How Mother&Baby chose and tested the best lie-flat car seats
We know that a lie-flat car seat is an investment. So, to compile our list of the best lie flat car seats, we put them through their paces with parents like you. Our mum testers, Amber, Melissa, Ria, Emily and our Mother&Baby Awards testers tried them out over the course of a month with their babies who were aged from newborn upwards. They lived with them, used them with travel systems, fitted them in cars, considered how they suited them and their children and, most importantly, whether they would recommend them to a mum friend.
During their testing we asked them to consider the following points and assign each a rating out of 5* which allowed us to create a guide to the best lie flat car seats on the market today.
Ease of installation and use: Installing a car seat is a key point to consider, especially if you'll be using it as part of travel system and will need to take it out regularly. We looked at how easy the seat was to install and remove, and if it could be used solely with ISO Fix or also installed with a seat belt for cars that don't have ISO Fix. We also looked at whether it could be used as part of a travel system and whether it rotated in the car to make it easier to put baby in the seat.
Safety features: In addition to the real life testing we've carried out with our testers which looked at how securely they fitted into the car and fastenings such as seat belts and padding, we've only selected car seats which meet the R129 safety standard. The R129 safety standard refers to i-size seats and is considered the safest standard with improved head and neck protection. Many of these seats have also received impressive ratings from ADAC, Europe’s leading car safety testing body.
Comfort: You'll want your baby to be safe, but also comfortable. This is particularly important in a lie-flat car seat which you might also use as a carry cot when out and about.
Value for money: The products that made our list of the best lie-flat car seats offer a range of prices, from £150 £550. We considered the longevity of each, along with the price, to determine the value for money you can get from each.
These factors were key in our testing process, and they allowed us to create overall star ratings that determined the top lie-flat car seats.
What our scores mean
Each lie-flat car seat was rated out of five in each category. Only products that scored consistently well across all categories made our final list:
⭐ 1/5 — Poor: Didn’t meet expectations in this area at all. Major drawbacks or uncomfortable design made it hard to recommend.
⭐ 2/5 — Fair: Some useful features but significant issues. Might work for some, but we found better options.
⭐ 3/5 — Good: Did the job reasonably well, with a few flaws. Solid choice for the basics but didn’t stand out.
⭐ 4/5 — Very good: Impressive performance with only minor drawbacks. A reliable, high-quality option.
⭐ 5/5 — Excellent: Outstanding in this category. Comfortable, secure, and well-made — the best we tested.
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As any parent will tell you, that first drive home from the hospital with your newborn is likely to be one of the most nerve-wracking of your life. Your precious bundle seems so fragile, and a drive you know well now feels like a Formula 1 racetrack. But I know when I had my babies, having a secure, safe lie-flat car seat can make that, and every other journey, far more relaxed.
In this article:
While an infant car seat that meets the latest R129 or R44 safety standards is going to tick a lot of boxes, many parents are now looking for the best lie-flat car seat for their newborns.
If you're not already familiar with lie-flat car seats, they allow a baby to lie flat when travelling in the car. Research shows that lying flat is the healthiest position for newborns when they're sleeping or lying still for prolonged periods of time. For this reason, the Lullaby Trust and CAPT recommend that babies shouldn't be in a standard car seat for more than two hours without a break. So if you're planning longer drives, you may want to opt for a lie-flat seat.
Lie-flat car seats are also ideal if you're keen to keep your baby in the car seat when taking them out of the car to visit a friend's house or eat out at a restaurant, as this is where many parents might exceed the two-hour mark.
If you're considering buying a lie-flat car seat, we've done all the research for you and found the best lie flat car seats for newborn babies. Whatever car seat you choose, remember that UK law states that car seats are mandatory for babies and all children under 12 years old (or less than 135cm tall).
The best lie-flat car seats at a glance:
Is it worth getting a lie-flat car seat?
A lie-flat car seat can be worth it for the peace of mind you'll gain, but it's worth thinking about how long you'll be able to use it. For instance, carry cot style lie-flat car seats such as the Joie Calmi R129 and the Nuna CARI allow your baby to lie completely flat but may only last until they're around 6 months old and take up more space in the car. While they offer peace of mind, they may not offer you the best value for money in the long run.
