infant car seat rear facing Car Seats - Which One is Right For Your Baby?

The right car seat is an essential parenting purchase. With a myriad of car seats for children and baby car seats to choose from, it's crucial to be well-informed.

Usually, Group 0+ or i-Size (R129) baby car seats, these rear-facing ones are suitable from the moment of birth. They often combine with a pram to form travel systems.

Group 0+

A car seat for your newborn baby or infant is a necessity. These seats are specifically designed for babies to protect them from road hazards such as head injuries. They ensure that they are in the recommended position. While all-stage car seats also provide protection for infants but they lack the added safety features that come with infant car seats.

Car seats for infants are typically rear-facing and allow babies to ride in the seat until 15 months of age. Many of these models come with an insert for newborns to help infants and ensure they are at ease. The most reliable infant car seats offer recline suggestions to safeguard the child's brain during the journey.

All infant car seats Uk car seats have to be approved in accordance with the iSize standard, and must comply with European safety standards. The I-Size standard is far more advanced than R44/04, therefore cars approved to this regulation tend to have better side-impact crash tests, which are crucial for infants and newborns. Additionally, i-Size seats use more sophisticated crash test dummies from the Q-series, which provide even more safety protection for toddlers and infants.

Those who choose to buy an infant car seat must be aware of how often they'll have to transfer it between vehicles. Those who frequently use taxis or car sharing services should search for a seat with a unique baseless design, such as the Nuna PIPA Urbn which allows the seat to be set up in seconds. This allows the seat to be swiftly switched between different cars and makes it ideal for parents who have to take multiple trips.

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

Group 1

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

Keep in mind that your child may outgrow their car seat quickly. Many parents need to replace their seats within nine months or sooner. Most manufacturers suggest moving on to a different car seat when your child's head is within one inch of the top of the car seat.

To be sold the car seat must meet certain European safety standards. This involves rigorous testing in simulations of accidents, and the use of certain types of materials to protect your child from side-impact injuries. There are two standards currently in force currently - ECE R44 and R129 (known as i-Size) which is more rigorous and considers the weight and height when determining the classification of car seats for children.

Our experience has proven that seats that are approved to the R129 standard, also referred to as i-Size, tends to be more secure and easy to install. They also allow your child seated rearwards for a longer time. The only downside is that they cannot be used with a front passenger airbag and may not be suitable for some families. It's important to speak with the manufacturer prior to buying if you're concerned. They should be able to provide you with the most up-to-date information and suggestions for your specific situation.

Group 2

A group 2 car seat is designed for infants who are big enough to be upgraded from a group 0+, but are not yet old enough to use a convertible Group 1 seat. It's not as widely used as the all-in-1 models, but it's worth keeping in mind if you're looking for the best car seats infant car seat for your child from birth right up to around four years of age.

It is crucial that the car seat you choose meets European safety standards. Look for the E mark to see that it is compliant with ECE R44/04 or iSize (which will eventually replace the old regulations) to be sure you're purchasing a seat that will protect your child from harm in the event of a collision. Seats that have the i-Size certification are easier to install, offer better protection against side-impacts and can keep your child rear-facing longer.

The Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro is designed for infants up to 15 months old, is an excellent option with impressive crash test results. The LATCH connectors, which are rigid, change colour when properly connected. It also features a swivel-base which reduces the movement of the vehicle and an inlay to hug the baby's neck, head and back to help maintain proper posture.

Another good option is the Cybex Aviounaut Pixel Pro, which also features an swivel base that can rotate 360 degrees and a unique G-CELL system that ensures protection in side impacts. It's more expensive than the other seats, but it provides excellent protection and good value for money. Jasper found the seat comfortable for long drives and it looks nicer than other seats we tested.

Group 3

A group 3 infant car seat that swivels car seat is a three-in-one seat that can be used by your child from birth right up to the booster stage. These seats are designed to be rear-facing (some to at least 9kg) however, they can be turned around and utilized forward-facing until the weight limit of 36kg.

These seats are generally very comfortable and provide good neck and head support. Many come with removable and machine-washable padding that is suitable for newborns to keep them germ-free. One of the best models we tested was the Nuna PIPA air Rx includes two inserts – one made from sustainable materials and the second made from GOTS certified organic cotton – to ensure that your baby feels super cozy.

This model not only has impressive crash test results, but it also has a user-friendly design. It comes with one-handed reclining and 12 different headrest positions. It's also simple to install using ISOFIX and comes with an easy-to-read colour change indicator to let you know when it's secure.

We don't recommend changing groups in a hurry, as children in the lower limit can be more susceptible to injury in an accident. It is better to stay in your old seat until your child reaches their new limit. That said, there are some excellent alternatives in this category which we particularly like. Silver Cross Motion All Size 360, which will see your child through to their 12th birthday, so is a great choice for long-term use.

Another option is Cozy N Safe Arthur, which will take your baby from the time they were born to their four-year-old booster phase. It's not as expensive the most rated Silver Cross and has a range of safety and comfort options that include a single recline setting as well as 13 headrest positions.

Group 4

The group 4 infant seat is the newest addition to our list of. It has a slightly larger age range than the previous groups and is targeted at children ranging from 6 to 6 years old. older. It can be used either as an extra seat or in the rearward-facing position. This seat is highly rated for its versatility and for the fact that it is able to be used without a base. It's perfect for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives, or trips in grandparents' or rental car vehicles. The ISOFIX connectors are built into the seat and click into place with an enthralling click. It also comes with a variety of features that make it ideal for newborns, including the brand's hugging inlay, the revolutionary ClimaFlow ventilation system, and G-CELL side impact technology to maintain protection as your child grows.

Our team of testers looked over various car seats in the group 4 category to determine the most suitable options for you and your family. We rated each one based on its ease-of-use and the quality of the materials used as well as the comfort of your baby. We also looked at the safety of each seat, including whether it was iSize-approved and how well it performed in crash tests. We also looked at the safety ratings provided by independent safety experts. For instance, the Swedish Plus test which examines the performance of a car seat during low-speed impacts as well as short brake distances.

We also looked at the value of each model, as this is an important factor for many parents. Our top-rated infant car seats have an affordable price, are easy to fit and come with useful extras like a removable sleeping bag and a reversible cover.