It goes without saying that all car seats should be fitted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and guidance. A slightly more expensive price with the base may be better value in the long run. Some manufacturers ship a base with their car seat, so it's worth factoring this in when looking at the prices. The latter doesn't come with all baby car seats as standard and, although the connections are the same, many manufacturers are now offering their own proprietary bases for a price.
These models may seem more expensive on initial purchase, but you won't be replacing them every couple of years as your child grows older.Īdditional costs include inserts, in some cases, as well as the Isofix base. If cost is a limiting factor, you're best off looking at seats that are suitable all the way from newborn to when your child no longer needs to use a car seat or booster. How much should I spend on the best car seat? Ideally, they'll be placed in the back of the car and face the rear until they're 15 months old, but this isn't always an option. Existing booster seats will still be valid in your car, so don't worry about rushing out to buy brand-new seats.īabies must be rear-facing, ideally in the rear of a car, until they reach 9kg, and only then if they can sit unaided for a minimum of 30 minutes. Instead, all newly released booster seats can only be made and sold to a child who is 4ft 1in or taller, or who weighs 22kg or more.
The most recent addition to the law involves booster seat regulations, but it doesn't actually affect you as a consumer. Failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £500. UK law on car seats has changed recently to require your child to use a baby seat or booster seat until they’re 135cm (4ft 5in) tall or they turn 12. If your journey is longer than that, the NHS suggests pulling over and taking the child out for a short time before continuing on your way. The latter means you can easily transport a sleeping baby from the car to the house or onto a buggy.īe aware that it’s not advised to keep a baby in a car seat for longer than two hours. The downside is you'll likely have to wake the baby to do so. The former means you don't have to lug a heavy car seat with you. The real draw from one seat to the next is its grouping and any additional features such as removable newborn inserts or a carry handle.īest baby monitor 2021: Video and audio baby monitors from Angelcare, Tommee Tippee, BT and more For example, a group 2/3 car seat is suitable from three years to around 12 years, but isn't suitable from birth.Īs the best car seats go, many of them share the same feature set. You can get car seats in variations of these groups. Note: Some car seats will be approved in two or more groups.
There are different groups of baby car seats you need to be aware of: Group
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READ NEXT: Best prams How to choose the best car seat for your baby What types of car seats are there? Ahead of that list, we've put together everything you need to know about UK car seat laws, as well as other factors such as price and installation, in our handy buyer's guide. We’ve taken all of these different variables into account for our pick of the best car seats on the market. Seats that use these bases are safer, but not all cars support them. Second, some seats come with special safety systems, such as the more universal click-in Isofix system. There are various factors you need to take into account. You’ll naturally want to buy the best car seat available for your little one – but what that means very much depends on the specifics of your situation. When it comes to child safety, the stakes can feel high.