15 Best Infant Car Seats Uk Bloggers You Should Follow
Infant Car Seats - Which One is Right For Your Baby?
Choosing the right car seat for your infant car seat that swivels is a key parenting purchase. It is important to understand the differences between car seats for children and infant car seats.
These rear-facing seats, which are typically R129 or Group 0+ (i-Size) baby car seats for infants, are suitable from the time of birth. They often combine with a pram to create travel systems.
Group 0+
A car seat for your infant or newborn is a necessity. These seats are designed to protect babies from the dangers of driving, including head injuries, by ensuring they stay in the position that is recommended. All-stage car seats are equipped to safeguard infants, but they do not have the added safety features of infant car seats.
Typically, an infant car seat is rear-facing, and allows baby to travel in the seat until they're around 15 months old. Many of these models also include a baby insert that supports smaller babies and helps them stay comfortably. Good infant car seats offer recline suggestions to protect the child's brain during the ride.
All infant car seats must be approved according to the iSize standard and be in compliance with European safety standards. The i-Size standard is more advanced than R44/04, therefore cars that are approved to this standard are more likely to pass better 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 provide even greater protection for infants.
If you decide to purchase an infant car seat must think about how often they'll need to transfer it between vehicles. Those who frequently use taxis or car sharing services should look for a model with distinctive baseless design, such as the Nuna PIPA Urbn which allows the seat to be installed in seconds. This makes it possible for the seat to be quickly moved between vehicles. It is perfect for parents who must frequently travel.
ADAC has given the Silver Cross Dream i-Size an outstanding safety rating, which means that it provides excellent protection for infants. It also comes with an ISOFIX base built in and EPS energy-absorbing foam.
Group 1
The Cosatto All in One, like other infant car seats is designed to be used from birth until your child turns 12 years old old (or 36kg). It rotates to make it easy to get your baby in and out. It can be fitted using ISOFIX or a car seatbelt with a top tether. It's also easy to clean which can help with spills and staining.
It's important to remember that your child can outgrow a car seat for infants very quickly. Many parents find they have to replace the seat within nine months, or even earlier. The majority of manufacturers recommend moving to a different car seat when your child's head is within one inch of the top of the car seat for newborn seat.
A car seat must be in compliance with certain European safety standards in order to be sold. This includes rigorous tests of accident simulations as well as the use of certain types of materials to protect your child from side impact injuries. Two standards are in force currently - ECE R44 and R129, known as i-Size. The latter is more strict and takes into consideration the height as well as weight when grading car seats.
In our experience, seats approved to the R129 standard (i-Size) tend to be more secure, less difficult to install and keep your child facing rearward for a longer period of time. The only drawback is that they cannot be used with a front passenger airbag and may not be suitable for certain families. However, it's essential to speak with the manufacturer in case you have any concerns before buying. They should be able provide you with the latest information and suggestions for your specific situation.
Group 2
A group 2 baby car seat is suitable for infants who are large enough to move up 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 models however it's something to keep in mind if you want a seat that takes your child from birth until around four years old. older.
It is essential that the car seat you select meets European safety standards. Look for the E mark to see that it meets ECE R44/04 or iSize (which will eventually replace the previous regulation) to ensure you're purchasing the right seat that will safeguard your baby well in a crash. Seats with the i-Size certification are easier to install and offer greater protection against side impacts, and can keep your child facing rear for longer.
For babies up to about 15 months, the Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro is a top pick with impressive crash test results and one of the simplest installation methods thanks to its sturdy LATCH connectors which change colour when correctly connected. It also has a handy base that swivels to help reduce movement in the car and an inlay that is hugging for the baby's neck, head and back to support their correct posture.
Another alternative is the Cybex Aviounaut Pixel Pro, that has the 360-degree swivel base, and has a unique GELL system that maintains the seat's protection in case of side impacts. It's more expensive than the other seats but offers good value and excellent protection. Jasper found it comfortable for long trips and it looks better than the other seats we tried as well.
Group 3
A group 3 infant car seat is a triple-in-one car seat that can be used by your child from birth right through to the booster stage. These seats start off rearward-facing (some until your child is at least 9kg) and can then be turned to face forwards - they can be used in this manner until they reach the limit of 36kg.
These seats are usually very comfortable and provide good neck and head support. They are often equipped with removable and washable padding for babies, making sure that they are hygienic. One of the best infant car seat models that we tested, Nuna PIPA aire Rx includes two inserts – one made from sustainable materials and the second made of GOTS certified organic cotton – to ensure that your baby feels super cozy.
The model has impressive crash test results, but it also has a user-friendly design. It has a single-handed reclining setting and 12 different headrest positions. It's also simple to install with ISOFIX and has a convenient color-changing indicator to indicate when it's secure.
We don't recommend switching groups too early as children in the lower limits of each group could be more prone to injuries in a crash, so it's worth hanging on to the seat you've always had until your child hits their new limit. That said, there are some great alternatives in this category We particularly like the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 that can keep your child safe until the age of 12, so is a great option for long-term use.
Another option is Cozy N Safe Arthur, that will take your child from their newborn stage to the four-year-old booster stage. It's not as expensive as the top-rated Silver Cross and has a variety of safety and comfort options, including a one handed recline setting and as many as 13 headrest positions.
Group 4
The group 4 rotating infant car seat seat is the newest addition to our list. It is slightly more age range than the previous ones and is designed for children ranging from 6 to 6 years old. old. It can be used either as an extra seat or in the rearward-facing position. We rated this seat highly for its versatility and the fact that it can be used without a base, making it ideal for taxi rides, fly-drive trips or trips in hire cars or grandparent's vehicles. The ISOFIX connectors are built into the seat and snap into the position with an enthralling click. It also comes with a variety of features that make it ideal for babies, including the brand's hugging-style inlay the revolutionary ClimaFlow ventilation system, and G-CELL side impact technology to keep your child safe as he grows.
Our team of testers has reviewed several car seats for group 4 to determine the most suitable option for you and your family. We evaluated each model based on its ease of use as well as the quality of the materials used and how comfortable the seat is for your child to sit in. We also examined the safety of each car seat, considering whether it was i-Size approved and how well it performed in crash tests. We took into account the safety ratings provided by independent safety experts, such as the Swedish Plus test, which evaluates the performance of a car seat in both low-speed impacts and short braking distances.
We also analyzed the worth of each model, as this is a crucial aspect for parents. Our top-rated car seats for infants are affordable in cost, easy to install and come with useful features like sleeping bags that can be removed, as well as the ability to change the cover.
