Contents
- Top 10 best baby carriers for newborns according to KP
- How to choose a car seat for newborns
In the list of things that parents need to buy for the birth of a baby, a car seat is one of the main items. In the USA, for example, they are not even discharged from the hospital until they make sure that there is a car seat in the car, and the baby will go home in complete safety and comfort.
The choice of car seat models of category 0/0+ (up to 13 kg), which are designed specifically for transporting a child from birth and, as a rule, up to a year, is very large today. Car seats are produced by different manufacturers, there are expensive options where everything is taken into account to the smallest detail, there are more budget models. New products are constantly appearing on the market, existing models are being improved.
But in any case, when choosing a car seat for a newborn, parents should first of all be guided by its safety and comfort for the baby. The fact that the model of the car seat for a newborn is reliable and will protect the child from injuries in the event of an accident is evidenced by its compliance with one of the international standards. The car seat receives the appropriate marking after successfully passing independent crash tests. Look for a special conformity icon on the product: a circle with the letter E inside, as well as numbers indicating the country of certification and the serial number of the current standard. The new (assuming more stringent requirements) safety standard is ECE 129 (i-Size), the previous one is ECE 44.
Top 10 best baby carriers for newborns according to KP
1. Britax Roemer Baby-Safe i-Size with Flex Base
One of the most expensive models from the German manufacturer. But the price corresponds to the quality and the highest safety requirements. This infant carrier is designed to meet the new ECE 129 child car seat safety standard. Improved SICT technology provides two-stage side impact protection by pushing the child out of the way and then deforming to absorb the force of the impact.
The infant car seat has an insert for newborns – this is additional support and softening of the force of impact in collisions. A special lie-flat mechanism allows you to adjust the angle of the lying position depending on the height of the child. The infant carrier is compatible with any Britax stroller thanks to the adapters.
As for the Flex base with Izofix retractable system, it is designed specifically for reclining seats and helps to align the position of the car seat. And the height-adjustable support leg provides additional stability to the base and infant carrier.
Main characteristics
| Group | 0/0+ (for children with a height of 40 to 83 cm and a weight of up to 13 kg) |
| The weight | Car seat — 4,7 kg, base — 8,7 kg |
| Belts | 5-point |
| Mount | izofix |
| Optional Accessories | Removable cover, sun hood, carrying handle |
2. Car seat Peg-perego Primo Viaggio SL Tri-Fix
This Italian brand has long established itself in the production of goods for children. The line of car seats is no exception, parents appreciate Peg-perego for the best value for money. The infant car seat is designed for babies weighing up to 13 kg, that is, up to about a year and a half. Complies with all European safety standards.
Consists of two parts: the basis which can be constantly located in the car, and the cradle. It is easy to remove and can be used as a carrier, feeding place or rocking chair. It has additional inserts that reduce the space of the cradle, making it more comfortable and safer for newborns.
At the base of the chair there is a tilt adjustment, so it can be set to the most comfortable position for the baby. The handle of the Ganciomatic system has five positions – it is convenient to use it for carrying, as well as a restrictive side, or you can remove it completely.
Parents will also appreciate the possibility of installing this car seat in the car. There are three ways. You can install it backwards and fasten it with regular car belts without putting it on the base. Also, the cradle is fastened facing backwards to the Adjustable Base, which is pre-fastened with regular straps. The third installation option is on the Isofix Base. By the way, it greatly simplifies the process of operating the car seat. In addition, the infant car seat can be easily attached to the chassis of Pliko P3 classic strollers and strollers.
Main characteristics
| Group | 0/0+ (for children weighing up to 13 kg) |
| The weight | 3,8 kg |
| Belts | 3-point |
| Mount | Straps (base with isofix system sold separately) |
| Optional Accessories | Removable cover, sun shade, anatomic insert, carrying handle |
3. Maxi – Cosi Cabrio Fix
One of the most popular infant carriers from the Dutch manufacturer, which parents appreciate for its excellent quality and safety, and reasonable price. The car seat complies with European car seat standards. There is a side impact protection system. Rating according to the results of independent crash tests – good.
You can also install a seat in the car with the help of regular seat belts, and Family Fix or Way Fix bases (purchased separately). In addition, the infant carrier can be placed on the chassis of Teutonia, Bugaboo, Maxi-Cosi, Quinny and other strollers using an adapter.
