Infant Car Seats - Which One is Right For Your Baby?
The right car seat for your newborn is a crucial purchase for parents. With a myriad of car seats for children and baby car seats to choose from, it's important to be informed.
Usually Group 0+ or i-Size (R129) baby car seats, these rear-facing ones are suitable from the time of birth. They often combine with a pram in travel systems.
Group 0+
A car seat for your infant or newborn is a necessity. These seats are designed to safeguard infants from dangers of driving including head injuries by ensuring that they remain in the correct position. All-stage car seats are also able to protect babies, but they lack the added safety features of infant car seats.
Car seats for infants are typically rear-facing, and allow the baby to use the seat to 15 months old. A lot of these models include a newborn insert that can be used to support babies of smaller sizes and helps them stay comfortable. Additionally, reputable infant car seats include recommended recline to ensure the child's head is protected throughout the ride.
All infant car seats have to be approved according to the iSize standard and must meet European safety standards. The i-Size standard is more advanced than R44/04, therefore cars that have been approved to this standard tend to have higher-quality side-impact crash tests, which is crucial for infants and newborns. The i-Size seats also use the more advanced Q-series crash test dummies, which provide more security for infants.
Those who choose to buy an infant car seat should be aware of how often they'll have to transfer it between cars. Those who frequently use taxis or car sharing services should look for a model that has a unique baseless design, like the Nuna PIPA Urbn that allows the seat to be installed within a matter of minutes. This allows the seat to be easily switched between different cars and makes it ideal for parents who frequently need to make multiple journeys.
The Silver Cross Dream i-Size has been awarded an outstanding safety rating by ADAC which means it offers excellent protection for infants and babies. Additionally, it comes with 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). Like Group 0+ seats, it rotates so that it's easy to get the baby in and out, fit using Maxi-Cosi FamilyFix3 ISOFIX Base for Car Seats - Buy Now And Save or a cars seat belt with the top tether, and it's rear-facing. It is also easy to clean, which is helpful in case of spills or staining.
It's important to keep in mind that your child can outgrow a car seat for infants very quickly. Many parents find they have to replace the seat within nine months, or even earlier. The majority of manufacturers recommend changing seats when your child's top is within one inch of the edge of the seat's top.
In order to be sold, a car seat must meet certain European safety standards. This includes rigorous tests in accident simulations and the use of specific types of material 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 stringent and considers both weight and height when determining the appropriateness of child car seats.
Our experience has proven that seats that are approved to the R129 standard, also known as iSize, tend to be safer and easier to install. They can also keep your child seated rearwards for a longer time. The only downside to these seats is that they are unable to be used with an airbag for the front passenger which might not work for some families. It's important to get in touch with the manufacturer prior purchasing if you're worried. They should be able provide you with the most up-to-date information and suggestions specific to your situation.
Group 2
A baby car seat is suitable for infants who are big enough to transition from a Group 0+ child car seat but haven't yet grown out of a Group 1 convertible seat. It's not as widely used as the all-in-one ones but it's worth keeping in mind if you want the best car seat for your baby from birth up to around four years old.
As with all car seats, it's crucial that the seat you choose meets European safety standards. You can check for the E-mark and ensure that the seat is in compliance with ECE R44/04 or iSize (which is set to replace the old regulation). This will help you determine if the seat is safe for your child in the event of a crash. Seats with the iSize certification are easier to install, and provide better protection against side impacts, and can keep your child rear-facing longer.
The Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro, designed for newborns to 15 months old, is a top choice that has impressive crash test results. The LATCH connectors, which are rigid, change color when properly connected. It also has a handy base that swivels to help reduce the movement of your car and a hugging-style inlay for the baby's head, neck and back to ensure their posture.
Another good alternative is the Cybex Aviounaut Pixel Pro, that has a 360-degree swivel base and has a unique GELL system that maintains protection in side impacts. It's more expensive than some of the other seats but provides a good value and great protection. Jasper found the seat to be comfortable for long drives, and it also looks nicer than other seats we tested.
Group 3
A group 3 infant car seat travel seat is a three-in-one car seat that can be used from birth until booster stage. These seats are designed to be rear facing (some up until your child weighs at least 9kg) However, they can be turned around and used forward-facing until the maximum weight limit of 36kg.
They are generally comfortable and offer excellent head and neck support. Many of them also come with removable and washable padding for babies, making sure that they remain germ-free. One of the most effective models we have tested, the Nuna PIPA Air Rx comes with two inserts - one made from sustainably sourced materials, and the other made from organic cotton that is GOTS-certified, to keep your baby extra snuggly.
This model is not just equipped with impressive crash test results, but it also has a user-friendly design. It comes with a single-handed reclining setting and 12 different headrest positions. It's also simple to set up using ISOFIX and comes with a handy color change indicator to show when it's secure.
We wouldn't recommend changing groups in a hurry, as children in the lower limits are more prone to injury in a crash. It's better to keep your old seat until they reach their new limit. There are still some excellent options in this group. We recommend the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 which will last your child 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 4 years old. It's not as costly as the top-rated Silver Cross and has a range of safety and comfort options, including a one handed recline setting and as many as 13 headrest positions.
Group 4
The infant car seat is the latest addition to our list of best baby car seats. It is designed for children aged up to six. It can either be used as an infant seat or in the rear-facing position. This seat is highly praised for its versatility, and also because it is able to be used without the need for 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 snap into place with an enthralling click. It also has a range of features that make it ideal for infants, such as the brand's hugging-style inlay the revolutionary ClimaFlow ventilation system, and G-CELL side impact technology to ensure your child's safety as he develops.
Our team of testers has looked at a variety of car seat inserts for newborns seats for children to help you find the most suitable one for you and your family members. We rated each one by its ease of use as well as the quality of materials used and comfort for your baby. We also considered the safety of each seat and weighed in whether it was iSize approved and its performance in crash tests. We considered the safety ratings given by independent safety experts. For example, the Swedish Plus test which examines the performance of a car's seat in crashes with low speeds and short braking distances.
We also considered the value of each item because it is an aspect that many parents consider essential. Our top-rated car seats for infants are affordable in cost, simple to install and come with useful features such as a sleeping bag which can be removed as well as an reversible cover.
