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Buckle up: The safest baby car seats in 2025

Beginners guide to breastfeeding
Francesca Pearce
Written by
10th Jan 2025
 

10 of the best car seats

Here is a quick run-down on our top 10 baby car seats…  

  1. Maxi-Cosi Mica 360° Rotative Car Seat – Shop now 
  2. Ickle Bubba Stratus i-Size Car Seat – Shop now
  3. Maxi-Cosi Pearl Pro² i-Size – Shop now
  4. Cosatto All in All Rotate Baby to Child Car Seat – Shop now
  5. Ickle Bubba Radial Isofix Car Seat – Shop now
  6. Joie i Spin 360 Rotate Car Seat – Shop now 
  7. Cosatto Acorn i-Size Baby Car Seat – Shop now 
  8. Nuna ARRA Next Car Seat – Shop now 
  9. Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix i-Size – Shop now 
  10. iCandy Cocoon Car Seat & Base – Shop now 

You’ll find lots more information below too…

Your car seat buying guide

Along with buying a pushchair, buying a car seat can be one of the most important purchases you make for your little one. It’s important that they are comfortable when you’re out and about, but it’s even more important to make sure they’re safe.

There are so many choices and things to consider, though, that it can be bewildering. What size do you need? What are the laws on car seats? Should your baby be forward or rear-facing? And what the heck do i-size and isofix mean?

Read on for our ultimate guide to buying the right car seat for your child, along with our pick of the best children’s car seats.

What is an infant car seat and why are they so important?

You will often see different baby products labelled ‘must-haves’. Some are merely convenient or useful but, if you drive or travel by car with your baby or young child, a car seat really is essential. Not only that, it’s a legal requirement until your child reaches a certain height or age.

There are a number of car seat types available and they will vary depending on the age and size of your child but they are all designed with two main things in mind – to keep your child comfortable and, crucially, to keep them safe.

What are the car seat laws?

Child car seat laws state that your child must – with a few limited exceptions - use a car seat until they are either 12 years old or 135cm tall, whichever comes first.

Exceptions to this rule include:

A child aged 3 or older can travel in a back seat without a child car seat and without a seat belt if the vehicle doesn’t have one. If your vehicle doesn’t have seat belts and was originally made without them (like some classic cars), you aren’t allowed to carry any children under 3 years old in it and children over 3 are only allowed to sit in the back seats.

Children under 3 must always be in a suitable car seat unless:

  • The child is in a taxi or minicab
  • The child is in a minibus, coach or van
  • The child is on an unexpected journey, for example an emergency
  • There’s no room for another car seat

Now let’s take a closer look at some of those situations:

  • Private hire taxis and minicabs

If the driver doesn’t provide the correct child car seat, children can travel without one on a rear seat. They must wear an adult seat belt if they’re 3 or older but can travel without one under 3.

  • Minibuses and coaches

Children must travel in seats behind the driver if a child car seat or an adult seat belt isn’t fitted in the front of a minibus. Children aged 3 or older must use a child car seat if there’s one available and use an adult seat belt if a suitable car child car seat is not fitted. Children can travel without a child car seat or seat belt on coaches if they’re not available. It’s worth noting that the laws for vans are the same as for cars.

  • Unexpected journeys

A child of 3 or over can travel using an adult seat belt if the journey is unexpected, necessary AND over a short distance. You can’t take children under 3 on an unexpected journey in a vehicle without the correct child car seat, unless it’s in a licensed taxi or minicab AND the child travels on a rear seat without a seat belt.

  • No room for a third car seat

Children under 3 must be in a child car seat. If there’s no room for a third child car seat in the back of the vehicle, the child must travel in the front seat with the correct child car seat. Children aged 3 or older can sit in the back using an adult belt.

What sizes are available in car seats?

There are two ways of measuring the size and suitability of baby’s and children’s car seats – by weight and by height.

