Rating of the best infant carriers: how to choose a car seat for a newborn baby

Types of infant carriers for newborns

There are both classic models designed to transport children up to 6 months, and universal car seats that can be used to transport older passengers.

In addition, cradles are classified according to the method of fixation:

1. Fastening in the direction of travel of the vehicle.
2. Fixation in the opposite direction. It is considered the safest way to transport young children.
3. Combined fixation. The type of attachment changes as the child grows. This method of fixation is convenient, but most parents purchase 2 separate chairs.
4. Fixation with a seat belt. The cradle is installed sideways and can carry passengers under 6 months of age.

Standard models

This option is suitable for children weighing up to 10 kg. The classic car seat is not intended for transporting children older than 6 months. The backrest is always in a horizontal position, which is convenient for newborns who can only ride while lying down.

Universal

Such models are used from birth to 1.5 years. The chair can support children weighing up to 20 kg. The backrest tilt is adjustable from completely horizontal to vertical.

Rating of the best infant carriers for newborns

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of the cradle is that the child is in the correct position. Prone transportation is optimal in the first weeks of life.

The load on the spine is distributed correctly, the neck muscles are not strained, and the respiratory system functions normally.

In addition, the car seat is suitable for long trips. The disadvantage is the short service life. After 6 months, the retaining device must be replaced.

Criterias of choice

When purchasing, they take into account not only the reputation of the manufacturer, but also the parameters of the chair.

According to technical characteristics

The following parameters influence the choice of a car seat:

1. Height and weight of the child who can be transported using the device.
2. Materials for the manufacture of frame and cladding. They must be durable, hypoallergenic and safe. The covering of a good device is made of breathable fabrics. It is recommended to choose devices with replaceable covers. The colors should not be bright, but practical.
3. Number of backrest positions, availability of auxiliary functions.

Company manufacturer

It is recommended to buy car seats from trusted manufacturers. Purchasing in a specialized store gives you the right to exchange if the product does not meet the characteristics stated in the instructions or quickly fails.

The best infant carriers for newborns

The rating includes devices characterized by the best indicators of safety, reliability and practicality.

BRITAX ROMER Baby-Safe plus II

The leader of the popular crash test is in first place in terms of protection and environmental friendliness. Fastening to the floor of the vehicle ensures complete immobility during emergency situations. The adjustable backrest angle makes the child's position most comfortable.

The manufacturer paid attention to supporting the back of a small passenger, so transportation in a chair does not have a negative impact on the spine. Soft, breathable material is pleasant to the skin. The device is designed to transport children up to 85 cm tall.

Graco Junior Baby Sport Luxe Isofix

The model represents the best ratio of quality and cost. Isofix mount makes the trip as safe as possible.

The cradle is designed for newborns, so an anatomical insert is included in the package.

The car seat is equipped with a carrying handle and a protective visor. There is an additional side safety system.

The child seat is designed to transport infants weighing up to 10 kg. It can be used from birth to 10 months. Romer Baby is also suitable for transporting a premature baby, who, due to anatomical features, is forced to remain in a lying position most of the time.

The design of the device does not create unnecessary stress on the spine.

Zlatek Colibri

The model hit the top thanks to its light weight and reasonable price. Zlatek Colibri is suitable for transporting babies up to one year old. Older children will find it uncomfortable.

The device is equipped with a comfortable headrest, a carrying handle, and a protective visor. The three-point harness is easily adjustable. The hypoallergenic lining material allows air to easily pass through.

Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio SL Tri-Fix

The holding device consists of a base that can remain in the vehicle and a removable cradle. The latter can be used as a swing or a carrier. Additional inserts reduce space, making Primo Viaggio comfortable for newborns.

The position of the backrest can be changed from horizontal to almost vertical. The removable handle is used as a border or for carrying.

Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix

This premium baby seat is made from quality materials. It has the best crash test results. To ensure safety, reinforced sidewalls and three-point belts are provided.

The model is equipped with a compartment for storing small items. Installation is provided against the direction of the vehicle, fastening with standard belts.

Concord Intense

The chair is a new development from the manufacturer, intended for infants. The device is equipped with belts with 5 fixation points. It is possible to change the position of the headrest and the amount of backrest tilt.

Improved ventilation system allows the skin to breathe. There is a convenient aluminum carrying handle.

Cybex Cloud Q

The main difference is the headrest, which is adjustable in 11 positions. This feature helps the newborn lie down correctly during the trip. Durable straps hold the baby's body tightly but gently.

