Prices vary considerably and it’s worth looking into exactly what higher-priced seats are offering before spending any money as the most expensive seats aren’t necessarily the best. Everything about this sturdy seat is simple, whether that’s installing the seat in your car with or without the ISOFIX connectors (there are handy indicators to help you guide the seat belt through correctly), adjusting the ergonomic headrest or removing, washing and replacing the covers. It’s really comfortable too and offers plenty of legroom, which is crucial considering how long you'd need the seat to last. This modular design allows you to either lift the car seat out in one go or take your little one ergonomically out in the soft carrier, leaving the safety shell in the car. This makes moving your baby – especially if they’re sleeping – to and from your car easy. This car seat is compatible with all Maxi-Cosi stroller frames, too.

The best car seats for safety and comfort in 2023 | Expert The best car seats for safety and comfort in 2023 | Expert

Recline features: If your child naps in the car, a recline feature can make their journey more comfortable. UK law states that all children need to be in a car seat up to the age of 12 or 135cm (whichever comes first). When buying a seat at this stage, ideally, you'll want it to last until your child no longer needs one. What are the different car seat groups? However, as experts from the In Car Safety Centre point out, some children are still very small at 15kg and might still need to use a harness rather than a safety belt, so they recommended a minimum weight of 18kg and height of 100cm for this category. They also suggest maxing out the car seat you currently have before moving onto the next one. Adjustability: It’s important that the car seat you choose accommodates your growing child. Look for adjustable headrests and seat features that will support your child’s body. Key specs – Group: 0/0+; Item weight: 2.8kg; Attachment method: Isofix or seatbelt; Additional features: Pushchair attachment available, no-rethread harnessAnother 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.

globalkids Safety Baby Car Seat with Isofix and Top Tether

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. Key specs – Group: 0+/1; Item weight: 15kg; Attachment method: Isofix; Additional features: 3yr guarantee, washable cover, 90 and 360-degree rotation Key specs – Group: 0/0+; Item weight: 1.7kg; Attachment method: Isofix; Additional features: Pushchair attachment available, 360-degree rotation Heavily padded around the head, sides and hips to keep your child secure and comfy at all times, the Ostara Fix also has Superior Side Impact Protection (SSIP), providing extra cushioning in the event of a side collision. Plus, some reviewers have found that the extra cushioning makes the seat more comfortable for kids who like to nap in the car.

Tammy is a distinguished researcher and writer in the field of child safety, with a notable focus on the critical domain of car seats. Her extensive expertise and commitment to child safety have made her a trusted authority in providing comprehensive insights and guidance to parents and caregivers looking for the right car seat for their children. As a mum to an eight-year-old, Tammy has personally tried and tested numerous car seats over the years, across all age categories. About the editor Try before you buy: If possible, try fitting the car seat in your vehicle before purchasing to ensure it fits securely. Stylish and easy to install, the plush memory foam padding and recline features also make it comfy for little ones. However some reviewers have noted that their children have taken a little more time to get used to the impact shield than they would a traditional harness as the solid piece fits securely across the body. We put the seat through its paces with a fairly tall five-year-old, who looked fully supported and secure once fastened in. The side wings delivered extra comfort when he fell asleep, offering a comfy place to support his head.