Baby and child car seats that are categorised by the child’s weight a Group system, going from Group 0 to Group 3. Those that are categorised by the child’s height use a system known as i-Size. The two systems conform to different regulations, but these regulations run side by side you can currently use either. The weight Group system conforms to conform to regulation ECE R44.03 or ECE R44.04 while the i-Size regulation conforms to ECE R129.

What is i-Size and what does it mean?

The i-Size regulation (ECE R129) was introduced in Europe in 2013 and uses the child's height to determine if the seat is suitable, rather than the child’s weight. It was introduced with the intention to standardise and make child car seats easier to fit - as they all use the Isofix system, which attaches the car seat directly to the frame of your car using built-in connectors. Many R44 weight group-based seats can also use the Isofix system, but the idea with the newer regulation is that eventually all car seats will fit in all cars.

Car seats conforming to the i-Size regulation must also be tested against a side-impact crash. Again, many of the weight-based seats are also tested this way but it is not a requirement under the regulations.

What is Isofix?

Isofix is an internationally standardised car seat safety system. It automatically locks your car seat, or the base of the car seat, into two Isofix fitting points. The seat is essentially ‘plugged’ into these fixed points rather than fastened in using a seatbelt, which can make it easier to install an less likely to be installed incorrectly. An additional top tether or support leg can prevent the child seat titling or rotating in an impact.

All new cars sold in Europe since late 2014 have been required to come with Isofix fittings, but many older cars also have the system.

What are car seat weight groups?

Cars which are categorised by weight instead of height follow the older regulations known as R44 (incorporating ECE R44.03 or ECE R44.04). The groups start at 0 then go to 0+ to 1, 2 and 3. Many seats straddle more than one group as they can be adjusted to fit your child as they grow.

An age-by-age guide to which car seat to use for baby

You should bear in mind that car seat suitability for your little one is based on weight or height, rather than age. Some babies and older children may be bigger or smaller than others of their age, and you should always use their weight (for R44 seats) or height (for i-Size or R129 seats) to check the suitability of a car seat.

You can estimate the seat you need by the age of your child by using average heights and weights though.

Group

Child’s Weight

Approx. Age

0

Birth - 10kg/22lb

Birth to 9 months

0+

Birth - 13kg/29lb

Birth to 15 months

0+ and 1

Birth - 18kg/40lb

Birth to 4 years

0+, 1 and 2

Birth – 25kg/55lb

Birth to 7 years

0+, 1, 2 and 3

Birth - 36kg/79lb

Birth to 12 years

1

9 - 18kg/20 - 40lb

9 months to 4 years

1 and 2

9 - 25kg/20 - 55lb

9 months to 6 years

1, 2 and 3

9 – 36kg/20 – 79lb

9 months to 12 years

2

15 - 25kg/33 - 55lb

4 to 6 years

3

22 - 36kg/48 – 79lb

5 to 12 years

                            

R129 / iSize seats

  • i-Size baby - Newborn to 85cm (0 to around 18 months)
  • i-Size baby and toddler - Newborn to 105cm (0 to 4 years)
  • i-Size toddler and child - 61cm to 105cm (15 months to 4 years)
  • i-Size child - 100cm to 135cm (4 years - 12 years)

Car seats for newborns

  • Groups 0 (only to around 9 months) and 0+, plus multi-group seats including 0 and 0+
  • i-Size baby and i-Size baby and toddler

Car seats for 1-year-olds

  • Groups 0+ (only to about 15 months) and 1, plus multi-group seats including 0+ and 1
  • i-Size baby (only to around 18 months), i-Size baby and toddler and i-Size toddler and child (from around 15 months)

Car seats for 2-year-olds

  • Group 1 and multi-group seats including 1
  • i-Size baby and toddler and i-Size toddler and child

Car seats for 3-year-olds

  • Group 1 and multi-group seats including 1
  • i-Size baby and toddler and i-Size toddler and child

Car seats for 4-year-olds

  • Groups 1, 2 and multi-group seats including 1 and 2
  • i-Size baby and toddler, i-Size toddler and child and i-Size child

Car seats for 5-year-olds

  • Groups 2, 3 and multi-group seats including 2 and 3
  • i-Size child

Don’t forget that the age is an estimation only and that suitability of car seats is always based on the weight or height of your child.

