When you step out of the hospital with your newborn for the first time, the first thing you will trust with their safety is a car seat. In fact, most hospitals will not let you leave without one! Car seats have come a long way in terms of usability, adaptability, and safety. However, not all car seats are created equal.
We want to help you feel confident in your car seat purchase. That’s why we have put together a list of the top 5 best car seats for newborns and infants in 2024 based on expert reviews and customer feedback. We have determined the best car seat for your newborn based on safety, comfort, ease-of-use, price, and type. The first place winners in our five categories are:
- Best 360 Car Seat - Joie i-Spin 360 i-Size Car Seat
- Best Long-Term Car Seat - Osann One 360 Car Seat - Group 0+-1-2-3
- Best Infant Carrier Car Seat - Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro
- Best Budget Car Seat - Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix Car Seat
- Best Lightweight Car Seat - Cybex Aton S2 i-Size
Read on to find out all about our top picks and hear from real customers who have trusted them with their own newborns.
The Safest Newborn Car Seat
You might have noticed that we do not have a category for “Safest Newborn Car Seat.” That is because we would not put any car seat on our top 5 list that we did not think was completely safe!
There are currently two accepted safety standards on the market:
- ECE R44/04 – the older standard, goes by weight of the baby/child
- R129 – the newer standard, goes by height
ECE R44/04 car seat groups 0+ (birth to 13 kg), 1 (9 to 18 kg), or 2/3 (15 to 36 kg) are based on the child’s weight. They do not necessarily require an ISOFIX base (which attaches the car seat directly to your car’s chassis) to install in your car.
The R129 standard was introduced in 2013 in an effort to make travel for newborns and toddlers even safer. It follows more detailed tests for improved head and neck protection and includes side-impact crash test assessments.
Currently, EU laws allow for both ECE R44/04 car seats and R129 car seats to be used legally. However, it is likely that the ECE R44/04 standard will eventually be phased out. It is also important to note that a child should not travel in a forward facing position until they are at least 9-months-old in an ECE R44/04 seat or 15-months-old in an R129 seat. This is because travelling in a rear-facing position best protects an infant’s delicate head and neck.
Should I choose an ECE R44/04 car seat or an R129 car seat?
Both car seat standards ensure a good level of safety for your child. However, if you are looking for a car seat that meets the latest safety standards available, then you will want to go with an R129 car seat.
In our list, the following car seats meet the R129 safety standards:
- Joie i-Spin 360 i-Size Car Seat
- Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro
- Maxi-Cosi Cabriofix Car Seat
- Cybex Aton S2 i-Size
The Osann One 360 Car Seat is the one car seat on our list that fulfils ECE R44/04 standards instead. However, it also boasts certain unique features compared to its competitors including the ability to safely carry children from birth all the way up to 36 kg (or approximately 12-years-old). This means you would not have to buy multiple car seats as your child grows.
1. Best 360 Car Seat - Joie i-Spin 360 i-Size Car Seat
Basics
Price: €350
Safety Standard: R129
Age Appropriate: Birth to 105 cm or 19 kg (approximately 4-years-old)
Car Seat Weight: 13.9 kg
Forward Facing Size: L65 x W58 x H62-76 cm
Rearward Facing Size: L65 x W58 x H51.5-62 cm
Installation: ISOFIX
Rear-Facing Until: 15 months or 105 cm
The Joie i-Spin 360 i-Size Car Seat is a multi award-winning car seat that makes getting your child in and out of the car a breeze. With its 360º pivoting protector and one hand Simple Swivel™ activator, it has never been easier to position baby forwards, rearwards, or anywhere in between. When used with the rotating FamilyFix 360 Pro slide out base (sold separately), you can effortlessly rotate and slide your child toward you.
Special Features
- Simple Swivel™ - One-hand, 360° seat rotation
- Sleepytime tilt™ - 6 recline positions that can be used in both rear and forward-facing modes
- Guard Surround Safety™ panels automatically engage when the harness is tightened, providing added security for the head, body and hips
- One-hand, 6-position Grow Together™ headrest and harness system adjusts simultaneously and requires no re-threading of the harness
- 19 adjustable support leg positions
- Easy install with retractable ISOFIX and installation indicator conveniently located on top of base, to confirm load leg is fitted properly
- Tri-Protect™ headrest offers security with three layers of protection inside the wings, including patented Intelli-Fit™ memory foam
- Grow-with-me infant insert has 3 individual pieces for a custom fit at any stage
- Smart Ride™ lock off - misuse proof mechanism that ensures child stays securely rearward facing until at least 15 months (80-105 cm height)
- 5-point harness with shoulder and lower buckle covers that easily tightens with one pull motion
- Plush, deluxe cushioning and fabrics
- Built-in side ventilation
Customer Review
Will W.
☆☆☆☆☆
Best Car Seat
Still the best car seat out there in my opinion. Very few things I would change and as a result we have 2 of these seats. We are now on our second child with them as well. Simple to install. Simple to use many many times a day. Simple to clean. Simple to adjust to fit the child as it grows. I’m not sure how people live with a seat that isn’t a 360. Over the 3 years of ownership these seats have been in many cars and worked flawlessly in all of them. Which I can’t say for some of the other seats we have owned.
