Side Impact Protection
Safety is paramount, and one key feature to look for is side impact protection. In the unfortunate event of a collision, this extra layer of protection reduces the G-force on your baby’s head. R129-approved car seats must have this feature, ensuring maximum safety during side impacts. If you're opting for an R44-approved seat, double-check if it includes side impact shields, which are especially helpful in head-on collisions.
Adaptable Harnesses and Headrests
Your baby will grow quickly, so look for adjustable harnesses and headrests. These features allow the car seat to grow with your little one, ensuring they stay comfortable and secure at every stage. Some models also offer removable padding, creating more room for toddlers as they grow.
Lightweight Design
You'll often carry the car seat in and out of the car, so a lightweight model like the Nuna Pipa URBN Infant Car Seat is ideal. Weighing as little as 3.3 kilograms, it's much easier to transport when you're juggling other essentials like nappy bags or shopping. Its ultra-light design makes it a convenient choice for parents on the go, without compromising on safety or comfort for your baby.
Travel System Compatibility
To make life easier, choose a car seat that is compatible with your stroller. Travel systems let you move your baby from the car to the stroller without waking them, a lifesaver when your newborn is napping. If you haven’t yet bought a stroller, consider getting a full travel system that includes a car seat, stroller, and carrycot, ensuring everything works seamlessly together.
360º Rotation
The Maxi-Cosi Pro range, equipped with the 360 Pro Base, and the Joie i-Spin range both offer the ultimate convenience with their 360º rotating seats. This feature allows you to effortlessly turn the seat forward or backward, making it much easier to get your baby in and out of the car. Parents appreciate this functionality as it extends the life of the car seat—once your baby outgrows rear-facing mode, you can seamlessly switch to forward-facing. Both Maxi-Cosi and Joie offer excellent solutions for safety and ease of use..
Additional Considerations: Isofix and Car Compatibility
- Isofix Base: It is a base that is fitted to your car, as a way of fixing your car seat in place securely and safely. R129 car seats must be used with an Isofix, but we recommend it for all models as it ensures the car seat is correctly installed.
- Car Compatibility: Before purchasing, ensure the car seat is compatible with your vehicle. Not all seats work with every car model, so double-check this detail during your research.
Expert Tip: Avoid Second-Hand Car Seats
While second-hand car seats may be tempting due to lower costs, it's highly recommended to buy new. A used car seat could have been in an accident and may have internal damage that’s not visible, compromising your baby’s safety.
Confused? Our Car Seat Consultation Service Will Help
We offer a complimentary in-store Car Seat Consultation service. Our team is fully trained and IOSH- accredited, so they know safety standards inside out, have up-to-date knowledge and can help you find the most appropriate fit for your baby.
Our car seat consultation is also a really helpful way of checking whether your baby is ready to move on to the next stage of the car seat. Book a free 4-week car seat checkup or a free 9-month car seat checkup when your little one is ready.
Another great benefit of booking our free Car Seat Consultation service is being able to get hands-on with a car seat before you buy it. We can offer you lots of advice and guidance when it comes to choosing the right seat, and our team have all been trained in the latest safety laws – you can even have a go at fitting it inside your car. Remember as well as offering this service before your baby is due, we can also check up on your seat once your little one has arrived, to be sure it is fitting correctly.
Good to go?
Hopefully, you’re feeling a little clearer about choosing a car seat. Remember, once you’ve got the right fit for your baby’s weight or height, make sure you choose one with features that’ll make your life easier, too. We love a lightweight model – carrying all your baby bits around can be heavy enough without a car seat in tow! Once you’ve found your perfect seat, all that’s left to do is plan those family adventures.
