Infant Car Seats - Which One is Right For Your Baby?
The best car seat is a crucial parenting purchase. It is important to understand the difference between child car seats and infant car seats.
Usually, Group 0+ or i-Size (R129) baby car seats, these rear-facing seats are suitable from birth. They are often combined with a pram in travel systems.
Group 0+
If you're a parent of baby or a newborn car seat, it is essential. These seats are designed specifically for infants to shield them from dangers on the road and head injuries. They do this by keeping them in the position that is recommended for them. All-stage car seats are also capable of protecting infants, but they do not have the safety features that are standard in infant car seats.
Typically, an infant car seat is rear-facing, and allows baby to travel in the seat until about 15 months old. A lot of these models come with a newborn insert to support infants and ensure they are in a comfortable position. Furthermore, reputable infant car seats come with a the recommended recline so that the child's head remains protected during the journey.
All infant car seats must be approved according to the iSize standard and be in compliance with European safety standards. The iSize standard is far more sophisticated than R44/04. This means that cars that are approved under this regulation are likely to be more secure in side impact crash tests. This is essential for infants and newborns. The i-Size seat also uses the more advanced Q-series crash-test dummies to provide even greater security for infants.
If you decide to purchase an infant car seat should be aware of how often they'll have to transfer it between vehicles. If you are a frequent user of taxis and car sharing services often you should look for a seat that is unique in its baseless style, such as the Nuna PIPA Urbn. This allows the seat to be installed within just a few seconds. This allows the seat to be quickly switched between different cars and makes it ideal for parents who regularly need to make multiple journeys.
The Silver Cross Dream i-Size has been given an excellent safety rating by ADAC, meaning that it offers extremely good protection for babies and infants. best car seats newborn pushchairsandprams.uk comes with an ISOFIX base integrated and EPS energy-absorbing foam.
Group 1
As with many other infant car seats like the Cosatto All in One is designed to be used until your child reaches 12 years old (or 36 kg). Similar to Group 0+ seats, it rotates so it is easy to put the baby in and out, be positioned using ISOFIX or a car seat belt with the top tether, and it's rear-facing. It's also easy to clean which can help with spills and stains.
It's important to remember that your child can outgrow a car seat for infants quite quickly. Many parents find they have to replace their seats by nine months, or earlier. Most manufacturers recommend switching seats when your child's head is within a single inch of the edge of the seat's top.
In order to be sold car seats, they must meet certain European safety standards. This includes rigorous tests in accident simulations and the use of specific types of materials to protect your child from injuries caused by collisions. There are currently two standards in force currently - ECE R44 and R129 (known as i-Size), which is more strict and considers the weight and height when determining the classification of child car seats.
In our experience, seats that conform to the R129 standard (i-Size) tend to be more secure and easier to fit and can keep your child facing rearward for a longer period of time. The only downside is that they cannot be used with a front passenger airbag, which may not be suitable for some families. However, it's important to consult with the manufacturer for any concerns before buying. They should be able to provide you with the latest information and advice on your particular situation.
Group 2
A car seat that is a group 2 is designed for infants that are large enough to upgrade from a Group 0+, but are not yet old enough to be able to use a convertible Group 1 seat. It's not as common as the all-in-one models however it's something to keep in mind if you're looking for an infant car seat that can take your baby from birth until around four years old. of age.
Like all car seats, it's important that the seat you choose meets European safety standards. Look for the E mark to confirm that it meets ECE R44/04, or i-Size (which will eventually replace the old regulations) to ensure that you're getting the right seat that will safeguard your baby well in the event of a collision. Seats with the iSize certification are simpler to install and offer greater protection against side-impacts and can keep your child facing rear for longer.
The Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro is designed for babies up to 15 months old, is an excellent option with impressive crash test results. The LATCH connectors, which are rigid, change colour when properly connected. It also comes with a base that swivels to help reduce the movement of your car and an inlay that is hugging for the baby's head, neck and back to ensure their posture.
The Cybex Aviounaut Pixel Pro is another good option. It also has an swivel base that is 360 degrees and an exclusive G Cell system that offers protection against side impacts. It's more expensive compared to other seats, but it gives superior protection and a great value. Jasper found it to be comfortable on long journeys and it looks better than the other seats we looked at as well.
Group 3
A group 3 infant car seat is a three-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 minimum 9kg) and can then be turned around to face forwards - they can be used in this manner until they reach their limit of 36kg.
These seats are generally very comfortable, and offer good head and neck support. Many of them also come with washable and removable padding for infants, which ensures that they remain germ-free. One of the best models we have tested is Nuna PIPA aire Rx comes with two inserts – one made of sustainable materials and the other from GOTS certified organic cotton – to ensure that your baby feels extra cozy.
In addition to having impressive crash test results, this model has a very easy to use design, which includes the ability to recline with one hand and a minimum of 12 headrest positions. It is also easy to install with ISOFIX and has a handy indicator that changes color when it's secured.
We wouldn't recommend changing groups fast, since children in the lower limit can be more susceptible to injury during crashes. It's best to keep your current seat until your child reaches their new limit. There are still some excellent alternatives in this category. We recommend the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 which will last your child until the 12th birthday of their child.
Another option is Cozy N Safe Arthur, which can take your baby from the time they were born to the four-year-old booster stage. It's not as costly as the top-rated Silver Cross, and features a good range of safety and comfort features, such as the ability to recline with one hand and no less than 13 headrest positions.
Group 4
The infant car seat is the latest addition to our list of the best baby car seats. It has a slightly larger age range than previous groups and is aimed at children up to six years older. It can either be used as a booster seat or in a rear-facing position. This seat was highly praised for its versatility and for the fact that it can be used without the need for a base. It's perfect for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives, or trips in grandparent's or rental vehicles. It comes with built-in ISOFIX connectors that connect to the vehicle's base with a satisfying clunk. It also has a variety of features that make it suitable for newborns, including the brand's hugging-style inlay, the revolutionary ClimaFlow ventilation system, and G-CELL side impact technology that helps ensure your child's safety as he grows.
Our team of testers looked over several different car seats for group 4 to determine the most suitable options for you and your family. We rated each one by its ease of use, quality of materials and comfort for your child. We also considered the safety of each seat, taking into account whether it was iSize-approved and its performance in crash tests. We looked at the safety ratings of independent safety experts. For instance, the Swedish Plus test which examines the performance of a car seat during crashes with low speeds and short brake distances.
We also examined the value of each item, as it is something that a lot of parents consider crucial. Our top-rated car seats for infants are affordable in cost, simple to install and include useful extras such as sleeping bags that can be removed and a reversible cover.