Reinforced sidewalls additionally protect against injury in emergency situations. Thanks to the anatomical insert, the chair is suitable for transporting children in the first days of life.

Zlatek Atlantic

The universal restraint device is suitable for children from 0 to 12 years old. As the child grows, the cradle, equipped with a comfortable removable headrest and reinforced sides, can be converted into a booster seat.

For children under 4 years old, a 5-point harness is provided. Installing Zlatek Atlantic is easy. It is secured with a standard belt.

Chicco Auto-Fix Fast

Car seat belts are used to secure the infant carrier. The device can be placed on the base or placed without it. The base does not have to be dismantled every time. The cradle is attached to it using the Clik-Clak system.

The set includes a mattress for newborns and a protective canopy. 3-point harness is adjustable in 3 positions. The position of the carrying handle can also be changed.

Happy Baby Skyler V2

The set of this inexpensive device includes a mattress for babies, a pillow, and a removable sun visor. The cradle is characterized by its low weight and the presence of a comfortable handle. Happy Baby Skyler V2 can be used as a rocker, fixed with a handle.

Deep sidewalls minimize the risk of injury in collisions. The car seat was certified, but did not participate in crash tests.

HEYNER SuperProtect ERGO

Children's chairs of this brand are produced taking into account European standards. They are fixed in the car using the IsoFix system or standard belts.

It is possible to install the device on a chassis. The cover is made of soft hypoallergenic material.

The kit includes a removable visor, a rain cover, and a mattress for a newborn, ensuring the correct position of the head. These elements help protect the child from adverse weather conditions and make the trip comfortable.

Cam Area Zero Plus

The seat is designed for transporting babies from 0 to 18 months. The internal surfaces are equipped with soft pillows. The side and head parts are reinforced. The device is mounted on a chassis, so it can be used as a cradle.

Smooth rocking while the car is moving helps the baby sleep peacefully. The smooth transition between seat and backrest reduces the load on the spine.

ForKiddy Lagun

A lightweight cradle is used for transporting children in the first days of life. The anatomical pillow holds the spine in a natural position.

Reliable fastening prevents the chair from falling during a collision.

The headrest and handle are adjustable in 3 positions.

The base of the device is made of durable plastic, there are no metal elements. Microfiber upholstery does not irritate the skin even in hot weather.

Bebe comfort Creatis Fix

The stylish holding device is mounted against the direction of travel. It is characterized by light weight, good build quality, and versatility.

Other benefits of Bebe confort Creatis Fix are:

• reinforced wide sides that protect the child in collisions;
• fastening to the base;
• reliable seat belts;
• adjustable backrest angle;
• possibility of use up to 1.5 years;
• softness of the headrest;
• improved ventilation system.

Liko Baby LB-510

The chair can withstand loads of up to 25 kg and has increased protective zones in the sides. A high headrest protects the head of a child of any age in case of emergency situations. The restraint device is fixed in the car using standard belts.

The backrest tilt is adjustable from horizontal to vertical. The car seat is securely fixed even on leather car seats.

The kit includes a special mattress that ensures the correct position of the spine.

Recaro Young Profi Plus

The lightweight and comfortable car seat is covered with durable material. The backrest adjustment makes the device suitable for children up to 2 years old. The covering can be removed for washing.

The reversible handle is used to secure toys while traveling or carrying the cradle. The device can be used in combination with Recaro strollers.

The seat is secured using standard car seat belts. Can be installed on a Recaro isofix base. It is selected in accordance with the age category of the restraint device.

Inglesina Marco Polo

This model did not participate in crash tests, but it was developed taking into account European standards. The restraint device is intended for children weighing up to 18 kg. When transporting infants, the cradle is fixed against the direction of travel.

As the child grows, the direction of fixation changes. The backrest tilt is adjustable in 6 positions. For installation, standard car belts are used.

MIMA IZI GO CAR SEAT

The cradle can be installed not only in a car, but also in a stroller. There are 2 mounting options - using the Isofix system or car belts. The kit includes adapters for fixation in strollers of the corresponding brand.

The body is made of shock-absorbing plastic. The wide seat makes the chair suitable for transporting children over one year old. The anatomical lining reduces the load on the newborn's spine.

Nania Beone SP Animals

The configuration is thought out so that the trip is comfortable and safe for the child.

The presence of belt guides makes installation easy.

The handle, adjustable in 4 positions, is used for carrying, rocking or fixing the chair standing on the surface.

The internal belts have 3 levels of tension and height adjustment. The cover can be easily removed for washing. Another advantage is the reasonable price.

