Choosing the Best Car Seat For Newborn UK
A good seat is a long-term investment. Look for a seat that can take your child to a high-back booster designed for children in the lower centile.
The Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 is a top pick. It snaps into its base with a satisfying clunk and received ADAC's best car seat rating for 2019. It can also be used in conjunction with a travel system.
i-Size approved
Whether you are looking for a new car seat or upgrading the one you already have, the latest I-Size infant seats are more secure than ever. These rear-facing models comply with the highest safety standards and are designed to safeguard infants from the most serious accidents. These models also come with side impact testing which can lower the risk of neck and head injuries in infants.
The baby car seats are designed to fit infants and newborns up to 13kg or 12 months old. They can be used as a stand-alone item or with a buggy to form a car seat and pram travel system. They are great for long drives, and provide a flat position that will ensure the comfort of your baby.
There are baby seat -Size baby car seat models available at various price points. The most expensive models come with extra features such as the ability for parents to turn their seat so that the child faces them as they buckle it in. Other features include a booster seat that is integrated with extra padding, as well as an insert that is washable for infants with the sizing information.
ISOFIX is an option that is available on a lot of iSize-approved baby car seats. This allows the seat to be connected directly to the chassis of the vehicle. This improves stability and increases the chance that the seat is fitted correctly. This is especially important for infants as they are more susceptible to injury during crashes than older children or adults.
The most i-Size-approved baby car seat is the Joie Calmi. This modern-day version of the traditional carrycot fits sideways across the back seat and enables your baby to lie flat, which is the best position for breathing and sleeping. The reason it isn't as popular is that it can only used from birth to around 18 months, and must be combined as part of a Joie travel system.
Another good option is the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 which was named the 2021 Mother&Baby Gold winner in our Car seat for Group 0/0+ category. It has five recline positions that allow young infants to lie flat, while older children to sit upright. It also comes with detailed fitting instructions, including an QR code that lets you access video demonstrations and voiceovers on the Silver Cross app.
Safety in the event an accident
Not all car seats are made equally. Selecting an approved i-Size seat is the best choice for your child because they are more secure in the event of a crash. The difference is that i-Size car seats have been tested to higher standards, including using the most advanced Q-series crash test dummies. They also offer more protection for the head and neck over the ECE R44/04 base model.
Many parents opt to invest in a multi-stage car seat for newborns which means that they won't have to buy another seat until their child turns teenager. These seats are designed to grow with your child, from a fully flat carrycot, to a toddler's chair and then the high-back booster seat. A lot of them can be used in conjunction with a pram as part of a car seat and pushchair travel system.
The i-Snug 2, featuring its three-layers security in the wings on the sides is a fantastic choice for babies. It features a padded baby pillow that helps keep your child safe and secure. It also has a special i-Snug 2 infant belt lock that prevents the belt from getting loose in a crash.
Another great option is the Joie Calmi that was awarded Gold for Best Baby/Toddler Car Seat (Stage 1 / 2) in 2024 Mother&Baby awards. The base and seat combo clicks onto Isofix mountings, making it easy to install. The base is solid and comes with an indicator that turns green when it's secured. The seat is heavier than other seats but it has excellent side-impact testing and a wide range of height and weight adjustment settings.
The seat comes with a few downsides. It doesn't rotate 360 degrees, making it difficult to get your child into and out of the car. It's also more expensive than other models.
The ILevel is a multi-stage car seat that can be installed rear-facing for the safety of infants and toddlers. It has five-point harnesses that can be changed to forward-facing when your child is big enough. It comes with a recliner 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 most significant purchases that a new parent makes. It's important to buy one that is easy to install and that will remain safe in your vehicle. Also, you should look for a seat that is compatible with your car's Isofix anchor points that are designed to make it simpler and safer to attach child seats. In addition, it's recommended to look for a car seat with clear instructions and a website that offers videos that show how to attach the seat.
The maxicosi Cabriofix is a great option for those who travel frequently because it comes with ISOFIX connectors that can be used as the need for a base in taxis and hire cars. Its lightweight design makes it an ideal choice for parents who often switch between vehicles and drive with family members. It also scored well on the Which? tests on ease of use The test subjects found it easy to rotate and recline the seat.
Another great characteristic of the maxicosi cabriofix is its adjustable headrest, which can be adjusted to accommodate the increasing height of your baby. It has five reclining positions so you can find what is most comfortable for your child. It also has an extension bar that can reach up to 26cm at the base of the seat, which is ideal for older children.
It is important to remember that you are only allowed to allow your infant to spend two hours in a car seat during a 24 hours. This is because sitting in a semi-upright position could restrict airflow and cause strain on your child's spine. If your child appears uncomfortable, it may be time to get them removed from the car seat.
Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 is a great option for parents who need an infant car seat that can grow with their child. It's suitable for newborns and infants up to 12 years old, and it features a large rear-facing seat that has five-point harness as well as a side-impact protection pod. This car seat scored highly in the ADAC test, and can be fitted with either the Isofix or seatbelt base. It is also compatible with all Maxi-Cosi pram frames.
Affordability
Parents of newborns should think about purchasing a good car seat for their infant in the UK. It should be simple to install and comfortable for the baby and secure. It must be affordable. It is important to consider the budget before selecting the best car seat. There are a variety of affordable car seats on the market, though some are more expensive. The price of a kid's car seat can vary depending on the model and brand. There are also some features that affect the cost, including the car seat's weight and dimensions. A car seat that is lightweight is cheaper than a larger one.
The Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 is the most attractive and most practical baby car seat available according to MFM reviewer Sarah. It has a foam cushion that the baby can sit on for the best seat position. The foam insert can be removed as they grow older. Its design is endorsed by the German Association for a Healthy Back and comes in four colours and top-quality finishing touches. It is only compatible with certain Silver Cross pushchairs.
Nuna PIPA Urbn is a different option. It was awarded gold at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for its innovation. It's a completely unadorned design and can be easily inserted in taxis, hire cars or trips to the grandparents' vehicle. It has ISOFIX connectors that snap into place with an satisfying clunk. It's an excellent choice for parents who are busy and are looking to steer clear of the inconvenience of switching car seats between.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade is an excellent option for parents who are looking for a newborn car seat that can double as a carrycot. It's the first baby car seat from iSize that is in compliance with R129 safety standards. It's a great option for parents who are concerned about the environmental impact and financial cost. It is easy to install and can be attached to most Maxi-Cosi pram frames. It comes with a reclining hand that allows you to tilt the car seat to ensure ease of use.