The best car seats: Tested by real parents for safety and comfort

The Nuna TODL NEXT car seat stands out in the market as a versatile and user-friendly option for parents seeking safety and convenience. Tester dad-of-two Joe found it to be lightweight and easy to swivel and praised its smooth operation, commenting, "Nuna has been able to produce a really strong-feeling seat that is light enough to make taking in and out of the car less of an issue." He also highlighted its compatibility with various vehicles and smooth swivel motion, making it effortless to get children in and out of the car.

The rubberised 5-point harness and side impact protection pod enhance both safety and comfort. Dad tester Joe said it was easy to adjust the harness, and the installation process, whether with ISOFIX or a seatbelt, is straightforward, with clear indicators ensuring proper installation.

Both durable and smooth to operate, it is easy to carry even with heavier children. The TODL next easily adjusts to accommodate all your little one's stages of growth, although bear in mind it is only suitable for up to 19kg. If you are looking for something that will be easy to wash, then the Chicco Seat3Fit is the one for you.

The Nuna TODL next and BASE next was award Gold for the Best Baby / Toddler Car Seat (Stage 1 / 2) in the 2024 Mother & baby Awards. It was also awarded Gold for Best Multi-stage Car Seat in the 2023 Mother & Baby Awards.

Read our full Nuna TODL next and BASE review

The integrated ISOFIX connectors, lightweight design, and one-handed release make this car seat one of the most convenient on the market, particularly for frequent transfers between vehicles, as dad-of-one Matt found: "The integrated ISOFIX connectors clicked into the two equipped cars we tested the seat in with a positive clunk." This baseless newborn car seat has ISOFIX connectors built-in, making it perfect for taxis, fly-drive holidays, or trips in hire or grandparents’ cars without the need for a separate base to benefit from the convenience and safety of the ISOFIX system.

Our tester loved the seat's extras, including Nuna's signature Dream drape™ for privacy and a full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy for sun protection. It's also not short of safety features, including the Aeroflex™ foam and Side Impact Protection (SIP) to ensure optimal protection for infants.

Dad Matt did, however, mention that the seat's lightweight construction may compromise the feel of the materials used. Overall, the Nuna PIPA urbn is ideal for busy families or those looking for a secondary seat for those requiring flexibility without the bulk of traditional bases. Another downside is that it's a little pricey, so if you are looking for something on the cheaper side yet still stylish, then you might want to go for the Joie i-Levelrecline baby car seat.

The Nuna PIPA urbn was awarded Gold for Innovation of the Year and Best Newborn Car Seat (Stage 0/0+) at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

Read our full Nuna PIPA urbn review.

Suitable from birth to 15 months, the Joie i-Level Recline baby car seat offers a choice of three recline positions up to 157 degrees. Not only is it light in weight, but it's also ISOFIX compatible to ensure comfort and safety for newborns. Our mum tester, Ria, found the adjustable straps and cushioning inserts perfect for her daughter's snug fit: "Our daughter genuinely enjoys sitting in the car seat and has often drifted to sleep." The car seat's compatibility with Maxi Cosi adapters allows seamless integration with prams, facilitating uninterrupted naps.

Safety features, such as the recline function for better oxygen flow and the red/green colour-changing system for secure installation, provide peace of mind for parents. Ria also liked the practicality of the 90-degree swivel base and the washable fabric inserts, which make maintenance hassle-free. Despite its light colour, the fabric proved durable against stains.

When paired with the i-Base Encore which is sold separately, the seat spins 90º. The absence of a 360-degree swivel might be a downside for some parents, particularly those with back problems. It;s also worth noting the base is a little on the large side for those with smaller cars. Nevertheless, Ria praised the Joie i-Level for its overall quality, style, and affordability compared to its competitors.

The Joie i-Level recline was awarded Silver for Best Newborn Car Seat (Stage 0/0+) at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

Read our full Joie i-Level Recline car seat review.

From its 360-degree rotation to the easy harness adjustment, the Maxi-Cosi Pebble is a hit with our parent testers thanks to the smooth spin function, secure straps and how easy it was to get baby in and out the car. Parents also loved how this car seat was super easy to clean.

