Infant Car Seats - Which One is Right For Your Baby?
The right car seat for your newborn is a key parenting purchase. With a myriad of child car seats and baby car seats to choose from, it's important to be well-informed.
Usually, Group 0+ or i-Size (R129) baby car seats, these rear-facing ones are suitable from the time of birth. These seats are usually paired with strollers to create travel systems.
Group 0+
A car seat for your newborn or infant is a necessity. These seats are made for infants to guard them from road hazards and head injuries. They do this by keeping them in the recommended position. While all-stage car seat also offer protection for babies however they do not have the advanced safety features offered by infant car seats.
Typically, a baby car seat is rear-facing and allows the baby to be in the car seat until they're about 15 months old. Many of these models come with a newborn insert to support smaller babies and ensure they are comfortable. Furthermore, the
best car seats for newborns uk portable infant car seat car seats come with a the recommended recline so that the child's head is protected during the journey.
All infant car seats must be approved according to the iSize 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 approved under this regulation are likely to have superior side impact crash tests. This is essential for babies and infants. The iSize seats also utilize the more advanced Q-series crash test dummies to provide even greater protection for infants.
Anyone who decides to purchase an
best infant seat car seat should be aware of how often they'll have to transfer it between cars. If you frequently use taxis or car sharing services often choose a model with a unique design, like the Nuna PIPA Urbn. This allows the seat to be installed within just a few seconds. This allows the seat to be easily moved between cars which makes it ideal for parents who have to take multiple trips.
The Silver Cross Dream i-Size has been awarded an outstanding safety rating by ADAC, meaning 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
Like many other infant car seats like the Cosatto All in One is designed to be used 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 put in with ISOFIX, or a car seatbelt with a top tether. It's also easy to clean which helps with any spills or staining.
It's important to remember that your child can outgrow the
infant car seat cheap car seat quite quickly - many parents discover they need to replace the seat within nine months, or even earlier. Most manufacturers suggest moving on to a different seat when your child's head is within one inch of the top of the car seat.
In order to be sold, a car seat must meet certain European safety standards. This includes testing rigorously during accident simulations, as well as the use specific types of materials to protect your child from side-impact injuries. Two standards are in force at present - ECE R44 and R129 called i-Size. It is more strict and considers the height and weight when determining the weight of car seats.
Our experience has shown that seats that have been approved to the R129 standard, also referred to as i-Size, tend to be safer and easier to install. They can also keep your child facing backwards for a longer period of time. The only downside is that they cannot be used with a front passenger airbag which might not be suitable for some families. It is essential to get in touch with the manufacturer prior purchasing if you are concerned. They should be able to provide you with the most up-to-date information and guidance for your specific situation.
Group 2
A car seat for group 2 is designed for infants that are sufficient to be upgraded from a group 0+ but not yet old enough to be able to use a Group 1 convertible car seat. It's not as widely used as the all-in-one ones, but it's worth keeping in mind if you want a seat that takes your baby from birth up to about four years old. of age.
Like all car seats, it's important that the seat you choose is compliant with European safety standards. You can check for the E-mark to ensure that the seat is in compliance with ECE R44/04 or iSize (which is set to replace the old 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 i-Size approval are also more streamlined to fit and provide better protection from side impacts and can keep your baby rear-facing for a longer period of time.
The Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro, designed for newborns to 15 months old, is a top choice that has impressive crash test results. Its LATCH connectors are rigid and change color when properly connected. It also has a handy swivel base that helps reduce movement in the car and an inlay that is hugging for the baby's head, neck and back to help maintain their posture.
The Cybex Aviounaut Pixel Pro is another option. It also features 360-degree base swivel as well as an exclusive G Cell system that offers protection during collisions with the sides. It's a little more expensive than some of the other seats, but it offers a great value and superior protection. Jasper found the seat comfortable for long journeys and it looks nicer than other seats we've tested.
Group 3
A group 3
infant car seat is a three-in-one car seat that will serve your child right from birth through to the booster stage. They start rearward-facing (some until your child is at least 9kg) and then can be turned to face forwards. They can be used in this mode until they reach the limit of 36kg.
These seats are usually very comfortable and provide
good infant car seats head and neck support. A lot of them have removable and machine-washable padding that is suitable for newborns to help keep them clean. One of the most effective models we have tested is the Nuna PIPA air Rx has two inserts - one made of sustainably-sourced materials, and the second made of organic cotton that is GOTS-certified, to keep your baby feeling extra snuggly.
In addition to having impressive crash test results, this model comes with an easy-to-use design, which includes an adjustable recline that is single-handed and a minimum of 12 headrest positions. It's also easy to install with ISOFIX and has a handy indicator that changes color when it's secured.
We wouldn't recommend changing groups fast, since children in the lower limit are more susceptible to injury during an accident. It's better to keep your current seat until your child reaches their new limit. There are still some excellent alternatives for this group. We recommend the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 which will last until the 12th birthday of their child.
Cozy N Safe Arthur is another excellent option. It will help your child transition from the infant stage until the booster stage at four years old. It's not as expensive as the top-rated Silver Cross, and features a wide range of safety and comfort features, including recline settings that can be adjusted with one hand, and at least 13 headrest positions.
Group 4
The group 4 infant car seat is the latest addition to our list of most effective baby car seats. It is designed for children aged up to six. It can be used as a booster or in the rearward-facing position. This seat is highly rated for its versatility, and for the fact that it is able to be used without a base. It is ideal for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives or trips in rental cars or grandparents vehicles. The ISOFIX connectors are integrated into the seat and can be inserted into place with an enthralling click.