In general terms, a baby or infant car seat will be light and rearward facing. Some baby car seats can be removed and attached to a pushchair chassis to form a travel system. Car seats for toddlers are bulkier and will tend to remain in the car. Seats for older children (Groups 2 and 3 and i-Size child) will be high-backed booster seats or backless booster seats. High-backed boosters are considered safer at all ages and should always be used for children shorter than 125cm or weighing less than 22kg.

How long will a car seat last my baby?

How long your car seat lasts will depend mostly on the type you get and how fast your child grows. A group 0 newborn car seat, for example, should not be used after your baby passes 10kg, which may be at around 6-9 months. Some multi-group car seats such as a group 1 2 3 car seat can adapt to your child as he grows, ranging from 9kg (9 months or less) all the way up to 36kg (or around 12 years).

How to fit a car seat

Different car seats will fit in the car in different ways. It is important to read the instruction and installation manual and many manufacturers will also have instructional videos. If you shop in person, you can ask for a demonstration and virtual demonstrations also became more common during the pandemic, with many places still offering them.

Here are some things to think about when fitting your car seat though:

  • Are the seatbelt and harness secure and untwisted?
  • On a rear-facing seat, is the handlebar in the right position?
  • Is the base sitting evenly on the car seat?
  • Does the seatbelt follow the right coloured route guides?
  • For Isofix seats, do the visual indicators show it is fitted correctly?
  • Is the Isofix seat’s support leg firmly on the floor and/or the top tether firmly attached?
  • Are the shoulder pads level with your child’s shoulders?
  • Is the harness secure and, for older children, is the seatbelt positioned correctly across shoulder and hips?

What is a spin car seat and why might I need it?

Spin car seats, also known as swivel car seats or rotating car seats, allow you to move the car seat to a different position. Some rotate a full 360°, allowing you to have it rear-facing or forward-facing as appropriate for the size and age of your child (we’ll get onto rear and forward-facing seats shortly).

Others swivel 180°, meaning they face the same way when in use but you can rotate them to the side when getting your baby in or out of the seat and car. This can come in very handy, especially if you’ve ever found yourself contorting into knots as you try to get a wriggly baby or toddler out of their seat.

Rear facing vs. front facing baby car seat?

Rear-facing baby seats provide greater protection for your baby's head, neck and spine than forward-facing seats. Baby seats in Groups 0 and 0+ are all rear-facing and i-Size seats must also be rear-facing until your child is over 15 months old.

It is generally advised that you keep your child facing rearwards for as long as possible though. Rear-facing seats provide significant safety benefits to a child if involved in an accident and extended rear-facing car seats can generally be used until about 4 years old.

Rear-facing seats are best placed in the back seats and must not be used in the front passenger seat with an active airbag.

How long can a baby stay in a car seat?

The ‘2-hour rule’ says that you shouldn’t have your baby in a car seat for longer than 2 hours, within a 24-time period. This includes time spent in the car and in the same seat as part of any travel system.

SIDS charity the Lullaby Trust says: “There is no published evidence that states how long babies should stay in a car seat when travelling. However, infant healthcare professionals, safety experts and most car manufacturers recommend that babies should not be in a car seat for longer than 2 hours at a time and they should be taken out frequently.”

They add that car seats should be used for transport and not as an alternative for cots or high-chairs. It’s fine for your baby to fall asleep in a car seat while travelling, but they should be taken out as soon as you get to your destination, and placed onto a firm, flat surface to sleep.

For newborns (in the first 4 months) it’s generally advised to avoid them being in a car seat for longer than half an hour, if at all possible. If it is unavoidable, try to break the journey into half-hour chunks with breaks in between.