If you're looking for a more versatile lie-flat car seat, the Cybex Cloud T i-size or the Joie i-Level may be a better option - these don't recline to 180 degrees but have a range of near-flat recline options. To make it easier for you to make this decision, we've included a range of key specifications, including the installation type, age range, and how far the car seat reclines.
The best lie-flat car seats
Best overall lie flat car seat
www.mamasandpapas.com
Enjoy all-round flexibility and comfort for you and your child with the Cloud T i-Size. The clever 180-degree rotation lets the seat face sideways so it's easier to get your little one in and out when used with the ISOFix base, but unlike some of the other lie-flat car seats, it also offers the option to install it with a seat belt if needed.
Our parent tester loved the new in-car recline feature, which allows your child to relax during the journey, describing it as a "great addition." The lie-flat option means that the baby can stay in the seat for longer, which our tester noted was ideal for longer car journeys.
The Cybex Cloud T i-Size looks a lot more 'sleek and modern,' too. Some mentioned that the car seat could be a bit difficult to carry but still felt the Cybex's ergonomic design meant that their baby was comfortable and safe. It was also a ADAC Test Winner in October 2023.
Read our full CYBEX Cloud T i-Size review
Pros
- Multiple recline positions
- Lasts from birth to approximately 24 months - longer than other options
- 180 degree base rotation
- Ergonomically deisgned for comfort
- Winner in the ADAC tests 2023
- Can be installed using ISOFix or the car's seat belt
Cons
- Difficult to carry when baby is in the seat
| Dimensions: | H37.8 x W46 x D75cm |
| Weight: | 4.8kg |
| Guarantee: | 2 years |
| Age range: | Birth - 13kg (45-87cm in height) |
| ISOFix compatible? | Yes - NEXT system compatible |
| Safety rating: | R129-compliant (i-Size ready) |
| Base included? | Sold separately |
| Rotation: | 180° |
| Recline: | Approx 157 degrees |
- Ergonomic design
- Side-impact protection
- Reclining chair
- 180 degree rotation
Best lie flat car seat with a choice of bases
www.halfords.com
Won Silver in the 2024 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Newborn Car Seat category
This car seat allows your baby to lie at 157 degrees so while it isn't completely flat, it offers the versatility of a near flat car seat with the potential to last longer than fully flat car seats. If you prefer a completely flat car seat, we recommend the Nuna Cari. However, the Joie i-Level has three reclining positions, so it's more versatile, will last longer and you can adjust it as needed.
The Joie i-Level cleverly converts in an instant from a cuddly carrycot to an infant car seat, which our mum tester loved as it meant she could leave her baby to snooze for longer. It's suitable for rearward facing from birth, and the i-Level features the ultimate protection and security for your little one.
While the swivel base (sold separately) could be too large for some small cars, you can opt for a non-swivel base. While you can only use this car seat with an ISOFix base, it's not possible to install it with the car's seat belt. The base can be used with other Joie car seats as your baby grows.
Read our full Joie i-Level Recline car seat review
Pros
- It allows for near-lie flat mode for both car journeys and strolls
- Has a choice of three reclining positions
- Parts of the car seat can be washed
Cons
- The base with the option to turn might be too large for smaller cars
- No option to install it with a car seat belt
- Doesn't lie completely flat
| Dimensions: | H65 x W57.5 x D44cm |
| Weight: | 4.83kg |
| Guarantee: | 2 years |
| Age range: | Suitable rearward facing from 40 up to 85cm (approx birth to 15 months |
| ISOFix compatible? | Yes |
| Travel System compatible? | Yes |
| Safety rating: | R129-compliant (i-Size ready) |
| Base included? | Sold separately |
| Rotation: | Yes |
| Recline: | 157 degrees |
- Certified to the highest R129 safety standards
- i-Size certification
- Ultimate side impact protection
- Removable full body insert
- Retractable sun canopy
- Three-point harness
3.
