Let's be honest.
Buying a car seat for your newborn
probably isn't the most exciting thing on your shopping list.
But it's definitely one of the most important.
You'll normally need to use a car seat with your child
up until they're around 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall,
whichever comes first.
You should also be aware that some hospitals might not
discharge you unless you have one when
you leave with your newborn.
So it's worth prepping for this well
in advance of your due date.
So child car seats are based on either weight or height,
and can be fitted in the car using either a seatbelt
or ISOfix fittings, depending on what kind of seat
it is.
But what on earth is ISOfix?
Well, ISOfix, if you're not sure what it means,
is a structure built into the car that uses connectors
to attach a car seat.
Most new cars have ISOfix points,
but it's worth checking this just in case.
The nice thing about ISOfix is that it's really easy
to know when the seat is properly
in place, which is very reassuring, especially
for first time parents.
Quick side note before we dive in-- we've also
got a buyer's guide on our website written
with the help of Good Egg Car Safety, which will hopefully
give you the lowdown on the totally clear and not
at all confusing car seat rules.
So which car seat should you buy?
After speaking to car safety experts,
scouring crash test results, and carrying out months of research
and testing with parents, here's our roundup of the five best
car seats for infants.
The Max-Cosi Rock is one of those classic
looking car seats that's designed specifically
for newborns.
It can be attached using either a seat belt or an ISOfix base,
and it should last you until your child is around one.
It's a great first car seat, and a really versatile option
if you know you'll be moving it in and out of the car a lot
or attaching it to a travel system.
It also has special material in the top side
wings for extra side impact protection.
If you want to attach his car seat using the ISOfix points,
you'll have to buy the ISOfix base.
But it is sold separately, and it doesn't come cheap--
two things that no new parent wants to hear.
On the plus side, though, you can re-use the base
for the 2WayPearl, which is the next car seat up
in the Maxi-Cosi series.
Just like the Maxi-Cosi Rock, the Mothercare Ziba
is designed specifically for newborns.
It'll only last until your baby weighs 13 kilos mind, which
is around 12 to 15 months.
But it's nice and light for moving to and from the car.
This one is fitted with a seat belt,
which is really handy if you don't
have ISOfix points in your car.
And it honestly is a breeze to install,
which means that you can fit it with confidence
and know that you are always doing it right.
At only 35 pounds, the Mothercare Ziba
is proof that you don't need to spend hundreds on a car seat
to make sure that it's both comfy and safe.
It may be a no-frills option, but the Ziba
offers side impact protection, a body support cushion that's
perfect for newborns, and it's one of the easiest seats
to use, as well.
If you're looking for a seat that
will last you that little bit longer, than the Britax Dualfix
i-Size is well worth a look.
It's an extended, rear-facing ISOfix
seat that should last until your child is around age four.
So you'll be able to keep them rear
facing for as long as possible, which is actually the safest
way for kids to travel.
It's a big seat with loads of padding,
which will keep your child safe and comfy as they grow.
The downside, though, is that it would definitely dominate
the back seat of your car.
It's also not cheap.
But if you think about how long it will last you,
it's actually really good value.
Because you'll probably get through at least two
to three seats with other makes in that time.
And if that wasn't enough, you can also
spin it around to face you while you strap your baby in.
And anyone who's ever had to wrestle a screaming baby
into the car sideways will know that it's backbreaking work.
Seriously, why don't all car seats do this?
Similar to the Dualfix i-Size, the Joie iSpin
can be used from birth all the way up to four years old.
And it can rear face until then, as well.
It's a great all-arounder, an absolute joy
to use once it's installed, and it's
super easy to switch between rear and forward facing.
The rotating seat also makes it simpler
to get your child in and out of the car.
And the comfy padding will keep even the tiniest
of newborns snug and safe.
You probably won't want to move it between cars
too often, as it is pretty heavy,
and there's actually no handle to grab hold of.
But it's relatively easy to instal with ISOfix fittings,
and it's one of the most practical to use, as well.
A newborn baby needs loads of stuff.
So if you are the kind of person who
is worried about how much landfill they'll create,
then you'll probably be interested in products
that will last you for the long haul.
The Cosy N Safe Arthur is exactly that.
It's a car seat designed to go with your child from birth
until around 12 years old.
So in theory, that should be the only car seat you'll ever need,
which in my opinion is frankly bonkers.
You can keep this car seat rear facing until your child is
around four years old.
But when you're ready, you can then
switch it to forward facing.
The Arthur using belts to secure it when its rear facing,
so it can be a little tricky to instal at first.
But when it's forward facing, you've
got the option to use ISOfix points if you prefer
that So that's our roundup of the five best infant car seats
to buy.
Thanks so much for watching, and keep an eye out
for more reviews coming soon.