Infant Car Seats - Which One is Right For Your Baby?

Choosing the right car seat for your newborn is a key parenting purchase. With a variety of car seats for children and baby car seats to pick from, it's crucial to be fully clued up.

Usually, Group 0+ or i-Size (R129) baby car seats, these rear-facing ones are suitable from birth. They often go with a pram in travel systems.

Group 0+

A car seat for your newborn baby or infant is a necessity. These seats are made specifically for infants to shield them from road hazards and head injuries. They ensure that they are in the correct position. All-stage car seats are capable of protecting infants, but they do not have the added safety features of infant car seats.

Typically, an infant car seat is rear-facing, and allows babies to ride in the car seat until they're around 15 months old. A lot of these models include an insert for newborns to help infants and ensure they are comfortable. Good infant car seats offer recline suggestions to protect the child's mind during the journey.

All infant car seats should be approved to the i-Size standard and be in compliance with European safety standards. The I-Size standard is far more advanced than R44/04, therefore cars that have been approved to this standard tend to have better side-impact crash tests, which is crucial for newborns and infants. Additionally, i-Size seats use more sophisticated crash test dummies from the Q-series, which provide even more safety protection for toddlers and infants.

When choosing a baby car seat, buyers should think about how often they will require it to be moved from one vehicle to another. If you are a frequent user of taxis and car sharing services frequently, look for a model that has a unique baseless style, such as the Nuna PIPA Urbn. This allows the seat to be put in place in just a few just a few seconds. This allows the seat to be quickly swapped between different vehicles. It is ideal for parents who must frequently travel.

The Silver Cross Dream i-Size has been awarded an outstanding safety rating by ADAC which means that it offers extremely good protection for infants and babies. Additionally, it comes with a built-in ISOFIX base and an EPS energy-absorbing foam.

Group 1

The Cosatto All in One, like many other infant car seats designed for babies, can be used from birth and until your child is 12 years old (or 36kg). It is able to rotate in order to get your baby in and out. It can be fitted with ISOFIX or a car seatbelt fitted with an over-tether. It is also easy to clean, which is beneficial for any spills or stains.

Be aware that your child could outgrow their car seat quickly. Many parents must replace their seats within nine months or even sooner. Most manufacturers suggest moving on to a different best car seats seat when your child's head is within one inch of the top of the car seat.

In order to be sold the car seat must meet certain European safety standards. This includes testing rigorously in simulations of accidents, and the use of certain types of materials to protect your child from side-impact injuries. There are two standards currently in force in force - ECE R44 and R129 (known as i-Size), which is more strict and considers the weight and height when determining the classification of car seats for children.

Our experience has shown us that seats that have been approved to the R129 standard, also known as i-Size, tend to be safer and easier to install. They can also keep your child facing rearwards for a longer time. The only drawback with these seats is that they are unable to be used with an airbag for the front passenger, which may not suit certain families. However, it's important to check with the manufacturer in case you have any concerns prior to purchasing. They should be able give you the most current information and advice on your particular situation.

Group 2

A baby car seat is designed for infants who are large enough to be able to move up from a Group 0+ child car seat but aren't yet able to get out of a convertible Group 1 seat. It's not quite as common as all-in-ones, but is worth considering if you're looking for a seat to take your child from birth up until around four years of age.

Like all car seats, it's crucial that the seat you choose to use meets European safety standards. You can look for the E-mark and ensure that the seat is compliant with ECE R44/04 or iSize (which is designed to replace the previous regulation). This will allow you to make sure that the seat is safe for your child in the event of a crash. Seats that have the i-Size certification are simpler to install and offer greater protection against side-impacts and can keep your child facing rear for longer.

The Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro, designed for newborns to 15 months old, is an excellent choice with impressive crash test results. The LATCH connectors, which are rigid, change colour when properly connected. It also has a handy base that swivels to help reduce movement in the car and an inlay designed to hug the baby's neck, head and back to support their correct posture.

Another great alternative is the Cybex Aviounaut Pixel Pro, which also features an swivel base that can rotate 360 degrees and has a unique G-CELL system that ensures the seat's protection in case of side impacts. It's a bit more expensive than some of the other seats, but it provides a good value and great protection. Jasper found it comfortable on long journeys and it looks nicer than some of the other seats we looked at, too.

Group 3

A group 3 infant car seat is a three-in-one seat that can be used by your child from birth right through to the booster stage. These seats are designed to be rear-facing (some up to at least 9kg) however, they can be turned around and used forward-facing until the weight limit is 36kg.

They are generally comfortable and provide good neck and head support. They are often equipped with removable and washable padding for infants, which ensures that they are hygienic. One of the top models we've tested, the Nuna PIPA Air Rx has two inserts - one made of sustainably-sourced materials, and the other made from organic cotton that is GOTS-certified to keep your lightweight baby car seat feeling extra snuggly.

In addition to having impressive crash test results, this model also has a very easy to use design, including the ability to recline with one hand and no less than 12 headrest positions. It's also easy to install with ISOFIX and has an excellent indicator that changes colour for when you've got it secured.

We don't recommend changing groups too quickly, as children who are in the lower limits can be more susceptible to injury in a crash. It is better to stay in your old seat until they reach their new limit. There are still some excellent alternatives in this category. We recommend the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 that will last until the age of 12.

Another option is Cozy N Safe Arthur, which can take your baby from newborn right up to their four-year-old booster stage. It's not as costly as the top-rated Silver Cross and has a variety of options for comfort and safety, including a one handed recline setting and as many as 13 headrest positions.

Group 4

The infant seat of the group 4 is the most recent addition to our list. It has a slightly higher age range than previous groups and is designed for children who are between 6 and 6 years old. of age. It can be used either as an extra seat or in the rearward-facing position. This seat is highly praised for its versatility and because it can be used without having a base. It's perfect for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives, or trips in grandparent's or rental vehicles. It has built-in ISOFIX connectors that snap into the base of the vehicle with a satisfying clunk. It also has a range of features that make it suitable for babies, including the brand's hugging-style inlay, a revolutionary ClimaFlow ventilation system, and G-CELL side impact technology that helps ensure your child's safety as he grows.

Our team of testers looked at various group 4 car seats to determine the most suitable options for you and your family. We assessed each model for its ease of use as well as the quality of the materials used and how comfortable the seat is for your child to sit in. We also looked at the safety of each car seat, including whether it was iSize certified and how it performed in crash tests. We took into account the safety ratings offered by independent safety experts, like the Swedish Plus test, which evaluates the performance of a car seat newborn seat in both high-speed collisions and short braking distances.

We also considered the value of each product, as it is an aspect that many parents consider crucial. Our top-rated infant car seat has an affordable price and are easy to install and come with useful accessories like a removable sleeping bag and a reversible covers.