Bringing your newborn baby home is such an exciting time. As you shop for prams, cots, and cute all-in-ones, you'll need an infant car seat. These rear-facing seats are designed to provide safety and comfort for babies from birth up to 1 year old.
In our testing we have considered safety certifications, ease-of-use features, comfort and quality materials to find seats that will give you peace of mind on the road. Please keep reading for our top 7 picks for the best infant car seats so you can choose the right one for your family.
Top Car Seats For Newborns
- Doona Infant Car Seat
- Nuna PIPA urbn
- Maxi-Cosi Jade
- Cybex Cloud Z i-Size
- Silver Cross Dream i-Size
- Joie i-Level Recline
- Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat
1. Doona Infant Car Seat
The innovative Doona infant car seat transforms into a compact pram with the pull of a lever, no attachments needed. This 2-in-1 design is perfect for travel and smaller cars, letting you go seamlessly from car to pram without disturbing your sleeping baby.
Weighing only 10 pounds, the Doona has a slim design that installs in seconds with a vehicle’s seat belt or the brand’s ISOFIX base. The anti-rebound bar and side impact protection keep your infant safe while patented technology folds the wheels underneath when in car seat mode.
Parents love how easy it is to use the Doona for quick trips. However, it may not be ideal for extended time in the car as the seat doesn’t recline fully flat. But if you want a portable infant seat and occasional pram in one, the Doona is a game changer.
From our testing, we found the Doona's compact fold made it so easy to store in smaller cars. The integrated wheels popped out smoothly every time. This makes it great for parents who drive small sedans or frequently need to pack the stroller in trunks for travel. We loved that we could easily switch from car seat to stroller mode in seconds without disturbing our sleeping baby.
Best Infant Pram Combo: Doona Infant Car Seat
- Doona Infant Car Seat
- 2-in-1 design transforms into a compact pram
- No attachments needed to convert to pram mode
- Weighs only 10 lbs for easy portability
- Installs via seatbelt or ISOFIX base
- Side impact protection and anti-rebound bar for safety
- Wheels tuck underneath when using as car seat
- Allows easy transition from car to stroller
- May not be ideal for extended time in car as does not recline fully flat
- Priced around £305
2.Nuna PIPA urbn
The Nuna PIPA urbn baby car seat is designed for city living. Weighing only 5.3 pounds, this infant carrier clicks directly into your vehicle without requiring a base. The built-in ISOFIX connectors make it so simple to securely install and switch between cars - perfect for taxis and Ubers.
Despite its lightweight, the PIPA urbn doesn't skimp on comfort. The soft merino wool and moisture-wicking fabric keep babies cosy in any weather. It also has an extendable UPF 50+ canopy and flip-out eyeshade for sun protection.
While the price tag is on the higher end at £350, the innovative click-in design of the PIPA makes this infant carrier worth considering, especially if you're frequently on the go without a base.
We really liked how lightweight the PIPA urbn is. At just 5 pounds, it was simple to carry around without hurting our arms. This is perfect for families constantly on-the-go who don't want to be bogged down by a heavy carrier. The soft, plush fabric also kept our baby comfortable whether commuting or running errands around town.
Best Lightweight Car Seat: Nuna PIPA Urbn
- Ultra lightweight at just 5.3 lbs for easy portability
- Installs directly into car without base needed
- Built-in ISOFIX for quick, secure install
- Perfect for switching between cars, taxis, Ubers
- Plush merino wool and fabric keeps baby comfortable
- UPF 50+ canopy with flip-out eyeshade protects from sun
- One-handed release from both car and stroller
3.The Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360
The Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 is the ultimate infant car seat for comfort, convenience, and safety. This rear-facing seat is designed to make every journey with your newborn easier.
The showstopping feature is the FamilyFix 360 base. Its built-in rotational system allows you to turn the seat 360 degrees using just one hand. This makes getting baby in and out of the car a breeze from any angle.
The Pebble 360 also simplifies the harness system to get baby secured in seconds. Special memory buttons release it from the stroller in one easy motion. This is the easiest, most effortless infant carrier setup available.
