Supernanny’s top baby car seats
An infant car seat is an essential for every newborn, but with a whole range of different seats on the market how do you know which suits you, your baby and your lifestyle best? Compare and contrast with our at-a-glance guide…
Britax Companion
Increased side-impact protection, plus the base includes a patented ‘rebound’ bar designed to stabilize the seat in the event of an accident. Team it up with an appropriate Britax stroller to form a travel system. Around $199, visit Britax for stockists; also available at Amazon.
+ Can be used rear-facing up to 22Ib
+ Latch compatible
+ Car seat belt lock-offs
+ 5-point harness
+ Multiple recline positions
+ Head pad
+ Sun canopy
+ Compatible with Britax strollers
+ Weighs 10Ib (without base)
Graco Infant SafeSeat
Babies are safer when carried rear-facing and Graco’s Infant SafeSeat lets you do that for longer, which makes it perfect for bigger babies. Fits to most Graco strollers with trays to form travel system. Around $190, visit Graco for stockists; also available at Amazon.
+ Can be used rear-facing up to 30Ib
+ Latch compatible
+ Car seat belt lock-offs
+ 5-point harness
+ Removable infant body support
+ All-weather boot
+ Compatible with Graco strollers
+ Weighs 10Ib (without base)
Chicco KeyFit Infant Seat
Another option if your baby is on the large side, the Chicco KeyFit can be used rear-facing for longer. Around $150, visit Chicco for stockists; also available at Amazon.
+ Can be used rear-facing up to 30Ib
+ Latch compatible
+ 5-point harness
+ Removable newborn insert for smaller babies and preemies
+ Level indicator
+ Compatible with Chicco Trevi and Cortina strollers
+ Weighs 9Ib (without base)
Baby Trend Flex Loc
This seat doesn’t come with as many extras as some of the others but if you can do without the frills it’s a great choice, with a considerably lower price tag than some of its competitors. Around $90, visit Baby Trend for stockists; also available at Amazon.
+ Can be used rear-facing up to 22Ib
+ Latch compatible
+ 5-point harness
+ Adjustable head support
+ EPS foam head protection
+ Adjustable crotch strap
+ Level indicator
+ Multi-position carrying handle
+ Compatible with Baby Trend strollers
+ Weighs 8Ib (without base)
Combi Centre DX/ARB
The anti-rebound bar is a handy extra safety feature and we love the fact that it’s incorporated into the seat itself, not the base, which means it continues to offer extra protection from crash forces even if you use a vehicle seat belt to fit the seat. Around $140, visit Combi for stockists; also available at Amazon.
+ Can be used rear-facing up to 22Ib
+ Latch compatible
+ 5-point harness
+ Padded seat cover
+ EPS foam head protection
+ Level indicator
+ Compatible with Cosmo ST, Cosmo DX, Cosmo EX, Twin Sport EX, Combi IV and Counterpart strollers
+ Weighs 10Ib (without base)
Graco SnugRide
Highly rated for your baby’s comfort and your ease of use, this is one of the most popular infant car seats and we love the fact it’s so light to carry. Around $100; optional stroller frame, $60, visit Graco for stockists; also available at Amazon.
+ Latch compatible
+ 5-point harness
+ Double infant head support
+ All-weather boot with blanket
+ Sun canopy with window
+ Weighs 7.24Ib (without base)