Jess R.
☆☆☆☆☆
Absolute lifesaver
My 5 month old daughter hated the car before getting this car seat. She would scream for the whole journey which was heartbreaking and dangerous however since buying this car seat she is so much happier. Doesn’t cry, it fits absolutely perfectly and it’s great knowing how safe it is! The 360 spin is a must for ease of getting my daughter in the car and spin button being on the side is a great feature. So easy to use! Highly recommended!
2. Best Long-Term Car Seat - Osann One 360 Car Seat
Basics
Price: €189
Safety Standard: ECE R44/04
Age Appropriate: Birth to 36 kg (approximately 12-years-old)
Car Seat Weight: 10 kg
External Dimensions: L43cm x W49cm x H58cm
Seat Dimensions: W30cm x H47-70cm x D33cm
Installation: ISOFIX or 3-point vehicle belt
Rear-Facing Until: 18 kg (approximately 4-years-old)
The Osann One 360 Car Seat is a group 0+/1/2/3 car seat. This is a 4 in 1 car seat suitable from birth up to 36kg (approximately 11/12 years of age). This means parents do not have to buy multiple car seats as their child grows. This is an extended rearward facing car seat up to 18kg ( approximately 4 years of age). The seat has a 360 rotation and it has a multi-position recline. When the car seat is fitted rearward facing using the Isofix connectors and top tether the seat can be rotated to the side allowing the parent to place their child into the car seat with ease. The seat can also be fitted rearward facing with the seat belt.
Special Features
- The seat rotates a full 360 degrees
- When rearward facing up to 18kg car seat can be fitted using the isofix and top tether or just the seat belt
- When forward facing up to 18kg the seat can be fitted using the isofix connectors and seat belt or just the seat belt
- When used from 15kg up to 36kg the seat can be fitted using the isofix connectors and seat belt or just seat belt
- Side impact protection
- 5 – point safety harness with one pull adjust up to 18kg
- Headrest of the car seat is fully adjustable to different positions.
- Harness will automatically adjust when headrest is moved
- The car seat rotates to the side and locks into position, allowing parents to place their child in and out of the car seat with ease when rearward facing
- The superb recline of the car seat when in the rearward position for newborns helps prevent head flop
Customer Review
Anonymous
☆☆☆☆☆
We bought 2 of these so that we could just leave them in the car rather than swapping in/out. I’m impressed with the quality and range of ages that can use the seat.
Anonymous
☆☆☆☆☆
I love how it can be put into different positions. Like sleeping . It's very comfy for my 7 month baby. I don't regret buying it, highly recommend. It's not big either. Has good features and a nice colour for both fender
Jo T.
☆☆☆☆☆
We bought this seat for our baby, as it works from newborn. We had this in one car and the carry style in the other car. Now baby is too big for the carry one, we got a 2nd one of these. It fits well into both cars, feeling secure when in position. It is well padded and baby always looks comfy. There are lots of positions and the headrest moves as baby grows.
We did try another brand, from a different company, but sent it back as it was flimsy and didn't fit properly - back to what we know and a company we've used on several occasions now! Thank you.
3. Best Infant Carrier Car Seat - Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro
Basics
Price: €320
Safety Standard: R129
Age Appropriate: Birth to 15 months
Car Seat Weight: 4.7 kg
Car Seat Dimensions: L75 x W44 x H40 cm
Installation: ISOFIX or 3-point vehicle belt
Rear-Facing Until: 15 months
The Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro is part of the 360 Pro Family range, featuring one-hand rotation and SlideTech™ – simply lock, slide, spin and go! The Pebble 360 Pro delivers maximum sleep comfort for your baby. The seat features three recline positions (including a superior full lie-flat position) which can be used in the car and attached on a pushchair. The lie-flat position offers a more natural sleeping position for babies, as it helps keep their airways open and allows them to breathe more easily.
When used with the rotating FamilyFix 360 Pro slide out base (sold separately), you can effortlessly rotate and slide your child toward you. The Easy-in harness adds even more convenience, allowing you to fasten your baby in with minimum fuss. On the road, Maxi-Cosi’s integrated G-CELL Side Impact Protection provides superior safety.
Special Features
- Innovative SlideTech™ technology - simply lock, slide, spin and go!
- Full lie-flat position - Pebble 360 Pro reclines into a full lie-flat position in all modes – in the car, attached to a pushchair and used with or without the FamilyFix 360 Pro base.
- Easy-in harness - Pebble 360 Pro has an Easy-in harness that stays open, so you can effortlessly get your child in and out of the car.
- G-CELL Side Impact Protection - Built to the highest safety standards, Pebble 360 Pro features superior integrated G-CELL Side Impact Protection to ensure the safety of your child.
- One-hand FlexiSpin rotation - FamilyFix 360 Pro has a smart rotational system that enables Pebble 360 Pro to easily rotate using only one hand in any reclined position.