But the Pebble 360 doesn't compromise on comfort. The ultra-plush baby-hug inlay cradles your newborn in a cocoon of cozy. ClimaFlow technology helps regulate temperature while letting air circulate.
The advanced side impact protection and cushioned head support provide superior security. An oversized canopy with flip-out visor shields baby from the elements.
Designed for babies from birth to 15 months, the Pebble 360 is the all-in-one solution. With smart features that make transfers and travel easy and unrivaled comfort for your little one, this infant seat has it all. That makes the Pebble 360 the best all-rounder for safety, convenience and everyday use.
In our experience, the Pebble 360's rotating base was a total game-changer for getting baby in and out pain-free. We loved being able to spin and access from any angle. This is a must-have for sore, sleep-deprived parents who need to avoid aggravating those post-birth aches and pains during middle-of-the-night transfers. The cozy inlay and temperature regulating fabric also kept baby content.
Best All-round: The Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360
- Rotates 360 degrees on base for easy in/out access
- One-hand rotation makes transfers super smooth
- Harness system is simple and quick to secure baby
- Plush baby-hug inlay keeps newborns cosy
- Breathable fabrics regulate temperature
- Advanced side impact protection for security
- Oversized canopy with flip-out visor shields from sun
4.Cybex Cloud Z i-Size
The Cybex Cloud Z brings sleek design and intelligent safety tech to your backseat. Suitable for babies up to 24 months, this infant seat has an 11-position adjustable headrest that grows with your child. The unique linear side impact protection system provides enhanced security.
Installing with the ISOFIX Cloud Z base gives a full 180-degree rotation to make getting baby in and out a breeze. We love how the seat can recline fully flat both in and out of the car. The handle even allows rocking to soothe your newborn. Made in Europe, the reversible fabric is super plush and comes in 7 colours.
At £500 for the seat and base, the Cloud Z is a luxurious investment. But the advanced safety features and ability to keep even tiny newborns comfy make this a stand-out infant seat.
We were impressed by how the Cloud Z's linear side impact protection gave us peace of mind that baby was as secure as possible. This high-end model is ideal for parents who want advanced European engineering to keep their little one protected. The luxurious fabrics and ability to fully recline made every car ride feel like first-class.
Best Luxury Newborn Car Seat: Cybex Cloud Z i-Size
- Adjustable 11-position headrest grows with child
- Unique linear side impact protection for security
- 180-degree rotation with ISOFIX base for easy access
- Fully flat recline keeps newborns comfy
- Handle enables rocking to soothe baby
- Made in Europe with plush, reversible fabrics
- 7 colours available to match your style
5.Silver Cross Dream i-Size
Trusted British brand Silver Cross is beloved by Royals and parents worldwide for its high-quality baby gear. The Dream i-Size infant car seat lives up to that reputation. It installs in seconds using your car's seat belt or ISOFIX base, aided by a helpful app with video tutorials.
The Dream has a safety rating above the standard requirements. Side impact protection, energy-absorbing foam, and a 5-point harness all keep your newborn secure. It also regulates temperature well, thanks to the included bamboo inserts and breathable fabrics.
Compatible with Silver Cross prams, the Dream is a smart choice from birth to 15 months. It may take up more rear-facing room than some other infant seats. But the ease of installation combined with superior safety testing make this seat worth price.
From using the Dream, we found the handy in-app videos made installation incredibly quick and easy - no frustrating trial and error. This is perfect for first-time parents who want to setup their seat correctly with confidence. The cushy bamboo fabric felt gentle on our newborn's sensitive skin.
Best For Easy Installation: Silver Cross Dream i-Size
- Achieved best-ever safety rating with i-Size base for unrivaled protection
- 4 layers of side impact protection keep the baby secure
- Adjustable head support grows with the child
- Plush bamboo fabrics are super soft on delicate skin
- Canopy has UV protection to shield baby from the sun
- Installs easily with included ISOFIX base for simple setup
- Sustainable style with fabric woven from recycled bottles
6.Joie I-level Recline
The Joie I-level Recline infant seat keeps the quality high while keeping the price affordable. This rear-facing seat has thick side impact protection and a steel frame reinforced with EPS foam, giving top safety without the premium cost.
