Infant Car Seats - Which One is Right For Your Baby?
 The right car seat is an important parenting purchase. With a myriad of child car seats and baby car seats to pick from, it's essential to be well-informed.
Usually Group 0+ or i-Size (R129) baby car seats, these rear-facing seats are suitable from the time of birth. They are often combined with a pram to form travel systems.
Group 0+
A car seat for your infant or newborn is a necessity. These seats are designed to protect children from the dangers of driving, including head injuries, by ensuring that they remain in the recommended position. All-stage car seats are also able to protect infants, however they lack the additional safety features of infant car seats.
Infant car seats are usually rear-facing, and allow the child to ride in the seat up to 15 months old. Many of these models come with infant inserts to help small babies and ensure they are comfortable. The most reliable infant car seats include recline recommendations to protect the child's brain during the ride.
All infant car seats have to be approved in accordance with the iSize standard and must meet European safety standards. The I-Size standard is more advanced than the R44/04 standard. This means that cars that are approved under this regulation are more likely to be more secure in side impact crash tests. This is essential for infants and newborns. 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 should be aware of how often they'll have to move it between vehicles. Those who frequently use taxis or car sharing services should look for a model with a unique baseless design, like the Nuna PIPA Urbn, that allows the seat to be installed within a matter of minutes. This allows the seat to be easily moved between cars which makes it ideal for parents who frequently need to make multiple journeys.
The Silver Cross Dream i-Size has been awarded a top rated baby car seats safety rating by ADAC, meaning that it offers extremely good protection for infants and babies. In addition, it has a built-in ISOFIX base and an 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). Like the Group 0+ seats, it can rotate so it's easy to get the baby in and out, be positioned using ISOFIX or a cars seatbelt that has the top tether, and is rear-facing. It is also easy to clean, which is beneficial for spills and stains.
Remember that your child can outgrow a car seat newborn insert seat very quickly. Many parents must replace their seat within nine months, or sooner. Most manufacturers recommend switching seats when your child's height is within a single inch of the top edge of the seat.
A car seat has to comply with specific European safety standards to be sold. This includes rigorous tests in crash simulations and the use of specific types of materials to safeguard your child from injuries sustained by side impacts. Two standards are in effect at present in force - ECE R44 and R129, known as i-Size. The latter is more stringent and takes into account the height and weight when grading car seats.
According to our experience, the seats that are approved 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 time. The only downside is that they aren't used with a front passenger airbag which might not be suitable for some families. However, it's important to speak with the manufacturer for any questions prior to buying. They should be able give you the most current information and suggestions for your specific situation.
Group 2
A car seat for group 2 is designed for infants that are large enough to be upgraded from a Group 0+, but not yet old enough to be able to use a convertible Group 1 seat. It's not as popular as all-in-one seats, but is worth considering when you're looking for an appropriate car seat for your baby from birth until around four years of age.
As with all car seats, it's important that your chosen seat is compliant with 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 designed to replace the previous regulation). This will help you ensure that the seat will be safe for your child from injury in a crash. Seats with the i-Size certification are easier to install, and provide better protection against side-impacts and can keep your child rear-facing longer.
For babies up to around 15 months, the Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro is a top choice with impressive crash test results and one of the simplest installation methods thanks to its rigid LATCH connectors that change color when properly connected. It also comes with a base that swivels to help reduce movement in the car and a hugging-style inlay for the baby's head, neck and back to help maintain their posture.
Another good alternative is the Cybex Aviounaut Pixel Pro, that has the 360-degree swivel base, and a unique G-CELL system that provides protection in side impacts. It's a bit more expensive than some of the other seats, but it offers good value and excellent protection. Jasper found the seat comfortable for long trips and it also appears more stylish than the other seats we've tested.
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 minimum 9kg) and can later be turned around to face forwards. They can be used in this manner until they reach their maximum weight of 36kg.
They are generally comfortable, and offer good head and neck support. Many come with removable and machine washable padding for newborns to keep them germ-free. One of the top models we have tested, the Nuna PIPA Air Rx, even comes with two inserts, one made of sustainably-sourced materials, and the second made of GOTS-certified organic cotton, to keep your baby more snug.
The model has impressive crash test results, but also a very user-friendly design. It has a single-handed reclining setting and 12 different headrest positions. It's also easy to install using ISOFIX and comes with a handy color change indicator to show when it's secure.
We do not recommend changing seats too quickly, as children who are in the lower limits are more prone to injury in crashes. It is better to stay in your current seat until your child reaches their new limit. That said, there are some great alternatives in this group - we especially like the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 that will see your child through to the age of 12, so is a great choice for long-term use.
Cozy N Safe Arthur is another excellent option. It can allow your child to go from the newborn stage to the booster stage when they are four years old. It's not as costly as the most rated Silver Cross and has a variety of safety and comfort options that include a single recline setting as well as 13 headrest positions.
Group 4
The infant Car seats uk seat in the group 4 is the latest addition to our collection. It has a slightly larger age range than the previous groups and is designed for children ranging from 6 to 6 years old. of age. It can be used as a booster or in the rearward-facing position. This seat was highly rated for its versatility and also because it is able to be used without having a base. It is ideal for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives or trips in grandparents' or rental car vehicles. The ISOFIX connectors are built into the seat and can be inserted into the position with the click of a button that is satisfying. It is equipped with numerous features that make it perfect for babies. This includes the brand's hugging design, the revolutionary ClimaFlow ventilating system, and G-CELL technology for side impact protection to ensure your child's safety as they grow.
Our team of testers looked at a number of different group 4 car seats to determine the most suitable options for you and your family. We assessed each model on its ease of use as well as the quality of its materials and how comfortable the seat is for your baby to sit in. We also looked at the safety of each car seat, including whether it was iSize-approved and how it performed in crash tests. We looked at the safety ratings given by independent safety experts. For instance, the Swedish Plus test which examines the performance of a car seat during crashes with low speeds as well as short braking distances.
 We also analyzed the worth of each model, since this is an important aspect for parents. Our top-rated infant car seats have an affordable price, are easy to fit and come with useful extras such as a sleeping bag that can be removed and a reversible covers.
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