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

The right car seat for your newborn is a crucial purchase for parents. With a myriad of car seats for children and baby car seats to choose from, it's important to be informed.

These rear-facing seats, which are generally Group 0+ or R129 (i-Size) baby car seats for babies are suitable from the time of birth. They are often combined with a pram to create travel systems.

Group 0+

A car seat for your newborn or infant is a must. These seats are made specifically for infants to shield them from road hazards and head injuries. They ensure that they are in the position that is recommended for them. All-stage car seats are also able to protect babies, but they lack the additional safety features of infant car seats.

The typical infant car seat is rear-facing, and allows the baby to be in the seat until they're approximately 15 months old. Many of these models also include a baby insert that can be used to support babies of smaller sizes and ensures they are comfortable. Good infant car seats have recline guidelines to protect the child's brain during the ride.

All infant car seats have to be approved according to the iSize standard, and must meet European safety standards. The i-Size standard is more advanced than R44/04, therefore cars that are approved to this standard are more likely to pass higher-quality side-impact crash tests, which is essential for infants and newborns. Additionally, iSize seats utilize more sophisticated Q-series crash test dummies, which gives even greater safety protection for toddlers and infants.

When buying an infant car seat, buyers should be aware of how often they'll have to transfer it from one vehicle to another. People who frequently use taxis or car sharing services should search for a model with distinctive baseless design, such as the Nuna PIPA Urbn, that allows the seat to be put in place in a matter of seconds. This allows the seat to be quickly moved between cars. It is perfect for parents who have to take frequent trips.

The Silver Cross Dream i-Size has been awarded a top safety rating by ADAC which means it provides excellent protection for infants and babies. It also has an ISOFIX base integrated and EPS energy-absorbing foam.

Group 1

The Cosatto All in One, as with other infant car seat that swivels car seats is designed to be used from birth until your child turns 12 years old old (or 36kg). Similar to Group 0+ seats, it rotates so it's easy to get the baby in and out, fit using ISOFIX or a car seatbelt with the top tether, and is rear-facing. It's also easy to clean, which helps with any spills or stains.

Be aware that your child could outgrow their car seat quickly. Many parents must replace their seats within nine months or even soo will safeguard your child well in the event of a crash. Seats that are approved by i-Size are also more streamlined to fit, have better protection from side impacts and can keep your baby rear-facing for longer.

For babies up to approximately 15 months old and up to about 15 months, the Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro is a top option with impressive crash test sensor results. It is one of the most simple installation methods thanks to its LATCH connectors that change color when correctly connected. It also has a handy swivel base that helps reduce movement in the car and a hugging-style inlay for the baby's head, neck and back to ensure their correct posture.

The Cybex Aviounaut Pixel Pro is another option. It also has a 360-degree base swivel and an exclusive G Cell system that offers protection in the event of side-impacts. It's a bit more expensive than the other seats, but it offers a great value and superior protection. Jasper found the seat to be comfortable for long trips, and it also is more attractive than the other seats we've tried.

Group 3

A group 3 infant seat is a 3-in-1 car seat that can be used from birth until booster stage. These seats start off rearward-facing (some until your child weighs at least 9kg) and can later be turned around to face forwards. They can be used in this way until they reach their limit of 36kg.

They are generally comfortable and offer good head and neck support. A lot of them come with washable and removable padding for babies, making sure that they are free of germs. One of the top models we've tested was the Nuna PIPA aire Rx, even has two inserts - one made from sustainably-sourced materials, and the other made from organic cotton that is GOTS-certified to keep your baby feeling more snug.

Along with having impressive crash test results, this model comes with an extremely user-friendly design, with the ability to recline with one hand and a minimum of 12 headrest positions. It's also simple to install using ISOFIX and has an excellent indicator that changes colour for when you've got it secure.

We wouldn't recommend swapping groups too soon as children at the lower limits of each group may be more vulnerable to injury in a crash, therefore it's best to hold 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 that will last until their 12th birthday.

Cozy N Safe Arthur is another excellent option. It can help your child transition from the newborn stage to the booster stage at four years old. It's not as expensive the top-rated Silver Cross and has a range of comfort and safety options 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 the most effective baby car seats. It is designed for children aged up to six. It can be used as a booster or in the rearward-facing position. We highly rated this seat for its versatility and the possibility of it being used without a base, making it ideal for taxi rides, fly-drive trips or trips in hire cars or grandparent's vehicles. The ISOFIX connectors are built into the seat and can be inserted into the position with a satisfying click. It also has a range of features that make it perfect for infants, such as the brand's hugging-style inlay a revolutionary ClimaFlow ventilation system, and G-CELL side impact technology that helps keep your child safe as he grows.

Our team of testers have reviewed various group 4 car seats to help you find the best car seats for infants option for you and your family members. We evaluated each model based on its user-friendliness as well as the quality of its materials, and how comfortable the seat is for your child to sit in. We also assessed the safety of each seat, focusing on whether it was iSize-approved and how it performed in crash tests. We considered the safety ratings provided by independent safety experts, including the Swedish Plus test, which examines the performance of a car seat in both high-speed collisions and short braking distances.

We also considered the value of each model, as this is a major aspect for parents. Our top-rated car seats for infants are affordable in cost, easy to put in and come with useful accessories like a sleeping bag that can be removed and a reversible cover.