comes to your newborn baby, picking the right car seat together with the safest installation position is key to protecting your newborn's vulnerable body.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) just about always recommends that the car seat be in the rear middle seat if possible for both research and safety reasons. It's also the safest position in side-impact crashes (the furthest spot from the vehicle doors). But if that middle seat doesn't fit your car seat or car, then the next best place is the seat behind the passenger. This spot provides parents with easy access to their baby and also is safer than putting the seat behind the driver.
Why Rear-Facing Car Seats Are the Safest for Newborns
The best choice for an infant seat is a rear-facing infant car seat. Tekst Rear-facing car seats are designed to safeguard all parts of a baby including their fragile head, neck and spine during a crash. In the rear-facing position, this force from an impact is distributed over the whole car seat, making it less jarring for the baby's still-fragile body.
According to the AAP, babies should stay in rear-facing car seats until (1) they are at least 2 years old or (2) they reach the highest weight and height limits allowed by the car seat manufacturer. As long as your baby is rear-facing, it can keep them safe from injuries during a crash or emergency braking!
Top Safest Car Seat Options for Newborns
The safest seat position is meaningless unless you have the right car seat. It's a smart investment to get a good car seat with loads of safety features, comfort and convenience, a little conquering of your car. Below are three extremely safe, highly rated infant car seats:
- Chicco KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat
The Chicco KeyFit 35 is a top choice for its excellent safety ratings and user-friendly design. It includes a five-point harness, side-impact protection, and energy-absorbing materials that minimize the force of impact. Additionally, its one-pull LATCH system makes installation simple and secure. - Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Infant Car Seat
The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 is known for its affordability, durability, and exceptional safety. It features a click-connect system for secure attachment and is crash-tested to meet or exceed US safety standards. This lightweight car seat also offers a soft, comfortable interior for your baby. - Britax B-Safe Gen2 Infant Car Seat
The Britax B-Safe Gen2 offers premium protection with its SafeCell technology and a steel-reinforced frame. It includes a padded headrest for newborns and energy-absorbing foam to keep your baby safe during impacts.
Each of these car seats meets current safety regulations and is compatible with most car models, making them trusted options for parents seeking peace of mind.
Proper Way to Install a Newborn Car Seat
Correct installation of a car seat is crucial to ensure your baby's safety. Follow these steps for proper car seat installation:
- Choose the Right Position: Install the car seat in the rear middle seat for maximum protection. If this isn't possible, place the seat behind the passenger.
- Ensure a Rear-Facing Position: The car seat should always face the rear of the vehicle for newborns. Adjust the recline angle to about 45 degrees to prevent the baby's head from falling forward.
- Secure the Seat with LATCH or Seatbelt: Modern cars often feature LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) systems for easier installation. If unavailable, use the seatbelt to secure the car seat tightly.
- Check for Movement: Once installed, the car seat should not move more than 1 inch side-to-side or front-to-back.
- Adjust the Harness and Chest Clip: The harness straps should fit snugly, and the chest clip must be placed at armpit level for safety.
Top Winter Resistant Car Seat Covers
Especially in winter, it's important to keep your infant warm and cozy. They also serve as a hood to protect your baby from extreme sunshine or windy weather while keeping the safety intact. Search for lightweight, breathable covers that do not restrict the car seat's harness or adjustment capabilities.
High-end brands such as JJ Cole and Cozy Cover make super nice ones that keep the baby nice and warm, but they won't overheat if it's warm. Steer clear of oversized covers or outside elements, introduced to the seat, as they can interfere with the safety of the car seat.
Closing Thoughts on “Which Seat Is Safest for Newborn Car Seat?”
The process of keeping your baby safe while traveling starts with choosing the right car seat, and positioning it safely within your car. The safest spot is the rear middle seat, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, and most parent-and-child teams are best protected, when the child is a baby, in a rear-facing infant car seat.
Trusted car seat brands, including Chicco, Graco, and Britax, provide safety features, comfort, and longevity. We encourage all parents to always be sure to install correctly, following the car seat manual and by checking your vehicle for proper fitting/installation protocols.
Purchasing a durable car seat is one of the investments that provides the utmost protection to your baby while you know you are at ease while driving. Get more information and test results on the best infant car seats by checking out our guide and be sure to choose one today!
