As well as boasting top-notch safety credentials, the Kore's sleek design means that it should continue to appeal to your child as they get older. It looks and feels more expensive than it is, and it’s also easy to clean – crucial in a seat that will last for multiple years. The Joie i-Level additionally comes with an Isofix-compatible base and the seat is suitable from birth up to 15 months (or 13kg/29lb). Our baby would drift off almost the second we got moving when he was in this car seat and we were disappointed when he outgrew it.

globalkids 360 Swivel Baby Car Seat - Group 0+1/2/3(0-36 kg

This sensor pairs with an app and warns you if your child isn’t strapped in correctly, monitors the seat’s ambient temperature to make sure they don’t get too hot or cold and will send a notification when they’ve been sat in the seat too long. Key specs – Group: 0-3; Item weight: N/S; Attachment method: Isofix; Additional features: 360-degree rotation, removable inserts As part of our research, we also reviewed independent crash test results conducted by ADAC, a prominent car seat tester in Europe, known and respected across the industry for its rigorous safety criteria. You can get car seats in variations of these groups. For example, a group 2/3 car seat is suitable from three years to around 12 years, but isn’t suitable from birth. Recline features: If your child naps in the car, a recline feature can make their journey more comfortable.

When do I move to a high-backed booster seat?

Thanks to the car seat’s Guard Surround Safety features, the Joie Traver has received a ‘Good’ rating of four stars in tests conducted by ADAC, ÖAMTC and TCS. The sturdy side impact panels on the outer shell offer an extra layer of cushioning and protection for your child’s head, body and hips. Although the headrest is solid and secure with extra padding, some reviewers have noted that it’s not overly restrictive and has enough space for natural movement. In addition to her work as a writer and editor, she has also appeared in a number of baby product review videos for Mumsnet's YouTube channel. Why you should trust us Consider your budget: Set a budget but prioritise safety over price. A pricier seat like the Cybex Anoris T i-Size may offer additional safety features (like airbag technology) and last longer. In fact, most models on our list can accommodate children up to 36kg, which might mean you won't need to buy another seat as your child grows. i-Size (R129) – conforming to the R129 regulation, i-Size car seats for this age group can be used from 100 to 135cm (or from 135cm to 150cm in specific cars)

globalkids 360 Swivel Baby Car Seat - Group 0+1/2/3(0-36 kg globalkids 360 Swivel Baby Car Seat - Group 0+1/2/3(0-36 kg

Although we found the ISOFIX connectors stiff to use at first, the Kore is both simple to use and install. Our tester, Jemma, thought it would be very difficult to make a mistake when installing this seat, even in a hurry, as belt routing is generally very intuitive. The Maxi-Cosi Kore i-Size car seat is not only sturdy and comfortable, but it also comes with a smart safety feature called SPS Plus (Side Protection System Plus), which is like an extra layer of protection for your little one. R129 regulations are currently running in parallel with R44 so you can buy car seats that adhere to either guidelines. At some point, R44 car seats will be phased out of the shops – but it's unclear exactly when this will happen. What are the differences between R44 and R129?As such, car seat experts from the likes of Good Egg Car Safety recommend never buying a secondhand car seat. What we looked for when testing the best car seats for 4-year-olds

car seats 2023, tried and tested | The Independent 15 best car seats 2023, tried and tested | The Independent

We spend hours researching, speaking to parents, analysing data and listening to experts before we test out the products on our shortlist. While secondhand seats aren't necessarily unsafe, if you buy a seat from someone you don't know you have no real way of knowing the seat's history. This may not be the case if it's been passed down from a relative or a friend, but even if the seat looks fine, it could still have suffered invisible damage that has made it weak or unsafe. Key specs – Group: 0+/1; Item weight: 11kg; Attachment method: Isofix; Additional features: Rotating seat, washable cover, no-rethread harness, 2yr guarantee Another great safety feature is the support leg, which can be extended using a discreet grey button located on its rear, and it serves to provide added stability and support to the Axkid ONE 2. What’s most impressive about the Motion All Size 360 is that it can be used from newborn to approximately 12 years of age, so you won’t need to invest in numerous car seats as they grow. Its 360-degree rotating design also adapts to your child as they grow, with easy-to-remove natural bamboo inserts and a stowaway harness.Was the seat easy to clean? We spilled milk and juice on each seat to see how it fared after cleaning Key specs – Group: 0/0+; Item weight: 2.8kg; Attachment method: Isofix or seatbelt; Additional features: Pushchair attachment available, no-rethread harness The Nextkid comes with four recline positions, which you can adapt as your child grows, and ventilation throughout ensures the passenger remains cool and comfy on the road. The seat proved super easy to install with the secure Isofix system, with no signs of wobble when the child gets in and out. It’s also approved according to R129 regulation. Key specs – Group: Children 4-12 years or 150cm in height; Item weight: 7.5kg; Attachment method: Isofix; Additional features: Adjustable headrest The most recent addition to the law involves booster seat regulations, but it doesn’t actually affect you as a consumer. 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. Existing booster seats will still be valid in your car, so don’t worry about rushing out to buy brand-new seats.