Choosing the Best Car Seat For Newborn UK
A good seat is an investment that will last for a lifetime. Look for the right seat that will take your child to a high-back booster that is suitable for children in the lower centile.
The Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 is a fantastic choice. It snaps into its base with a satisfying clunk and has been awarded the top ADAC car seat rating for 2019. It also works with an integrated travel system.
i-Size approved
If you're looking for an entirely new car seat or upgrading the one you already have, the newest I-Size infant seats are more secure than ever. These rear-facing models meet the strictest safety standards and are designed to safeguard babies from the most serious accidents. They also have side impact testing, which can reduce the risk of neck and head injuries to infants.
The baby car seats are designed to fit newborns and infants up to 13kg or 12 months old. These car seats can be used on their own or in conjunction with a buggy as a travel system. They are a great option for long journeys and offer an easy lie-flat position to ensure that your baby is comfortable.
There are many i-Size baby car seats available at different price points. The most expensive models come with additional features, like the ability to rotate that allows parents to rotate the seat so that their child faces them as they secure them. Other features include a built-in booster seat along with additional padding and a washable insert for infants with sizing information.
Many of the iSize-approved baby car seats have ISOFIX which connects the seat directly to the vehicle chassis. This improves stability and increases the chance that the seat is properly fitted. This is crucial for infants, since they are more prone to injury in a crash as compared to older children and adults.
The most trusted i-Size certified baby car seat is the Joie Calmi. This modern version of the classic carrycot sits on the back of the seat in a sideways position and lets your baby lay flat on their back and is great for breathing and sleeping. The reason for its low value is that it can be used from birth to around 18 months, and must be used in conjunction with the Joie travel system.
Another option is Silver Cross Motion All Size 360, which was voted 2021 Mother&Baby Gold winner in our Group 0/0+ car seat category. pushchairsandprams.uk comes with five recline positions, which allows babies to lie almost flat, while older children can sit more upright. It comes with detailed instructions for fitting as well as the QR code which allows you to access voiceover video demonstrations on the Silver Cross App.
Safer in the event of a crash
Car seats are essential for your baby's safety, but not all seats are created to be the same. Choosing a seat that is i-Size certified will safeguard your child more effectively in the event of a collision. The i-Size car seats have been tested to a higher standard and includes the most advanced Q-series test dummies. They also provide better protection for neck and head than the standard ECE R44/04 model.
Many parents choose to purchase a multi-stage car seat for infants, as this means they won't have to buy another seat until their child turns teenager. These seats are designed to grow along with your child. They can be used as a carrycot fully flat, a toddler seat, and then a high-back booster. Many of them work with prams, making them part of the travel system which includes the car seat as well as a pushchair and travel system.
The i-Snug 2 is a great option for newborns, as it has a three-layers of security in the wings on the sides. It comes with a unique padded baby pillow which keeps your baby safe and secure. It also comes with a unique iSnug2 infant belt lock, which stops the belt from falling loose during a crash.
Another great option 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, 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 some other options, but it has excellent side-impact tests and a great range of weight and height settings.
This seat has several drawbacks. It isn't able to rotate 360 degrees, making it difficult to get your child into and out of the vehicle. It's also more expensive than other options.
The i-Level is an excellent multi-stage car seat for infants that can be installed rear-facing, the safest way for infants to travel. It has a 5-point harness which can be changed to an forward-facing seat once your child is old enough. It has a reclining chair and a headrest that can be adjusted to 10 positions. Side wings can be widened to provide extra protection.
Easy to install
A car seat will be one of the most important purchases that a new parent makes. It's important to buy one that is easy to install and that will remain secure in the vehicle. Also, you should look for a seat that can fit in your car's Isofix anchor points that are designed to make it simpler and safer to attach children's seats. In addition, it's an excellent idea to search for a car seat that has clear instructions and a website that offers an instructional video on how to attach the seat.
The maxicosi Cabriofix is an excellent alternative for frequent travelers as it comes with integrated ISOFIX connectors. It can also be used in taxis as well as rental cars that don't have a base. Its lightweight design makes it an ideal choice for parents who regularly shift between vehicles and travel with family members. It also scored highly on the Which? The testers found it easy to turn the seat and recline it.
The headrest, which is adjustable, of the maxicosi Cabriofix can be adjusted to fit the height of your child. It also has five recline positions, so you can find the most comfortable position to ensure your child's comfort. It also includes a bar at bottom of the seat that extends by up to 26cm, which is ideal for older children.
Be aware that your child can only spend two hours a day in the car. This is because sitting in a semi-upright posture can restrict airflow and put strain on your child's spine. If your infant is beginning to look uncomfortable, it's time to take them out of the car seat.
Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 is a great choice for parents who want an automobile seat that grows with their child. It is suitable for newborns and infants from 12 to 12 years old, and it comes with a large rear-facing car seat with five-point harness as well as a side-impact protection pod. This car seat scores very well in the ADAC tests, and can be fitted with either the Isofix base, or a seatbelt. It is also compatible with all Maxi-Cosi pram frames.
Affordability
New parents should think about buying an appropriate car seat for their infant in the UK. It should be easy to install and comfortable for the baby and secure. It should be affordable. It is crucial to think about the budget before deciding on the best car seat. While some car seats are more expensive than others, there are a variety of budget-friendly options available on the market. The price of a child car seat varies based on the brand and model. There are also some features that affect the cost, including the car seat's weight and size. A lightweight car seat will be more affordable than a heavier one.
The Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 is the best-looking and most practical newborn car seat on the market according to MFM reviewer Sarah. It comes with a foam insert that babies can sit on to ensure the ideal sitting position, and it can be removed gradually as they get older. It is endorsed by German Association for a Healthy Back, and comes in four different colours. It also has high-quality finishing features. The only drawback is that it can only be used with only certain Silver Cross pushchairs.
Nuna PIPA Urbn is another option. It was awarded gold at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for innovation. It's simple to set up and has an uncluttered, baseless design. It has integrated ISOFIX connectors that click into the right position with a satisfying click. It's a great choice for parents with busy schedules who wish to avoid the stress of switching car seats between vehicles.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade, a newborn car-seat that can also function as a carrycot, is a fantastic alternative for parents who are looking for a car seat for their baby. It is the first infant car seat that is iSize and complies with R129 safety standards. It's a great choice for parents who are concerned about the environment and financial costs. It's easy to install and can be attached on most Maxi Cosi pram frames. It also has a reclining handle that allows the car seat to be swiveled to ensure comfort.