Parents liked that it had the option to remove the seat from the base as it added versatility, meaning it's suitable from birth up to approx. 15 months or 17.5kg offering great value for money in the long-run. It rotates super-smoothly and easily on the FamilyFix 360 base which is sold separately, and can be turned around using only one hand, although the release handle is a little tricky to get the hang of.

Another minor drawback our parent testers found as well as the release handle, was the alignment when putting the seat back on the base. Despite these issues, users found the seat durable and comfortable for babies, with fewer instances of crying during use.

The Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 was awarded Bronze for Best Newborn Car Seat (Stage 0/0+) at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 and then again for Best Newborn Car Seat at the Mother&Baby Awards 2023.

Read our full Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 with FamilyFix 360 Base review.

The Joie Baby i-Spin 360 is an incredibly versatile and user-friendly car seat designed to make every journey safer and more comfortable for your little one. It’s perfect for parents who want a seat that not only grows with their child but also provides flexibility and convenience.

One of the standout features of the i-Spin 360 is its ability to rotate 360 degrees, allowing you to easily turn the seat to face the door when you're strapping your child in. This clever spinning function makes getting your child in and out of the car a breeze, especially in tight parking spaces or when you're trying to avoid awkward bending or stretching. Once your child is in, you can spin the seat back to the rear-facing position (up to 105 cm) for maximum safety or forward-facing once they're ready (from 15 months onwards, up to 18 kg).

Our dad, tester Tim, found the car seat to be heavy but very easy to install in his five-door car. He said, "It is a simple push fit into the two ISOFIX. Once installed correctly, it has a very sturdy feel. If you do need to remove the seat from the car, it is easily achieved by pressing the two release buttons."

When it comes to safety, the Joie i-Spin 360 meets the latest i-Size safety standards and includes features like Side Impact Protection to safeguard your child’s head, neck, and torso in the event of a collision. Plus, it’s equipped with a 5-point harness system, ensuring your child is securely fastened at all times. The base is also designed to reduce the risk of incorrect installation, with clear indicators to show when everything is securely in place.

The i-Spin 360 doesn’t disappoint either in terms of comfort. It has a soft, plush seat with extra padding to keep your child comfortable on long trips, and the reclining function allows them to snooze peacefully during the ride.

Read our full review of the Joie Baby i-Spin 360.

The Apramo Ostara Fix Seat is a comfortable, adjustable car seat suitable for children aged three to 12 years old, which our testers loved as it made it great value for money. It offers seven different positions along with an adjustable headrest and is made from thicker fabrics for higher-level comfort and security for your little one, although it's worth noting the cushioning isn't very thick, with mum tester Anna commenting, "If I could change one thing I would make the material on the car seat a bit thicker and a bit more cushioning." 

Parents loved that the removable covers on the seat are quick and easy to wash, making it easy to clean after long journeys. This was a feature some parents missed on other car seats on the market, with mum tester Nicola saying, "Some of our car seats have been virtually impossible to remove. With this, there is a zip up the back, and it didn’t appear to have any difficult areas to unhook, etc, although I did not fully strip it." However, they missed a cup holder, which is often a welcome feature for car seats designed for older children.

Thanks to its sleek design, the seat is durable and safe yet light in weight. Parents found installing it with ISOFIX and getting their child in and out of the car hassle-free, and they felt confident that their child was safe and secure in the seat for the duration of the journey.

Won Gold in the 2020 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Forward Facing Car Seat category.

Read our full Apramo Ostara Fix Seat review

The Joie Spin 360 has received high praise from our mum testers for its quality, safety features, and practicality. Its 360-degree swivel feature is its stand-out feature as it simplifies placing and securing the child in the seat, while the extended rear-facing option adds peace of mind. Thanks to its compact design, Mum tester Rebecca noted how easy it was to use in her 3-door car. "This product has made our life so much easier as we have a three-door car, and it is amazing to be able to spin the seat round and fit baby in." Furthermore, testers loved its convenience, particularly in tight parking spaces, and its comfort for the child during journeys.