Nuna CARI
Best lightweight lie flat car seat
www.kiddies-kingdom.com
This carry-cot car seat provides a very comfortable place for your baby to nap during car journeys. It also allows the baby to lie completely flat while in the car, which is best for spinal development, and you won't have to disturb your baby when getting in and out of the car.
The Nuna CARI is only suitable for children up to six months, so if you're looking for a longer-lasting car seat, you might opt for the Joie i-Level instead, which is suitable for up to 15 months. However, the Nuna CARI is completely lie-flat while the Joie i-Level reclines to 157 degrees.
It's also NEXT system compatible if you have a corresponding travel system, and although it's quite bulky in size and takes up a lot of space in the car, it's lightweight at just 3.6kg. Like the Joie I-Level, the Nuna Cari can only be installed using the ISOFix base, not the seat belt.
Read our full Nuna CARI car seat review
Pros
- The car seat is fully reclined, similar to a carrycot
- It's made from toxin-free fabric
- It's easy to carry and has a lightweight design
Cons
- It is really large and takes up space on the back seat
- Can't use the car's seat belt for installation
| Dimensions: | H59.0cm W44.0cm D81.0cm |
| Weight: | 3.6kg |
| Guarantee: | 5 years |
| Age range: | Approx birth to 6 months (40-70cm in height) |
| ISOFix compatible? | Yes - 10 ISOFIX positions |
| Travel System compatible? | Easy connection to Nuna pushchairs |
| Safety rating: | R129-compliant (i-Size ready) |
| Base included? | Sold separately |
| Rotation: | 360° rotation |
| Recline: | 180 degrees |
- Three-point harness system
- Shock absorbingplastic base
- 10 ISOFIX positions for a custom fit
Best lie flat car seat bundle
www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk
Maxi-Cosi 360 Pro Family Bundle aims to simplify the process of buying a car seat as a first-time parent while prioritising safety and comfort for your little one. Designed with the needs of families in mind, this bundle includes the FamilyFix 360 Pro, the Pebble 360 Pro and the Pearl 360 Pro and offers a comprehensive solution for all stages of your child's car seat journey from birth to four years old.
The Pebble 360 Pro car seat is easy to install, with plush padding for comfort and plenty of safety features to keep your VIP safe. It was reviewed by our Reviews Editor, Emily with her newborn baby and she said, "Offering three recline positions, I especially like that the Pebble 360 Pro has a full lie-flat position in all modes (whether used in the car or attached to a travel system)."
As well as having 360 degree spin, this car seat base also features SlideTech, so it's even easier to get your baby in and out of their car seat. You can also install the Pebble Pro using a car seat belt if required.
Read our full Maxi-Cosi 360 Pro Family Bundle review
Pros
- Includes infant car seat, toddler car seat and base
- Base spins 360 one-handed
- The base slides out of the car
- Can be installed using a seat belt or ISOFix
Cons
- The bundle is only available in two colours currently
| Dimensions: | H58 x W44 x D66cm |
| Weight: | 4.7kg |
| Guarantee: | 2 years |
| Age range: | Pebble Pro: 0-13kg (40 cm up to 87 cm), Pearl 360 Pro: 3 months-4 years |
| ISOFix compatible? | Yes |
| Travel System compatible? | Yes |
| Safety rating: | R129-compliant (i-Size ready) |
| Base included? | Included |
| Rotation: | 360° rotation |
| Recline: | From 177 - 104 degrees |
Best designed lie flat car seat
www.mamasandpapas.com
The Nuna Arra Flex car seat is an upgraded version of the Nuna Arra which was previously on our list of the best lie-flat car seats and has been equally well-reviewed by testers. Suitable from birth up to 13kg, this ultra-lightweight car seat effortlessly transitions from car seat to travel system for a flat-positioned sleep space when used with compatible Nuna NEXT system pushchairs.
Our testers praised the “impressive lie-flat function,” which allows you to adjust the seat to three recline positions. While it doesn't lie flat to 180 degrees, the 157-degree recline still aids healthy spine development and comfort during longer journeys or naps on the go. The plush newborn insert and memory foam headrest earned praise for confidently supporting even the smallest babies.
