Top Pick for
Front-facing car seat
Best baby car seat in Australia 2021
We read hundreds of customer reviews to find the 7 best car seats you can buy online.
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Top Pick for
Rear-facing car seat
Top Pick for
Convertible car seat
Top Pick for
Car seat stroller combo
The best baby car seats in Australia
- Best front-facing car seat: Maxi Cosi Moda
- Best rear-facing car seat: Nuna Pipa Klik
- Best convertible car seat: Safe n Sound B-First
- Best booster car seat: Britax Safe n Sound Hi Liner
- Best car seat stroller combo: Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System
- Best value car seat: Babylove Ezy Switch EP
- Best overall car seat: Britax Safe n Sound Millenia
How did we pick this list?
Our editorial team chose the products on this list based on actual customer reviews on Amazon Australia, Product Review and Google Reviews. We also drew from our own experiences with choosing car seats over the years. For each category, we carefully selected parameters based on our research and identified the car seats with the highest review score within those parameters.
Maxi Cosi Moda
Best front-facing car seat
Not yet rated
Pros
- 10-year warranty on shell, 3-year warranty on fabric
- Easy to keep clean
Cons
- Large in size
- Expensive price tag
Why we chose it
For the best front-facing car seat, we selected the Maxi Cosi Moda as it comes with a 4.1 out of 5 star rating on Product Review from over 50 online reviews.
This safe and sturdy car seat can be used rear- and forward-facing and is suitable for use from 0 to 4 years of age. It offers easy car installation and its Quick Fit harness system means you can adjust the harness height without removing it from the car. It also has five adjustable headrest positions and three adjustable recline base positions. The seat is comfortable with Cool Baby wicking fabric that keeps your baby cool and dry. It also comes with a soft, luxurious insert for newborns. It's easy to maintain as all covers are machine washable, and it comes with a fabric back shield to protect your car as well as a car seat protector mat.
Many online customers found this to be a safe and reliable car seat that is incredibly easy to install and easy to keep clean. Others commented on its comfort and cosy padding. One customer was particularly happy with this seat's width as they were able to fit two other seats in the back of the car.
Nuna Pipa Klik
Best rear-facing car seat
Not yet rated
Pros
- Lightweight for carrying out of car
- Matches Nuna pram to create a travel system
Cons
- Limited use as only rear-facing
- Some customers found it took up a lot of car space
Why we chose it
For the best rear-facing car seat, we chose the Nuna Pipa Klik, which is well reviewed over a number of websites and has 4.6 out of 5 stars on Product Review from approximately 14 online reviews.
This stylish car seat is a rear-facing capsule, so it's only suitable for newborns through to 12 months. It consists of a lightweight yet resilient shell that provides side impact protection. It offers adjustable head support and no re-thread harness to move easily as your baby grows. It is straightforward and super quick to install and has a level bubble to ensure it's in the correct position. Plus it comes with a removable newborn insert for even greater comfort.
Weighing just 3.75kg, this seat is light and easy to carry around. And easy base release buttons make removing the seat or switching between cars no problem at all. Many online customers loved the fact they could just take their sleeping baby out of the car, without waking them. It also comes with a sun cover with a flip-out eyeshade, which many customers found to be extremely useful. Overall, this is a seat that offers high protection, comfort and convenience.
Britax Safe n Sound B-First
Best convertible car seat
Not yet rated
Pros
- Can be used from birth until 4 years old
- Easy installation
Cons
- Premium price tag
- Some customers found it tricky to move between cars
Why we chose it
For the best convertible car seat, our team chose the Britax Safe n Sound B-First as it has a 4.3 out of 5 star rating on Product Review from over 10 online reviews. Not only that, Britax was selected as the best rated baby car seat brand at the 2020/21 Finder Awards.
This car seat offers rear facing for newborns up until the age of 2 or 3 years. It then converts to front facing and is suitable until your child is approximately 4 years old. Installation is straightforward with its easy and secure Clicktight system. It also offers added protection with advanced side impact cushion technology. The enclosed shield design protects your child from the car and features ventilation zones for improved airflow and comfort.