Easy to install and offering great levels of comfort and safety for little ones, parents particularly liked the seat's ability to recline and adjust as the child grows, making it great value for money. Impressive safety features include the auto-engage Guard Surround SafetyTM side impact protection panels that lock outward when the harness is tightened and work to absorb any force during a crash, which we liked for our peace of mind. In terms of head protection, the Tri-ProtectTM headrest and the six-position Grow TogetherTM headrest keep your little one secure, and the harness system adjusts simultaneously without rethreading the harness.

Although it's heavy and isn't the easiest car seat to move between cars, parents liked how robust and strong it felt for safety, so they were happy to compromise on weight. The main flaw most parents identified was the accessibility of the levers, with one of our mum testers saying, "If I could change one thing about this product, it would just be that it is quite hard to reach the levers to spin the seat. It would be great if you made them a bit bigger so they were easier to find."

Won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Baby/Toddler Car Seat (Stage 1/2) category.

Read our full Joie Spin 360 review

The adjustable headrest and self-tightening straps on this car seat ensure optimal comfort and security for your little one, while its sturdy construction and rigorous testing with its Swedish Plus Test certification offer reassurance to parents and peace of mind to parents with these exceptional safety standards. Mum tester Jo agrees, commenting, “The key attraction of this car seat is the rigorous testing to the highest levels that it has been through (plus testing at higher speed and shorter stopping distance.) The peace of mind this provides to any new parent is significant.”

The ability to rear-face up to 25kg, or 6-7 years, and the seat's longevity are particularly valued by parents, offering value for money and extended safety for their children as they grow, thanks to the ample legroom and flexibility in installation. Our mum tester Gemma particularly loved this feature, “This product lasts until the child is 25kg, which is an average 7-year-old. Many other rear-facing seats only last until the child is 18kg, an average 4-year-old. However, many children are heavier than average and would reach 18kg at the age of 2 or 3, which is too young to go into a high-backed booster. With the Axkid, at least you know that even if you have a heavier child, you can rearward face longer.”

It’s a very easy seat to install, comfortable for children and provides excellent protection from all angles in the case of impact. The main downsides are the seats' heavyweight and bulkiness, but the safety benefits outweigh this.

Won Bronze in the 2020 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Rear-Facing Car Seat categor****y.

Read our full Axkid Minikid review

Designed for easy and ultra-lightweight carrying, the Maxi-Cosi Coral 360 is practical and easy for new parents to use. The first modular 360° rotating baby car seat features a removable inner carrier that weighs just 1.7kg, reducing carrying weight by up to 50%, and slots easily into the outer shell. It also rotates with just one hand, allowing you to turn the seat easily. Our mum tester, Chloe, loved how lightweight it was. "This car seat makes my life easier as a mum as it is really lightweight, which is good for me as I live in a fourth-floor flat, and the walk to my car is quite a way,” she said. 

Although some testers found it a little bulky in size, its modular design combines the highest i-Size safety standard. The carrier locks effortlessly into the safety shell and easily clicks onto the FamilyFix 360 rotating base with a 3-light check system, providing peace of mind during travel. Mum tester Jess said, “The Isofix base was really easy to install, and the 3-light check gave me peace of mind that it had been installed correctly. It was simple to unload the whole car seat from the base when necessary."

With its ability to be used from birth up to 12 months, it’s a lightweight option ideal for parents on the go, although some parents would have loved the product to be available in more colours. Despite minor critiques about the quality of the plastic shell, the Maxi-Cosi Coral was a hit with our parent testers.

Won Gold in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Car Seat Group 0/0+ category.

Read our full Maxi-Cosi Coral with FamilyFix³ Base review

Weighing only 3.2kg, this car seat offers portability without compromising on safety, boasting an i-Size certification and Joie's exclusive Tri-Protect headrest for enhanced head protection. Mums highlighted how its weightlessness made it great for travel, especially with a baby strapped in. The rotation feature added an extra layer of ease for parents as it really simplified the process of getting the baby in and out of the car. Our mum tester agreed, "Can I just say how thankful I am for a lightweight car seat to finally be available on the market? I think having to carry a baby in a car seat is one of the biggest challenges post birth as it is heavy - however, this product has solved that problem.” The Joie i-Snug 2 car seat offers security through three layers of protection inside the side wings. We like how Joie's patented Intelli-Fit memory foam in the infant pillow keeps the baby snug and protected at all times. 

