Best Car Seat 2025 – The ultimate parent-tested guide from day one

We've chosen the Nuna TODL NEXT car seat as our best overall as it stands out in the market as one of the most versatile and user-friendly, easy install options for parents seeking safety and convenience - It has won the Gold award two years running in the Mother& Baby Awards and our parent testers seem to love it!

Tester dad-of-two Joe found the car seat to be lightweight and easy to swivel, praising its smooth operation, describing it as; "a really strong-feeling seat that is light enough to make taking in and out of the car less of an issue." Joe highlighted its compatibility with various vehicles, with the smooth swivel motion making it effortless to get children in and out of the car.

The rubberised 5-point harness and side impact protection pod enhance safety and comfort. Joe said it was easy to adjust the harness, whether with ISOFIX or a seatbelt, and found it straightforward to install, with clear indicators to ensure proper installation and peace of mind.

With steel strength technology, this car seat is both durable and smooth to operate, and is easy to carry even with heavier children. The TODL next adjusts easily to accommodate stages of growth from birth to four years, but bear in mind it's only suitable for up to 19kg. If you're looking for something that will be easy to wash, then the Chicco Seat3Fit, with its machine washable removable covers, is the one for you.

Read our full Nuna TODL next and BASE review.

The Nuna PIPA Urbn takes the top spot for Best Travel-Friendly Car Seat thanks to its ultra-lightweight design and built-in ISOFIX connectors, making it one of the most convenient car seats for frequent travelers and busy parents. Weighing just 3.3 kg, it's one of the lightest infant carriers on the market, which is perfect for city dwellers, ride-sharing, and those regularly traveling by taxi or plane.

A standout feature is its no-base-needed installation. This innovation means parents no longer need to worry about the extra bulk of a base, providing a quick and secure fit in any car, without compromising on safety. With the integrated ISOFIX connectors, it’s also incredibly simple to install, just click the seat into the car with ease. Tester Matt, a dad-of-one, highlighted how effortlessly the connectors snapped into place with a reassuring "clunk" sound, demonstrating the system's reliability.

The Nuna PIPA Urbn's comfort and convenience are equally impressive. Its soft, breathable materials, padded infant insert, and TÜV-approved air travel certification make it safe for newborns and perfect for use on planes. The seat also includes Nuna’s signature Dream drape™ for added privacy and a full-coverage, UPF 50+ canopy to protect little ones from the sun.

Its compact and efficient design doesn't skimp on safety either. The seat features Aeroflex™ foam and Side Impact Protection (SIP) to ensure optimal protection in the event of an accident. Parents can also appreciate the machine-washable fabrics and easy-to-remove inserts, making maintenance a breeze.

However, as Matt noted, the lightweight nature of the seat may slightly affect the feel of the materials, which might not feel as robust as heavier models. Despite this, the Nuna PIPA Urbn excels for parents looking for flexibility and a baseless design, making it ideal for travel and frequent car swaps.

While this car seat is on the pricier side, it provides excellent value for those needing a highly portable, safe, and user-friendly option. For parents on a tighter budget who still want a quality seat, the Joie i-Level Recline could be an appealing alternative, offering similar features at a more affordable price point.

Read our full Nuna PIPA urbn review.

We have chosen the Joie i-Level recline as our most stylish pick for it's smart, spacious design and the positive comments about style in our testers' reviews.

Suitable from birth to 15 months, the Joie i-Level Recline baby car seat offers a choice of three recline positions up to 157 degrees. Not only is it light in weight, but it's also ISOFIX compatible to ensure comfort and safety for newborns. No wonder it won Silver for Best Newborn Car Seat (Stage 0/0+) at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

Our mum tester, Ria, found the adjustable straps and cushioning inserts perfect for her daughter's snug fit, saying; "Our daughter genuinely enjoys sitting in the car seat and has often drifted to sleep." Parents like the car seat's compatibility with Maxi Cosi adapters that allow seamless integration with prams, facilitating uninterrupted naps.

Safety features, such as the recline function for better oxygen flow and the red/green colour-changing system for secure installation, provide peace of mind for parents. Ria appreciated the practicality of the 90-degree swivel base and the washable fabric inserts, which make maintenance hassle-free. Despite its light colour, the fabric proved durable against stains too, which is a big plus.

When paired with the i-Base Encore (sold separately) the seat spins 90º. The absence of a 360-degree swivel might be a downside for some parents though, particularly those with back problems. It's also worth noting the base is on the large side for those with smaller cars. Nevertheless, Ria praised the Joie i-Level for its overall quality, style, and affordability compared to its competitors.

Read our full Joie i-Level Recline car seat review.

The Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 earns the title of Best Infant Car Seat thanks to its outstanding combination of safety, ease of use, and thoughtful design. With G-Cell side impact protection, 360-degree rotation, and the innovative Slide-Tech feature, this seat makes it incredibly easy for parents to get their baby in and out of the car. The lay-flat function ensures newborns remain comfortable, while TÜV approval for air travel makes it an excellent option for families who travel frequently.

From its smooth spin function to the secure and easy harness adjustment, the Pebble 360 has been a hit with parent testers. They particularly praised how simple it is to use, with the effortless rotation on the FamilyFix 360 base (sold separately) making everyday use more convenient. The seat’s soft, well-padded fabric adds to its appeal, and parents loved that the covers are machine-washable, making cleaning hassle-free.

This car seat’s impressive features and real-world practicality have been recognised by industry experts, winning Bronze for Best Newborn Car Seat (Stage 0/0+) at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 and also earning accolades in the 2023 awards. Its reputation is backed by its durable construction, high safety standards, and overall comfort, making it one of the top choices for new parents.

Parents particularly appreciated the option to remove the seat from the base, adding versatility and making it suitable from birth up to approximately 15 months (or 17.5kg), offering excellent value for money in the long run. The rotation mechanism operates smoothly and allows one-handed use, although some testers found the release handle slightly tricky at first.

A minor drawback mentioned by users was that aligning the seat back onto the base requires a bit of practice. Despite these small issues, the Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 remains a highly rated choice for its durability, comfort, and ease of use, with many parents reporting fewer instances of crying during car journeys.

Read our full Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 with FamilyFix 360 Base review.

The Joie i-Spin 360 is our top pick for the Best Convertible Car Seat for long-term use because it seamlessly transitions between rear-facing and forward-facing positions, providing a versatile and secure option for children up to approximately four years old (105 cm). Its 360-degree rotation feature makes getting children in and out of the car significantly easier, which is especially useful in tight spaces or for parents who experience back strain.

Safety is a major highlight of this seat, featuring Guard Surround Safety™ panels that automatically engage when the harness is tightened, offering extra side-impact protection. The Smart Ride™ lock-off ensures that children remain in the safest rear-facing position for as long as possible. Additionally, it meets the latest i-Size safety standards, with a Tri-Protect™ headrest that includes memory foam for added security and comfort. The ISOFIX installation makes it sturdy and straightforward to install, reducing the risk of incorrect setup​

The plush padding, six recline positions, and built-in ventilation enhance comfort, ensuring that children remain cosy on long journeys. Grace, a parent who tested the seat for a six-hour road trip, reported that her child slept soundly, demonstrating the seat’s superior comfort. She also appreciated the tilt function, which allows for easy adjustments while on the move​.

Tim, another parent who tested the i-Spin 360, found it to be heavy but easy to install. He noted that while the straps are very secure, loosening them initially took some getting used to. However, once installed, the seat felt sturdy and safe, with clear installation indicators to prevent mistakes​.

One of the drawbacks of the i-Spin 360 is its weight and bulkiness, making it less convenient to move between cars. Some parents also mentioned that while the rotating function is highly useful, it may require a firm tug to operate smoothly​.

Overall, the Joie i-Spin 360 is an excellent choice for parents looking for a car seat that combines long-term usability, high safety standards, and convenience. Its rotating design, superior comfort, and advanced safety features make it a worthwhile investment, especially for those who prioritise ease of use in daily routines.

Read our full Joie Baby i-Spin 360 review.

The Joie Spin 360 has received high praise from our mum testers for its quality, safety features, and practicality. Its 360-degree swivel feature is its stand-out feature as it simplifies placing and securing the child in the seat, while the extended rear-facing option adds peace of mind. It also won Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2021 in the Best Baby/Toddler Car Seat (Stage 1/2) category.

Thanks to its compact design, Mum tester Rebecca noted how easy it was to use in her 3-door car. "This product has made our life so much easier as we have a three-door car, and it is amazing to be able to spin the seat round and fit baby in." Furthermore, testers loved its convenience, particularly in tight parking spaces, and its comfort for the child during journeys.

Easy to install and offering great levels of comfort and safety for little ones, parents particularly liked the seat's ability to recline and adjust as the child grows, making it great value for money. Impressive safety features include the auto-engage Guard Surround SafetyTM side impact protection panels that lock outward when the harness is tightened and work to absorb any force during a crash, which we liked for our peace of mind.

In terms of head protection, the Tri-ProtectTM headrest and the six-position Grow TogetherTM headrest keep your little one secure, and the harness system adjusts simultaneously without rethreading the harness.