Parents will also be pleased with the wide choice of color schemes of this infant carrier: there are options in neutral colors, and there are, for example, bright red, purple models.
Main characteristics
| Group | 0/0+ (for children weighing up to 13 kg) |
| The weight | 3,25 kg |
| Belts | 3-point |
| Mount | Straps (base with isofix system sold separately) |
| Optional Accessories | Removable cover, sun hood, carrying handle |
4. Cybex Cloud Q
This model of the German company Cybex is designed for newborns, as well as premature or small babies. The main feature and innovation of this infant carrier is the ability to bring it to a horizontal position outside the car (it is not safe to transport a child in this position). Adjustable in 11 positions in height, the headrest instantly changes the length of the belts and the angle of the seat. As a result, the car seat grows with the child.
There are no complaints about the safety of the car seat. It complies with the new requirements of ECE R-44/04. Side protection (LSP System) – telescopic: it extends close to the door, the impact force in an accident acts on the extended protectors and is evenly distributed over the body. The Cybex Cloud Q is rated Good in crash tests by ADAC.
Main characteristics
| Group | 0/0+ (for children weighing up to 13 kg) |
| The weight | 5,4 kg |
| Belts | 3-point |
| Mount | Belts (base with izofix system and equipped with an emphasis on the floor is purchased separately) |
| Optional Accessories | Sun shade, anatomic insert, carrying handle |
5. Chicco Key Fit
The popular Italian brand produces many children’s products, the quality of which parents are satisfied with. Among them is the Chicco Key Fit car seat. It has an ECE R44/04 certificate and has successfully passed crash tests. The advantage of this model is that the base comes with a car seat.
You can install the seat in a car with or without a base using standard seat belts. But with the base, the position of the infant carrier will be more reliable and stable. The car seat can be installed on Chicco, Simplicity, Kwik.One, Urban, Stroll’in’2 strollers.
In the package there is a special insert for the newborn, made of breathable materials. It is recommended to use it until the baby reaches a weight of 6 kg. True, the choice of colors is not at all great: light gray and red.
Main characteristics
| Group | 0/0+ (for children weighing up to 13 kg) |
| The weight | 4,1 kg (without base, base weight – 3,1) |
| Belts | 3-point |
| Mount | belts |
| Optional Accessories | Removable cover, sun hood, carrying handle |
6. Concord Air.Safe
There is one more representative of Germany in our rating. The Concord Air.Safe infant carrier is the new and improved model of Concord Air. The main advantage of this car seat is its ultra-light weight – only 2,9 kg. It can be easily removed from the car and installed on the stroller.
At the same time, the safety of the car seat remained at a very high level. It complies with the European safety standard: ECR 44/04. It has developed lateral support and a high degree of protection (ADAC rating – very good).
Parents say that the car seat is very comfortable for the baby. Made from soft materials. There are ventilation holes in the back of the car seat. Included insert for the smallest supports the pelvic area. The built-in sun visor is made of a water-repellent coating. Additionally, you can purchase the Isofix platform, a summer cover and a rain cover.
| Group | 0/0+ (for children weighing up to 13 kg) |
| The weight | 2,9 kg |
| Belts | 3-point |
| Mount | Straps (base with isofix system sold separately) |
| Optional Accessories | Removable cover, sun hood, carrying handle |
7. CAM Area Zero +
The Italian manufacturer of car seats has long established itself in the market, most models can be attributed to the middle price segment. The CAM Area Zero car seat complies with the European safety standard ECE R 44/04.
The model features a durable plastic frame with an improved geometric shape, which provides protection from impacts from all four sides.
The car seat is made of hypoallergenic materials. Installed in the car with regular seat belts. But you can also purchase a base with isoFix mounts for it (the average price is 3000 rubles). Parents note that the baby feels comfortable in the infant carrier, the insert for the newborn is very soft. The car seat has a nice design, but the choice of colors is limited.
