20 Myths About Infant Car Seats Uk: Busted
rotating infant car seat Car Seats - Which One is Right For Your Baby?
The best car seats for infants car seat is a crucial purchase for parents. It is important to understand the difference between child car seats and infant car seats.
These rear facing infant car seat-facing seats, which are usually Group 0+ or R129 (i-Size) baby car seats for infants, are suitable from the time of birth. They often combine with a pram in travel systems.
Group 0+
If you're a parent of a newborn or infant car seat, it is a must-have. These seats are designed to shield children from the dangers of the road, including head injuries, by ensuring that they remain in the correct position. All-stage car seats are also able to protect infants, but they do not have the safety features that are standard in infant car seats.
Car seats for infants are typically rear-facing, and allow the baby to use the seat until the age of 15 months. A lot of these models come with a newborn insert to support infants and ensure they are in a comfortable position. Good infant car seats offer recline suggestions to protect the child's mind during the journey.
All cheap infant car seats 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, so cars that have been approved to this standard tend to have higher-quality side-impact crash tests, which is essential for newborns and infants. Additionally, iSize seats utilize more sophisticated Q-series crash test dummies, which gives even greater safety protection for infants and toddlers.
Anyone who decides to purchase an infant car seat should be aware of how often they'll have to transfer it between vehicles. People who frequently use taxis or car sharing services should search for a model with an exclusive baseless design, like the Nuna PIPA Urbn, that allows the seat to be set up in seconds. This allows the seat to be quickly moved between cars which makes it ideal for parents who frequently have to take multiple trips.
The Silver Cross Dream i-Size has been awarded an outstanding safety rating by ADAC which means it offers excellent protection for infants and babies. It also comes with an ISOFIX base that is built-in and EPS energy-absorbing foam.
Group 1
The Cosatto All in One, as with other infant car seats is designed to be used from birth and until your child is 12 years old (or 36kg). It is able to rotate in order to take your baby inside and out. It can be put in using ISOFIX or a car seatbelt that has top tether. It is also easy to clean, which is helpful for any spills or stains.
It's important to remember that your baby can outgrow an infant car seat very quickly. Many parents find they have to replace the seat within nine months, or earlier. Most manufacturers suggest moving on to a different seat when your child's head is within an inch of the top of the car seats newborn seat.
To be marketed, a car seat must meet certain European safety standards. This includes testing rigorously in accident simulations, and the use specific types of materials to guard 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 consideration the weight and height when determining the classification of car seats for children.
Our experience has proven that seats that meet the R129 standard, also referred to as iSize, tend to be safer and simpler 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 certain families. However, it's important to consult with the manufacturer in case you have any questions prior to buying. They should be able to provide you with the most current information and advice specific to your situation.
Group 2
A group 2 car seat is designed for infants that are sufficient to be upgraded from a Group 0+, but not yet old enough to be able to use a Group 1 convertible car seat. It's not as popular as the all-in-1 models, but it's worth keeping in mind if you're considering a seat that takes your child from birth up to around four years older.
It is crucial that the car seat you select meets European safety standards. Look for the E mark to ensure that the seat meets ECE R44/04, or i-Size (which will eventually replace the old regulation) to ensure that you're getting a seat that protects your child from harm in the event of a collision. Seats that have the i-Size certification are simpler to install, offer better protection against side impacts and can keep your child rear-facing longer.
Designed for newborns up to around 15 months, the Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro is a top choice with outstanding crash test results and one of the simplest installations thanks to its rigid LATCH connectors which change colour when correctly connected. It also has a convenient swivel base that helps reduce the movement of your car and a hugging-style inlay for the baby's neck, head and back to support their posture.
The Cybex Aviounaut Pixel Pro is another good option. It also has a 360-degree base swivel and a unique G Cell system that offers protection in the event of side impacts. It's more expensive compared to other seats, but it offers superior protection and a great value. Jasper found the seat comfortable for long journeys, and it also looks nicer than other seats we've tried.
Group 3
A group 3 infant car seat is a three-in-one seat that will serve your child right from birth until the booster stage. These seats start off rearward-facing (some until your child is at minimum 9kg) and can then be turned around to face forwards - they can be used in this manner until they reach the limit of 36kg.
These seats are typically very comfortable and provide excellent neck and head support. Many come with removable and machine washable padding for newborns to help keep them clean. One of the best models that we tested, Nuna PIPA aire Rx includes two inserts, one made of sustainable materials and the other made of GOTS certified organic cotton – to ensure your baby feels super cozy.
This model not only has impressive crash test results but it also has a user-friendly design. It has one-handed reclining and 12 different headrest positions. It's also easy to install with ISOFIX and has an excellent indicator that changes colour for when you've got it secured.
We wouldn't recommend swapping groups too soon as children in the lower limits of each group may be more susceptible to injury in a crash therefore it's best to hold on to the seat you've always had until your child is at their new limit. There are a few excellent alternatives in this category. We recommend the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 which will last until the 12th birthday of their child.
Another option is Cozy N Safe Arthur, that will take your child from newborn right up to the four-year-old booster stage. It's not as expensive as the most rated Silver Cross and has a range of comfort and safety options, including a one handed recline setting and as many as 13 headrest positions.
Group 4
The infant seat in the group 4 is the newest addition to our collection. It is designed for kids from ages 0 to 6. It can either be used as a booster seat or in the rear-facing position. We highly rated this seat for its versatility and the fact that it can be used without any base, making it perfect for taxi rides, fly-drive trips or trips in rental cars or grandparents' vehicles. The ISOFIX connectors are built into the seat and can be inserted into place with an enthralling click. It also has a variety of features that make it perfect for infants, such as the brand's hugging-style inlay, an innovative ClimaFlow ventilation system and G-CELL side impact technology to keep your child safe as he grows.
Our team of testers has reviewed several car seats for children to help you find the most suitable option for you and your family. We rated each model based on its ease-of-use as well as the quality of materials used and comfort for your child. We also looked at the safety of each seat, considering whether it was iSize-approved and how it performed in crash tests. We also considered the safety ratings offered by independent safety experts, like the Swedish Plus test, which evaluates the safety of a car seat's performance both high-speed collisions and short braking distances.
We also looked at the value of each model, as this is a major factor for parents of all ages. Our top-rated car seats for infants are low cost, easy to install and come with useful features like sleeping bags that can be removed, as well as an reversible cover.
