Choosing the Best Car Seat For Newborn UK
A high-quality seat is an investment that can last a lifetime. Choose the right seat that will 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 choice. It clicks into its base with a satisfying clunk and has been awarded the top rated baby car seats ADAC car seat rating for 2019. It also works as a travel system.
I-Size is approved
If you’re in the market for an entirely new car seat or upgrading one you already have, the most recent i-Size infant seats are safer than ever. The rear-facing models are compliant with the highest safety standards and are designed to protect babies from the most serious accidents. These models also have side impact testing which can lower the risk of head and neck injuries in infants.
The baby car seats are suitable for newborns or infants up until 13kg or 12 month old. They can be used as a stand-alone item or with a buggy to create a pram and car seat travel system. They are great for long journeys, and provide a flat position that will ensure the comfort of your baby.
i-Size certified baby car seats are available in a wide range of price points. The most expensive models come with additional features, for example, the ability to rotate that allows parents to turn the seat so that their child can face them as they buckle them in. Other features include an integrated booster seat, extra padding, and an insert that is washable for infants with the sizing information.
ISOFIX is an option that is available on many of the iSize-approved baby car seats. This allows the seat to be attached directly to the chassis of the vehicle. This improves stability and increases the chances that the seat will be fitted properly. This is especially crucial for infants since they are more vulnerable to injury during crashes than older children or adults.
The Joie Calmi is the best car seats for newborns car seat that is iSize-approved for babies. This modern version of the traditional carrycot is positioned sideways across the back seat and allows your child to lie flat in the most comfortable position for breathing and sleeping. Its low score for value is due to the fact that it can only be used from birth until around 18 months and must be combined with a Joie pushchair as part of a travel system.
Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 is another alternative. It was voted the 2021 Mother&Baby Gold Winner in our category for Group 0/0+. It has five recline positions that allow young infants to lay nearly flat, and larger children to sit upright. It also comes with comprehensive fitting instructions, which include the QR code that allows access to video demonstrations and voiceovers on the Silver Cross app.
Safety in the event of an accident
Car seats are vital to your baby’s safety, however not all seats are created to be the same. Picking a seat i-Size approved will safeguard your child in the event of an accident. The difference is that iSize car seats have been tested to higher standards, for example using the most advanced Q-series crash test dummies. They also have more neck and head protection than the basic ECE R44/04 models.
Parents often choose to invest in multi-stage car seats designed for infants so that they don’t need to purchase a new seat until their child is at the age of Adolescence. These seats are designed to expand along with your child. They can be used as a carrycot that’s completely flat, a toddler seat, and then a high-back booster. A lot of them can be used with a pram to form part of a car seat as well as a pushchair travel system.
The I-Snug 2 is a fantastic choice for newborns as it has a three-layers of security on the side wings. This includes an innovative cushioned infant pillow that ensures your baby is safe and secure. It also comes with a unique i-Snug 2 infant belt lock, which stops the belt from slipping loose in the event of a crash.
The Joie Calmi is another great choice. It was given Gold in the 2024 Mother&Baby Awards for Best Baby/Toddler Car Seat (Stage 1/2). It’s a seat and base combo that clicks onto Isofix mounts, making it easy to install. The base is sturdy and comes with an indicator that lights green when it’s secure. The seat is heavier than other options but it’s a great side-impact test and a variety of height and weight adjustment settings.
This seat has a few downsides. It’s not able to rotate 360 degrees, making 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 for infants that can be installed rear-facing, the safest way for children to travel. It has five-point harnesses which can be changed to a forward-facing seat when your child is old enough. It also comes with a reclining seat and a 10-position headrest with wings that can expand in the side for more protection.
Easy to install
A car seat is one of the most important purchases a new parent will make. It is essential to purchase a seat that is simple to install and is secure in the vehicle. It is also recommended to consider a car seat that is compatible with your car’s Isofix anchor points that are designed to make it easier and safer to connect child seats. It’s also a good idea that you look for seats that come with clear instructions, and that includes a website and video that shows how to install the seat.
The maxicosi Cabriofix can be a good alternative for frequent travelers as it comes with built-in ISOFIX connectors. It can be used in taxis as well as rental cars that don’t have the need for a base. Its lightweight design makes it an ideal choice for parents who often shift between vehicles and travel with their family members. It also scored highly in 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 meet the height of your child. It offers five reclining positions to help you find the most comfortable one for your child. It also has a bar at the foot of the seat that can be extended by up to 26cm, which can be useful for older children.
You should remember that you can only allow your baby to be in a car seat during a 24 hours. This is due to the fact that sitting for long periods in a semi-upright position can restrict airflow and put pressure on your child’s spine. If your child is looking uncomfortable, it could be time to take them from the car seat.
If you’re looking for car seats that expand with your child, you should consider the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360. It is suitable for newborns and infants from 12 to 12 years old, and it comes with a large rear-facing car seat with 5-point harness and a side-impact protection pod. The car seat scored highly in the ADAC tests, and is compatible with the Isofix base or a seatbelt. It is also compatible with a large number of Maxi-Cosi pram frame models.
Affordability
A good car seat for a newborn is a must for parents who are expecting a child. It should be safe easy to set up and fit, and comfortable for the baby. It should be affordable. It is important to consider the budget before selecting the right car seat. There are a variety of affordable car seats available on the market, even although some are more expensive. The cost of a child car seat varies depending on the model and brand. There are a few other aspects that affect the price such as the car seat’s weight and size. A car seat that is light is cheaper than a larger one.
Sarah is an MFM reviewer, believes that the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 car seat is the most stylish and practical infant car seat on the market. It has a foam cushion that the infant can lay on to get the best seat position. The foam insert can be removed when they grow older. It is endorsed by the German Association for a Healthy Back and is available in four colors. It also comes with high-end finishing touches. It can only be used with 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 features a baseless, streamlined design. It has integrated ISOFIX connectors that click into the right position with a satisfying click. It’s a great option for parents with busy schedules who want to avoid the inconvenience of switching 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 car seat for their baby. It is the first Infant Car Seats Cheap 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 is easy-to-install and can be affixed to the majority of Maxi Cosi pram frames. It also comes with a reclining handle that allows the car seat to be tilted to ensure the best comfort.