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

The right car seat for your infant is a crucial purchase for parents. With a myriad of child car seats and baby car seats to select from, it's essential to be fully clued up.

Usually Group 0+ or i-Size (R129) lightweight baby car seat car seats by age seats, these rear-facing seats are suitable from the time of birth. These seats are often paired with strollers 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 designed for infants to guard them from road hazards, including head injuries. They do this by keeping them in the recommended position. All-stage car seats are capable of protecting infants, however they lack the additional safety features of infant car seats.

Infant car seats are usually rear-facing, and allow the baby to use the seat up until the age of 15 months. A lot of these models include a newborn insert that can be used to support babies of smaller sizes and allows them to remain at ease. Reputable infant car seat for travel car seats also have recline guidelines to protect the child's brain during the ride.

All infant car seats should 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, which means that cars approved to this regulation are more likely to pass better side-impact crash tests, which is essential for infants and newborns. The iSize seats also utilize the more advanced Q-series crash test dummies to offer even more protection for infants.

Anyone who decides to purchase an infant car seat should consider how often they'll need to transfer it between cars. Those who frequently use taxis or car sharing services should look for a seat with an exclusive baseless design, like the Nuna PIPA Urbn, that allows the seat to be set up within a matter of minutes. This allows the seat to be quickly changed between different vehicles which makes it ideal for parents who regularly need to make multiple journeys.

ADAC has awarded the Silver Cross Dream i-Size an excellent safety rating, which means that it is a great protection for infants. It also comes with an ISOFIX base integrated and EPS energy-absorbing foam.

Group 1

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

It's important to keep in mind that your child 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 top is within a single inch of the edge of the seat's top.

To be marketed car seats, they must meet certain European safety standards. This includes rigorous testing in accident simulations, and the use of specific materials to safeguard your child from side-impact injuries. There are two standards currently in force in force - ECE R44, and R129 (known as i-Size) which is more strict and takes into account both weight and height when determining the appropriateness of car seats for children.

Our experience has proven that seats that are approved to the R129 standard, also referred to as i-Size, tend to be safer and easier to install. They can also keep your child facing rearwards for a longer time. The only drawback to these seats is that they can't be used with an airbag for the front-passenger which might not work for some families. It is important to get in touch with the manufacturer prior purchasing if you're worried. They should be able to provide you with the latest information and guidance specific to your situation.

Group 2

A car seat for group 2 is designed for infants that are sufficient to be upgraded from a Group 0+, but are not yet old enough for a convertible Group 1 car seat. It's not as common as all-in-one seats, but is worth considering if you're looking for a seat to take your baby from birth until around four years of age.

As with all car seats, it's essential that the seat you choose meets European safety standards. Look for the E mark to see that it is compliant with ECE R44/04, also known as i-Size (which will eventually replace the old regulations) to ensure that you're purchasing a seat that will protect your child well in the event of a crash. Seats that have i-Size approval are also easier to install, have better protection from side impact and can keep your baby facing rear for longer.

For babies up to around 15 months and up, the Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro is a top choice with outstanding crash test results and one of the most simple installation methods thanks to its LATCH connectors that change color when correctly connected. It also has a swivel base that reduces movement in the vehicle and an inlay that hug the baby’s head, neck, and back to support the proper posture.

The Cybex Aviounaut Pixel Pro is another good option. It also features an swivel base that is 360 degrees and a unique G Cell system that provides protection against side-impacts. It's a little more expensive than some of the other seats, but it offers good value and excellent protection. Jasper found the seat to be comfortable for long drives and it appears more stylish than the other seats we tested.

Group 3

A group 3 infant seat is a 3-in-1 car seat that can be used from birth until the booster stage. These seats are designed to be rearward facing (some up until your child weighs at minimum 9kg), but can be turned around and used forward-facing until the weight limit of 36kg.

They are generally comfortable and provide good neck and head support. They are often equipped with removable and washable padding for infants, which ensures that they remain germ-free. One of the top models that we tested, Nuna PIPA air Rx has two inserts – one made of eco-friendly materials and the other made from GOTS certified organic cotton to ensure that your baby is extra cozy.

In addition to having impressive crash test results, this model also has a very easy to use design, including a single-handed recline setting and no less than 12 headrest positions. It's also very easy to set up with ISOFIX and has an excellent indicator that changes colour to let you know when it's secure.

We do not recommend changing seats fast, since children who are in the lower limits can be more susceptible to injury in an accident. It's best car seat infant to keep your old seat until your child reaches their new limit. There are some very good alternatives in this category - we especially like the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 that will keep your child safe until their 12th birthday, so is an excellent choice for long-term usage.

Another option is Cozy N Safe Arthur, that will take your child from newborn right up to their four-year-old booster stage. It's not as expensive as the top-rated Silver Cross, and features a good range of safety and comfort features, like a one-handed recline setting and more than 13 headrest positions.

Group 4

The infant seat in the group 4 is the newest addition to our collection. It has a slightly higher age range than the previous ones and is targeted at children ranging from 6 to 6 years old. old. It can be used as a booster or in a rearward-facing position. We highly rated this seat for its versatility and the possibility of being used without having a base, which makes it ideal for taxi rides, fly-drive holidays or trips in hire vehicles or the vehicles of grandparents. It comes with built-in ISOFIX connectors that connect to the vehicle's base with a satisfying clunk. It is equipped with numerous features that make this car seat ideal for infants. It includes the brand's hugging inlay an innovative ClimaFlow ventilating system, and G-CELL technology to ensure that your child is safe as they grow.

Our team of testers has reviewed a variety of car seats for children to help you find the most suitable one for you and your family members. We evaluated each model based on its ease of use and 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, including whether it was i-Size approved and how well it performed in crash tests. We looked at the safety ratings provided by independent safety experts. For instance the Swedish Plus test which examines the performance of a car's seat in crashes with low speeds as well as short brake distances.

We also considered the value of each model, as this is a major aspect for parents. Our top-rated Infant Car Seats uk car seats come at a 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.