The best car seats of 2025, tried and tested for newborns and infants
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Do you know your 360s from your boosters? With expert help and rigorous home-testing, we've found the best car seats for your child or baby. Copy link. twitter. facebook. whatsapp. email. Finding the best car seat for your little one is arguably the most important purchase you’ll make in the early years (literally, it may be a matter of life or death) but it can also be the trickiest. When I first googled ‘baby car seat’, during the last throes of my pregnancy a year ago, I was completely baffled by the options. And along with buying the pram, it was the decision that took the longest to reach.
Millie Poppins, a baby expert and motherhood mentor, tells me: “It is important to consider what your day to day lifestyle will look like once your new baby arrives. If you are in and out of the car often, then something with a swivel base is ideal. If you’re changing cars regularly or using taxis, then something that doesn’t always require a fixed base might work best long term.”.
When shopping for a new car seat, look out for the R129 safety certificate. It’s more rigorous than the old R44 rating (see the FAQ section at the bottom for the differences). I’ve found it’s also worth looking at ADAC ratings. ADAC – the German version of the RAC – is internationally recognised for its stringent approach to crash testing.
With the help of my son Jasper, I’ve tested all the latest car seats, not just for safety but for comfort and usability too. You can read my reviews below, followed by some tips from Millie on how to choose and use them. If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at my top five:.