The seat consists of Thermo 5 high performance fabric, in order to give your child a comfy ride. Plus an infant insert is included for extra newborn padding. Many customers commented on how well their babies slept in this car seat and how easy it was to install. Overall, this is a reliable option that will see you through many years, offering the ideal mix of convenience, safety and luxury.
Britax Safe-n-Sound Hi Liner SG Booster Seat
Best booster car seat
Not yet rated
Pros
- Comes in a range of five stylish colours
- Offers extra height as your child grows
Cons
- Tricky to carry when moving between cars
- Not the lightest booster on the market
Why we chose it
When it comes to the best booster, we could not go past the Britax Safe n Sound Hi Liner SG as it scored 4.7 out of 5 on Google Reviews from nearly 67 online reviews. It is also listed in our best booster seats in Australia.
This seat, made by a trusted brand, will keep your little one safe and secure from 4 to 8 years of age. It is one of the tallest seats on the market and is easy to adjust in height as your child grows. The seat is securely attached to a vehicle anchor point and offers extra safety with its deep foam-lined side wings. The exclusive Slideguard Clip is designed to stop your child from slipping under the lap belt in the event of an accident. The seat is also made for comfort with armrests and an easily adjustable headrest. Plus it comes with two side pockets and a handy cup holder, and the cover is removable and machine washable.
I used this booster for both my children and I was more than happy with its performance and overall design. I particularly liked the stylish red colour we chose. Many online customers have been equally delighted with it as it's lightweight and easy to install, not to mention extremely comfortable, sturdy and long-lasting.
Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System
Best car seat stroller combo
Not yet rated
Pros
- Includes a toddler stroller
- Great for travel or life on the move
Cons
- Huge financial investment
- Car seat used only until baby is 9 months
Why we chose it
For the best car seat stroller combo, we chose the Chicco Bravo Travel System as it has a 4.6 out of 5 star rating on Google Reviews from over 2,600 online customers.
This versatile product can be used as either a car seat or stroller, depending on what's in store for the day. The seat is suitable from 0 to 9 months and comes with an infant insert. It has a 5-point harness with one-pull tightener and bubble levels on each side of the base to make sure the seat is at the correct angle.
The stroller features a comfy multi-position reclining seat that will accommodate your child until reaching the weight of 24kg. It has a height-adjustable handle and it folds in a flash to pop in the car. It features a handy below storage basket, as well as a parent tray with much-needed cup holders.
The beauty of this car seat combo is that it provides everything you need, right when you need it. While the car seat is only for babies, you can continue to use the stroller for many years to come. Not only that, the combo has been favourably reviewed online, with comments on its excellent comfort, safety and functionality.
BabyLove Convertible Ezy Switch EP
Best value car seat
Not yet rated
Pros
- Compact design fits easily into back seat
- Appealing price tag
Cons
- No height adjustment available
- Some customers found it tricky to install
Why we chose it
Car seats can vary enormously in price, ranging from $150 right up to around $1,000. When looking for a good quality car seat at a budget price, we chose the Babylove Ezy Switch EP. Not only does it come in at a reasonable price but it also has 4.4 out of 5 stars on Product Review from approximately 50 online reviews.
This car seat will accommodate your baby from 0 to at least 4 years, or even longer. You can have it rear-facing until about 2 to 3 years of age and then switch to front-facing as your child grows. The headrest is adjustable to grow with your child and offers excellent protection. It has a four-slot harness position and six-point safety harness. It's comfortable for the passenger and when front-facing, it provides two recline positions.
The seat comes with a host of features such as shoulder pads and reversible insert, child cup holder and car seat protector mat. The covers are machine washable and come in a choice of three bright colours.
Many online customers have been happy with this seat and find it to be excellent value for money, particularly as it offers extended rear-facing for such an affordable price.
Britax Safe-n-Sound Millenia
Best overall car seat
Not yet rated
Pros
- Extended rear-facing use
- Cover is machine washable
Cons
- Expensive price tag
- Bulky in size
Why we chose it
For the best overall car seat, our team chose the Britax Safe n Sound Millenia as it has a 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Product Review from over 300 online reviews and is a Product Review winner for 2021. Britax is also a trusted name in car seats and was selected as Finder's best rated baby car seat brand for 20/21.