Compatible with some Joie pushchairs and i-Base Encore compatible for added safety; our testers particularly liked that the hood was quite big, so it came down quite far with built-in SPF for sun protection. Another added benefit was the removable and machine washable covers which we loved as well as the curved base for rocking and relaxing when out and about.

While some mentioned the small size of the seat as a potential drawback for larger babies, overall, they struggled to find significant flaws with the product. One of our mum testers said, "It may be disappointing for parents who have a child on the higher centiles as it may not last quite as long as hoped. This isn't an issue for me, though, and I would much rather have a snug fit."

Won Silver in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Car Seat Group 0/0+ category.

Read our full Joie i-Snug 2 with i-Base Encore review

With three recline positions, the Nuna Arra ensures your baby can lie flat whether they’re in the car or attached to a pushchair. This is essential for their safety and growth in those early months. Our mum tester Helen particularly loved this aspect of the seat, saying, “This car seat allows your baby to be in a reclined mode, which is safer for them when travelling and is the most ergonomic position.” 
Lightweight to carry, at 3.9 kg, it works as both a car seat and a carrycot for that all-important uninterrupted sleep for babies while on the move. Our parent testers loved how lightweight it was and found unloading and loading the baby in and out of the car with the ISOFIX base simple to use. Mum Charlotte said, "I would recommend this to a friend due to the light weight of the seat unit and the ease of use for the ISOFIX base.”

Despite its lightweight, there are a few drawbacks, including the metal bar, which makes it a little uncomfortable for some parents to carry. Some also experienced issues when using the release button. Mum Danielle commented, “I found the release button extremely difficult to use. I found it very stiff and had to call on my husband quite a number of times to help recline the seat/release the car seat from the ISOFIX car base. This is a problem that I don’t seem to have with the other car seats I have used.” Fellow mum tester Clare agreed, “Another drawback of the product is the metal bar makes the car seat quite uncomfortable to carry when hooking it on your arm, which is noticeable even after carrying a short distance."

Although it has its drawbacks, parents appreciated the side impact protection, quality feel, and added features like soft shoulder pads and an extending canopy. As well as this, parents love the stylish and luxurious feel of the seat, and their little ones found it very comfortable, with mum tester Jess saying, “My daughter was incredibly comfy in the seat which made long journeys easy as she was happy. The harness was also simple to clip and unclip."

Won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Car Seat Group 0/0+.

Read our full Nuna Arra review

Suitable for children from 9kg to 36kg, which is approximately up to 12 years, the Joie Bold car seat offers great value for money. Our mum testers praised its durability and comfort as well as the fact you’re getting a car seat that converts easily into a belted booster seat. Our mum tester, Victoria, said, “The fact that this car seat converts from a 5-point harness seat into a high back booster with ease is appealing.” 

Other appealing features of this car seat, which help it stand the test of time, are the adjustable headrest, three recline positions, cup holder and the comfortable yet durable material, all adding to its value for money. There’s also the peace of mind it offers regarding child safety thanks to the side impact protection.

Some of our testers did express concerns about the seats' forward-facing orientation for younger children and suggested adding a spin feature or increasing the lower age range. Our mum tester, Arianne, says, “I think nine months is far too young to be front-facing! Many studies have been undertaken on the effect of front-facing on a child's skeletal health! It is detrimental to their hip placement and development if they are front-facing too soon. My little boy is higher on the centiles and is still rear-facing at 13 months old. My 4-year-old is really low on the centiles, and he fits in the chair comfortably, but there is no way he could have used this seat under two years old. I think it should be from two years minimum.”

Won Silver in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Multi-stage Car Seat category.

Read our full Joie Bold Group 1/2/3 car seat review

Cosatto All in All Rotate is suitable from birth throughout all stages of growth up to approximately 12 years old, making it excellent value. As it’s designed to grow with your child, it easily adjusts when your child needs a bit more room with a five-point harness and anti-escape system, recline lock indicator, as well as 360 rotating technology to allow for front or rear-facing positions depending on your child’s size. It’s also worth mentioning it safely locks into place no matter what position it is in, for your added peace of mind. 