How to choose a child car seat

For better understanding, the material is presented in Question-Answer format. And we will begin the debriefing, as usual, with the basics.

When do you need a child car seat?

Car seat belts are designed to fit the anatomy of an adult. However, for children they will be not only useless, but also dangerous. A correctly selected and installed car seat greatly reduces the risk of a child getting fatally injured.

in all sorts of troubles and emergency situations.

Who invented the baby car seat?

The first documentary information about child safety seats dates back to 1935, when the American magazine of popular mechanics Modern Mechanix published a note about a seat on a steel frame, which was attached to the bottom of the car using a special spring. The design of the product allowed the child to sway slightly while driving and “ate up” minor unevenness in the road surface.

A year later, a comfortable car seat entered the arena, which is now called a “catapult”. This stigma stuck to him due to the lack of at least some safety measures taken. The chair was not attached to the seat of the car in any way, and one can only guess what awaited the young passenger during emergency braking or a change in the trajectory of the car.

The prototype of a car seat with a seat belt was released in 1939. The invention was invented by the American Lester Bresson, who made a children's “seat” in his own garage from scrap materials.

The development of Professor Aldman from the Swedish University of Champers is rightfully considered the ancestor of modern armchairs. Watching astronauts being sent into space, he came to the conclusion that lying “against the grain” can significantly reduce the load during a sharp deceleration. The idea was translated into hardware 9 years later, when Volvo released the world's first rear-facing car seat for little ones.

Children's car seats became similar to modern models in the 70s of the last century.

Popular children's car seats Rant IQ Isofix Genius Line from RUR 4,645. Britax Romer Advansafix IV R from RUR 28,699 Vixen M1 Onix from RUR 2,670 Zlatek Atlantic from RUR 2,699 Britax Romer Discovery SL from RUR 7,999 Chicco Youniverse Fix from RUR 18,800 Siger Kokon Isofix from RUR 6,950 Osann Junior Gurtfix from RUR 1,990 WELLDON Penguin Plus from 855 rub. AmaroBaby ST-3 Isofix from RUR 10,699 Cybex Solution S i-Fix from RUR 18,610 Nania I-max SP Isofix from 6,750 rub. Britax Romer KidFix III S from RUR 22,999 Rant GT Isofix from RUR 9,080 Britax Romer KidFix SL from RUR 10,900 Happy Baby Passenger V2 from RUR 8,483 Cybex Cloud Z i-Size from RUR 24,590 Chicco Fold and Go i-Size from RUR 17,840 Siger Booster Fix from RUR 3,649 Britax Romer Trifix 2 I-Size from RUR 24,899

Child car seat - up to what age?

In global practice, it is customary to divide car seats into groups based on height and weight. Each group is designed for a specific age category and is marked with numbers from “0” to “3”

.

• Group 0
  - compact infant carriers for newborns and low-weight children. Outwardly, they resemble a stroller basket. The maximum load on group 0 seats should not exceed 10 kg. The installation of such seats is carried out perpendicular to the direction of movement, i.e. feet to the side door.

• Group 0+
  - so-called carrying cradles. They are designed to transport babies from birth to approximately 9-12 months of age. (no more than 13 kg). To ensure a comfortable fit, children are located in the cup-shaped body of the car seat, reclining. Seats for the youngest passengers must be installed strictly against the direction of travel of the car.
• Group 1
  - chairs in this group are intended for children from 1 to 4 years old (9-18 kg). They are suitable for babies who are already able to sit independently. A child in a group 1 car seat is secured with its own three- or five-point belts; the back of the product is often flexibly adjusted to the angle of inclination. Until the age of one and a half years, many of the chair models of the first age group are installed “against the grain”, but as soon as the child grows up, they can be turned “forward facing”.
• Group 2
  - used for children aged 4 to 7 years, weight category 15-25 kg. They are extremely rare in the “wild” - manufacturers often combine them with group 3, making the back recline to transform the seat into a booster.
• Group 3
  - booster seats for older children (up to 12 years old). Their main task is to raise the child to the height at which the standard car seat belts will fit as needed.

“Purebloods” are usually the “zero” age groups of child car seats. The rest most often unite several groups under one wing (“1/2”, “2/3”, “0+/1/2/3”, etc.).

Where is the safest place to place a child car seat?

The preferred place to install a child car seat is, of course, the rear seat. In theory, the safest position is considered to be the central part of the rear sofa: in a side impact, the child will be at a distance from the door, and in a frontal impact, in the space between the backs of the front seats.

However, not all cars have belts and brackets for securing the seat in the center.