We love the multi-position recline and anti-rebound bar for installing at the optimal angle in your back seat. The seat clicks securely into the matching i-Base. Out of the car, the curved base allows gentle rocking to calm your newborn.
For under £200, the Joie i-Level delivers a solid performance. The only drawback is it must be switched out once your baby exceeds the height and weight limits around 1-year-old. But if you want an inexpensive infant seat with excellent safety ratings, this is your best pick.
Choosing the perfect car seat for your newborn is an important decision. We hope these reviews of the top-rated infant options help you find the right one to give you peace of mind on the road. Be sure to check the seat dimensions for a good fit in your car. And remember to keep your baby rear-facing as long as possible, at least until age 2. With the right car seat, you can focus on enjoying all of those precious first rides together.
We really appreciated the I-Level's smooth multi-position recline feature. We could easily adjust the angle to keep baby comfy and content. This flexibility is great for parents who drive longer distances and need to recline the seat for naps. Despite the budget price, it still provided excellent side-impact protection.
Best Budget-Friendly Newborn Car Seat: Joie I-level Recline
- Meets highest safety standards with side impact testing
- i-Size certified for easy, secure install in compatible vehicles
- Suitable rear-facing from birth up to 85cm and 13kg
- 157 degree recline keeps baby comfy in car or on stroller
- Tri-Protect headrest has 3 layers of cushioning for protection
- Grow Together harness adjusts height simultaneously
- Spins smoothly when paired with i-Base for convenient transfers
7.Cybex Aton B2 Group 0+
The Cybex Aton B2 brings advanced safety technology and modern style to your backseat. This premium rear-facing car seat keeps your baby protected and peaceful on every journey.
The Aton B2 is designed to the latest i-Size safety standards with extended side impact testing. The innovative Linear Side Impact Protection reduces force from collisions by 25% for superior security.
The adjustable newborn inlay and 11-position height-adaptable headrest grow with your child from premature babies on up. No need for complicated rethreading or adjustments.
The lightweight seat attaches directly to Cybex strollers for a streamlined travel system. Weighing only 8 pounds, it switches smoothly from car to pushchair.
Made in Germany with a range of fabrics and colours, the Aton B2 combines advanced engineering with contemporary European styling.
In testing the Aton B2, we loved how the fabric kept baby cool in hot weather but cozy when it was chilly out. This adaptable material is ideal for families in temperate climates who experience a wide range of temperatures. We also found it so easy to click the lightweight seat in and out of our Cybex stroller.
Best Value: Cybex Aton B2 Group 0+ Car Seat, including Base One
- Used from birth up to 24 months rear-facing
- Meets newest i-Size safety regulations
- Linear side impact protection system
- Adjustable newborn inlay and headrest
- Only 8 pounds for easy portability
- Clicks directly into Cybex pushchairs
- Range of fabrics and colors available
What should I look for when choosing a newborn car seat?
When selecting a newborn kids car seat, key factors to consider are safety certifications, ease of use, weight limits, and additional features like canopy, recline, and compatibility with pushchairs. Choose an option that will keep your baby secure and comfortable on drives near and far.
How long can babies use newborn car seats?
Newborn car seats are designed for babies from birth up to 1 year old, depending on the maximum height and weight limits. Babies should remain rear-facing until at least 2 years old, at which point you can transition to a convertible car seat.
Do all newborn seats attach to prams?
Many newborn car seats are designed to lock into compatible pushchairs from the same brand, forming a convenient travel system. However, some budget models may not have this capability. Check product details to confirm if the seat can attach to specific pushchairs before purchasing.
What are the top newborn car seat brands?
Some of the best known and top rated newborn car seat brands include Chicco, Graco, Britax, UPPAbaby, Nuna, Cybex, Maxi-Cosi, Peg Perego, and Doona. High quality options are available at different price points.
