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 Formula1 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.
While a baby 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 recommends 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. The biggest downside to a lie-flat car seat is that it may only last until your baby is around 6 months old, so they may not offer you the best value for money.
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:
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.
How we chose and tested the best lie-flat car seats
To compile our list of the best lie flat car seats we put them through their paces with parents like you. Our mum 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 suit them and their children, and whether they would recommend them to another mum friend. We asked them to think about the weight, how easy the car seat was to install and use, how secure and comfortable their baby was, and whether it offered value for money. These questions were key in our testing process and allowed us to create star ratings that determined the top lie flat car seats.
When choosing the best lie flat car seat for you and your baby, it will come down to your lifestyle, priorities, car and budget. For example, some lie-flat car seats are designed to be more like a multifunctional carrycot, such as the Joie Calmi R129 and the Nuna CARI - these options are completely lie-flat and extremely travel-system friendly. However, they do have the disadvantage of not having a range of recline positions and taking up more space when fitted in the car. 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. 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.
In addition to this real life testing, 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.
The best lie flat car seats
Best overall lie flat car seat
Key Specs: Age range: Birth - 13kg (45-87cm in height) | ISOFix compatible? Yes | Travel System compatible? Yes - NEXT system compatible | Safety rating: R129-compliant (i-Size ready) | Base included? Sold separately | Rotation: 180° rotation | Recline: Approx 157 degrees
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 the 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 |
- Ergonomic design
- Side-impact protection
- Reclining chair
- 180 degree rotation
Best lie flat car seat with a choice of bases
www.halfords.com
Key Specs: 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
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 use the car's seat belt to install it - 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 |
- 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.mamasandpapas.com
Key Specs: 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
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 |
- Three-point harness system
- Shock absorbingplastic base
- 10 ISOFIX positions for a custom fit
Best lie flat car seat bundle
www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk
Key Specs: 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
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 review of the Maxi-Cosi 360 Pro Family Bundle.
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 |
5.
Nuna ARRA
Best designed lie flat car seat
www.naturalbabyshower.co.uk
Key Specs: Age range: Birth to approx. 15 months | 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
The Nuna Arra newborn baby car seat provides a smooth transition from crib to infant carrier. Its three recline positions allow the baby to lie comfortably, whether Arra is buckled in the backseat or attached to a pushchair.
Our parent tester liked the ergonomic position, and as her baby sleeps well in the car, the lie-flat mode was an added bonus. It’s i-Size-approved and lightweight, weighing just 3.9 kg (without insert or canopy).
It can be installed using wither the ISOFix base (sold separately) or with the car seat belt, offering versatility if you're travelling in another vehicle. Its leather handle is also comfy to carry, and our testers found it was easy to move from car to pram.
Read our full Nuna ARRA review
Pros
- It's a really lightweight design
- Easy to transition from car to stroller
- The leather handle detail looks stylish but is also functional for an easy grip
- Can be installed using a seat belt or ISOFix
Cons
- There aren't many colour choices
| Dimensions: | L64-77 x W43 x H59cm |
| Weight: | 3.9 kg |
| Guarantee: | 2 years |
Key Specs: 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
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 the knowledge that they were safely strapped in, and the seat's padding provided an extra level of 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 review of the Joie Calmi.
**
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 |
Best lie flat car seat for baby comfort
www.kiddies-kingdom.com
Key Specs: 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
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 other car or a taxi for instance.
Read our Maxi-Cosi Jade with 3wayfix Base review here
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 |
Best lie flat car seat for versatility
www.kiddies-kingdom.com
Key Specs: Age range: 0 to 18 months (lie-flat until 9 months) | ISOFix compatible? Yes | Travel System compatible? Yes - with Jané Range of pushchairs | Safety rating: R129-compliant (i-Size ready) | Base included? With some packages | Rotation: Yes | Recline: 138 - 180 degrees
This car seat is one of the few to offer a fully flat recline position and three other recline settings, so your baby can travel in an upright seated position (suitable from 0 to 18 months) or lie completely flat (from birth to nine months). It can be installed using the base or the car's seat belt.
Our parent testers found the car seat bulky and difficult to adjust, so you might prefer the Nuna ARRA, which is a lot lighter. In the lie-flat mode, covers attached with poppers convert it into a carrycot, and it can also be attached to any Jané pushchair frame.
While parent testers mentioned their little one slept well in the car seat and looked comfortable, they did question whether it offered value for money.
Read our full Jané Matrix Light 2 Car Seat review
Pros
- It has four different recline settings, including fully lie flat
- The car seat is ideal for longer car journeys
- Can be installed using a seat belt or ISOFix
Cons
- Some found it quite heavy and that it takes up a lot of space
| Dimensions: | 83 x 44 x 62cm |
| Weight: | 5.25 kg |
| Guarantee: | 2 years |
9.
Doona X
Best lie flat integrated travel system
DoonaKey Specs: 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
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 |
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 -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 should make sure that whatever 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.
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.
Find out more about how we test products for inclusion in our buying guides.
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.
Is it worth getting 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.
If using a standard car seat, make sure your car journey times are kept to a minimum and the baby can regularly have a stretch. If this isn't an option for you and you regularly see yourself having to do longer car journeys with your baby (over two hours), then you may want to consider a lie-flat car seat for their safety and your peace of mind.
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.