25 Shocking Facts About Infant Car Seats Uk
Infant Car Seats - Which One is Right For Your Baby?
The best car seats car seat is an important parenting purchase. It's important to know the differences between child car seats and infant car seats.
Usually, Group 0+ or i-Size (R129) baby car seat newborn insert seats, these rear-facing seats are suitable from the moment of birth. They are often combined with a pram to form travel systems.
Group 0+
If you're a parent with an infant or newborn, an infant car seat is a must-have. These seats are designed to shield infants from dangers of the road and head injuries by ensuring that they remain in the correct position. While all-stage car seats also offer protection for babies, they lack the enhanced safety features found in infant car seats.
Typically, a baby 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 come with an insert for newborns to help smaller babies and keep them at ease. Additionally, reputable infant car seats have a recommended recline to ensure that the head of the child is secure during the ride.
All infant car seats should be approved according to the iSize standard and meet European safety standards. The iSize standard is far more sophisticated than R44/04. This means that cars approved by this regulation are likely to have better side impact crash tests. This is essential for infants and newborns. Additionally, i-Size seats use 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 must be aware of how often they'll have to move it between vehicles. People 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 within a matter of minutes. This allows the seat to be quickly moved between vehicles. It is perfect for parents who have to frequently travel.
The Silver Cross Dream i-Size has been given an excellent safety rating by ADAC which means that it offers extremely good protection for infants and babies. In addition, it has an ISOFIX base that is built-in and an EPS energy absorption foam.
Group 1
The Cosatto All in One, like other infant car seats is designed to be used from birth until your child is 12 years old (or 36kg). Similar to the Group 0+ seats, it rotates so that it is easy to put the baby in and out, fit using ISOFIX or a car seatbelt with the top tether, and it's rear-facing. It's also easy to clean, which can help with spills and stains.
It's important to keep in mind that your baby may outgrow an infant car seat quite quickly. Many parents find they have to replace the seat by nine months or earlier. The majority of manufacturers advise switching seats when your child's head is within one inch of the edge of the seat's top.
In order to be sold car seats, they must meet certain European safety standards. This includes rigorous testing in simulations of accidents, and the use specific types of materials to guard your child from side-impact injuries. Two standards are in effect at present - ECE R44 and R129, known as i-Size, which is more rigorous and considers the height and weight when determining the weight of car seats.
According to our experience, the seats that conform to the R129 standard (i-Size) tend to be more secure, less difficult to install and allow your child rear-facing for a longer time. The only downside is that they cannot be used with a front-facing airbag and may not be suitable for certain families. It is important to check with the manufacturer for any concerns before buying. They will be able to give you the most current information and advice on your particular situation.
Group 2
A group 2 car seat is designed for infants that are big enough to upgrade from a Group 0+ but not yet old enough to be able to use a convertible Group 1 seat. It's not as popular as the all-in-one ones, but it's worth keeping in mind if you're considering the best car seat for your baby from birth up to about four years old. older.
As with all car seats, it's essential that your chosen seat 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 purchasing a seat that will protect your child well in the event of a crash. Seats that have i-Size approval are also more streamlined to fit and provide better protection from side impact and will keep your baby rear-facing for a longer period of time.
Designed for newborns up to about 15 months and up to about 15 months, the Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro is a top pick with impressive crash test sensor results. It is one of the most simple installation methods due to its LATCH connectors that change color when correctly connected. It also has a handy base that swivels to help reduce movement in the car, and a hugging-style inlay for the baby's head, neck and back to support their posture.
Another good alternative is the Cybex Aviounaut Pixel Pro, that has a 360-degree swivel base and has a unique GELL system that provides the seat's protection in case of side impacts. It's more expensive than the other seats, but it gives superior protection and a great value for money. 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 seat is a three-in-one car seat that can be used from birth to booster stage. These seats start off rearward-facing (some until your child weighs at minimum 9kg) and can later be turned around to face forwards - they can be used in this mode until they reach their maximum weight of 36kg.
They are generally comfortable and offer excellent neck and head support. Many of them come with removable and machine-washable padding for infants to ensure they are germ-free. One of the best models we've tested is the Nuna PIPA air Rx comes with two inserts, one made from sustainably sourced materials, and the second made of organic cotton that is GOTS-certified, to ensure your baby is super cozy.
This model is not just equipped with impressive crash test results but also a very user-friendly design. It has one-handed reclining and 12 different headrest positions. It's also very easy to set up using ISOFIX and comes with an excellent indicator that changes colour for when you've got it secure.
We wouldn't recommend changing groups in a hurry, as children in the lower limits can be more susceptible to injury during a crash. It's best car seat to keep your old seat until they reach their new limit. There are some excellent alternatives in this group - we especially like the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 that can keep your child safe until their 12th birthday, which is a great choice for long-term use.
Cozy N Safe Arthur is another option worth considering. It will allow your child to go from the infant stage until the booster stage at 4 years old. It's not as expensive as the top-rated Silver Cross, and features a wide range of safety and comfort features, like recline settings that can be adjusted with one hand, and no less than 13 headrest positions.
Group 4
The infant seat in the group 4 is the newest addition to our list of. It is designed for children aged up to six. It can be used as an extra seat or in the rearward-facing position. We highly rated this seat for its versatility and the fact that it can be used without having a base, which makes it perfect for taxi rides, fly-drive holidays or trips in hire cars or grandparents' vehicles. It has built-in ISOFIX connectors that snap into the vehicle's base with a satisfying click. It comes with a variety of features that make it perfect for babies. These include the brand's hugging design, an innovative ClimaFlow ventilating system, and G-CELL technology side impact protection to ensure your child is protected as they grow.
Our team of testers has looked at several group 4 car seats in order to find the most suitable one for you and your family. We evaluated each model based on its ease of use and the quality of its materials, and how comfortable the seat is for your baby to sit in. We also looked at the safety of each model, taking into account whether it was iSize-approved and its performance in crash tests. We considered the safety ratings of independent safety experts. For example, the Swedish Plus test which examines the performance of a car seat during crashes with low speeds as well as short brake distances.
We also looked at the worth of each product, as it is a factor that many parents consider crucial. Our top-rated infant car seats come at a an affordable price, are easy to fit and come with useful features like a movable sleeping bag and reversible cover.