Although it's heavy and isn't the easiest car seat to move between cars, parents liked how robust and strong it felt for safety, so they were happy to compromise on weight. The main flaw most parents identified was the accessibility of the levers, with one of our mum testers saying, "If I could change one thing about this product, it would just be that it is quite hard to reach the levers to spin the seat. It would be great if you made them a bit bigger so they were easier to find."

Read our full Joie Spin 360 review.

The Axkid One 3 earns its title as the Best Extended Rear-Facing Car Seat thanks to its outstanding safety features, innovative design, and superior legroom compared to competitors. Rear-facing travel is the safest position for young children, and the One 3 extends this benefit longer than most seats, accommodating children up to 125 cm (around 7 years old), well beyond the standard 4-year limit.

Parents particularly appreciate the self-tightening ISOFIX connectors and automatically adjusting headrest, which simplify installation while ensuring a secure, customized fit. The lightweight aluminum frame makes it both durable and easy to transfer between vehicles, while the sliding seat technology provides more legroom than most extended rear-facing seats, a crucial advantage for growing toddlers.

Ryan, a first-time dad who tested the Axkid One 3 with his seven-month-old, found the "30-second installation guarantee" a game-changer. With a built-in ISOFIX base, adjustable recline positions, and a 5-point harness, the seat offered convenience and security, two must-haves for busy parents. However, Ryan noted some limitations. Unlike some competitors, the Axkid One 3 does not rotate (no 360° swivel feature), which can make getting a child in and out trickier. It also requires a significant amount of space, making it less ideal for smaller cars. While the seat accommodates extended rear-facing travel, older children may experience limited legroom over time.

When comparing other Axkid car seats, the Axkid Minikid 4 is a better option for parents needing a higher weight limit (up to 25kg vs. the One 3’s 23kg). However, the Minikid 4 is belt-installed, whereas the One 3’s ISOFIX system makes installation easier. The Axkid One 3 improves upon the original Axkid One, keeping the lightweight frame and ISOFIX installation while enhancing comfort and recline options. However, both models share limited legroom for older children and lack a swivel function, which some parents found inconvenient.

If you want a lightweight, ISOFIX-installed extended rear-facing car seat with excellent safety features, the Axkid One 3 is an excellent choice. However, if you need a higher weight limit (25kg) and don’t mind a belt installation, the Axkid Minikid 4 might be a better fit. For parents prioritising affordability over the latest features, the original Minikid remains a solid option.

Read our full Axkid One 3 review.

The Joie i-Snug 2 claims the title of Best Car Seat for Small Cars thanks to its compact, lightweight design that fits perfectly in tight spaces without sacrificing safety. Weighing just 3.35 kg, this car seat is incredibly portable, making it easy to transfer between vehicles, which is ideal for families with smaller cars or those constantly on the go. Despite its lightweight construction, it offers excellent side-impact protection and ISOFIX compatibility, ensuring a secure and safe fit for your baby.

One of its standout features is the one-pull adjustable harness and removable newborn insert, which provide convenience as your baby grows. The energy-absorbing shell further enhances protection during accidents, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious parents. Parents of small hatchbacks or compact family cars will particularly appreciate the ease with which this car seat fits into tight spaces, ensuring that even smaller vehicles can accommodate a secure and comfortable car seat.

Certified for i-Size, the Joie i-Snug 2 also includes the Tri-Protect headrest with three layers of side impact protection, making it ideal for newborns. Its lightweight design has been a hit with mums, particularly those who found carrying traditional car seats a challenge post-birth. As one mum tester put it, "Having to carry a baby in a car seat is one of the biggest challenges post-birth... this product has solved that problem."

Additionally, the i-Snug 2 features a large, SPF-protected hood for sun coverage, which parents love, along with machine-washable, removable covers that simplify cleanup. The curved base also allows for gentle rocking, adding an extra layer of comfort for your little one when out and about.

However, there were some comments about the seat's smaller size, particularly for babies in higher percentiles. While this may limit its longevity for larger babies, the snug fit is favoured by many parents, as it ensures comfort and security during use. Overall, the Joie i-Snug 2 is a fantastic choice for parents with smaller cars, offering an ideal balance of portability, safety, and comfort.

Read our full Joie i-Snug 2 with i-Base Encore review.

Designed for easy and ultra-lightweight carrying, the Maxi-Cosi Coral 360 is practical and user-friendly for new parents. This first modular 360° rotating baby car seat is 50% lighter, featuring a removable inner carrier that weighs just 1.7kg and slots easily into the outer shell. It also rotates with just one hand, making it simple to turn the seat. Parent testers loved it, awarding it Gold in the Best Car Seat Group 0/0+ category at the Mother&Baby Awards 2021.

Our mum tester, Chloe, loved how lightweight it was. he said; "This car seat makes my life easier as a mum as it is really lightweight, which is good for me as I live in a fourth-floor flat, and the walk to my car is quite a way.”

