Choosing the Best Car Seat For Newborn UK
A quality seat is an investment that can last a lifetime. Find a seat that can carry your child all the way to a high-back, safe booster seat that is suitable for lower centile children.
The Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 is a great choice. It offers a satisfying click on its base and was awarded the ADAC's Top Car Seat Rating for the year 2019. It is also compatible in conjunction with an integrated travel system.
I-Size has been approved
If you're looking for an all-new car seat or upgrading one you already have, the most recent I-Size infant seats are more secure than ever. These rear-facing models comply with the highest safety standards and are designed to protect babies from the most serious accidents. They also come with side impact testing, which can reduce the chance of head and neck injuries for infants.
The baby car seats can be used by infants and newborns up to 12 months or 13kg. These car seats can be used on their own or in conjunction with a buggy to form an entire travel system. They are an excellent choice for long drives and provide an easy lie-flat position to ensure your baby is secure.
There are a variety of i-Size baby car seat models available at different prices. The most expensive models have additional features, for example, a rotating function that allows parents to rotate the seat so that their child is facing them as they are securing them. Other features include an integrated booster seat, extra padding, and a washable infant insert with sizing information.
A majority of the i-Size certified baby car seats come with ISOFIX which affixes the seat directly to the car chassis. This provides greater stability and increases the likelihood that the seat will be fitted correctly. This is essential for infants, as they are more vulnerable to injury in a crash than older children and adults.
The most i-Size-approved baby car seat is the Joie Calmi. This modern-day version of the traditional carrycot is positioned in the back seat and allows your baby to lie down flat and is great for breathing and sleeping. The reason it isn't as popular is that it is only used from birth up to 18 months and must be combined as part of a Joie travel system.
Another good option is the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 which was named the 2021 Mother&Baby Gold winner in our Group 0/0+ car seat category. It features five recline positions that permit young infants to lie flat, and older children to sit upright. It also features comprehensive fitting instructions, including the QR code that allows access to video demonstrations and voiceovers on the Silver Cross app.
More secure in the event of an accident
Car seats are essential for your baby's safety, but not all seats are created equal. Selecting an approved i-Size seat is the best choice for your child because they are more protected in the event of a crash. The i-Size car seats have been tested to a higher standard, including using advanced Q-series test dummies. They also provide better protection for neck and head than the standard ECE R44/04 model.
Many parents opt to invest in a multi-stage car seat designed for newborns which means that they don't need to purchase another car seat until their child becomes a teenager. These seats are designed to expand as your child grows. They can be used as a carrycot fully flat, a toddler's seat and then a high-back booster. A lot of them can be used in conjunction with a pram as part of a car seat and pushchair travel system.
The i-Snug 2, which has its three-layers security in the wings on the sides, is a great option for babies. It has an innovative padded baby pillow which keeps your baby safe and secure. It is also equipped with a special iSnug2 infant belt lock, which stops the belt from falling loose in the event of a crash.
The Joie Calmi is another good option. It was given Gold in the 2024 Mother&Baby Awards for the best Baby/Toddler Car Seat (Stage 1/2). This seat and base combo clicks onto Isofix mountings, making it easy to put in. The base is stable and comes with an indicator that turns green when it's secure. The seat is heavier than other seats but it's a great side-impact test and a wide range of height and weigh adjustment settings.
The seat comes with some drawbacks. It doesn't rotate 360 degrees, which makes it difficult to maneuver your child in and out of the car. It is also more expensive than other alternatives.
The ILevel is a multi-stage car seat that can be set rear-facing to ensure the safety of young children. It comes with five-point harnesses that can be changed to forward-facing once your baby is large enough. It also has a reclining seat and a 10-position headrest with expanding side wings for added security.
Easy to install
A car seat is one of the most important purchases a new parent will make. It is crucial to choose a car seat that is simple to install and is secure in the car. Choose a car seat that is compatible with your car's Isofix points. These anchor points are designed to make attaching seats for children easier and safer. It's also a good idea that you look for an item that has clear instructions, and has a website with a video tutorial on how to install the seat.
The maxicosi cabriofix is great option for those who travel frequently due to its integrated ISOFIX connectors that can be used without a base in taxis and hire cars. Its lightweight design makes it an ideal choice for parents who regularly switch between vehicles and drive with their family members. It also scored highly on the Which? tests of user-friendliness and comfort, with test participants finding it easy to rotate and recline the seat.
Another fantastic characteristic of the maxicosi cabriofix is the adjustable headrest which can be moved to accommodate the growing height of your child. It also has five recline positions which allows you to choose the ideal position for your child's comfort. It also has an extension bar that can reach up to 26cm at foot of seat, which is great for older children.
Remember that your baby can only spend two hours per day in the car. This is because prolonged upright sitting can restrict airflow, and cause strain on your child’s spine. If your child is looking uncomfortable, it could be time to take them from the car seat.
Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 is a fantastic choice for parents who need an automobile seat that grows with their child. It is suitable for newborns, infants and children up to 12 years old. It features a large rearward-facing seat and an integrated 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 all Maxi-Cosi pram frames.
Affordability
Parents of newborns should think about purchasing a high-quality car seat for their newborn in the United Kingdom. It should be secure, easy to install and comfortable for the baby. It must be affordable. It is crucial to think about the budget before selecting the right car seat. There are many affordable car seats on the market, though some are more expensive. The price of a kid's car seat can vary depending on the model and brand. The weight and size of the car seat can also affect the price. A car seat that is lightweight will be cheaper than a larger one.
Sarah is an MFM reviewer, believes the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 car seat is the most stylish and practical newborn car seats on the market. It comes with a cushion that the baby can lay on to get the best seat position. The foam insert can be removed as they grow older. The design is endorsed by the German Association for a Healthy Back and is available in four colors with high-end finishing touches. It is only compatible with certain Silver Cross pushchairs.
Another option is the Nuna PIPA urbn that was awarded gold for its innovation at the Mother&Baby awards 2024. It is easy to install and has an uncluttered, baseless design. It has ISOFIX connectors built-in that click into place with a satisfying clunk. It's a great option for parents with busy schedules who want to avoid the stress of switching car seats between.
The Maxi-Cosi Jade, a newborn car-seat that can also function as a carrycot, is an excellent alternative for parents who are looking for a car seat for their baby. It is the first infant iSize car seat that complies with R129 safety standards. It's an excellent choice for parents who care about the environment and the financial cost. It is easy-to-install and can be affixed to the majority of Maxi Cosi pram frames. It also has an adjustable handle that allows the car seat to be swiveled to ensure the best comfort.