Another low-vulnerability zone is behind the driver, who intuitively tries to avoid a collision on his side. Car seats of “zero” and “first” groups can also be installed on the front seat. Be sure to turn your back against the direction of travel of the car.

Important!

If the car seat is installed in the front, be sure to disable the passenger airbag. If triggered, it can injure a child.

The front seat is the area of ​​maximum risk. Therefore, whether to put a seat in front is up to you to decide.

How to install a child car seat?

Today, the most reliable fastening system is the Isofix system.

. It is a rigid fastening of the chair to the car body by means of locking connections with special brackets in the car structure. The chance of making a mistake when installing a car seat on the Isofix system is minimal. In addition, most chairs are equipped with indicators for the correct “matching” of locks with brackets. The maximum load on Isofix fasteners should not exceed 18 kg, therefore, in car seats of “seated” groups “2” and “3”, it acts as an auxiliary fixation system.

Child car seats with American heritage use the Latch fastening system

. In terms of “matching” parameters, it is fully compatible with the above-mentioned Isofix fasteners. However, American-style chairs are much lighter than their European counterparts due to the lack of a metal frame and can withstand weight up to 29.6 kg.

Most often, a child car seat is secured to a car seat using standard seat belts.

In the “zero” and partially “first” groups, the belt “holds” the seat, and the child is fastened in it with separate three- or five-point belts. Starting from group “1”, the standard belt fastens the small passenger, and the seat is fixed using its own weight.

Child car seats with Isofix mounting

Rant IQ Isofix Genius Line from RUR 4,645 Britax Romer Advansafix IV R from RUR 28,699 Britax Romer Discovery SL from RUR 7,999 Chicco Youniverse Fix from RUR 18,800 Siger Kokon Isofix from RUR 6,950 Osann Junior Gurtfix from RUR 1,990 AmaroBaby ST-3 Isofix from RUR 10,699 Cybex Solution S i-Fix from RUR 18,610 Nania I-max SP Isofix from 6,750 rub. Britax Romer KidFix III S from RUR 22,999 Rant GT Isofix from RUR 9,080 Britax Romer KidFix SL from RUR 10,900 Chicco Fold and Go i-Size from RUR 17,840 Siger Booster Fix from RUR 3,649 Britax Romer Trifix 2 I-Size from RUR 24,899 Cybex Solution M-Fix SL from RUR 15,990 Baby Care Shelter Isofix from RUR 10,888 RECARO Monza Nova IS from RUR 21,630 Chicco Seat Up 012 from RUR 24,319 Siger Prime Isofix from RUR 5,890

Which is better, a child car seat or a booster seat?

The clear answer to this question is that there is a time for everything.

. Newborn babies and toddlers weighing up to 15 kg should be transported exclusively in a special chair. Boosters are approved for use for young passengers weighing over 15 kg and height of at least 120 cm, who are simply uncomfortable sitting in a cramped car seat. If you put a baby in a booster seat, an incorrectly installed standard belt can harm the child in an accident or, even worse, the child will fly out from under it when the car suddenly stops in the event of an impact.

Child car seat - what to look for?

An important point in the program when choosing a car seat is the comfort of the small passenger.

. It is necessary that the shape of the seat bowl follows the curves of the contour of the child’s body, the design of the product is raised above the car seat to a sufficient level to ensure good visibility through the window, and the back of the child seat has an adjustable angle. The permissible angle of inclination differs for each age and meets safety requirements.

A separate set of requirements applies to your own seat belts when equipping child car seats. In particular, the buckle lock should not look fragile, and the child could not unfasten the fastener himself. A fabric lining near the buckle lock would be useful so that when struck, the lock does not injure the baby’s crotch.

Also, when choosing a child seat, you need to take into account the results of independent crash tests. The most complete picture of the safety of car seats and the level of comfort in them is provided by tests of the German automobile club ADAC.

Can a child car seat be placed in front?

As described above, the front method of installing a car seat is allowed at your own peril and risk. A prerequisite for such placement is that the front passenger airbag is turned off and the seat is positioned strictly against the direction of travel of the car.

Can I use a child's frameless car seat?

A frameless car seat is essentially a fabric cover for a car seat with separate seat belts for the child. Solutions of this kind are attractive due to their low cost and practicality in terms of transportation, but in terms of safety they are frankly a waste of time. However, frameless models are a good option for traveling by taxi or rented car. It is better to install a full-size car seat in your car.

Can I take a child car seat on a plane?

