One of the most important components of a baby travel system is of course, the car seat. Keeping your little one safe in a support seat during travel is required by law, for the best part of their childhood - so it's best to do a bit of research first.
What's to know?
From birth, until children are 12 years old or stand at 4ft 5in (whichever is relevant first) it is mandatory for them to be seated in an appropriate seat.
Rear-facing car seats are advised to be used until they are 15 months old, to protect their necks from front impact. There are also front-facing models suitable for babies once they reach 9 months or about 9kg.
What group seat do I need?
Stages might seem quite tricky to get your head around at first, but it's quite simple numbering system that goes up as your baby grows. Most car seat models a multi-stage or combination seats, so you won't constantly have to update it.
- Group 0/0+ - birth up to around 9 months
- Group 1 - 9kg to 18 kg (up to 4 years)
- Group 2 - 15kg to 25 kg (4 - 6 years)
- Group 1/2/3 - 9kg to 36kg (up to 12 years)
Combination seats are obviously more popular, so you can expect higher end models to be upwards of £150.
At a glance, top performers in the field are the Maxi-Cosi, Kinderkraft, My Babiie, Cybex and Joie Stages. But, with so many options out there, we're here to help and have rounded up the 10 best car seats for all budgets.
Best toddler car seats for 2021
1. Bebe Style Convertiblle 1/2/3 Combination Car Seat and Booster Seat
Best Budget Car Seat
The Bebe Style Convertible is an Amazon bestseller and one of the best deals we could find for budget and functionality.
The versatile car seat is a combination group 1,2 and 3; suitable for little ones aged from 9 months old up to 12 years old, making this a set for life.
There's a basic install and requires compatible 3-point seat belts. Starting out as a group 1 car seat with integral harness, it later converts into a high back booster as they grow and then later converts into a booster seat. You can adjust the headrest for optimal comfort and support and there's also padded side wings for impact protection.
2. Cozy N Safe Logan Group 1/2/3 Child Car Seat
Best Car Seat for Comfort
Comfort, protection and style.
Another 1/2/3 combination seat, the Logan car seat offers a practical design that comprises a high-back booster seat protecting your little ones head and neck, with removable inserts for extra support.
The seat is fitted via a 3-point seat belt install, there's even little armrests for them to chill out on longer trips.
3. Cuggl Partridge Group 1/2/3 ISOFIX Car Seat
Best Car Seat Under £80
The Partridge from Cuggl is one to seriously consider for price and versatility, if you're looking for an option that can grow with your toddler and boasts a practical fitting solution - this is it.
This car seat has integrated, universal ISOfix connectors. ISOfix is a good alternative to using seat belt support, especially with smaller children. The connectors fix to your vehicle, making it easier to get in and out of the car.
The seat compromises of a high back booster with internal harness for children between 9-18kg, it can then be used with the eat belt for children up to the age of 12.
4. Kinderkraft My Way Car Seat
Best Front & Rear-Facing Car Seat
Kinderkraft's My Way is another great example of a car seat for life, it boasts a multi combination 0+/1/2/3 which will serve your little one from birth up until 12 years old.
The chair has a reclining function, which sounds fancy but is actually quite major in keeping you baby safe in the car as they grow. With an easy to use lever you can choose between three forward-facing positions and one rearward facing for the smaller babies that aren't ready to face forward.
The seat is mounted on a stable base and has ISOFIX connectors, which helps to absorb more of the impact of journeys. Simply adjust headrest whenever it's needed for full comfort and support.
5. Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Air Protect Group 2/3 Car Seat
Best Car Seat for Protection
If you've already got a toddler this group 2/3 car seat from Maxi-Cosi is perfect for toddlers and beyond.
Best recommended for children 15-36kg which is roughly 3.5 years old up until they are 12 years.
The innovative and sleek design boasts a patented AirProtect system which minimises side impact, as well as a secure Isofix anchorage system. The ergonomic shape helps to keep littles ones in a comfortable and safe seating position.
6. My Babiie Group 1/2/3 Car Seat Grey Stars
Best Lightweight Car Seat
The innovative and stylish design boasts a five point safety harness to keep your little one’s safe and secure whilst travelling. It also features a reclinable backrest, a padded removable insert for support and removable cup holders. When things get a little messy, you can easily take off the washable fabric covers, pop them in the wash, and the seat will be as good as new.
If you've already got a toddler this group 1/2/3 car seat from My Babiie Group is perfect for toddlers and beyond.
Best recommended for children 9-36kg which is roughly 3.5 years old up until they are 12 years.
7. Cybex Aton 5
Best Versatile Car Seat
Following in the footsteps of its predecessors, it’s no surprise that the latest Acton 5 is popular amongst parents around the world.
An adjustable headrest with eight positions allows you to adapt your baby’s comfort as they grow. To keep your little one’s safe from the sunshine, the smart seat also includes an integrated XXL fold-away sun canopy with UPF 50+ protection.
Best of all? The seat can also be attached to a pushchair for multiple use (adaptors may be needed.)
8. Maxi-Cosi Axiss Swiveling Toddler Car Seat
Best Reclining Car Seat
If you've got slightly older children, Maxi-Cosi's Axiss is one to seriously consider, especially for quick car journeys in and out.
Suitable for use from 9-18kg or 9 months to 4 years old, the chair sits atop of a sturdy base that swivels 90 degrees and allows for easy access for buckling up and getting them out. There are also an impressive eight different reclining positions.
Thanks to a simultaneous harness and headrest adjustment, everything can simply be optimised to your child's comfort and security with one hand.
9. Joie Stages Adjustable Baby to Child Car Seat
Best Car Seat Under £100
If you're thinking more short term for now, Joie Stages is a sleek car seat with a minimalist design and comforting features for your little one.
This car seat is suitable from birth, until 25kg or around 7 years of age, with rear and front facing capabilities. There's four reclining positions to further improve their comfort.
Protect your baby or toddler from head to toe with side impact protection and removable foam inserts for extra support. With multi-height headrest adjustments and a harness system, the seat grows with your baby to small child.
10. Ickle Bubba Solar Group 1/2/3 Isofix & Recline Car Seat
Best Car Seat for Easy Installation
Cute name, with a decent price tag and feature well worth the ask.
Ickle Bubba's Solar gives you full peace of mind for you child from 9 months old until around 12. An integrated ISOfix connection and top tether strap allows for easy installation and full peace of mind whilst travelling. It's also 3-point seat belt compatible once necessary.
There's three reclining positions to maximise comfortability and to maintain an ergonomic posture. A great feature we love is the innovative magnetic buckle retainers, which conveniently hold safety straps in position.
Looking for ways to entertain the little ones on longer journeys? Check out the best car toys for babies worth investing in for 2021.