This rotation feature also makes it easy to get your little one in and out of the car, particularly if your car is on the smaller side, as it can rotate to side-facing for easy access, which means no more twisting awkwardly to get baby in and out of their seat which we loved. Our mum tester Hannah agreed it made her life a lot easier, commenting, “This car seat made my life easier as it can rotate to get my child in and out of the vehicle. It means that I no longer have to battle with a super-strong baby. Getting my child in the car safely is now a quick, stress-free task.” 

Not only is the Cosatto All in All Rotate a convenient choice, but it’s also very safe with side impact protection, extensive levels of testing, and compliance with regulations, ensuring you know your baby is in safe hands when on the road. The main downside our mum tester found was the seat weight, meaning it wasn’t very easy to get in and out of the car. Mum tester Hannah said, “If I would make any changes, it would be to make it lighter or smaller. However, I think with all of the safety features, this probably isn't feasible.”

Won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Multi-stage Car Seat category.

Read our full Cosatto All in All Rotate i-Size Car Seat review

As parents, we know making sure your baby isn’t too cold or doesn’t overheat on car journeys is essential so that you’re not panicking while driving. Designed using impressive G-CELL lateral technology, plus ClimaFlow fabric, which aids ventilation to help keep your child at the correct temperature and more comfortable on journeys. Our mum tester, Samatha, agreed that her tot was very comfy on car journeys in this seat. “My son also looked super comfy in the Mica. The materials feel like high-quality fabrics and not the sort that would snag easily.” She said. 

Along with the smart fabric, this seat also features a 360° rotation, making getting children in and out of the car effortless. Its compact design also makes it a suitable choice for a wide variety of cars, even ones on the smaller side. It’s also very straightforward to install with ISOFIX, and our testers found the instructions to be very user-friendly. Mum Kelly couldn’t agree more, saying, “car seats can be a confusing subject, and the fact that this is so easy to fit is great. It fits with the ISOFIX points and support leg, and the instructions are really clear. I have also moved to fit in another car and had no problems.” 

The Maxi-Cosi Mica can be used from birth to approximately four years old, with the option of both rear-facing and front-facing positions. This is thanks to the adjustable harness, removable inlay, 5-point harness and multiple recline positions, suited for all stages of growth. However, our parent testers would have liked this seat to last a little longer, with mum tester Charlotte saying, “If I was to change anything about this product, it would be for the seat to last longer as it’s quite expensive so for the seat to last a child a lot longer would be fantastic. You'd get more use from the product, so maybe parents would feel the need to buy it as it would last longer.”

Won Silver in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Baby/Toddler Car Seat (Stage 1/2) category.

Read our full Maxi-Cosi Mica review

If you’re looking for a car seat that’s easy to move from one car to another, then you’ll want a lightweight option such as the Axkid One i-Size. Weighing 10kg, it’s suitable for newborns up to 7 years, making it a real long-term investment. Mum Rachael loved how long it lasted. “The seat can go all the way up until seven years of age, which is fantastic. This means less time researching the next suitable seats and less time at the shops trying these seats out to ensure they are right for the car,” said Racheal. 

Easy to adjust and install, it’s designed to grow with your tot with extended rear-facing capability, making it a very safe choice for parents. It also comes with an insert for children between 61 to 105 cm. Mum Celine was impressed with the safety features, saying, “I was really surprised how light this car seat is without compromising on safety. Knowing that my child is safe rear-facing and can be for many years ahead is really reassuring too.” Also, the padded design made the seat comfortable for the baby.  

However, some note difficulties with tightening the straps and would have preferred it to have a rotating function. Our mum tester, Elizabeth, commented, “If I had a large child or was looking for a non-rotating seat, I would choose this product.” With mum tester, Rachael added, “I did find it really difficult to get my daughter strapped into it. This may change as the seat is used more and the mechanisms loosen off slightly, making it easier to pull the cord; however, to get the correct angle to tighten with them as they are currently was really difficult and took a lot longer than my current car seat.”

Won Bronze in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Baby/Toddler Car Seat (Stage 1/2) category.

Read our full Axkid One review