Infant Car Seats - Which One is Right For Your Baby?
The best car seat is an essential parenting purchase. With a wide variety of child car seats and baby car seats to select from, it's crucial to be fully clued up.
These rear-facing seats, which are usually R129 or Group 0+ (i-Size) baby car seats for babies are suitable from birth. These seats are often combined with strollers to form travel systems.
Group 0+
A car seat for your infant or newborn is a must. These seats are specifically designed specifically for infants to shield them from road hazards such as head injuries. They ensure that they are in the recommended position. All-stage car seats are equipped to safeguard infants, however they lack the additional safety features of infant car seats.
The typical infant car seat is rear-facing and allows the baby to be in the seat until they're around 15 months old. Many of these models also include a baby insert that is designed to accommodate babies who are smaller and ensures they are at ease. Good infant car seats include recline recommendations to protect the child's brain during the ride.
All infant car seats should be certified to the i-Size standard and be in compliance with European safety standards. The I-Size standard is more advanced than the R44/04 standard. This means that cars that are approved under this regulation are more likely to have better side impact tests. This is essential for babies and infants. The i-Size seats also use the more sophisticated Q-series crash-test dummies to provide even greater security for infants.
If you decide to purchase an infant car seat should think about how often they'll need to transfer it between vehicles. If you use taxis and car sharing services often, look for a model that has a unique baseless style, such as the Nuna PIPA Urbn. This makes it possible for the seat to be put in place in just a few seconds. This allows the seat to be easily swapped between vehicles. It is perfect for parents who need to frequently travel.
ADAC has awarded the Silver Cross Dream i-Size an outstanding safety rating, which means that it offers excellent protection for infants. It also comes with an ISOFIX base built in and 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 turns 12 years old old (or 36kg). It is able to rotate in order to put your baby in and out. It can be fitted with ISOFIX, or a car seatbelt fitted with an over-tether. It's also easy to clean which can help with spills and staining.
It's worth remembering that your child can outgrow the infant car seat very quickly. Many parents find they have to replace the seat by nine months, or even earlier. Most manufacturers suggest moving on to a new seat as soon as 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 involves rigorous testing in simulations of accidents, and the use of certain types of materials to guard your child from side-impact injuries. There are two standards currently in force - ECE R44 and R129 (known as i-Size) which is more strict and takes into consideration both weight and height when classifying child car seats.
Our experience has shown that seats that have been approved to the R129 standard, also known as iSize, tend to be safer and easier to install. They can also keep your child facing backwards for a longer time. The only downside is that they aren't used with a front-facing airbag and may not be suitable for some families. It is important to speak with the manufacturer prior to purchasing if you are concerned. They should be able provide you with the most up-to-date information and advice on your particular situation.
Group 2
A baby car seat is designed for infants who are big enough to be able to move up from a Group 0+ child car seat but aren't yet out of a Group 1 convertible seat. It's not as popular as all-in-one car seats but it's worth a look if you're looking for a seat to take your child from birth up to about four years old. age.
It is essential that the car seat you choose meets European safety standards. You can check for the E-mark to confirm that the seat is in compliance with ECE R44/04 or iSize (which is being replaced by the previous regulation). This will help you ensure that the seat is safe for your child in a crash. Seats that have the i-Size certification are simpler to install and offer greater protection against side impacts, and will keep your child rear-facing longer.
The Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro is designed for babies up to 15 months old, is a top choice that has impressive crash test results. Its LATCH connectors are rigid and change colour when properly connected. It also has a swivel base that helps to limit movement in the vehicle and an inlay that hug the baby’s head, neck, and back to support proper posture.
The Cybex Aviounaut Pixel Pro is an alternative. It also has an swivel base that is 360 degrees and a unique G Cell system that offers protection in the event of side-impacts. It's a bit more expensive than some of the other seats, but offers a great value and superior protection. Jasper found it comfortable for long journeys and it looks more appealing than other seats we tested as well.
Group 3
A group 3 infant seat is a three-in-one car seat that can be used from birth to the booster stage. These seats are designed to be rear facing (some until your child weighs at least 9kg) However, they can be turned around and utilized forward-facing until the maximum weight limit of 36kg.
These seats are typically comfortable, and offer good neck and head support. Many come with removable and machine-washable padding that is suitable for newborns to keep them germ-free. One of the top models we have tested was the Nuna PIPA air Rx comes with two inserts - one made from sustainably sourced materials, the other from organic cotton certified by GOTS, to keep your baby more snug.
The model has impressive crash test results but it also has a user-friendly design. It includes an adjustable reclining feature that is single-handed and 12 different headrest positions. It is also easy to install with ISOFIX and has a convenient color change indicator to show when it's secure.
We don't recommend switching groups too soon, as children who are in the lower limits of each group can be more vulnerable to injury in a crash, therefore it's best to hold on to your old seat until your child reaches their new limit. However, there are some great alternatives in this group We particularly like the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 that can see your child through to their 12th birthday, which is an excellent choice for long-term usage.
Another option is the Cozy N Safe Arthur, which will take your baby from their newborn stage to the four-year-old booster stage. It's not as costly as the most rated Silver Cross and has a range of safety and comfort options such as a one-handed recline setting and as many as 13 headrest positions.
Group 4
The infant seat in the group 4 is the newest addition to our list. It is designed for children from ages 0 to 6. It can be used as a booster seat or in the rear-facing position. The seat was highly praised for its versatility, and also because it can be used without a base. It is ideal for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives, or trips in grandparent's or rental vehicles. It comes with built-in ISOFIX connectors that click into the vehicle's base with a satisfying clunk. It comes with a variety of features that make this car seat ideal for infants. This includes the brand's hugging inlay, an innovative ClimaFlow ventilating system, and G-CELL technology side impact protection to ensure your child is protected as they develop.
Our team of testers have reviewed various car seats for children to determine the most suitable one for you and your loved ones. We evaluated each model based on its user-friendliness and the quality of its materials, and how comfortable the seat is for your baby to sit in. We also examined the safety of each seat, including whether it was i-Size approved and how it performed in crash tests. We looked at the safety ratings provided by independent safety experts. For example the Swedish Plus test which examines a car seat’s performance during crashes with low speeds as well as short braking distances.
We also looked at the value of each item because it is a factor that many parents consider essential. Our top-rated infant car seats come at a the lowest price they are easy to put in and come with useful extras such as a sleeping bag that can be removed and reversible cover.