Are Newborn Car Seats Necessary?

Yes, a car seat for your newborn is necessary. Until a child reaches the age of 7 or is over 145cm tall , they are required to use an approved car seat when travelling inside a car.

Types of Newborn Seats

There are several different kinds of infant seats you can purchase, depending on your child’s age, needs, and your personal preference. Below are some of the most common types of newborn seats available:

Baby Capsules

Capsules are rear-facing car seats suitable for use until your baby is approximately 12 months of age. A capsule, or infant carrier, consists of two parts: a base that stays professionally installed inside your vehicle and a capsule carrier that clicks in and out of the base. A capsule can be used in a ‘travel system’ which allows a parent or carer to click the carrier onto a compatible pram (typically with adaptors) for on-the-go transitions.

Convertible Car Seats

Convertible car seats are a versatile option that can be used from birth and beyond. This seat stays secured in your vehicle and 'converts' from rear to forward-facing as your child grows.

It's rear-facing with an inbuilt harness until approx. 12 months (or extended up to 30 months in some cases) and then professionally turned around to forward-facing, still using the harness, until your child is around 4 years old or up to 8 years, depending on the model. This convertibility makes it a cost-effective option for families who are looking for value.

ISOFIX Compatible Baby Seats

ISOFIX baby seats come in various types, including capsules, convertibles, boosters, and harnessed boosters. Unlike traditional seats that require installation with a seatbelt, ISOFIX seats attach directly to built-in anchors in your vehicle.

Choosing a Car Seat for Your Infant

If you’re getting an infant car seat, here are some considerations to keep in mind:

Suitability

While many car seats can accommodate newborns, it’s best to check the suitability of the car seat model. Choosing a seat that doesn’t accommodate your child is not advised as this can cause safety concerns and discomfort while they’re in the car seat.

Safety Features

Of course, safety will always be a primary concern for our children when choosing car seats:

Side Impact Protection: Extra padding on the sides of the seat provides additional protection in case of a side collision.
Easy Adjust Harness: this type of harness is where your headrest and harness can be lifted to the next height marker (according to your child’s shoulder height) together. This feature reduces the risk of human error, making it handy for both convenience and safety.
Extended Rear-Facing:Some models permit extended rear-facing up to 30 months, which is beneficial for children who still have considerable growth before transitioning to forward-facing. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and markers on the seat for proper usage.

Other Features

Depending on your other concerns and needs, other features you may want to consider include:

Comfort: Look for a seat with adequate padding and breathable fabrics to keep your baby comfortable, especially during longer trips.
Compatibility with Strollers: If you choose a baby capsule, check if it’s compatible with your pram or stroller to make transfers smoother.
Adjustability: Most car seats offer adjustable headrests and harnesses to accommodate your baby as they grow.

Newborn Car Seats

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I install my newborn car seat?

How long should a newborn stay in a rear-facing car seat?

What is the best baby seat for newborns?

Can I use a newborn capsule beyond 12 months?

Is it better to get a capsule or a convertible car seat?