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

Selecting the best car seat for your baby is a key parenting purchase. It's important to know the difference between car seats for children and infant car seats.

Usually Group 0+ or i-Size (R129) baby car seats, these rear facing infant car seat-facing ones are suitable from birth. They often go with a pram to form travel systems.

Group 0+

If you're a parent of a newborn or infant car seat, an infant car seat is an essential item to have. These seats are made specifically for infants to shield them from dangers on the road and head injuries. They accomplish this by keeping them in the position that is recommended for them. While all-stage car seats also provide protection for infants but they lack the added safety features offered by infant car seats.

Typically, a baby car seat is rear-facing and allows the baby to be in the seat until they're approximately 15 months old. A lot of these models come with a newborn insert to support smaller babies and keep them comfortable. The most reliable infant car seats include recline recommendations to safeguard the child's brain during the journey.

All infant car seats cheap car seats have to be approved under the iSize standard and must comply with European safety standards. The i-Size standard is more advanced than R44/04, so cars that have been approved to this standard are more likely to pass higher-quality side-impact crash tests, which is crucial for newborns and infants. The i-Size seats also use the more sophisticated Q-series crash-test dummies to provide even greater protection for infants.

Anyone who decides to purchase an infant car seat must consider how often they'll need to move it between vehicles. If you are a frequent user of taxis and car sharing services frequently you should look for a seat with a unique design, like the Nuna PIPA Urbn. This makes it possible for the seat to be installed within seconds. This allows the seat to be easily moved between cars which makes it ideal for parents who frequently need to make multiple journeys.

ADAC has given the Silver Cross Dream i-Size an outstanding safety rating, which means that it offers excellent protection for infants. In addition, it has an ISOFIX base that is built-in and an EPS energy absorbing foam.

Group 1

The Cosatto All in One, as with other infant car seats, is designed to be used from birth until your child turns 12 years old old (or 36kg). Like Group 0+ seats, it can rotate so it is easy to put the baby in and out, be positioned using ISOFIX or a cars seatbelt that has the top rated infant car seats tether, and is rear-facing. It is also easy to clean, which is beneficial for spills and stains.

It's important to remember that your baby can outgrow an infant car seat quite quickly - many parents find they have to replace the seat by nine months, or earlier. Most manufacturers recommend switching seats when your child's head is within a single inch of the top edge of the seat.

In order to be sold car seats, they must meet certain European safety standards. This includes rigorous tests in crash simulations and the use of certain kinds of materials to protect your child from injuries sustained by side impacts. There are two standards currently in force currently - ECE R44, and R129 (known as i-Size) which is more strict and considers both height and weight when determining the classification of car seats for children.

Our experience has shown that seats that are approved to the R129 standard, also known as i-Size, tends to be safer and easier to install. They also allow your child seated rearwards for a longer time. The only drawback to these seats is that they cannot be used with an airbag for the front-passenger which might not be suitable for certain families. It's important to speak with the manufacturer prior to purchasing if you're worried. They should be able provide you with the most up-to-date information and guidance on your particular situation.

Group 2

A car seat for group 2 is designed for infants that are sufficient to be upgraded from a Group 0+ but not yet old enough for a Group 1 convertible car seat. It's not as widely used as the all-in-one ones however it's something to keep in mind if you're considering the best car seat for your baby from birth up to about four years old. old.

It is important that the car seat you select is compliant with European safety standards. You can look for the E-mark to confirm that the seat is in compliance with ECE R44/04 or iSize (which is designed to replace the previous regulation). This will allow you determine if the seat will protect your child in the event of a crash. Seats that are approved by i-Size are also easier to fit, have better protection from side impact and will keep your baby 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 results and one of the most simple installation methods thanks to its rigid LATCH connectors that change color when properly connected. It also comes with a swivel-base which reduces the movement of the vehicle, and an inlay that hug the baby's neck, head, and back to support the proper posture.

Another option is the Cybex Aviounaut Pixel Pro, that also has an swivel base that can rotate 360 degrees and has a unique GELL system that maintains the seat's protection in case of side impacts. It's more expensive compared to other seats, but it provides great protection and is a good value. Jasper found the seat to be comfortable for long trips and it is more attractive than the other seats we tested.

Group 3

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

They are generally comfortable and provide excellent head and neck support. Many of them come with removable and machine washable padding for newborns to help keep them clean. One of the best models we tested is the Nuna PIPA aire Rx comes with two inserts - one made from sustainably-sourced materials, and the other made from organic cotton certified by GOTS to ensure your baby is super cozy.

Along with having impressive crash test results, this model comes with an extremely user-friendly design, with a single-handed recline setting and a minimum of 12 headrest positions. It is also easy to install with ISOFIX and has a convenient color change indicator to show when it's secure.

We wouldn't suggest swapping groups too soon as children at the lower limits of each group may be more vulnerable to injury in a crash so it's worth hanging on to your old seat until your child hits their new limit. There are plenty of great alternatives for this group. We recommend the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 which will last until their 12th birthday.

Cozy N Safe Arthur is another great option. It will take your child from the infant stage to the booster stage at four years old. It's not as expensive the most rated Silver Cross and has a variety of options for comfort and safety such as a one-handed recline option and as many as 13 headrest positions.

Group 4

The infant car seat is the latest addition to our list of best baby car seats. It has a slightly higher age range than previous groups and is designed for children up to six years old. It can be used 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 any base, making it ideal for taxi rides, fly-drive trips or trips in hire cars or grandparent's vehicles. The ISOFIX connectors are integrated into the seat and snap into the position with the click of a button that is satisfying. It comes with a variety of features that make it ideal for infants. This 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 reviewed several different group 4 car seats to determine the best option for you and your family. We rated each model in terms of its user-friendliness and the quality of the materials used as well as comfort for your child. We also assessed the safety of each seat, focusing on whether it was iSize-approved and how it performed in crash tests. We took into account the safety ratings given by independent safety experts, including the Swedish Plus test, which looks at the performance of a car seat in both high-speed collisions and short braking distances.

We also examined the worth of each product because it is a factor that a lot of parents consider important. Our top-rated car seats for infants are at a low cost, easy to install and include useful extras like a sleeping bag that can be removed and a reversible cover.