This sturdy and comfy car seat is suitable for children aged 0 through to 4 years. It starts rear-facing where your child can stay until 2 or 3 years old, providing greater safety. When you do convert to forward-facing, there are four recline positions on offer, including upright. An easily adjustable harness and headrest mean that the seat will grow appropriately with your child, ensuring it's always the correct fit. And most importantly, it offers excellent dual-layer head protection in case of side head impact in an accident.
Featuring high-performance bamboo fabric, this seat is super soft and cosy. It comes with an infant safety cushion to keep your baby secure, absorbing energy from a side-impact crash. It also has a colourful toy holder to attach toys and keep your baby entertained on journeys.
This car seat has attracted many favourable online reviews with customers commenting on its security, comfort, easy installation and easy maintenance.
Amazon prices last updated on 2 December, 2021 at 01:00 ameBay prices last updated on 2 December, 2021 at 12:09 pm
Methodology
12Brands considered
30+Products compared
7Best products chosen
- Our team scoured the Internet for all the different brands of car seats available in Australia.
- We read hundreds of online reviews (as of April 2021) and compared the key features, functionality and popularity of each product.
- The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.
Best Rated Baby Car Seat Brand: Britax Safe-n-Sound
With top scores across the board, it's no surprise that Britax Safe-n-Sound took out the award for best baby car seat this year. It was rated well above the competition for safety features, ease of installion and design and style.
Quick facts about baby car seats
- Car seats are one of the first purchases you should make for your new baby as you'll need one to transport your baby home from the hospital.
- The right type of car seat for your child depends on their age, height and weight.
- Prices range from around $100 to $800 or more.
- All car seats in Australia need to comply with safety standard AS/NZS 1754.
Compare baby car seats
Types of car seat by age
The right car seat for your child depends on their age, size and weight. Keep in mind, age ranges are just suggestions and a child can outgrow a car seat even if they are within the appropriate age range.
| Type | Age | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-facing capsule | From 0 to 6-12 months | Rear-facing seats are legally required for children under six months of age. These capsule seats can typically be removed and used as carriers or attached to a pram to make it easier to take a sleeping baby in and out of the car. |
| Front-facing or forward-facing | 6 months to 4 years | Forward-facing seats are designed for infants and toddlers who have outgrown capsule seats. These seats have built-in harnesses that keep your child safe in a crash, as long as the restraint fits the child properly. Front-facing seats shouldn't be used for babies who can't hold their own heads up. |
| Booster seat | 4 to 10 years | Boosters are a type of forward-facing seats designed for older children who have outgrown front-facing car seats. These seats don't include a harness and instead use the car's seatbelt to keep your child restrained. |
| Convertible | 0 to 8 years | Convertible seats are designed to grow with your child. Some models transform from rear- to front-facing car seats to accommodate smaller children while others transform from front-facing seats to booster seats. |
Once your child no longer fits in a booster seat and can sit comfortably on the seat of the car with the seatbelt across their mid-shoulder, the lap belt across the top of their thighs and they can bend their knees over the front of the seat cushion, they can ride in a car without any additional support.
Car seat legislation
The legislation around car seats in Australia is consistent state to state, so your options and restrictions are the same no matter where you live. Make sure you're purchasing a car seat that aligns with the following regulations:
- Infants up to six months must sit in an approved rear-facing child car seat.
- Children six months to four years must sit in an approved rear- or front-facing child seat with an in-built harness.
- Children four years to seven years must sit in an approved front-facing child seat with a harness or a booster seat
If your child is too small or too large for the recommended device within their age bracket, you should make sure your child is in a seat that fits securely.
Safety ratings
Car seats have to pass a series of checks and tests before they are allowed to be mass produced. The Child Restraint Evaluation Program (CREP) is a collaborative organisation that works to ensure that all car seats on the market meet the safety standard AS/NZS 1754 by educating consumers on the safety rating and testing of each car seat.
