20 Myths About Infant Car Seats Uk: Dispelled

Infant Car Seats – Which One is Right For Your Baby? Choosing the right car seat for your newborn is an essential purchase for parents. It is important to understand the differences between car seats for children and infant car seats. Usually Group 0+ or i-Size (R129) baby car seats, these rear-facing seats are suitable from birth. These seats are often combined with a stroller to form travel systems. Group 0+ If you're a parent with an infant or newborn car seat, it is essential. These seats are designed to shield children from the dangers of the road, including head injuries, by ensuring that they stay in the recommended position. While all-stage car seats also provide protection for infants but they lack the added safety features found in infant car seats. Pushchairs & Prams for infants are generally rear-facing, and allow the child to ride in the seat to 15 months old. A lot of these models come with a newborn insert to support infants and ensure they are comfortable. Additionally, reputable infant car seats have a recommended recline to ensure that the head of the child is secure throughout the journey. All infant car seats have to be approved under the iSize standard, and must comply with European safety standards. The iSize standard is far more sophisticated than the R44/04 standard. This means that cars approved under this regulation are likely to have superior side impact tests. This is crucial for newborns and babies. Additionally, iSize seats utilize more sophisticated crash test dummies from the Q-series, which gives even greater safety protection for toddlers and infants. If you decide to purchase an infant car seat must consider how often they'll need to move it between vehicles. People who frequently use taxis or car sharing services should search for a model with an exclusive baseless design, like the Nuna PIPA Urbn that allows the seat to be put in place in seconds. This allows the seat to be swiftly moved between cars which makes it ideal for parents who frequently require multiple trips. The Silver Cross Dream i-Size has been given an excellent safety rating by ADAC which means that it provides excellent protection for infants and babies. Additionally, it comes with an ISOFIX base built-in, and an EPS energy absorbing foam. Group 1 The Cosatto All in One, like many other infant car seats is designed to be used from birth until your child is 12 years old (or 36kg). Like the Group 0+ seats, it can rotate so it is easy to put the baby in and out, can fit using ISOFIX or a car seatbelt that has the top tether, and is rear-facing. It is also easy to clean, which is helpful for any spills or staining. Be aware that your child could outgrow a car seat quickly. Many parents have to replace their seat within nine months or even sooner. The majority of manufacturers advise switching seats when your child's head is within one inch of the edge of the seat's top. To be marketed the car seat must meet certain European safety standards. This involves rigorous testing in accident simulations, and the use specific types of materials to protect your child against side impact injuries. Two standards are in effect at present – ECE R44 and R129 also known as i-Size. The latter is more strict and considers the height as well as weight when grading car seats. Our experience has proven that seats that meet the R129 standard, also known as i-Size, tend to be safer and easier to install. They also allow your child facing rearwards for a longer period of time. The only drawback is that they can't be used with a front-facing airbag, which may not be suitable for certain families. However, it's essential to consult with the manufacturer in case you have any concerns prior to purchasing. They should be able to provide you with the most up-to-date information and guidance for your specific situation. Group 2 A baby car seat is suitable for babies who are big enough to transition from a Group 0+ child car seat but aren't yet out of a Group 1 convertible seat. It's not as common as the all-in-one ones however it's something to keep in mind if you want the best car seat for your child from birth right up to around four years old. It is crucial that the car seat you pick meets European safety standards. You can check for the E-mark and ensure that the seat is in compliance with ECE R44/04 or iSize (which is set to replace the old regulation). This will help you determine if the seat is safe for your child in the event of a crash. Seats with the i-Size certification are easier to install and offer greater protection against side impacts, and can keep your child rear-facing longer. The Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro, designed for newborns to 15 months old, is a top choice that has impressive crash test results. The LATCH connectors, which are rigid, change colour when properly connected. It also comes with a base that swivels to help reduce the movement of your car and an inlay designed to hug the baby's head, neck and back to support their posture. Another good option is the Cybex Aviounaut Pixel Pro, that has the 360-degree swivel base, and a unique G-CELL system that ensures protection in side impacts. It's a bit more expensive than some of the other seats, but it provides a good value and great protection. Jasper found the seat to be comfortable for long journeys, and it also is more attractive than the other seats we've tested. Group 3 A group 3 infant seat is a 3-in-1 car seat that can be used from birth up to booster stage. These seats start off rearward-facing (some until your child is at minimum 9kg) and can then be turned to face forwards – they can be used in this way until they reach the limit of 36kg. They are generally comfortable and provide good neck and head support. Many of them also come with washable and removable padding for babies, making sure that they are free of germs. One of the most effective models we tested was the Nuna PIPA Air Rx has two inserts, one made of eco-friendly materials and the other made from GOTS certified organic cotton – to ensure your baby feels more comfortable. In addition to having impressive crash test results, this model also has an extremely user-friendly design, which includes an adjustable recline that is single-handed and a minimum of 12 headrest positions. It's also very easy to set up using ISOFIX and has a handy colour change indicator to show you've got it secured. We don't recommend changing groups in a hurry, as children who are in the lower limits can be more susceptible to injury during a crash. It's best to keep your current seat until they reach their new limit. There are plenty of great alternatives in this category. We recommend the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 which will last until their 12th birthday. Cozy N Safe Arthur is another excellent option. It can take your child from the infant stage until the booster stage at 4 years old. It's not as costly as the top-rated Silver Cross, and features an extensive array of safety and comfort features, like recline settings that can be adjusted with one hand, and more than 13 headrest positions. Group 4 The infant seat of the group 4 is the latest addition to our list. It is slightly more age range than the previous groups and is designed for children who are between 6 and 6 years old. of age. It can either be used as an infant seat or in a rear-facing position. The seat was highly rated for its versatility, and because it is able to be used without a base. It's perfect for taxi rides, holiday fly-drives, or trips in rental cars or grandparents vehicles. It comes with built-in ISOFIX connectors that click into the vehicle's base with a satisfying clunk. It also comes with a variety of features that make it perfect for babies, including the brand's hugging-style inlay an innovative ClimaFlow ventilation system, and G-CELL side-impact technology to keep your child safe as he grows. Our team of testers has reviewed several car seats for group 4 in order to find the best option for you and your family. We evaluated each model in terms of its user-friendliness, quality of materials and the comfort of your baby. We also examined the safety of each car seat, focusing on whether it was i-Size approved and how it performed in crash tests. We took into account the safety ratings given by independent safety experts, including the Swedish Plus test, which examines a car seat's performance in both high-speed collisions and short braking distances. We also examined the value of each product since it is something that parents often consider to be crucial. Our top-rated car seats for infants are at a low cost, simple to install and come with useful accessories such as sleeping bags that can be removed, as well as the ability to change the cover.