Choosing the Best Car Seat For Newborn UK
A quality seat is a long-term investment. Choose a model that can carry your child all the way to a safe high-back booster seat suitable for children who are lower than the centile.
The Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 is a great option. It clicks into its base with a satisfying click and was awarded the ADAC's top car seat for 2019. It can be used in conjunction with an accessory set for travel.
I-Size is approved
If you're in the market for an all-new car seat or upgrading one you already have, the latest i-Size infant car seats are safer than ever. These rear-facing seats are designed to safeguard your baby from the most serious injuries. These models also include tests for side impacts that can reduce the risk for neck and head injuries among infants.
These car seats for babies are designed to fit newborns and infants who weigh up to 13kg or 12 months old. They can be used as a stand-alone item or with a buggy to create a car seat and pram travel system. They are great for long drives and provide a comfortable position that will ensure your baby's comfort.
i-Size certified baby car seats are available in a variety of price points. The most expensive models come with extra features such as a rotating feature that allows parents to turn their seats so that their child is facing them while they buckle it in. Other features include a booster seat that is integrated, extra padding, and a washable insert for infants with the sizing information.
Many of the iSize-approved baby car seats come with ISOFIX which affixes the seat directly to the vehicle chassis. This provides greater stability and makes it more likely that the seat will be installed properly. This is particularly important for infants as they are more prone to injury during an accident than older children or adults.
The Joie Calmi is the most popular car seat that is iSize-approved for babies. This modern version of the traditional carrycot fits on the back of the seat sideways and allows your baby to lay flat, which is best for breathing and sleeping. The reason for its low-value is that it can only used from birth up to 18 months old, and has to be used as part of the Joie travel system.
Another option is Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 which was named the 2021 Mother&Baby Gold winner in our Group 0/0+ car seat category. It comes with five recline positions, which allows babies to lie almost flat, while older children can sit more upright. It comes with comprehensive fitting instructions and an QR code that lets you access video demonstrations with voiceovers on the Silver Cross App.
Safety in the event of an accident
Not all car seats are made in the same way. Selecting an approved i-Size seat is better for your child as they will be protected more in the event of an accident. The I-Size car seat has been tested to a higher level and includes the most advanced Q-series test dummies. They also offer more protection for the head and neck than the standard ECE R44/04 model.
Parents are often tempted to purchase multi-stage car seats for infants so that they don't have to buy a new car seat until their child is at the age of Adolescence. These seats are designed to grow with your child, from an entirely flat carrycot to a toddler's chair and then an oversized booster seat. A lot of seats can be used with a pram as part of a car seat as well as a pushchair travel system.
The i-Snug 2 is a great option for babies, since it has a three-layers of security in the wings on the sides. It has an innovative cushioned baby pillow that keeps your child safe and secure. It also has a special i-Snug 2 infant belt lock that prevents the belt from getting loose in the event of a crash.
Another great option is the Joie Calmi that was awarded Gold for the Best Baby/Toddler Car Seat (Stage 1 / 2) in 2024 Mother&Baby awards. This seat and base combo clicks onto Isofix mountings, making it easy to install. The base is stable and has a light that changes to green when it is secured. The seat is heavier than the other choices but it has excellent side-impact testing and a wide range of height and weigh adjustment settings.
This seat has several drawbacks. It doesn't rotate 360 degrees, making it difficult to maneuver your child in and out of the vehicle. It's also more expensive than some other alternatives.
The i-Level is an excellent multi-stage car seat for newborns that can be installed rear-facing and is the most secure method for young children to travel. It comes with five-point harnesses and can be converted to forward-facing when your child is big enough. It has a reclining chair and a 10-position adjustable headrest. Side wings can be extended to provide extra protection.
Easy to install
A car seat is one of the biggest purchases a new mother makes. It is essential to buy a car seat that is easy-to-install and is safe in the car. Find a car seat that is compatible with your car's Isofix points. These anchor points are designed to make attaching seats for children easier and safer. In addition, it's recommended to look for an automobile seat that comes with clear instructions and a site that has videos that show how to fit the seat.
The maxicosi cabriofix is a ideal choice for those who frequently travel because it comes with ISOFIX connectors, and can be used as an additional base in taxis or hire cars. Its light design and single-handed release makes it an ideal choice for parents who often change between vehicles or travel with their family members. It also scored highly on the Which? tests on user-friendliness The test subjects found it easy to recline and rotate the seat.
The adjustable headrest of the maxicosi Cabriofix can be adjusted to meet the height of your child. It also comes with five recline positions that allow you to find the ideal position for your child's comfort. It has a bar that extends up to 26cm from the foot of seat, which is great for older children.
Be aware that your child can only spend two hours per day in the car. This is due to the fact that sitting for long periods in a semi-upright posture can limit airflow and place stress on your child's spine. If your child is looking uncomfortable, it might be time to take them from the car seat.
Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 is a great choice for parents who want a car seat to grow with their child. It's suitable for infants and infants from 12 to 12 years old. It features a large rear-facing seat that has 5-point harness and a side-impact protection pod. This car seat scored well in the ADAC test and can be used with either the Isofix or seatbelt base. It's also compatible with the majority of Maxi-Cosi pram frames.
Affordability
A car seat that is suitable for babies in the UK is a must-have for parents who are expecting a child. It should be easy to install, comfortable for the baby and secure. It must be affordable. It is essential to consider the budget before selecting a car seat. While some car seats are more expensive than others, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available on the market. baby seat of car seats for children can differ depending on the model and the brand. The weight and size of the car seat may affect the cost. A car seat that is lighter is cheaper than one that is larger.
The Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 is the best-looking and most practical baby car seat available according to MFM reviewer Sarah. It features a foam insert that babies can sit on to get the best seat position. It can also be removed gradually as they get older. Its design is endorsed by the German Association for a Healthy Back and it comes in four colors with high-end finishing elements. The only drawback is that it can be used only with certain Silver Cross pushchairs.
Another option is the Nuna PIPA urbn, which was awarded gold for its innovation at the Mother&Baby awards 2024. It's simple to set up and has a baseless, streamlined design. It comes with ISOFIX connectors integrated which click into place with a satisfying clunk. It's ideal for parents who are occupied and don't want to change car seats from one vehicle to another.
Finally, the Maxi-Cosi Jade is an excellent option for parents who are seeking a baby car seat that can double as a carrycot. This was the first newborn car seat that was i-Size to be in compliance with R129 safety standards, and it's an excellent option for parents concerned about environmental and financial costs. It is easy to install and can be attached to most Maxi-Cosi pram frames. It has a reclining handle that lets you tilt the car seat to ensure the most comfort.