Choosing the Best Car Seat For Newborn UK
A good seat is an investment that will last for a lifetime. Choose a model that can carry your child all the way to a secure high-back booster seat, which is suitable for children with lower centiles.
The Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 is a top choice. It snaps into its base with a satisfying clunk and received ADAC's best car seat rating for 2019. It is also compatible in conjunction with an integrated travel system.
i-Size approved
The latest ISize infant car seats are safer than all other car seats. These rear-facing seats are designed to protect your child from the most serious accidents. These models also come with side impact testing which can lower the risk of neck and head injuries among infants.
These baby car seats can be used for newborns or infants up until 13kg or 12 months old. They can be used by themselves or with a buggy for a car seat and pram travel system. They are ideal for long journeys, and provide a flat position that will ensure your baby's comfort.
There are a variety of i-Size baby car seats at different price points. The most expensive models come with extra features such as a rotating feature that allows parents to turn their seat to face the child them while they buckle it in. Other features include an integrated booster seat, extra padding, and a washable infant insert that includes sizing information.
ISOFIX is a feature that is found on many of the iSize approved baby car seats. This allows the seat to be attached directly to the vehicle chassis. car seats by age provides greater stability and increases the likelihood that the seat will be installed properly. This is especially important for infants as they are more vulnerable to injury during a crash compared to older children or adults.
The most trusted i-Size certified baby car seat is the Joie Calmi. This new version of the traditional carrycot fits on the back of the seat in a sideways position and lets your child lay flat on their back and is great for breathing and sleeping. The low score for value is due to the fact that it can only be used from birth to around 18 months and should be paired with the Joie pushchair as part an overall travel system.
Another option is Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 that was voted 2021 Mother&Baby Gold winner in our Group 0/0+ car seat category. It comes with five recline positions, which allows infants to lay almost flat and older children to sit more upright. It comes with comprehensive instructions for fitting and an QR code that allows you to access video demonstrations with voiceovers on the Silver Cross App.
Safer in the event of a crash
Car seats are vital to your baby's safety, however not all car seats are equal. Picking a seat i-Size approved will safeguard your child in the event of an accident. The difference is that i-Size car seats have been tested to higher standards, which includes using more sophisticated Q-series crash test dummies. They also offer more neck and head protection than basic ECE R44/04 models.
Many parents choose to purchase a multi-stage car seat for newborns which means that they don't need to purchase another seat until their child turns teenager. These seats are designed to expand with your child's development, starting from an entirely flat carrycot to a toddler's chair, and finally the high-back booster seat. Many of them work with prams, making them part of an overall travel system that includes an automobile seat as well as a pushchair and travel system.
The I-Snug 2 is a fantastic option for newborns, as it comes with three layers of security in the wings on the sides. It has an innovative cushioned baby pillow which keeps your baby safe and secure. It also comes with a special iSnug2 infant belt lock that stops the belt from coming loose in the event of a crash.
Another good choice is the Joie Calmi one, which was awarded Gold for Best Baby/Toddler Car Seat (Stage 1 / 2) in 2024 Mother&Baby awards. It's a base and seat base combo that clicks onto Isofix mounts, so it's easy to fit. The base is sturdy and comes with an indicator that turns green when it's secured. The seat is a bit heavier than other models but it's got excellent side-impact tests as well as a wide range of weight and height settings.
One of the drawbacks of this seat is that it does not have an swivel 360 degrees, which could make it difficult to get your child in and out of the car. It's also more expensive than other options.
The i-Level is a fantastic multi-stage car seat designed for newborns that can be installed rear-facing and is the most secure method for young children to travel. It has a 5-point harness which can be changed to an forward-facing seat once your child is old enough. It also has a reclining seat and a 10-position headrest, as well as expanding side wings for added security.
Easy to install
A car seat will be one of the biggest purchases a new parent makes. It is essential to purchase a seat that is easy to put in and will stay safe in the car. You should also look for a seat that can fit in your car's Isofix anchor points, which are designed to make it easier and safer to install child seats. It's also a good idea to look for an item that has clear instructions and includes a website and video tutorial on how to install the seat.
The maxicosi Cabriofix is a ideal choice for those who travel often due to its integrated ISOFIX connectors, and can be used as a base in taxis and hire cars. Its lightweight design and one-handed release makes it a convenient choice for parents who frequently change between cars or drive with other family members. It also scored high on the Which? The testers found it easy to rotate the seat and recline it.
The headrest that is adjustable on the maxicosi Cabriofix can be adjusted to meet the height of your child. It has five reclining positions, so you can choose the most comfortable position for your child. It also includes a bar at bottom of the seat that can be extended by up to 26cm, which can be useful for children who are older.
Keep in mind that your child should only spend 2 hours a day in the car. This is because sitting in a semi-upright posture can restrict airflow and cause stress on your child's spine. If your baby is looking uncomfortable, it could be time to take them from the car seat.
Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 is a great option for parents looking for a car seat to grow with their child. It's suitable for infants and infants from 12 to 12 years old. It has a large rear-facing seat with 5-point harness and a side-impact protection pod. This car seat scores highly in the ADAC tests, and is compatible with the Isofix base or seatbelt. It's also compatible with most Maxi-Cosi pram frames.
Affordability
Parents of newborns should think about purchasing an appropriate car seat for their infant in the UK. It should be simple to put in, comfortable for the baby and safe. It must also be affordable. It is crucial to think about the budget before deciding on the best car seat. There are a variety of affordable car seats available on the market, even though some are more expensive. The cost of a child car seat can vary depending on the model and brand. There are other factors that affect the price, including the car seat's weight and dimensions. A lightweight car seat will be cheaper than a larger one.
Sarah who is an MFM reviewer, believes that the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 car seat is one of the most stylish and practical infant car seat on the market. It has an insert of foam that babies sit on to ensure the ideal sitting position, and it can be removed gradually as they grow older. It is endorsed by German Association for a Healthy Back, and comes in four colors. It also comes with top-quality finishing features. The only drawback is that it can only be used with only certain Silver Cross pushchairs.
Nuna PIPA Urbn is an alternative option. It was awarded gold at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for innovation. It's easy to install and has a baseless, streamlined design. It comes with ISOFIX connectors that click into place with a satisfying click. It's a great choice for parents who are busy and are looking to steer clear of the hassle of having to switch car seats between.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade, a newborn car-seat that can also function as a carrycot, is a great alternative for parents who are looking for a new baby car seat. It is the first infant car seat that is iSize and complies with R129 safety standards. It's a great option for parents who are concerned about the environment and the financial cost. It is easy to set up and can be connected to Maxi-Cosi pram frames. It also has a reclining handle that allows the car seat to be tilted for the best comfort.