Customer Review
Stacey976
☆☆☆☆☆
Fabulous car seat all round
I received this car seat around a week ago and I must say I’m impressed. The seat itself looks stylish and the hood is fantastic as it has so much coverage which is great as it saves on buying a parasol. The recline on the seat is simple to use, with just a lift of a button baby can lay almost flat which is great for napping on the go. I also used the car seat on my travel system and didn’t need to change my adaptors. Overall I really love the car seat. The only problem I could find was it’s slightly heavier than my previous car seat but it isn’t a major issue. Also a massive positive is that the car seat can be used with the seat belt or the 360 base.
Judi
☆☆☆☆☆
Easy to use and comfortable
My little one is so comfortable and sleeps all the time we go on trips. We love this because my baby's back is straight. Quality is just amazing and easy to clean. We are totally in love with this car seat.
4. Best Budget Car Seat - Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix Car Seat
Basics
Price: €160
Safety Standard: R129
Age Appropriate: Birth to 75 cm or 12 kg (approximately 12 months)
Car Seat Weight: 3.2 kg
Car Seat Dimensions: L66 x W35.5 x H44 cm
Installation: ISOFIX or 3-point vehicle belt
Rear-Facing Until: 12 months or 75 cm
The original CabrioFix baby car seat arrived in 2003 and became one of Maxi-Cosi’s best-selling products. Now, Maxi-Cosi has introduced the newly designed and much evolved CabrioFix i-Size Car Seat. The CabrioFix i-Size is the ideal car seat to start your baby’s journey. It meets the highest EU safety standards without breaking the bank! For easy installation of this comfortable, lightweight car seat, use the CabrioFix i-Size ISOFIX base. Simply click and go!
Special Features
- i-Size Safety
- Low in weight
- Large Protective Sun Canopy
- Travel System Compliant
- Memory stroller release buttons
- Removable newborn inlay with separate headrest cushion
- Soft padded seat
- Pairs with Maxi-Cosi® CabrioFix i-Size base and FamilyFix3 base
- Gr. 0+ / baby car seat
Customer Review
Sare
☆☆☆☆☆
Lightweight and comfortable
Great product, provided great support to our preemie leaving Hospital. Easy to use and lightweight. So happy with this car seat.
Kaydearden
☆☆☆☆☆
10/10 car seat suitable from birth
Excellent lower end car seat which is suitable from birth, this seat was recommended to me by multiple people and also one of the better, more safe car seats on the market. Separate isofix base available to buy if your car has it. Lovely stuff
Marine A.
☆☆☆☆☆
Perfect for the price
Easy to install even without the base, sturdy and comfy for baby. Feels very secure once strapped in which eases your mind on that first car ride home!
5. Best Lightweight Car Seat - Cybex Aton S2 i-Size
Basics
Price: €200
Safety Standard: R129
Age Appropriate: Birth to 87 cm or 13 kg (approximately 24 months)
Car Seat Weight: 4.2 kg
Car Seat Dimensions: L66 x W44 x H56 cm
Installation: ISOFIX or 3-point vehicle belt
Rear-Facing Until: 15 months
The Cybex Aton S2 i-Size Car Seat is everything your child needs from the first trip home. With its elegant design and tested safety elements, this car seat offers reliable protection and stylish comfort from the very beginning.
Approved to the latest UNECE safety standard R129/03, the Aton S2 i-Size features integrated and extendable Linear Side-impact Protection (L.S.P.) for better safety in the event of a side crash. Thanks to the 11-position adjustable headrest, the seat can keep up with your child’s development for up to 24 months. Additionally, the integrated and foldable XXL sun canopy provides shade in the car and shields your baby from the sun and wind when you take them outside.
Special Features
- The Linear Side-impact Protection System, which can be folded out on the door side, transfers up to 25% of the forces of a side impact into the energy-absorbing shell
- 11-position height-adjustable headrest - grows with your child up to the age of 24 months.
- Head, neck and shoulders remain ergonomically supported at every stage, while the harness automatically adjusts to each growth phase
- Integrated, foldable XXL sun canopy reliably shields against wind and the sun’s rays and is equipped with UPF50+ fabric to protect your baby's sensitive skin
- Weighing only 4.2 kg, the Aton S2 i-Size is easy to carry and position in the car or on the stroller.
- Can be easily attached to any CYBEX or gb pushchair. The transition from riding in the car to a walk in the city is simple and smooth.
- Newborn inlay gives babies up to a size of 60 cm the ergonomic support they need.
Customer Review
Ines Girao
☆☆☆☆☆
I bought this because my 1 month baby didn’t like the cot that came with the pram. She loved it and we are finally able to go for walks everyday. Very easy to install in the pram, comfortable and light.
Esma
☆☆☆☆☆
I love it so much, it's really very beautiful. Be it design, safety, everything is just great, I love it!
Rick
☆☆☆☆☆
Practical and well made. It seems very protective and inspires confidence. Very satisfied!
The Best Infant Car Seat for Your Family
The best infant car seat for your family depends on a variety of factors including car size, child age, budget, and the need for easy installation and removal. However, you can feel confident that all the car seats listed here will serve you well both in terms of quality and safety. No matter your choice, we hope we have helped take the uncertainty out of this important decision for you and your family!
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