There is a huge number of car seats on the market so it can be difficult to decide which is the right one for you and your baby. With a range of features to choose from, it can be tricky to make a decision. The most important factor, however, is safety. With that in mind, we’ll highlight 5 of the safest baby car seats available today. First, we’ll look at the questions you should be asking before you buy one. Because driving is an inherently dangerous activity, you should always do your own research before buying a baby car seat.
When should I buy a baby car seat?
You should buy a baby car seat before your baby is born as the process of browsing and buying one can be quite time-consuming. As not all car seats are compatible with all cars, you need to make sure you figure it out well in advance. Unless you live within walking distance of your hospital or delivery centre, you’ll need a car seat from the moment your baby is born.
What is an i-Size child car seat?
Any car seat you buy should meet the i-Size safety standard. This is a standard set by the EU which aims to make car seats safer and fit cars better. All of the baby car seats on our list meet this standard. If you buy one that isn’t, make sure it meets this safety standard. One of the i-Size requirements is to use ISOFIX connectors, which we’ll explain below. Your car must have ISOFIX connectors for you to be able to use an i-Size car seat so don’t forget to check if your car has them. You can do this by looking for the Isofix labels between the base and back of the car seats or by referring to the owner’s handbook for your vehicle.
Best cars to buy for child seats
Why do baby car seats have to be rear-facing?
All i-Size car seats are rear-facing until the child is 15 months old. In the event of a collision, this is the safest and most secure position for a baby to be in. All of the seats on our list of the best car seats for babies are rear-facing but some of them can be turned to face forwards after your baby is 15 months old.
Do I need a base for my baby’s car seat?
Some car seats have ISOFIX connectors built-in but others require a base. Some car seats can also be installed using only your car’s seat belt. Other than being safe, ISOFIX is extremely convenient, allowing for the click-and-go installation of your car seat.
Do baby car seats fit all cars?
When you’re a parent, keeping your child safe in the car is really important and it can be beneficial to think ahead. You should buy the car seat before your baby is born as the process of browsing and buying one can be quite time-consuming. As not all car seats are compatible with all cars, you need to make sure you figure it out well in advance. Unless you live within walking distance of your hospital or delivery centre, you’ll need a car seat from the moment your baby is born.
5 best baby car seats to buy:
- Cybex Cloud Z2 i-Size
- Nuna Arra i-Size Car Seat
- Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360
- Joie i-Spin 360
- BeSafe Stretch B
1. Cybex Cloud Z2 i-Size
The Cybex Cloud Z2 is one of the best car seats for newborns and is one of the most flexible car seats on the market. It has a recline function, a large sun canopy and a sleek design. One of the things we like the most is the ability to recline the Cloud Z2 into a full ie-flat position so you can leave your baby in the seat for longer. This baby seat can also then be placed in a semi-reclined position whilst driving so your baby can enjoy a snooze in peace but without compromising on safety.
Price: £249.95
2. Nuna Arra i-Size Car Seat
One of the lightest and best car seats for babies is the Nuna Arra i-Size car seat. The Arra is also a great car seat for flexibility and can lie at 157 degrees both in and out of the car. The car seat itself is sturdy and well-made and feels safe in your hands. It comes with an Isofix fitting and can double as a carrycot as well as a car seat, which is really handy for busy families. On the inside, there’s a removable body insert for newborns and three point adjustable harness.
Price: £240
3. Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360
The Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 is one of our best car seats for babies because of it’s the easiest to fit in your family car. The base can rotate which makes loading and unloading your precious cargo much easier and safer. The panels and fabric used are designed to help the airflow and prevent your baby from getting too hot. The exterior is also padded with an extra layer of impact technology which gives you added peace of mind when it comes to your baby’s safety if an accident was to occur.
Price: From £239.99
4. Joie i-Spin 360
The Joie i-Spin 360 is another baby car seat that provides full 360 movements. You can spin the car seat to face you, securely fasten your baby in and then spin the car seat back around to sit in a safe travelling position. What’s more, the car seat can be used in a rear-facing position and then easily change to forward-facing once they’re a little bigger. One key feature we like is the surround safety panel that automatically engages when the harness is tightened to help prevent the risk of injury to the head and neck in the event of a side impact on the vehicle.
Price: £340
5. BeSafe Stretch B
BeSafe Stretch B is the latest product from BeSafe and is one of the most impressive. The Stretch B can take you all the way from newborn to 7 years old which is massive longevity for a baby car seat. The BeSafe Stretch B has also been designed with some of the most up-to-date and forward-thinking safety features too including the magnetic belt assistants, soft newborn hugger and 10-step adjustable headrest. It is one of the more pricey baby car seats you can buy but we believe the design and features make it worth the money.
Price: From £539