Although some testers found it a little bulky, the modular design meets the highest i-Size safety standard. The carrier locks effortlessly into the safety shell and easily clicks onto the FamilyFix 360 rotating base with a 3-light check system, providing peace of mind during travel.

Mum tester Jess said, "The Isofix base was really easy to install, and the 3-light check gave me peace of mind that it had been installed correctly. It was simple to unload the whole car seat from the base when necessary."

With its ability to be used from birth up to 12 months, it’s a lightweight option ideal for parents on the go, although some parents would have loved the product to be available in more colours. Despite minor critiques about the quality of the plastic shell, the Maxi-Cosi Coral was a hit with our parent testers.

Read our full Maxi-Cosi Coral with FamilyFix³ Base review.

The Cosatto All in All Rotate earns the title of Best Budget Car Seat due to its impressive combination of safety features and versatility at a reasonable price point. Designed to last from birth to approximately 12 years old, this multi-stage car seat offers excellent value for money, especially for parents looking for a long-term solution. Its affordability is further highlighted by its ability to cover multiple stages, meaning parents don't need to purchase new seats as their child grows.

One of the standout features of the Cosatto All in All Rotate is its ability to rotate 360 degrees, allowing for both rear-facing and forward-facing positions. This rotation makes it incredibly convenient for parents, especially in smaller cars, as it allows the seat to rotate to the side for easy access, eliminating the need to twist and struggle when securing your child. This is particularly helpful for busy parents who appreciate the ease of getting their child in and out without added stress. Our mum tester, Hannah, praised this feature, saying, “This car seat made my life easier as it can rotate to get my child in and out of the vehicle.”

In addition to its practical features, the seat is equipped with safety features like side impact protection and an anti-escape system, providing reassurance that your child is secure at all times. It also comes with a recline lock indicator and a five-point harness to accommodate your child’s growth. Despite these fantastic features, the Cosatto All in All Rotate maintains an affordable price tag compared to other seats that offer similar safety and convenience.

However, the seat does come with a few downsides, such as its heavier build, which can make it more difficult to move in and out of the car. While this may be a consideration for some parents, the extensive safety features and ease of use make it an attractive option for those on a budget. As Hannah mentioned, “If I would make any changes, it would be to make it lighter or smaller. However, I think with all of the safety features, this probably isn't feasible.”

Overall, the Cosatto All in All Rotate is an excellent choice for parents looking for a budget-friendly, long-term solution without compromising on safety or convenience.

Read our full Cosatto All in All Rotate i-Size Car Seat review.

We awarded the Maxi-Cosi Kore i-Size as the Best High-Back Booster for its superior safety features, i-Size compliance, and advanced side-impact protection, making it a standout choice for parents of children aged 4 to 12 years (100 to 150 cm). This seat is equipped with Maxi-Cosi’s Side Protection System Plus (SPS Plus), which incorporates reinforced side panels and glass fibre shock absorbers for additional safety in the event of a collision. These features provide exceptional protection, especially in side-impact scenarios, ensuring your child’s safety is prioritised.

What sets the Kore i-Size apart is its easy-to-use, intuitive belt-routing system, which allows older children to buckle themselves in independently. This feature is not only a time-saver but also encourages autonomy as your child grows. The seat's sleek, stylish design also appeals to older kids, ensuring that it remains comfortable and visually appealing throughout its years of use. Parents appreciate that the seat is built to last, providing long-term value with a durable structure and a versatile design that accommodates growing children.

The Kore i-Size is suitable for children from approximately 3.5 years to 12 years (or 15-36 kg) and meets the ECE R129 i-Size safety standards. It offers an ISOFIX installation system, which one reviewer praised for its “tight ratchet,” ensuring the seat stays securely in place without shifting. In addition to the solid ISOFIX connection, the Side Protection System Plus combines glass fibre shock absorbers and energy-absorbing materials for enhanced protection in side collisions.

The seat’s adjustable features, including both the height and width, allow it to grow with your child. One reviewer mentioned, “I really liked the fact that the whole seat expands as the headrest is heightened, but is still a fairly compact seat.” This flexibility ensures a comfortable fit for children at different stages of growth. Additionally, the removable seat cover makes it easy to clean, and Maxi-Cosi offers an optional summer cover made from absorbent material for extra comfort during warmer months.

While the Kore i-Size is a top choice for safety and comfort, some parents noted that the cushioning may feel a bit firm, which could be a consideration if you frequently take long car journeys. However, the overall consensus is that the Maxi-Cosi Kore i-Size is a reliable, high-quality high-back booster seat that will grow with your child while offering excellent protection on the road.

Read our full Maxi-Cosi Kore Pro review