The ARRA Flex has side impact protection and a durable shell fortified with EPP energy-absorbing foam and when paired with the ISO Fix base (sold separately), installation is both secure and simple. Reviewers note “the whole process feels secure and reassuring, especially for new parents.” It can also be installed using a car seat belt if needed.
The lightweight design - just 3.9kg without insert or canopy - makes it convenient to lift and carry. The generous UPF 50+ dream drape canopy protects against the elements, and magnetic harness holders make buckling your baby in simple and fuss-free.
Read our full Nuna ARRA Flex review
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Easy to transition from car to stroller
- 3 recline options down to 157 degrees
- Can be installed using a seat belt or ISOFix
Cons
- Limited colour choices
| Dimensions: | L72-77 x W43.5 x H58.5cm |
| Weight: | 3.9 kg |
| Guarantee: | 2 years |
| Age range: | Birth to approx. 13kg |
| ISOFix compatible? | Yes |
| Travel System compatible? | Yes - NEXT system compatible |
| Safety rating: | R129-compliant (i-Size ready) |
| Base included? | Sold separately |
| Rotation: | 360° rotation |
| Recline: | 157 degrees |
Won Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2023.
The Calmi R129 car seat is compatible with most cars and makes it really convenient to switch babies from lying flat in their pushchair to lying flat directly in the car. It is i-Size compliant and ISOFIX compatible, but can't be installed using a car seat belt. Hailed by our parent testers for being easy to manoeuvre and stylish, this travel system combo with the Joie Calmi and Joie Finiti is also a Mother&Baby Awards 2023 Gold winner.
Commenting on how the Calmi made their life easier when travelling long journeys, one tester said, "The Calmi provided us with a practical solution for travelling to our parents, whereby our baby could lie down for the journey, enabling them to be comfortable and to conform to the recommended guidelines. They were obviously comfortable in the seat as they slept for over an hour and a half of the journey each way! I also felt secure in knowing they were safely strapped in, and the seat's padding provided extra protection and quality."
One downside our testers did mention is that it can be tricky to fit the Joie Calmi car seat in the back if there's already another car seat installed, a sticking point for second-time parents. You also can't spin the Calmi once installed, despite it being compatible with a 360 base.
Read our full Joie Calmi review
Pros
- Compatible with travel systems and 360 car seat base
- Completely lie flat for safe travel during longer journeys
- Easy to transition between stroller base and car seat base for seamless travel
Cons
- Doesn't spin
- Can be tricky to fit in alongside another car seat
- Can't be installed using a seat belt
| Dimensions: | H60.6cm W44.8cm D82.4cm |
| Weight: | 3.6kg |
| Guarantee: | 2 years |
| Age range: | Birth to approx. 6 months (40-70cm in height) |
| ISOFix compatible? | Yes |
| Travel System compatible? | Yes |
| Safety rating: | R129-compliant (i-Size ready) |
| Base included? | Sold separately |
| Rotation: | Base rotates but not with this seat |
| Recline: | 180 degrees |
Best lie flat car seat for baby comfort
www.kiddies-kingdom.com
Available in a wide range of colours, this seat allows your baby to lie in a flat position at all times, whether they're in the car or in their stroller, something our parent tester loved as it meant 'you're not restricted to the amount of time they spend in the car seat.'
Another advantage our tester found was that it meant you didn't have to double up on a carrycot and a car seat, as the Maxi-Cosi Jade did both. It's also easy to clean, which is a bonus.
It meets the highest safety standards and provides the best protection for the baby's neck and head. This car seat is very similar to the Nuna CARI, and will only last until your baby is around 6 months. If you want more use out of the car seat, you might prefer to opt for something more long-lasting, such as the Joie i-Level.
It uses the 3-way Fix Base which is also compatible with other MaxiCosi car seats, including the Pebble Plus and Pearl so it's a great option if you're planning to use Maxi-Cosi car seats as your child grows. However, you can't install the Maxi-Cosi Jade with a car seat belt so there's less flexibility if you need to use it in another car or a taxi for instance.