Main characteristics
| Group | 0/0+ (for children weighing up to 13 kg) |
| The weight | 3,6 kg |
| Belts | 5-point |
| Mount | Straps (base with isofix system sold separately) |
| Optional Accessories | Removable cover, sun shade, anatomic insert, carrying handle |
8. Nania Beone SP
Car seat from a French brand with a very cute baby design of different animals and a pleasant inexpensive price for parents. The model complies with the European standard ECE 44/04. The Side Protection (SP) system provides the necessary safety in a side collision. The ADAC protection rating is good.
The model is quite spacious, in winter the baby will feel comfortable in overalls. For newborns, a special soft insert is included. The infant carrier can also be used as a high chair (due to the more seated position for the child), as a rocking chair, and as a carrier.
Main characteristics
| Group | 0/0+ (for children weighing up to 13 kg) |
| The weight | 3,2 kg |
| Belts | 3-point |
| Mount | belts |
| Optional Accessories | Removable cover, sun shade, carrying handle, anatomic insert |
9. GB Worthy
Comfortable, safe and affordable car seat for newborns from the Dutch manufacturer. This car seat has a deep anatomical bowl, the baby in it is reliably protected from all sides.
The infant carrier has a telescopic LSP System side impact protection, and the body itself is made of a material that has shock-absorbing properties. All this increases the safety of the car seat. It complies with the requirements of ECE R44/04. And it has an ADAC rating of the level of protection in an accident – very good.
Parents note the stylish design of the cradle, high-quality materials, good protection from the sun and wind with a hood. Adjustable headrest adjusts to baby’s height along with shoulder straps. Also, the backrest of the car seat is lowered almost to a horizontal position.
Main characteristics
| Group | 0/0+ (for children weighing up to 13 kg) |
| The weight | 4,7 kg |
| Belts | 3-point |
| Mount | Straps (base with isofix system sold separately) |
| Optional Accessories | Removable cover, sun hood, carrying handle |
10. Happy Baby Skyler V2
Inexpensive car seat for babies from birth to one year, which has earned good ratings from parents. The car seat is quite light, comfortable, for the smallest an anatomical insert is included. The car seat has reliable side protection, which increases the level of safety in side impacts. Conforms to the European safety standard ECE R 44/04.
The cradle is convenient to use for rocking a newborn outside the car. In this case, the carrying handle can be used as a swing limiter by lowering it all the way down. The car seat has a pleasant design, universal colors, soft materials.
Main characteristics
| Group | 0/0+ (for children weighing up to 13 kg) |
| The weight | 2,5 kg |
| Belts | 3-point |
| Mount | belts |
| Optional Accessories | Removable cover, sun canopy, carrying handle, anatomic insert |
How to choose a car seat for newborns
“The main advice that I would like to give parents when choosing a car seat is not to buy car seats from their hands,” says sales assistant of a children’s goods store Irina Gerasimova. – There is no guarantee that it has not been in an accident, the seller will not tell you about this, and there is no need to talk about the safety of such a chair. Therefore, it is better to choose a car seat for a newborn in specialized stores or departments.
Give preference to well-established manufacturers, products that have a certificate of conformity with European standards. As for the categories of car seats, today there are options when one model can be used from birth to 12 years. In this case, indeed, it will be possible to save money, since it will not be necessary to change the chair for a long time.
But still, I would not recommend opting for such models, especially when it comes to a newborn baby. The universal model does not take into account many features of each individual category, and the baby in it can be very uncomfortable.
What else is worth paying attention to when choosing a car seat for a newborn.
Look for a badge on the model you are purchasing that confirms that the car seat complies with international standards – as we wrote above, this is ECE 44 or ECE 129 (i-Size). Also, their independent crash tests and evaluation of car child seats are carried out by major world car clubs, road safety institutes. The most famous and authoritative assessment is the assessment of the German automobile club ADAC (many others test according to its methodology). When choosing a car seat for a newborn, look at the latest crash test results, your model may also have been tested.
If the car in which you plan to transport the child has special mounts for the isofix system, then car seat models with such a base are the preferred option. The chair is installed very easily, fastened and fixed more securely. But the cost of models with the isofix system, as a rule, is much more expensive.
Pay attention to the seat belts with which the newborn is fixed in the cradle. They can be 3-point and 5-point. The pads on the belts should be soft so that they do not press or rub.
The car seat should be made of quality materials, plastic should not have an unpleasant odor.