Lie-flat baby car seats and carrycot baby car seats

Lie-flat baby car seats can be beneficial as they put less pressure on an infant’s spine and hips and help them breathe more easily as they won't slump forward in their seat. Some of these lie-flat baby car seats can also be easily detached and used as a carrycot, and some can be attached to a wheeled frame as part of a travel system.

A lie-flat car seat is also handy for longer journeys, as the ‘2-hour rule’ outlined above generally applies to standard, more upright car seats.

Where in the car should my baby sit?

It is always best to position your baby car seat in the back of the car. If the middle seat has a three-point (lap and diagonal) seat belt, this is generally safest as it is furthest from the sides of the car in case of a collision. If not, behind the front passenger side seat is often the next best choice, as this means you will usually be getting your little one out on the pavement side.

Do I need to clean my car seat?

Your child car seat can become a magnet for muck, especially of you let your toddler snack in there. Vacuuming it or removing the seat and turning it upside down should remove most of the debris but for more extensive cleaning you should always consult your manual.

Some car seats have removable covers that can be machine or hand-washed but you should not put harness straps in the wash as this can damage them and make them less effective. Similarly, you shouldn’t use harsh abrasives on the seat base but a little soapy water is generally okay.

How much should I spend on a car seat?

How much you spend on a baby or child car seat will depend on your budget of course, but this one really is an essential purchase if you have a car or regularly travel by one. That said, all legitimate car seats on sale in the UK will have undergone rigorous safety tests and will meet certain standards. It’s important to get the appropriate type for your baby’s size.

Paying more for a combination seat that can adapt as your child grows, being either forward or rear-facing, with height-adjustable straps and multiple recline positions, can be cost-effective as you do not have to ‘upsize’ your seat as much.

Can I buy a second-hand car seat?

We’re usually all in favour of buying second-hand baby gear when it is safe and suitable – having (and raising) a baby can be very expensive after all, and many items only get used for a brief period of time. When it comes to child car seats though, it’s not recommended. This is because you cannot be sure of the seat’s history. It may have been involved in a crash and have cracks or faults that are not visible but could affect the structural integrity and therefore the safety of your child.

Some manufacturers also recommend that you ‘retire’ the car seat after a certain time, that could be anywhere from five to 12 years. This is due to general wear and tear, exposure to heat and even sunlight all combining to make it less safe and effective over time.

The NHS suggests that you only accept a car seat from friends or family if you know its history, it's not too old and it comes with instructions.

6 things to consider before you buy a car seat

Here are 6 questions to ask your self before buying a car seat.

1. What’s the law for car seats?

Make sure you have an appropriate car seat for your child’s size. This not only increases their safety and effectiveness, it is also a legal requirement.

2. Do I want a combination car seat?

Adjustable car seats can be versatile, allowing you to reconfigure them as your child grows.

3. Does it fit my vehicle?

Unfortunately, not all car seats fit all cars. A big question if you have an older vehicle is whether it has Isofix points. Car seat manufacturers will often list compatible cars and other vehicles.

4. How easy is it to get my child in or out of?

You will likely be using your child seats a lot, so it’s certainly good if you can get your little ones in and out easily.

5. Will I be using it in more than one vehicle?

If so you will probably want a seat that is relatively easy to install and uninstall.

6. Do I want a rear-facing car seat or a forward-facing one?

This will depend on the age of your child at first and then your personal preference. Some models have the versatility to be fitted as rear or forward facing depending on your child’s size and age.

20 of the best car seats in 2025

1. Maxi-Cosi Mica 360° Rotative Car Seat

Maxi-Cosi Mica 360° Rotative Car Sea

This award-winning Maxi-Cosi car seat is one of the best car seats available. The Maxi-Cosi Mica 360° Rotative Car Seat is a rearward-facing car seat from birth up to approximately four years.

The Mica car seat comes with ISOFIX connectors and a support leg for secure installation. I-Safety ensures that your little one has additional head and neck safety when using the car seat.