Read our full Maxi-Cosi Jade with 3wayfix Base review
Pros
- Compatible with 3-Way Fix base which can then be used with other Maxi Cosi car seats
- The covers are easy to clean and are washable
- Comfortable for baby
- It's easy to clip in and out of the car
Cons
- It doesn't last growing baby's very long
- Can't be installed using a car seat belt
| Dimensions: | 80.5 cm (L) x 47.5 cm (W) x 58.0 cm (D) |
| Weight: | 6.05kg |
| Guarantee: | 2 years |
| Age range: | Birth to approx. 6 months (40-70cm in height) |
| ISOFix compatible? | Yes |
| Travel System compatible? | Yes |
| Safety rating: | R129-compliant (i-Size ready) |
| Base included? | Sold separately |
| Rotation: | Base rotates but not with this seat |
| Recline: | 180 degrees |
8.
Doona X
The Doona X is perfect for parents and celeb mums alike who want a car seat and stroller for life on the go. You can effortlessly transition from car seat mode to stroller mode in seconds. Plus, with a Soft Release System, Doona has created the smoothest transition for your little one to minimise any disturbance. It can also be installed using a car seat belt so it's a great option for parents who want to travel by taxi or pop it into other cars when out and about.
The Doona X is suitable for newborns and has three recline positions, including an option to lie flat up to 159°. The easy-fastening shoulder pads make putting your baby into the car seat much simpler.
Read our full Doona X review
Pros
- Transitions from car to stroller
- Three recline positions
- Soft release system
- Comes with the Doona SIP (Side Impact Protection) add-on
- Can be installed using a seat belt or ISOFix
Cons
- Only suitable for up to 13kg
| Dimensions: | Folded: 44 x 72.3 x 45.6 cm (W x L x H)<br>Unfolded: 44 x 89.3 x 101 cm ( W x L x H) |
| Weight: | 8.3 kg |
| Guarantee: | 2 years |
| Age range: | Birth to 13 kg (40-85 cm in height) |
| ISOFix compatible? | Yes |
| Travel System compatible? | Seat and stroller in one |
| Safety rating: | R129-compliant (i-Size ready) |
| Base included? | Sold separately |
| Rotation: | No |
| Recline: | 159 degrees |
Lie-flat car seat comparison table
| Product | Price (RRP at time of review) | Age/weight range | Lie-flat angle | Rotation | Installation | Weight | Travel system compatible | Base included | Overall mum rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cybex Cloud T i-Size | £249.95 | Birth – 13kg / 45-87cm (~24m) | Reclines 157° | 180° | ISOFix/Belt | 4.8kg | Yes | No | 5/5 |
| Joie Signature i-Level Recline | £150 | Birth – 15m / 40-85cm | Reclines 157° | Yes | ISOFix | 4.83kg | Yes | No | 4.5/5 |
| Nuna CARI | £250 | Birth – 6m / 40-70cm | Fully flat (180°) | 360° base | ISOFix | 3.6kg | Yes (Nuna) | No | 4/5 |
| Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro + Bundle | £549.99 | 0-13kg (Pebble), up to 4y (bundle) | Reclines 177° | 360° | ISOFix/Belt | 4.7kg | Yes | Yes | 5/5 |
| Nuna ARRA Flex | £250 | Birth – 13kg | Reclines 157° | 360° base | ISOFix/Belt | 3.9kg | Yes (Nuna) | No | TBC |
| Joie Calmi R129 | £200 | Birth – 6m / 40-70cm | Fully flat (180°) | Base rotates but not with this seat | ISOFix | 3.6kg | Yes | No | 4/5 |
| Maxi-Cosi Jade with 3wayFix Base | £149 | Birth – 6m / 40-70cm | Fully flat (180°) | No (base rotates, seat does not) | ISOFix | 6.05kg | Yes | No | 3/4 |
| Doona X | £549 | Birth – 13kg / 40-85cm | Reclines 159° | No | ISOFix/Belt | 8.3kg | Stroller integrated | No | 4/5 |
What is a lie-flat car seat?
