Infant Car Seats - Which One is Right For Your Baby?
The right car seat is an essential parenting purchase. With a myriad of car seats for children and baby car seats to choose from, it's essential to be fully clued up.
These rear-facing seats, which are typically Group 0+ or R129 (i-Size) baby car seats for babies are suitable from the moment of birth. They often combine with a pram in travel systems.
Group 0+
A car seat for your newborn baby or infant is a necessity. best car seats newborn are designed to protect children from the dangers of driving and head injuries by ensuring they stay in the recommended position. Although all-stage car seats can also provide protection for infants however they do not have the advanced safety features found in infant car seats.
Typically, a baby car seat is rear-facing and allows babies to ride in the car seat until they're approximately 15 months old. A lot of these models include a newborn insert that can be used to support babies of smaller sizes and ensures they are comfortably. Furthermore, reputable infant car seats have a recommended recline to ensure the head of the child is secure during the ride.
All infant car seats must be certified to the i-Size standard and be in compliance with European safety standards. The iSize standard is more sophisticated than the R44/04 standard. This means that cars regulated by this regulation are likely to have superior side impact crash tests. This is essential for newborns and babies. The iSize seats also utilize the more advanced Q-series crash-test dummies to offer even more protection for infants.
If you decide to purchase an infant car seat should think about how often they'll need to transfer it between cars. If you frequently use taxis or car sharing services frequently choose a model that has a unique baseless style, such as the Nuna PIPA Urbn. This allows the seat to be installed in a matter of just a few seconds. This allows the seat to be swiftly 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 given an excellent safety rating by ADAC which means that it offers extremely good protection for infants and babies. Additionally, it comes with an ISOFIX base built-in, and an EPS energy absorption foam.
Group 1
The Cosatto All in One, like many other infant car seats designed for babies, can be used from birth and until your child turns 12 years old old (or 36kg). It rotates to make it easy to put your baby in and out. It can be fitted using ISOFIX or a car seatbelt fitted with top tether. It's also easy to clean which aids in cleaning any spills or stains.
It's important to remember that your baby may outgrow a car seat for infants quite quickly. Many parents discover they need to replace their seats by nine months, or even earlier. Most manufacturers suggest moving on to a new seat as soon as your child's head is within one inch of the top of the car seat.
To be sold, a car seat must meet certain European safety standards. This involves rigorous testing in simulations of accidents, and the use specific types of materials to safeguard your child from side-impact injuries. Two standards are in force currently The two standards are ECE R44 and R129, known as i-Size. It is more rigorous and takes into account height as well as weight when determining the weight of car seats.
In our experience, seats that are approved to the R129 standard (i-Size) tend to be more secure, less difficult to install and allow your child rearward-facing for longer. The only drawback is that they can't be used with a front passenger airbag and may not be suitable for some families. However, it's important to speak with the manufacturer if you have any concerns prior to purchasing. They should be able provide you with the most up-to-date information and advice on your particular situation.
Group 2
A group 2 baby car seat is for babies who are big enough to be able to move up from a Group 0+ child car seat but aren't yet able to get out of a convertible Group 1 seat. It's not as popular as all-in-one seats however it's worth looking into when you're looking for an appropriate car seat for your child from birth up until around four years of age.
It is essential that the car seat you select meets European safety standards. Look for the E mark to ensure that it meets ECE R44/04, also known as i-Size (which will eventually replace the old regulations) to ensure you're getting a seat that will protect your child from harm in the event of a collision. Seats that have the i-Size certification are easier to install, and provide better protection against side-impacts and can keep your child facing rear for longer.
The Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro is designed for infants up to 15 months old, is an excellent option with impressive crash test results. Its rigid LATCH connectors change colour when properly connected. It also has a swivel base that helps to limit movement in the vehicle, and an inlay to hug the baby’s head, neck and back to ensure the proper posture.
Another good alternative is the Cybex Aviounaut Pixel Pro, that has a 360-degree swivel base and has a unique G-CELL system that maintains safety in side-impacts. It's a bit more expensive than the other seats, but it provides a good value and great protection. Jasper found it comfortable on long journeys and it looks better than the other seats we looked at, too.
Group 3
A group 3 infant seat is a three-in-one car seat that can be used from birth to the booster stage. These seats start off rearward-facing (some until your child is at least 9kg) and can later be turned around to face forwards. They can be used in this way until they reach their limit of 36kg.
These seats are typically comfortable, and offer good head and neck support. They are often equipped with washable and removable padding for infants, which ensures that they are hygienic. One of the top models we tested was the Nuna PIPA aire Rx comes with two inserts – one made from eco-friendly materials and the other made from GOTS certified organic cotton – to ensure your baby feels super cozy.
In addition to having impressive crash test results, this model also has a very easy to use design, with a single-handed recline setting and no less than 12 headrest positions. It's also easy to install with ISOFIX and comes with a handy colour change indicator to show you've got it secured.
We wouldn't recommend changing groups too quickly, as children in the lower limit are more prone to injury in an accident. It is better to stay in your old seat until they reach their new limit. There are plenty of great options in this group. We recommend the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 which will last until the 12th birthday of their child.
Another option is the Cozy N Safe Arthur, that will take your child from newborn right up to their four-year-old booster stage. It's not as costly as the most rated Silver Cross and has a range of safety and comfort options that include a single recline option and as many as 13 headrest positions.
Group 4
The infant seat in the group 4 is the latest addition to our collection. It has a slightly higher age range than the previous ones and is aimed at children who are between 6 and 6 years old. old. It can be used as a booster or in a rearward-facing position. This seat is highly praised for its versatility, and because it can be used without having a base. It's ideal for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives or trips in grandparents' or rental car vehicles. It is equipped with ISOFIX connectors that connect to the base of the vehicle with a satisfying clunk. It also comes with a variety of features that make it perfect for newborns, including the brand's hugging-style inlay a revolutionary ClimaFlow ventilation system and G-CELL side impact technology to ensure your child's safety as he grows.
Our team of testers looked at various group 4 car seats to determine the best option for you and your family. We evaluated each model by its ease of use and the quality of the materials used as well as the comfort of your baby. We also examined the safety of each car seat, focusing on whether it was i-Size approved and how well it performed in crash tests. We took into account the safety ratings provided by independent safety experts, such as the Swedish Plus test, which looks at a car seat's performance in both low-speed impacts and short braking distances.
We also looked at the value of each product since it is something that many parents consider essential. Our top-rated infant car seats come at a a low cost they are easy to put in and come with useful extras like a movable sleeping bag and reversible cover.