 

2. Ickle Bubba Stratus i-Size Car Seat

Ickle Bubba Stratus i-Size Car Seat

This Ickle Bubba Stratus i-Size Car Seat will take your baby from birth to approximately 15 months old. This stylish car seat can be used with an ISOFIX base (sold separately) or with your vehicle’s seatbelts.

The Ickle Bubba Stratus car seat features improved Side Impact Protection and includes a supportive newborn liner for your little one.

This Ickle Bubba car sear also has an integrated hood that offers UPF 50+ sun protection.

 

3. Maxi-Cosi Pearl Pro² i-Size

Maxi-Cosi Pearl Pro² i-Size

This baby car seat is suitable for little ones from approximately six months old up to four years old. This Maxi-Cosi car seat complies with the latest i-Size (R129) car seat legislation, which means that it can be used as a rear-facing car seat until they reach 105 cm. This helps to provide enhanced protection for your child’s head and neck.

The Maxi-Cosi Pearl has four reclinable positions to keep your baby comfortable while they travel.

 

4. Cosatto All in All Rotate Baby to Child Car Seat

Cosatto All in All Rotate Baby to Child Car Seat

If you’re looking for the best car seats for your baby and want something a little different, you will love this Cosatto All in All Rotate Baby to Child Car Seat. The colourful leopard print design is a special collaboration between Cosatto and Paloma Faith.

This 0+ 123 car seat takes your baby from birth right up to 12 years old (from 0-36kg)! This Cosatto car seat can rotate to make it super easy to get your little one in and out of the car, and it has an exclusive anti-escape system.

The Cosatto All in All Rotate Baby to Child Car Seat also comes with an industry-leading four-year guarantee!

 

5. Ickle Bubba Radial Group 0+/1/2 360 Spin Isofix Car Seat

Ickle Bubba Radial Group 0+/1/2 360 Spin Isofix Car Seat

This Ickle Bubba Radial Car Seat rotates 360 degrees to make getting your little one out of the car super simple.

The 38-degree rearward recline keeps newborns in a safer, more comfortable position when using the seat. For further comfort, this Ickle Bubba car seat includes a modular infant seat insert bundle. The newborn wedge and headrest are detachable to keep your child comfortable at every stage.

For convenience, the soft trim of the Ickle Bubba Radial car seat can be removed and is machine washable.

 

6. Joie i Spin 360 Rotate Car Seat

Joie i Spin 360 Rotate Car Seat

The Joie I Spin 360 Rotate Car Seat is suitable from birth up to approximately four years. Getting your little one in and out of the car will be a breeze with the Joie i Spin – just use the Simple Swivel activator to spin the seat with one hand.

This Joie car seat comes with six recline positions, and these can be used when the seat is in both rearward-facing and forward-facing modes. 

 

7. Cosatto Acorn i-Size Baby Car Seat

Cosatto Acorn i-Size Baby Car Seat

The Cosatto Acorn i-Size Baby Car Seat features gorgeous Nature Trail fabrics. But as well as looking great, this Cosatto car seat also comes with a host of features.

This Acorn i-Size car seat has a reinforced construction and a strong protective shell. The Flip Out Side Impact Protection System is designed to absorb force in the event of a side impact.

The extendable canopy offers UPF 100+ protection. The colourful fabrics can be removed and are machine washable.

 

8. Nuna ARRA Next Car Seat

Nuna ARRA Next Car Seat

Finding the best car seat for your baby is essential and this Nuna ARRA Next Car Seat is a great choice. This car seat is suitable for babies from birth up to 13kg. This lightweight car seat weighs just 3.5 kg (without insert and canopy).

The three recline positions and removable memory foam headrests ensure that babies feel comfortable on every journey. For safety, the Nuna ARRA Next Car Seat offers all-over side impact protection.

This luxurious car seat features a woven fabric made with Merino wool and a leatherette carry handle.

