The Best Car Seats For Newborns
A car seat that is suitable for newborns is a must-have. They are suitable from birth up to 13kg and can be coupled with a pushchair to create an entire travel system. They have a flat design that lets babies rest in the most optimal position.
By law, they need to be rear-facing until your child is nine months old or 135cm tall. We suggest choosing an i-Size (also known as R129) or an ECE R44-approved baby seat that is fitted with ISOFIX and offers side impact protection.
Maxi-Cosi Pebble Pro i-Size
If you're looking for an i-Size infant car seat that can keep your baby safe from birth until they're able to move to a booster seat, then this model from Silver Cross is definitely worth taking a close look. It's the only R129-approved car seats that can be used from birth and provides protection in a rear-facing seat up to seven years old, making it an investment that will last for the life of your child.
i-Size approval accounts for more than just front impact tests, but also side impact tests too, so it's always worth checking this with any vehicle you're considering purchasing. Other factors such as ease of installation and if it's appropriate for your vehicle are equally important, since any brilliant safety features won't work to their full potential if not properly installed.
The design of the Pebble Pro is sleek and elegant with soft fabric that's machine washable to make cleaning easy. The cushion for the seat is cushioned to provide comfort, and the liner that can be reversible can be used for your newborn. It's a ergonomic handle with a shaped grip that makes it comfortable to carry and lift.
As you can see in the images the base of this car seat can be connected directly to your vehicle using either the Isofix connectors or using the seat belt on your vehicle. However, it is recommended to make use of the FamilyFix i-Size base for easier installation and to ensure i-Size conformance. The base is also compatible with a variety of Maxi Cosi accessories like seat covers, footmuffs and sun shades to provide extra warmth or to protect your child from the sun.
Apart from the i-Size certification and the excellent crash test results, which ensure it gets top marks across all categories It is a well-designed car seat, with a host of other features worth considering. The compact fold takes up little space in the trunk, it includes five safety points, an ergonomic carry handle, and 10 headrest positions for your newborn with memory foam. The seat can also be inserted into the majority of pushchairs that are part of a travel set-up and can be used in conjunction with the brand's FamilyFix 360 base.
Silver Cross Dream iSize
Silver Cross Dream i-Size, one of the most recent products in the range of products offered by the company, is a luxurious option with an infant insert. This car seat is i-Size certified and gives your child maximum longevity from birth, rear facing up to 18kg and with a high level of side impact protection thanks to its unique Motion Safe system. The seat's rotating design makes it easier to get your baby out and in and out, while the built-in simple lock ISOFIX makes sure it's secure in its place.
For infants from birth to 12 months (to 85cm), this model has been designed with comfort in mind, with bamboo fabrics that are soft to the touch and Silver Cross premium branding. The infant insert will keep your baby snug in a safe and comfortable position. It comes with sections that are removable and can be adjusted to your baby's growth and a five-position headrest that will ensure a comfortable fit. The seat has been awarded the AGR 2022 certificate of acceptance which is a prestigious award for infant car seats - and is compatible with the Silver Cross prams and pushchairs to create a travel system (adapters are available separately).
Like the Nuna PIPA Urbn, the Dream i-Size is also baseless which means you can use it with the ISOFIX connectors or your car's seat belt. The unique ISOFIX installation system is easy to use and takes seconds to install. The seat is an excellent option for parents who frequently change cars, share a family car or take a trip with drivers and taxis.
It's worth noting that this seat is a bit more expensive than the maxicosi cabriofix, but it's one of our favorites as it looks great, features an easy-to-use 360 swivel base as well as an easy three-level recline feature and a removable baby inlay. It is also iSize approved, has an excellent crash-test rating, and is a top safety choice by Which? (they base their recommendations on safety, including the ease of installation and whether it's properly fitted). Remember that even the top of car seats can only offer maximum protection when properly installed.
Axkid One i-Size
The Axkid One i-Size ISOFIX seat is the only one we have tested that allows children to rear-face until they reach 23kg and 125cm. (roughly four years old). It has the highest maximum height for rear-facing of any seat we've tested. It's certainly a unique feature, and if you're looking to keep your child rear-facing as long as you can, it's a good idea to consider.
The seat itself is solid and sturdy. There's plenty of space for the head and torso of your child to expand comfortably. It's designed for comfort and comes with a one-handed reclining mechanism and 12 headrests, and soft belt padding. It's designed to last and can withstand the rigors of daily use. However the mechanism and button to loosen and tighten straps can be a bit fiddly. We're worried that it might become stuck or break over time.
It's also a light seat at just over 10kg so it's easy to get into and out of the car. It has a pocket to store small items on the back, and an integrated sun shade with Velcro strips. It can be attached to a compatible stroller with ease and is ideal if you need to take multiple trips.
The seat's base is Isofix compatible and snaps into place easily. The seat also comes with a support foot that is able to be adjusted by a small gray button on the back. It also comes with an indicator light so you know when it is secure. The seat slides onto the top, and it has an easy handle that can be used to lift it up and down your vehicle.
This seat has a wonderful feature that it can be moved forward and backwards along the base to adjust the legroom. This means you can alter the legroom as your child grows, so they can still comfortably sit on their feet, even if they're very tall. This is a fantastic feature and it's very effective as I discovered that with a little practice, it took me just 30 seconds to adjust the seat and make the legroom.
George at Asda
George at ASDA offers a wide selection of infant car seats, whether you're looking to purchase your first one or an additional one to use with your pushchair. This well-known supermarket chain is renowned for its low-cost clothes and homeware which is especially popular during Christmas and other shopping occasions.
Prices can differ widely for all parenting products. However, you can get an infant car seat starting at PS100 that doesn't need an base, all the way up to PS725 for a full infant carrier. If you plan to use the pushchair you already own purchasing an additional seat will save you money compared to buying a separate pram or travel system.
If you're buying car seats for your newborn, it's important to choose one that is in line with the most recent guidelines. The recline position is recommended to prevent infants from taking an unnatural or unsafe posture. The seat should also be equipped with removable padding that will keep the newborn in a comfortable and snug position.
Infants and newborns may outgrow their car seats very quickly therefore it is important to select a car seat that will grow with them. Many parents choose a car seat that falls in the group of 0+/1, group 1/2/3, or group 3/4 that can be adjusted to meet their child's size. This kind of car seat is suitable for children from birth to 12 years old.
Second-hand car seats aren't suitable for babies. It is best to purchase them if they've been professionally cleaned and inspected. Safety experts in the field of car seats Damon Marriott and Claire Waterhouse strongly recommend against purchasing an old car seat from relatives or friends, as it's difficult to determine its past. They recommend buying a used seat purchased from a reputable seller or eBay. Before buying infant car seats on sale is a good idea also to confirm the warranty. The warranty should cover all repairs or replacements. Warranty periods can vary from two to six year depending on the manufacturer. The longer the warranty is, the more favorable. The most comprehensive warranties include free replacement parts and repairs for the first 3 to 5 years.