The Best Newborn Car Seats in the UK
Safety in car seats is a top priority for all parents. Thankfully, there's an abundance of options when it comes to finding the best newborn car seat for your child.
With a cozy baby-hugg insert and enhanced side impact protection The Cybex Cloud T is the best infant car seat UK. It has a one handed recline and 12 headrest positions that adjust to your child's growing body.
1. Cybex Cloud T
The Cybex Cloud T car seat is the best choice for bringing your baby along on trips from the time they're born until toddlers. It's the most recent addition to the iconic Cybex Cloud line and features an innovative reclining system that gives your child an ergonomic lie-flat position inside the car and when used alongside a pushchair in the context of the travel system. It's also an ISOFIX car seat which means it can be attached to your vehicle with the base provided, it can be turned 360 degrees to aid in getting your child in and out.
The car seat is constructed of top-quality materials and it comes in a variety of stylish colours including Moon Black, Lava Grey and Beach Blue Plus. It's a chic and elegant choice that goes seamlessly with the Cybex T range of prams. It also includes the Newborn Inlay for newborns and premature babies which helps to ensure a secure, nearly flat position that reduces the possibility of their heads bouncing forward while they sleep, which could cause breathing difficulties. It can be removed once your child is at 60 centimeters in height.
When it comes to safety the car seat offers superior protection for your child. It scored an impressive 1.7 result in crash tests conducted by ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutsche Automobil-Club e.V). The Cloud T i-Size comes equipped with LSP (Linear Side-impact protection) to protect your baby in the event of a crash and the innovative Flexi-Fix system that stretches to fit your child as they develop.
The innovative 180deg rotation system makes it simple to get your baby into and out of the car seat when using it as part a travel system, paired with a Cybex stroller. No more awkward twisting or reaching. The car seat can also be set in a fully reclined configuration to provide extra comfort on long car journeys. It does come at a slightly higher cost than other seats for this age group, however the numerous features including the reclining option and the excellent safety features make it worth the investment.
2. Maxi-Cosi Pebble Plus
Maxi-Cosi's Pebble Plus is among the most popular infant car seats on the market. It's easy to use and is comfortable for babies. It is suitable from birth and can be used with Maxi-Cosi's FamilyFix or EasyFix base or in conjunction with your car's seat belt system. The car seat is compatible with a variety of pushchairs, including the Maxi Cosi range, Quinny, iCandy, and Bugaboo by using adapters. It comes with the Baby-Hugg infant headrest for a better fit and positioning for laying and side impact protection.
The Pebble Plus is a Group 0+ car seat, which means it can be used for babies ranging from birth until 12 months old (45cm - 75cm). It is in line with the new iSize regulations that require that children sit in the rear for a longer period of time. It's compatible with the 2way Family base, which allows you to switch between forward and rear facing on the same car and also has a handy rotating feature.
As with the previous version it's a comfortable seat and the latest edition has some improvements. It now has a much-improved baby-hugg inlay which looks and feels super-comfy. The shoulder straps are covered in padding and the headrest is adjustable to accommodate the growth of your baby. It is also possible to remove it at any time to remove it.
It's a bit heavier than other infant carseats, at 4.5kg, but that shouldn't be a problem when your infant is using it most of the time. It comes with a handle to make it easier to carry and is lightweight enough to be carried into and out of taxis or rideshare vehicles.
It's also a nice-looking seat and you can pick from a wide range of colors and patterns to suit your car. It's not the most affordable infant car seat, but it is an excellent investment that is worth the money for your baby. It can be difficult to adjust the harness's height and length however once you get the hang of it, it's easy. You can adjust the straps by pulling downwards on the back panel pressing two buttons simultaneously.
3. Joie Calmi
If you're looking for a newborn car seat that's simple to use and holds your baby like a cot, then you should consider Joie Calmi. Pushchairs And Prams that doubles as a carrycot is certified by R129. It's built to last with a durable ventilated exterior shell and a plush padding to cradle you baby. It features a 3-point harness that's easily accessible via a single pull tightening mechanism and softly padded covers. It also has lateral positioning to keep your baby's head at the most secure position in case of an impact.
This seat's base is compatible with Joie's Aeria and Finiti pushchairs, meaning you can pop it off and on the frame with ease. And, thanks to adjustable handle bars, it's easy to move even when your child is asleep. If you're looking to make an entire travel set, the iBase Encore adapters let you to pair Calmi together with MaxiCosi or Britax stroller.
The design of the earlier i-Spin 360 has been improved by Joie. The model was awarded an excellent score in the crash tests conducted by Which?, and a Good rating from ADAC. The most recent model, which we tested, features a lock that will stop you from turning the seat to face forward too quickly, ensuring that your baby stays rearward-facing for as long as is possible. It also boasts a large sun canopy that is water-resistant and offers 50+ UV protection, and includes a mesh peekaboo window that lets you look in without disturbing your child.
If you're shopping for a car seat online, ensure you pick a retailer that offers free UK mainland delivery on all orders and returns within 35 days. John Lewis has a great selection of infant car seats with top brands like Cybex, Maxi-Cosi and Silver Cross and also offers free click and pick up to the nearest store (or to an Sainsbury's branch if you are near by). For all purchases you can also earn Nectar points. Argos is another option for a broad selection of car seats, starting at PS55. They'll also ship your order for free, offer same-day in-store collection and free returns at any Argos store or Sainsbury's branch.
4. Silver Cross Motion All Size 360
Silver Cross Motion is a new vehicle seat that is all-in-one from the reputable British brand that is renowned for its top prams and pushchairs. Our test subject Jasper loved it, calling it "the most attractive of the bunch and the one that my child seemed to be most comfortable in on long drives."
This fully rotating R129 certified car seat is suitable for babies all the way to 12 years old. It was awarded the ADAC 2022 autumn test's award for the best baby, toddler and child car seat. It was also tested to the extent that it exceeds the requirements to ensure your child is safe on every trip.
It is equipped with a removable, cosy cushioned insert for infants made of soft bamboo fabric. These bamboo fabrics are extremely comfortable and breathable, as well as antibacterial. The body insert and head support can be removed when your child gets older. You can also adjust the recline and headrest positions to suit.
The 'green' light that indicates when the car seat is properly fitted and is ready to use is a unique feature. This makes it a perfect choice for new parents, who may not know the proper installation and fitting of car seats. It also comes with a handy strap that can be used either in the rear-facing or forward-facing position.
Another major selling point is that it's a long-lasting fixture in the car which means you don't have to wake up your sleepy baby to take out for longer journeys. However, it's not travel system-compatible like the Joie I-Spin 360 iSize or Britax Romer Dualfix Plus iSize (you need to buy an additional travel bag for this).
The Axkid One is a permanently fixed car seat that is permanently fixed. They're not as easy to transport between cars. If you choose to purchase a separate travel bag choose one that is sturdy and able to withstand the wear and tears of regular use. It's worth paying a bit extra for a bag which will last longer than the car seat of your child.