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Infant carrier car seats - overviewThe following categories provide detailed information on all of the seats in our test. Our parent panel gave the Best Buy award to the Bebe Confort Creatis but make sure you check each individual category as it could be that a different model scored highly in an area that's important to you. Don't forget, if you already use one of these seats and want to share your opinions, click on the links below and add a review.
You'll be using your infant car seat for months to come so a model that's easy to use and install is likely to be a priority. The Graco Autobaby scored well in this category as it comes with its own 'click-on, fuss-free' base that's 'a real time-saver on installation'. The base is also easy to fit - 'you just strap the seatbelt across, tighten it and you're ready to go'. Our mums also noted the Maxi Cosi Cabrio for its 3-point safety belt and 'easily adjustable restraints' that ensure a 'simple, secure fit' whilst the Britax Cosy Tot Premium was 'surprisingly simple to use and install'. Another feature to look for is a one-pull harness. These allow you to secure your baby in the seat easily and effectively with one simple pulling mechanism. Our panel were impressed with the Britax Cosy Tot's 'easily adjustable one pull harness' that 'ensures a snug fit all round'. Never underestimate the importance of portability! You're going to be carrying that seat from house to car to shops and back again more times than you can imagine so make sure you weigh up your options. The Bebe Confort Creatis and Brevi Smart scored points for their 'lightweight structures and ergonomic handles' that enable you to 'carry baby around without too much strain on your arms'. The Creatis and Jane Matrix Pro require the lap belt to be fitted underneath the seat making it 'easy to transport baby to and from the car without having to undo the belt'. For extra portability consider a seat that connects to a travel system. All of the seats on test (except for the Brevi Smart) can be attached to a pushchair to make life just that little bit easier. Your baby's car seat will be their second home whilst out and about so a high comfort factor is crucial. Look for softly padded seats that offer a warm, snug environment for your baby and keep an eye out for optional extras like additional padding, removable head huggers and sun canopies. A major hit in this category was the Jane Matrix. The Group 0+ seat accommodates baby till 18 months of age and our panel loved its 'lie-flat position that's great for younger babies and families who travel regularly'. The Matrix also has 'additional padding in the seat and a cosy toes cover - a great design that's well worth the extra money'. Our panel found the Maxi Cosi Cabrio and Bebe Confort Creatis 'very snug' with 'plush padded materials that were soft, warm and comfy for baby'. When it came to space, the seats on test were 'of a good size', though our panel agreed that the Britax Cosy Tot 'was a bit tight for an older baby' and 'looked a bit restricting'. An additional bonus was the curved base on the Brevi Smart, Maxi Cosi Cabrio and Britax Cosy Tot which can be 'used as a handy rocker if you need to help your baby to sleep.' A quality seat will ensure a protective mode of transport for your baby through his/her first year and if you buy wisely, it's likely to be of use for any future bundles of joy. Our parent panel were particularly fond of the Maxi Cosi Cabrio and Bebe Confort Creatis for their 'fantastic materials' and 'clever designs'. They also liked the Jane Matrix Pro for its 'well thought-out accessories that are hard to find with other car seats in this group'. The Brevi Smart was 'quite a basic seat' but despite agreeing that it was 'reasonably good value for money', our panel all stated that they would 'prefer to pay extra for something they felt would last longer'. All of the car seats in our test have passed strict European safety standards. If you're thinking of purchasing a car seat for your baby, always check that it complies with current safety standards and regulations. The Jane Matrix Pro was noted for its 'extra padding and accessories' - 'it even has an extra abdominal belt that goes across the seat when used as a carry cot'. Similarly, the Bebe Confort Creatis gained points for its 'soft, adjustable padding' and 'easy recliner that allows a newborn to almost lie flat'. Along with the Creatis, the Maxi Cosi was noted for its 'integral sunshade that helps keep baby out of the sun'. Other extras that you might not expect to find on a car seat is storage space. Both the Maxi Cosi and Brevi Smart have integral storage compartments - not something you'd expect but practical nonetheless!
Got something to say? If you're a long-term user of one of the swim nappies in our test and want to add your opinion, visit our individual parent panel reviews using the links below and share your views with other babyworld mums. Where to next:
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