Choosing the Best Car Seat For Newborn UK
A high-quality seat is an investment that will last a lifetime. Choose a model that can take your child from a toddler to a secure high-back booster seat suitable for children with lower centiles.
The Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 is a top choice. It clicks into its base with a satisfying click and received ADAC's best car seat for 2019. It can also be used as an integrated travel system.
I-Size has been approved
Whether you are looking for an entirely new car seat or are looking to upgrade one you already have, the latest I-Size infant seats are more secure than ever. These rear-facing seats are designed to safeguard your child from the most serious accidents. These models also include side impact testing which can reduce the risk for neck and head injuries in infants.
These car seats for babies can be used for infants and newborns until 13kg or 12 month old. They can be used on their own or combined with a buggy to create a car seat and pram travel system. They are ideal for long trips and offer a comfortable position that will ensure your baby's safety.
i-Size certified baby car seats are available in a wide range of price points. The most expensive models come with extra features, such as the ability to rotate, which allows parents to turn the seat so that their child can face them as they buckle them in. Other features include a built-in booster seat, extra padding, and a washable infant insert that includes sizing information.
ISOFIX is an option that is available on many of the iSize-approved baby car seats. This allows the seat to be connected directly to the vehicle chassis. This increases stability and the likelihood that the seat is correctly fitted. This is particularly important for infants because they are more prone to injury in a crash compared to older children or adults.
The most trusted i-Size certified baby car seat is the Joie Calmi. This modern version of the traditional carrycot fits across the back seat in a sideways position and allows your baby to lay flat on their back, which is best for breathing and sleeping. The reason it isn't as popular is that it is only use from birth until around 18 months, and must be used in conjunction with the Joie travel system.
Another 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 comes with five recline positions that allow young infants to lay nearly flat, and older children to sit upright. It also comes with detailed instructions for fitting, as well as the QR code that allows access to video demonstrations and voiceovers on the Silver Cross app.
Safety in the event an accident
Not all car seats are made in the same way. Selecting a seat that's i-Size certified will protect your child better in the event of an accident. The I-Size car seat has been tested to a higher level including the use of advanced Q-series test dummies. They also offer more protection for the neck and head over the ECE R44/04 base model.
Parents often choose to invest in multi-stage car seats for infants so that they don't need to buy a new car seat until their child reaches the age of adolescence. These seats are designed to expand with your child. They can be used as a carrycot fully flat, a toddler seat, and then a high-back booster. A lot of them can be used in conjunction with prams as part of a car seat as well as a pushchair travel system.
The I-Snug 2 is a fantastic option for babies, since it has a three-layers of security on the wings on the sides. It also comes with a unique cushioned infant pillow that keeps your baby safe and secure. It also comes with a special iSnug2 infant belt that keeps the belt from slipping loose during a crash.
Another option is the Joie Calmi one, which was awarded Gold for the Best Baby/Toddler Seat (Stage 1 / 2) in 2024 Mother&Baby awards. The seat and base combination clicks onto Isofix mountings, making it easy to install. The base is solid, and has an indicator that changes color to green when it is secure. The seat is heavier than other options but it has excellent side-impact testing and a range of weight and height settings.
One of the drawbacks of this seat is that it doesn't come with a 360-degree swivel, which makes it difficult to get your child in and out of the car. It's also more expensive than other seats.
The i-Level is an excellent multi-stage car seat for infants that can be fitted rear-facing which is the most secure way for children to travel. It comes with five-point harnesses which can be changed to an forward-facing seat once your child is old enough. It comes with a recliner and a 10-position adjustable headrest. Side wings can be extended to offer additional protection.
Easy to install
A car seat is one of the biggest purchases a new parent makes. It is important to purchase a car seat that is easy to install and is secure in the vehicle. It is also recommended to look for a seat that can fit in your car's Isofix anchor points designed to make it easier and safer to install children's seats. It's also recommended that you look for seats that come with clear instructions, and has a website that includes a video that shows how to install the seat.
The maxicosi Cabriofix is a great choice for frequent travelers as it comes with built-in ISOFIX connectors. It can also be used in taxis as well as rental vehicles that do not have a base. Its lightweight design and one-handed release makes it a great choice for parents who frequently change between cars or drive with other family members. It also scored well on the Which? tests for ease of use The test subjects found it easy to recline and rotate the seat.
The headrest that is adjustable on the maxicosi Cabriofix may be adjusted to fit the height of your child. It comes with five recline positions, so you can choose what is most comfortable for your child. It also features a bar at the foot of the seat that can extend up to 26cm, which is ideal for older children.
You should remember that you should only allow your baby to be in a car seat over a 24 hours. This is due to the fact that prolonged semi-upright sitting can limit airflow and put strain on the spine of your child. If your baby is looking uncomfortable, it might be time to get them removed from the car seat.
Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 is a fantastic choice for parents who need an infant car seat that can 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 a five-point harness and side-impact protection pod. The car seat scored high in the ADAC test and is able to be fitted with either the Isofix or seatbelt base. It's also compatible with the majority of Maxi-Cosi pram frames.
Affordability
A good car seat for babies in the UK is a must-have for new parents. It should be easy to put in and comfortable for the infant and safe. It should also be affordable. It is crucial to think about the budget before choosing a car seat. While some car seats are more expensive than others, there are a variety of budget-friendly options available on the market. The cost of car seats for children may differ depending on the model and the brand. There are other factors that affect the cost, including the car seat's weight and dimensions. A car seat that is lighter is cheaper than one that weighs more.
Sarah is an MFM reviewer, believes the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 car seat is the most stylish and practical newborn car seat s available. It features an insert of foam that babies sit on to get the best seating position and can be removed gradually as they get older. Its design is endorsed by the German Association for a Healthy Back and is available in four colours with top-quality finishing touches. It is only compatible with certain Silver Cross pushchairs.
Another alternative is the Nuna PIPA urbn, which was awarded gold for innovation at the Mother&Baby awards 2024. It's simple to install 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 option for busy parents who wish to avoid the stress of switching car seats between vehicles.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade, a newborn car-seat that can also be used as a carrycot, is a fantastic option for parents looking for a car seat for their baby. This was the first newborn i-Size car seat to comply with R129 safety standards, and it's a great choice for parents who are concerned about the environment and financial costs. It is easy to set up 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.