With its reasonable price tag and ultra lightweight design, you might assume that the Joie Traver doesn’t offer the same level of safety as some of the pricier car seats in the 2/3 category. But the truth is, the safety elements of this seat are top quality. We know that your child’s safety is of paramount importance, which is why each car seat on our list has been thoroughly tested by parents, both Mumsnet users and our dedicated team of parent testers. Was the seat easy to clean? We spilled milk and juice on each seat to see how it fared after cleaning

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

How does the seat look overall? Is the fabric good quality? Would the seat still appeal to your child as they grow? The Britax Römer Advansafix IV R is a comfortable forward-facing-only car seat with a very reasonable price tag. Best of all, you can use it all the way up to 12 years old, making it a great combination child car seat that’s ideal for both babies and older children alike.

Minimal fuss

While we think these are the best car seats for four-year-olds, some of them can be used from either nine or 15 months if you're looking to bypass the toddler car seat stage altogether. 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. 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. With plenty of impressive safety features and a simple installation process that doesn't require an ISOFIX base, the Advansafix is regarded as a durable and reliable car seat that will go the extra mile. This seat can be secured with ISOFIX anchor points and a top tether that goes over the top of the car seat, plus a five-point harness up until your child reaches 18kg. Then, from 18 to 36kg, simply use the ISOFIX and/or a three-point seatbelt to secure your child in place.

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

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. At just 5.5kg, it’s the second lightest child car seat on our list (next to the Cozy N Safe Augusta EZFix) and gives you the option of taking your own car seat with you when you travel. This is ideal if you plan to use your seat in multiple cars as it's light enough to make installation that much less of a chore.If a booster cushion was approved before this amendment, the approval relates to Group 2/3 (15 to 36kg) seats. As such, if the label on the booster cushion has a stated weight of 15kg to 36kg, it's still legal to use. An update on the popular Axkid ONE, the Axkid ONE 2 boasts over 150 updates, most notably the headrest adjustment, which now slides to extend at the push of a button. You’ll also find new ventilation holes for maximum safety and comfort on long car journeys, particularly in warm weather. Passing one of the world’s toughest crash tests, the Swedish Plus Test, the Axkid ONE 2 excels when it comes to safety - which is the most important thing, even though it’s not the sleekest or most stylish child car seat on the market.

We Test Baby And Child Car Seats - Which? How We Test Baby And Child Car Seats - Which?

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. 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. 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) We spend hours researching, speaking to parents, analysing data and listening to experts before we test out the products on our shortlist. 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.Consider size and fit: Firstly, you need to ensure that the car seat fits your child's height and weight. The seat should offer good head and side-impact protection like all the car seats on our list. Some car seats in this group are adjustable in height, providing a better fit as your child grows. As the only forward-facing car seat ever tested by ADAC to receive a safety score categorised as 'Very good,' there's no doubt that the Cybex Anoris T i-Size has earned its award title as the best child car seat for long journeys, especially when it comes to offering protection from all angles whilst driving. While only suitable up to age six, this car seat's excellent safety credentials made it too good not to include in our round-up. 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.

seats - Parkers Best booster seats - Parkers

While we also tested and liked the Maxi-Cosi Kore Pro i-Size (see our full review below), an updated version of the Kore i-Size, which has additional features and premium bamboo fabrics, we felt the value and the simplicity of the Kore (often a benefit when it comes to car seats) was something not to be ignored.

Smart Stroll

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. verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ While the Maxi-Cosi Kore Pro i-Size is competitively priced, it doesn’t compromise on safety. Like all the Maxi-Cosi car seats currently on the market, this model has been rigorously tested for safety according to the R129 regulations, which means it’s had forward, rear, side and rollover testing to ensure it’ll protect your child in all types of impact. It also has superior side protection features built into the car seat. 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