A lie-flat car seat is one that lets your baby lie in the optimum position for their lungs, spine and hips. If you're expecting to travel for longer distances or plan to keep baby in a car seat while in a restaurant, for instance, you might find they're in the seat for longer than the suggested two hours. In this case, it could be worth getting a lie-flat car seat. This is because, as the Lullaby Trust notes, "research has found that young babies may be at risk of breathing difficulties if they sleep upright in a seated position for too long, which can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)".
How to choose the best lie-flat car seat
As mentioned, choosing a lie flat car seat will come down to personal preference and your lifestyle but there are a number of aspects to consider:
Age range: Most lie-flat car seats are Group 0 car seats, so they will only last your little one until around the 6-month mark. However, if you expect to travel on long journeys regularly with your baby, they're worth the money for your peace of mind and baby's safety in the car.
Some lie-flat car seats are combination seats that can take you up to the next age stage (12-24 months). These are more likely to lie at around 157 degrees rather than the full 180 degrees. This still provides a near lie-flat experience but with the versatility to offer more recline positions and last longer.
Installation: Some car seats can only be installed using the ISOFix base, which is generally sold separately. While this is safer, you should consider whether there will be times you need to use the car's seat belt for installation, for instance, if travelling by taxi.
Rotation: With an appropriate base, some lie-flat car seats can spin around at 90 degrees, 180 degrees or even all the way, like a 360 car seat, which can make it easier to get baby in and out of the seat.
Will it fit your car?: As some of our testers found, the lie-flat car seats can take up more space so it's worth checking the dimensions before buying. If you have another car seat in the back you might find that some larger car seats such as the Joie Calmi, may not fit.
Safety regulations: All of the car seats we've recommended are tested to R129 standards, which is the latest testing, but you should make sure that whatever car seat you buy has gone through rigorous crash test procedures.
Travel system compatibility: If you're planning to use your car seat with a travel system, check that it is compatible.
Weight: If you are using it with a travel system, think about how easy the car seat is to lift and move.
Longevity: While it may seem a long way off, thinking about the car seats you'll use when your baby is older can save you money in the long run. For instance, many of the car seat brands we recommended here also offer the best rear-facing car seats for toddlers, and the base can be compatible with later car seat models of the same brand.
Budget: Car seats come with varying price points, but as some can last for longer than others, it can come down to which offers greater value for money.
Final thoughts: Mother&Baby's verdict on the best lie-flat car seat
Our testing process found the Cybex Cloud T i-size car seat to be the overall best lie-flat car seat, due to its multiple recline positions, 180-degree rotation and the ability to install it using ISO Fix or a seat belt. It also lasts until around 2 years, offering better longevity and value for money than other options. While it doesn't lie completely flat in the car, it has an excellent recline ability when used with a travel system.
If you're looking for a fully lie-flat, carry cot option, the NUNA Cari was rated 4/5* by our tester and offers a fully lie-flat experience in and out of the car.
Lie-flat car seats FAQs
What age do babies not need to lie flat?
Where possible, it's advised that babies lie flat until they're a year old. This is most essential in the first six months, particularly the early months. Usually, when your child can confidently sit up by themselves, they don't need to be lying flat.
Should I get a lie-flat car seat?
While standard rear-facing car seats are likely to be appropriate for many newborns, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents notes that lie flat car seats can be beneficial for babies born prematurely or with a low birth weight. If your baby is premature or has other medical conditions, then they should be in a lie-flat car seat for safety reasons.
Why you can trust us
Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.
Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe consistently provides great insights into which products mums like best and why, helping us highlight the products that will meet your needs.
For essential products, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested. Full reviews from our mum testers can be found on our product pages. The winners and runners-up for each category will also appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.
About the author
Lorna White is the Products Editor for Mother&Baby. After running the Yours magazine website, specialising in content about caring for kids and grandchildren, Lorna brought her expertise to Mother&Baby in 2020. She has a keen interest in a range of topics from potty training and nutrition to baby names and early development and has a wide range of experienced medical experts and professionals at her fingertips. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two young sisters, dog walking and enjoying the outdoors with her family.