Infant Car Seats - Which One is Right For Your Baby?
The best car seat is an essential purchase for parents. With a wide variety of child car seats and baby car seats to select from, it's essential to be fully clued up.
Usually Group 0+ or i-Size (R129) baby car seats, these rear-facing ones are suitable from the moment of birth. They often combine with a pram to create travel systems.
Group 0+
If you're a parent with an infant or newborn car seat, an infant car seat is an essential item to have. These seats are designed to safeguard infants from dangers of the road, including head injuries, by ensuring that they stay in the position that is recommended. 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 babies to ride in the seat until around 15 months old. Many of these models come with infant inserts to help small babies and ensure they are in a comfortable position. Furthermore, reputable infant car seats include the recommended recline so that the child's head remains protected throughout the journey.
All infant car seats have to be approved according to the iSize standard and must meet European safety standards. The I-Size standard is far more advanced than R44/04, so cars that are approved to this standard are more likely to pass more effective side-impact tests, which is essential for infants and newborns. Additionally, iSize seats utilize more sophisticated Q-series crash test dummies, which provide even more safety protection for infants and toddlers.
If you decide to purchase an infant car seat should be aware of how often they'll have to transfer it between vehicles. If you frequently use taxis or car sharing services often choose a model that has a unique design, like the Nuna PIPA Urbn. This allows the seat to easily be put in place in just a few just a few seconds. This allows the seat to be swiftly changed between different vehicles and makes it ideal for parents who frequently require multiple trips.
infant car seat best has given the Silver Cross Dream i-Size an outstanding safety rating, which means that it offers excellent protection for infants. In addition, it has an ISOFIX base that is built-in and an EPS energy absorbing foam.
Group 1
The Cosatto All in One, like other infant car seats designed for babies, can be used from birth and until your child is 12 years old (or 36kg). It can rotate to make it easier to put your baby in and out. It can be put in using ISOFIX, or a car seatbelt with an over-tether. It's also easy to clean which aids in cleaning any spills or staining.
Remember that your child can outgrow their car seat quickly. Many parents have to replace their seat within nine months or sooner. Most manufacturers suggest moving on to a different seat when your child's head is within an inch of the top of the car seat.
To be sold the car seat must meet certain European safety standards. This includes rigorous tests in accident simulations and the use of certain types of material to protect your child from injuries sustained by side impacts. Two standards are in force currently in force - ECE R44 and R129 also known as i-Size, which is more stringent and considers the height and weight when determining the weight of car seats.
Our experience has shown us that seats that have been approved to the R129 standard, also referred to as iSize, tend to be more secure and easy to install. They also allow your child facing rearwards for a longer period of time. The only drawback is that they can't be used with a front-facing airbag and may not be suitable for certain families. However, it's essential to consult with the manufacturer in case you have any questions prior to buying. They should be able to provide you with the latest information and advice for your particular situation.
Group 2
A group 2 car seat is designed for infants that are large enough to be upgraded from a Group 0+, but not yet old enough to be able to use a convertible Group 1 seat. It's not as popular as the all-in-one models however it's something to keep in mind if you're considering the best car seat for your child from birth right until around four years old. older.
It is crucial that the car seat you choose is compliant with European safety standards. Look for the E mark to see that the seat meets ECE R44/04 or iSize (which will eventually replace the previous regulation) to be sure you're buying a seat that will protect your child well in the event of a crash. Seats that are approved by i-Size are also easier to fit, have better protection from side impacts and will keep your baby facing rear for longer.
The Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro is designed for babies up to 15 months old, is a top option with impressive crash test results. The LATCH connectors, which are rigid, change color when properly connected. It also features a swivel-base that helps to limit movement in the vehicle, and a hugging inlay for the baby’s head, neck, and back to support the proper posture.
The Cybex Aviounaut Pixel Pro is another good option. It also features a 360-degree base swivel and a unique G Cell system that offers protection in the event of side-impacts. It's a bit more expensive than the other seats, but offers good value and excellent protection. Jasper found it comfortable for long journeys and it looks nicer than some of the other seats we tested also.
Group 3
A group 3 infant seat is a three-in-one car seat that can be used from birth up to the booster stage. These seats are designed to be rear facing (some to at least 9kg) however, they can be turned around and used forward-facing until the weight limit of 36kg.
They are generally comfortable and offer excellent head and neck support. Many of them come with removable and machine washable padding for newborns to help keep them clean. One of the best models we have tested is Nuna PIPA air Rx comes with two inserts, one made of sustainable materials and the other made of GOTS certified organic cotton – to ensure your baby feels super cozy.
This model is not just equipped with impressive crash test results but it also has a user-friendly design. It has an adjustable reclining feature that is single-handed and 12 different headrest positions. It's also very easy to set up with ISOFIX and has an easy-to-read colour change indicator for when you've got it secure.
We don't recommend switching groups too early as children in the lower limits of each group may be more vulnerable to injury in a crash, so it's worth hanging in your old seat until your child is at their new limit. That said, there are some very good alternatives to this group We particularly like the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360, which will keep your child safe until the age of 12, so is an excellent choice for long-term usage.
Another option is Cozy N Safe Arthur, which will take your baby from the time they were born to the four-year-old booster stage. It's not as expensive as the highly-rated Silver Cross, and features a good range of safety and comfort features, like the ability to recline with one hand and more than 13 headrest positions.
Group 4
The infant car seat is the newest addition to our list of the best baby car seats. It is slightly more age range than previous groups and is targeted at children ranging from 6 to 6 years old. of age. It can be used as an extra seat or in the rearward-facing position. The seat was highly praised for its versatility, and also because it can be used without a base. It's perfect for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives, or trips in grandparent's or rental vehicles. The ISOFIX connectors are built into the seat and click into the position with an enthralling click. It has a number of features that make it ideal for newborns. These include the brand's hugging inlay a revolutionary ClimaFlow ventilating system and G-CELL technology to ensure your child's safety as they develop.
Our team of testers has looked at a variety of group 4 car seats to determine the most suitable option for you and your family. We rated each one based on its ease-of-use as well as the quality of materials used and comfort for your child. We also looked at the safety of each model and weighed in whether it was iSize certified and its performance in crash tests. We also looked at the safety ratings given by independent safety experts. For example, the Swedish Plus test which examines the performance of a car seat during high-speed collisions and short brake distances.
We also considered the value of each model, because this is a major factor for many parents. Our top-rated car seats for infants are low cost, easy to install and come with useful features like sleeping bags which can be removed as well as a reversible cover.