CREP measures car seat safety out of five possible stars. While all seats need to meet safety standard AS/NZS 1754, the higher the CREP rating, the better.
What's ISOFIX?
ISOFIX is a way to clip a car seat into anchor points that are designed as part of the car. You can only use an ISOFIX car seat if your car is ISOFIX compatible – which is typically only on newer cars. The system is designed to make it faster and easier to install a car seat.
How to compare car seats
Once you've narrowed down the right type of car seat for your child and made sure it meets safety standard AS/NZS 1754, there are several factors you should consider.
Car size
Make sure there is enough room to get the car seat in and out of the car easily. If you can, test the car seat in your car before you buy it. If the seat doesn't fit in your car, your baby won't be safe in the event of an accident. Also, if you need to use more than one car seat in the car at a time, make sure they both fit with access to seat belts or ISOFIX anchor points.
Installation
For your car seat to be effective and legal, it is important that they're fitted correctly. Read through the instructions and if you can, install the seat in your car before you buy it. If the seat is going to be moved between multiple cars, make sure it fits in each car. Also, if you are buying an ISOFIX car seat, make sure every car it will be installed in has ISOFIX anchor points.
Portability
Capsule seats are designed to be taken in and out of the car easily and either used as a carrier or attached to a pram. However, you'll have to get a pram that's compatible with the capsule. Other car seats aren't as portable, so if you plan on moving the seat between cars make sure you can carry it and lift it into a car. Car seats can be bulky and heavy as they're designed for safety, not portability.
Harness adjustability
The harness not only needs to grow as your baby does, but will need to be adjusted depending on what your baby is wearing. Make sure you can adjust the harness straps quickly and easily.
Cleanability
Look for a seat with a seat cover that can be removed and washed. If there are any additional fabric components in the car seat, make sure those are also removable.
Additional kids
If you have multiple kids, or plan to, think about where you'll place each seat in your car. Also, consider the ages of your children and if you'll be able to reuse the seat for a younger child.
Anchor points
Check where the anchor points are in your car and make sure you can reach them without any help.
Seat belts
Make sure the seat belts are long enough to attach to the car seat. If they are too short, you'll need to buy seat belt extenders.
Shoulder markers
Shoulder markers are located above the straps or harness and help you know when your child has outgrown the seat.
What about second-hand car seats?
There is technically no legal restriction against using second-hand restraints, but it's crucial to confirm that the seat has not been in an accident, is not damaged, worn down or sun bleached, and that it's not more than 10 years old.
Car seats are exposed to extreme hot and cold temperatures, and they degrade over time. In the case of an accident, an older car seat is less likely to perform effectively. As a general rule, car seats last between 6 and 10 years before expiring.
Often it is impossible to guarantee all of these factors, so as a general rule, we recommend that you purchase a new car seat.
Accessories
The following extras, while not necessary, can come in handy. Optional accessories include:
- A sun protection canopy
- A mirror to help you see your baby when in a rear-facing seat
- Seatbelt padding for added comfort
- A buckle guard so that the child can't unclip themselves
- Cup holders for bottles and sippy cups
- Storage bags for keeping the car seat clean in between children
Our picks for the best kids' car seats in Australia
3 tips for using car seats
- Some cars have anchors at the back of the boot. Some vehicles, especially older hatchbacks, position the anchor spot not directly behind the second row of seats or on the seat itself, but right at the back of the boot. This means that to be fastened, your car seat needs to run a length of the belt over the back of the chair and through the centre of your boot. This can make it challenging to fit other important things, like a pram, in your boot.
- Car seats have an expiry date. The expiry date is detailed on the information sticker somewhere on your seat. It's something to think about if you're planning on having multiple kids. Kids' car seats, like most "kid" things you need to buy, are expensive, so investing in something that will last seven or more years on your first child should get you through the next few.
- Use a seat protector under your car seat. Similar to the mats you place on the floor under your feet, these fit under the bottom of the car seat and then run up the back of your chair. They act to cushion the weight of the seat and child and also keep debris at a distance. These seat protectors can help prevent damage or scratching to the interior of your car.
Best rated baby car seat brand award breakdown
More guides on Finder
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