Choosing the Best Car Seat For Newborn UK
A high-quality seat is an investment that will last for a long time. Find a seat that can help your child all the way to a safe high-back booster seat, which is suitable for children who are lower than the centile.
The Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 is a top pick. It has a satisfying click into its base and was awarded the ADAC's Top Car Seat Rating for the year 2019. It is also compatible as an integrated travel system.
i-Size approved
The most recent ISize infant car seats are safer than all other car seats. These rear-facing models comply with the highest safety standards and are designed to safeguard babies from the most serious accidents. They also come with side impact testing, which can lower the chance of head and neck injuries for infants.
The baby car seats can be used for infants and newborns up to 13kg or 12 months old. They can be used as a stand-alone item or with a buggy for an infant car seat and pram travel system. They are great for long trips and provide a comfortable position that will ensure your baby's comfort.
There are many i-Size baby car seats at different price points. The most expensive models come with additional features, like the ability to rotate, which allows parents to turn the seat so that their child can face them while they secure them. Other features include an integrated booster seat, extra padding, and a washable baby insert with sizing details.
ISOFIX is a feature found on many of the iSize-approved baby car seats. This allows the seat to be attached directly to the vehicle chassis. This increases stability and the likelihood that the seat is fitted correctly. This is especially important for infants, as they are more susceptible to injury in a crash than older children and adults.
The Joie Calmi is the best car seat that is iSize-approved for babies. This modern version of the traditional carrycot is positioned on the back side of the seat and enables your baby to lay flat in the most comfortable position for breathing and sleep. The reason it isn't as popular is that it can be used from birth up to 18 months, and must be combined as part of a Joie travel system.
Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 is another option. It was voted the 2021 Mother&Baby Gold Winner in our category for Group 0/0+. It features five recline positions that permit young infants to lay nearly flat, and older children to sit upright. It also comes with comprehensive instructions for fitting, as well as a QR code to access video demonstrations and voiceovers on the Silver Cross app.
Safety in the event of an accident
Car seats are vital to your baby's safety but not all seats are created equal. Choosing an i-Size approved seat is better for your child as they are more secure in the event of a crash. The difference is that iSize car seats have been tested to higher standards, for example using the most advanced Q-series crash test dummies. They also provide better protection for the head and neck than the basic ECE R44/04 model.
Many parents choose to purchase a multi-stage car seat for infants and this means that they won't have to purchase another car seat until their child is a teenager. These seats are designed to expand with your child. They can be used as a carrycot that is completely flat, a toddler seat and then a high back booster. A lot of them can be used in conjunction with prams as part of a car seat or pushchair travel system.
The i-Snug 2 is a great option for newborns, as it comes with three layers of security on the side wings. It features a cushioned baby bed that helps keep your child safe and secure. It also comes with a special iSnug2 infant belt lock, which stops the belt from slipping loose during a crash.
Another good choice is the Joie Calmi, which was awarded Gold for the Best Baby/Toddler Seat (Stage 1 / 2) in 2024 Mother&Baby awards. The seat and base combination clicks onto Isofix mountings, making it simple to install. The base is sturdy and has an indicator that turns to green when it's secured. The seat is a bit heavier than other models, but it has excellent side-impact tests as well as a wide range of weight and height settings.
This seat has several drawbacks. It doesn't rotate 360 degrees, making it difficult to get your child in and out of the vehicle. It's also more expensive than other options.
The ILevel is a multi-stage car seat that can be installed rear-facing to protect infants and toddlers. It has five-point harnesses which can be changed to a forward-facing seat when your child is old enough. It also comes with a reclining seat and a 10-position headrest with expanding side wings for added protection.
Easy to install
A car seat is one of the biggest purchases that a new parent makes. It is important to purchase a car seat that is simple to install and remains secure in the vehicle. Look for a car-seat that can be fitted into your vehicle's Isofix points. These anchor points are designed to make attaching child seats more secure and easier. It is also recommended to choose seats that come with clear instructions, and includes a website and video that shows how to install the seat.
The maxicosi Cabriofix is a great choice for frequent travelers because it has ISOFIX connectors that are integrated. It can also be used in taxis as well as rental vehicles that do not have having a base. Its lightweight design and one-handed release makes it a convenient choice for parents who often change between cars or drive with family members. It also scored well in the Which? tests for ease of use The test subjects found it easy to recline and rotate the seat.
The adjustable headrest of the maxicosi Cabriofix is adjusted to suit the height of your child. It also has five recline positions that allow you to find the ideal position to ensure your child's comfort. It also features a bar at the bottom of the seat that extends by up to 26cm, which is ideal for older children.
Be aware that your child can only spend two hours a day in a car. This is because prolonged semi-upright sitting can restrict airflow, and cause strain on your child’s spine. If your newborn is starting to look uncomfortable, it's time to take them out of the car seat.
infant car seat rear facing Size 360 is a great option for parents looking for an automobile seat that grows with their child. It is suitable for newborns and infants up to 12 years old. It has a large rear-facing seat that has 5-point harness and a side-impact protection pod. This car seat scores highly in the ADAC tests, and is compatible with the Isofix base or seatbelt. It is also compatible with the majority of Maxi-Cosi pram frame models.
Affordability
A good car seat for babies in the UK is a must for parents who are expecting a child. It should be simple to put in and comfortable for the infant and secure. It must be affordable. When choosing a car seat, it is important to think about your budget. There are a variety of affordable car seats available on the market, although some are more expensive. The price of a kid's car seat can vary depending on the brand and model. The size and weight of the car seat may also influence the price. A car seat that is lighter in weight is cheaper than one that is larger.
Sarah who is an MFM reviewer, believes that the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 car seat is the most appealing and practical infant car seat on the market. It has a foam cushion that the baby can rest on to ensure the best seat position. The foam insert can be removed as they get older. The design is endorsed by the German Association for a Healthy Back and it comes in four colors with high-end finishing features. It is only compatible with certain Silver Cross pushchairs.
Another alternative is the Nuna PIPA urbn, which was awarded gold for its innovation at the Mother&Baby awards 2024. It is a design that is completely free of base and can be easily fitted in taxis, hire vehicles, or trips to the grandparents' vehicle. It is equipped with ISOFIX connectors that click into place with a satisfying clunk. It's perfect for parents who are occupied and don't want to move car seats from one to another.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is an excellent choice for parents searching for a new car seat that can also double as a carrycot. This was the first newborn car seat that was i-Size to be in compliance with R129 safety standards, and is an excellent option for parents concerned about environmental and financial costs. It's easy to install and is compatible with most Maxi Cosi pram frames. It comes with a reclining hand that lets you tilt the car seat for the most comfort.