Infant Car Seats - Which One is Right For Your Baby?

Selecting the best infant seat car seat for your infant is a crucial purchase for parents. With a variety of car seats for children and baby car seats to pick from, it's essential to be well-informed.

These rear-facing seats, which are usually Group 0+ or R129 (i-Size) baby car seats for infants, are suitable from the time of birth. They often go with a pram in travel systems.

Group 0+

A car seat for your newborn Nania BEONE Baby Car Seat - Group 0+ Silver - Pushchairs and Prams or infant is a necessity. These seats are made for babies to protect them from dangers on the road such as head injuries. They ensure that they are in the position that is recommended for them. While all-stage car seat also offer protection for babies however they do not have the advanced safety features that come with infant car seats.

Car seats for infants are generally rear-facing and allow the child to ride in the seat up to 15 months old. Many of these seats come with a newborn insert that can be used to support babies of smaller sizes and helps them stay at ease. Furthermore, the best infant car seats have a recommended recline to ensure that the child's head remains protected throughout the journey.

All infant car seats must be approved to the i-Size standard and be in compliance with European safety standards. The I-Size standard is more sophisticated than R44/04, therefore cars approved to this regulation tend to have higher-quality side-impact crash tests, which is crucial for newborns and infants. The i-Size seats also use the more advanced Q-series crash test dummies to offer even more protection for infants.

When choosing a baby car seat, buyers should consider how frequently they will require it to be moved from one vehicle to the next. If you frequently use taxis or car sharing services often choose a model that has a unique baseless design, such as the Nuna PIPA Urbn. This allows the seat to easily be installed within minutes. This makes it possible for the seat to be quickly swapped between different cars. It is ideal for parents who need to make frequent trips.

ADAC has awarded the Silver Cross Dream i-Size an outstanding safety rating, meaning that it provides excellent protection for infants. Additionally, it comes with an ISOFIX base built-in, and an EPS energy absorption foam.

Group 1

As with many other infant car seats that are available, the Cosatto All in One is designed to be used until your child reaches 12 years old (or 36kg). Like Group 0+ seats, it rotates so that it is easy to put the baby in and out, can fit using ISOFIX or a car seat belt with the top tether, and is rear-facing. It's also easy to clean, which aids in cleaning any spills or stains.

Be aware that your child could outgrow a car seat quickly. Many parents have to replace their seats within nine months, or earlier. The majority of manufacturers recommend changing seats when your child's top is within a single inch of the top edge of the seat.

To be sold the car seat must meet certain European safety standards. This includes rigorous tests in accident simulations and the use of specific types of material to protect your child from injuries sustained by side impacts. Two standards are in force at present - ECE R44 and R129 called i-Size. The latter is more strict and takes into consideration height as well as weight when classifying car seats.

Our experience has proven that seats that meet the R129 standard, also referred to as i-Size, tends to be safer and simpler to install. They can also keep your child seated rearwards for a longer time. The only downside to these seats is that they are unable to be used with an airbag for the front-passenger, which may not suit some families. It is important to check with the manufacturer in case you have any questions prior to buying. They should be able provide you with the latest information and advice for your particular situation.

Group 2

A group 2 baby car seat is suitable for infants who are large enough to transition from an older Group 0+ car seat but aren't yet able to get out of a Group 1 convertible seat. It's not as common as the all-in-one ones, but it's worth keeping in mind if you want a seat that takes your child from birth up to around four years older.

As with all car seats, it's essential that your chosen seat meets European safety standards. You can check for the E-mark and ensure that the seat is compliant with ECE R44/04 or iSize (which is being replaced by the previous regulation). This will help you determine if the seat is safe for your child from injury in a crash. Seats with the i-Size certification are easier to install, offer better protection against side-impacts and can keep your child facing rear for longer.

Designed for newborns up to about 15 months and up to about 15 months, the Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro is a top pick with impressive crash test sensor results and one of the simplest installations thanks to its LATCH connectors that change color when correctly connected. It also comes with a swivel-base that reduces movement in the vehicle and a hugging inlay for the baby's neck, head and back to help maintain proper posture.

The Cybex Aviounaut Pixel Pro is another good option. It also features an swivel base that is 360 degrees and a unique G Cell system that provides protection during collisions with the sides. It's more expensive compared to other seats, but it offers excellent protection and good value for money. Jasper found it to be comfortable on long journeys and it looks more appealing than other seats we looked at, too.

Group 3

A group 3 infant car seat is a triple-in-one car seat that can be used by your child from birth up to the booster stage. These seats are designed to be rearward facing (some to at minimum 9kg) However, they can be turned around and utilized forward-facing until the weight limit of 36kg.

These seats are usually very comfortable and provide good head and neck support. Many of them come with removable and machine-washable padding that is suitable for newborns to keep them germ-free. One of the best models we've tested, the Nuna PIPA air Rx, even comes with two inserts, one made from sustainably sourced materials, and the second made of organic cotton that is GOTS-certified, to ensure your baby is super cozy.

As well as having impressive crash test results, this model has a very easy to use design, which includes a single-handed recline setting and a minimum of 12 headrest positions. It's also easy to install using Maxi-Cosi Tanza ISOFIX Child Car Seat Grey (this link) and has a convenient indicator that changes color when it's secure.

We do not recommend changing seats fast, since children who are in the lower limits are more susceptible to injury during a crash. It's best to keep your current seat until your child reaches their new limit. There are a few excellent options in this group. We recommend the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 which will last until the age of 12.

Another option is Cozy N Safe Arthur, which can take your baby from newborn right up to their four-year-old booster phase. It's not as expensive as the most rated Silver Cross and has a range of options for comfort and safety such as a one-handed recline option and as many as 13 headrest positions.

Group 4

The infant seat in the group 4 is the latest addition to our list. It is designed for children aged up to six. It can be used either as an extra seat or in the rearward-facing position. This seat is highly praised for its versatility, and because it is able to be used without having a base. It's ideal for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives or trips in rental cars or grandparents vehicles. It is equipped with ISOFIX connectors that click into the base of the vehicle with a satisfying clunk. It comes with a variety of features that make this car seat ideal for newborns. It includes the brand's hugging design, the revolutionary ClimaFlow ventilating system, and G-CELL technology to ensure that your child is safe as they grow.

Our team of testers has looked at various car seats for children to determine the most suitable one for you and your family. We evaluated each model by its ease of use and the quality of the materials used as well as comfort for your child. We also looked at the safety of each model and weighed in whether it was iSize-approved and its performance in crash tests. We considered the safety ratings provided by independent safety experts. For instance, the Swedish Plus test which examines the performance of a car's seat in low-speed impacts as well as short brake distances.

We also analyzed the worth of each model, as this is a major factor for parents of all ages. Our top-rated car seats for infants are at a low cost, easy to install and include useful extras like a sleeping bag which can be removed as well as a reversible cover.