The possibility of using car seats on board aircraft is negotiated with the specific carrier airline. Usually there are no prohibitions on transporting small passengers in them. Adapted for flights are seats with a sticker “For use in aircraft” (or something similar in meaning) that meet the requirements of the transport service operator in terms of weight (often up to 10 kg) and the sum of the measurements of height, width, length of the child seat (no more than 115 cm ).

Which brand should I buy a child car seat?

The wide range and wide variety of car seats presented on store shelves make it difficult to choose a child seat. Above others in the hierarchy of seats for small passengers are solutions from generally recognized leaders on the world stage: the brands Britax Romer (a joint British-German company), BeSafe (Norway), Chicco (Italy), Concord (Germany), Cybex (Germany), Heyner (Germany), Maxi-Cosi (Holland), Peg Perego (Italy), Recaro (Germany).

Ride safely with your children!

Fastening rules and installation

To properly secure the device in the car, perform the following steps:

1. Install the device in the direction opposite to the movement of the car. The backrest should be turned towards the windshield. When installed on the front passenger seat, the airbag system is disabled.
2. Fasten the device with car seat belts, following the instructions. It is worth paying attention to the drawings printed on the body. They mark the places where the straps are threaded - the diagonal one goes behind the back of the cradle, the transverse one secures the lower part.
3. Check the angle of inclination. The recommended value is no more than 45 degrees. Some models are equipped with backrest position indicators.
4. Secure the child in the chair using internal straps, which should be located as low as possible. Special soft pads prevent chafing. Place a backing under the buckle; if there is none, use a towel.
5. Adjust the belt tension. The baby should not slip out or be held too tightly. To check the correct tension, place 2 fingers under the belt. If they pass, the child will not be disturbed during the trip.
6. Direct the air conditioner deflectors in the direction opposite to the cradle.

The best infant carriers with Isofix mount

BRITAX ROMER Baby-Safe i-Size + Flex Base, Cosmos Black

Rating: 4.9

The infant carrier complex with the BRITAX ROMER Baby-Safe i-Size + Flex Base, Cosmos Black base is designed to transport babies from birth to approximately one and a half years, or more precisely, until the child reaches a height of 83 cm. For the smallest, an ergonomic insert is provided, which, as they grow, the young passenger is removed, there is more space in the cradle. The chair ensures the correct positioning of the child's body when the load is distributed in accordance with the baby's age along the entire length of his back, and not on the pelvis. In this case, the position of the headrest can be changed, and at the same time the angle of inclination of the cradle itself is automatically adjusted. A five-point seat belt system secures the child.

The cradle is attached to the base and can be detached from it without any problems; it can be attached to the stroller, but using a special Ckick & Go adapter, which will have to be purchased separately. The seat has a unique SICT design that protects the passenger in the event of a side impact - it first pushes the baby in the opposite direction with a built-in mechanism, and only then is it damaged. In independent tests in 2021, the carrycot received a “good” rating. The kit includes a sun canopy with sun protection class UPF 50+; it also protects the baby from the wind and is useful when riding in a stroller or when driving with an open window. By the way, the cradle weighs 8.7 kg when fully equipped. The collection comes in a variety of upholstery colors and prints.

Advantages

• rating “good” in the crash test;
• many colors and prints;
• adjustable headrest;
• anatomical lining for the baby;
• base and sun visor included;
• can be installed in a stroller, but with a separate adapter.

Flaws

• not defined.

Cybex Cloud Z I-Size, spring blossom light

Rating: 4.8

The Cloud Z I-Size infant carrier requires a base; the manufacturer recommends using Base Z with a mechanism for turning the seat toward the door for easy removal of the baby. And when the child grows up, a chair for an older age category is installed on the base.

Installation is carried out in two clicks, the cradle does not require fastenings, the installation indicator will indicate the correct fixation. The chair's headrest height can be changed in eleven positions to adapt to the baby's growth, a footrest is provided, and for the little ones, a convenient anatomical martasik is included in the kit, ensuring an almost horizontal position for the young passenger. The carrycot can be installed in a stroller, but with an additional adapter. For comfortable walks, the chair has a built-in sun canopy with UPF50+.

The safety of the car seat has been proven by independent crash tests, the latest ones were carried out in 2021, and according to their results, the Cloud Z I-Size was given a GUT (good) rating. The chair absorbs most of the impact with its flexible design.

Advantages

• interesting floral print;
• the headrest and footrest are adjustable in length and position;
• fixation on the base in two clicks;
• indicator of correct installation of the chair;
• rated “good” in an independent crash test.

Flaws

• base sold separately.