You can use the ARRA Next Car Seat with compatible travel systems. This Nuna car seat can be securely fitted into place using your car’s ISOFIX anchor points.

 

9. Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix i-Size

Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix i-Size

This Maxi-Cosi car seat is compatible with the CabrioFix i-Size base and also fits onto most Maxi-Cosi pushchairs to create a handy travel system.

Weighing just 3.2kg, this Maxi-Cosi car seat is lightweight, making it really easy to carry. To keep your baby comfortable, the Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix car seat comes with a removable newborn inlay and a separate headrest cushion. A large UV sun canopy is also included to keep the sun out of your baby’s eyes.

 

10. iCandy Cocoon Car Seat & Base

iCandy Cocoon Car Seat & Base

This iCandy Cocoon Car Seat is designed to be suitable for babies from birth up until 13kg or 15 months old.

You can use the iCandy Cocoon Car Seat either with ISOFIX or your car’s seat belts. This iCandy car seat is fully i-Size (R129) compliant, which means that your little one gets the highest level of protection.

The iCandy Cocoon Car seat comes with a removable infant insert for newborns and has a multi-position canopy to provide some shade on sunny days.

 

11. Ickle Bubba Astral Car Seat,

Ickle Bubba Astral Car Seat

The Astral Ickle Bubba 0+ car seat is suitable for use from birth up until approximately 12-15 months.

This Ickle Bubba car seat features a host of safety features, including side impact cushion technology, and double-layered impact protection.

The Ickle Bubba Astral Car Seat can be installed in your car without an ISOFIX base, simply use your car’s standard seat belt to secure it in place.

 

12. Cosatto Zoomi Car Seat

Cosatto Zoomi Car Seat

When the time comes for your little one to move from a rear-facing car seat to a forward-facing alternative this Cosatto car seat is definitely an option to consider.

Kids will love the fun Unicorn Land print fabric, and this practical car seat is also available in a host of other fabric designs.

As well as boasting fun fabric, this Cosatto car seat is bursting with features to make your travels easier. This Stage 1, 2, 3 car seat has an adjustable headrest, removable, machine-washable fabrics, and an exclusive 5-point plus anti-escape system. The Cosatto Zoomi Car Seat is compatible with standard 3-point seatbelts and comes with a four-year guarantee.

 

13. Joie i-Snug 2™ Car Seat

Joie i-Snug 2™ Car Seat

The Joie i-Snug 2 Car seat will ensure your baby travels in comfort from birth up to approximately 12 months old.

This rearward facing car seat meets the highest ECE R129/03 safety standards, offering you peace of mind.

The Joie i-Snug 2 is one of the lightest car seats in the Joie range and weighs just 3.35kg, which is good news when you’re carrying it back and forth to the car!

This Joie car seat features removable and machine washable covers and inserts, so keeping it looking fresh and clean will be a doddle.

 

14. Nuna TODL Next Car Seat

Nuna TODL Next Car Seat

The Nuna TODL Next Car Seat is an award-winning car seat that takes babies from birth to approximately four years old (18kg).

This i-Size safe car seat features Steel Strength Technology making it one of the best car seats available. Ultra-resilient plastics and steel reinforcement make this a heavy-duty car seat.

EPP energy-absorbing foam provide extra side impact protection for your little one. As well as outstanding safety features, this Nuna car seat is also designed for comfort. There are five recline positions that can be used both when the seat is front and rear-facing. While the height-adjustable headrest has six different positions.

 

15. Joie i-Plenti™ Signature Car Seat

Joie i-Plenti™ Signature Car Seat

This stylish car seat will last you for years, as it is suitable for children aged from 15 months up to 12 years. So, this car seat can save you from buying multiple car seats as your child grows and also means you save space at home.

For your peace of mind, this Joie car seat meets the highest level R129 safety specifications, including for side impact protection. While the three position recline adds extra comfort for your child every time you travel.

 

Check out our handy checklist of baby essentials to make sure you don't forget anything...

 

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