Shop the range of newborn car seats, convertible car seats, boosters and baby capsules at Metro Baby. From the latest in ClickTight technology to side impact protection, we have all the infant safety products you’ll need for transporting your baby.
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HOW TO CHOOSE A NEWBORN CAR SEAT THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU AND YOUR BABY
A newborn car seat is something you’ll need to have organised before your baby arrives. After all, you’ll need to get your precious bundle home safely. With such a wide range of types and models available, the choice can be daunting. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to help with your decision.
Range of newborn car seats available
There are a few different types of newborn car seats on the market. Here’s a basic breakdown of what’s available:
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Baby capsule: A baby capsule is a car seat that can be used as a travel system (with the correct adaptors for your pram). So, if the baby is asleep (or falling asleep), they are more likely to stay asleep. When choosing a capsule to use in a travel system, it’s important to check that it’s compatible with your pram. It clicks in the same way as a pram bassinet.
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Convertible car seat: A convertible car seat differs from a baby capsule because it is not part of a travel system. The “convertible” part means that the seat can be placed rear facing and then switched to forward facing when you and your baby are ready. And, it grows with your baby from birth to 4 years. An all-in-one convertible car seat is a model that takes your child from birth to around 8 years old. Unlike baby capsules, convertible car seats remain fixed in the car.
- Toddler Seats: A toddler seat refers to seats that are fully forward facing and designed for babies 6 months to 8 years of age. This option is great as a next step if you’ve first chosen a baby capsule for birth to 6 or 12 months.
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Booster seats: A booster seat differs from a convertible car seat or capsule because they are for children aged 4 years and up. Eventually, around the age of 8, there’s a five step test you can perform with your child to ascertain readiness for an adult car seat.
How to choose the best baby car seat for your child
When choosing the best child car seat for your newborn baby, it’s worth considering that they’ll grow. Fast! Before you know it, your newborn will be a toddler. And in another two short years, you’ll be assessing what seat your four year old needs.
We suggest asking yourself these quick questions:
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Portability - Do you want to be able to use your car seat as a carry cot for the first 6 months to 12 months of age? If so, you might like to consider a baby capsule that you can use as a travel system to click into your pram or stroller.
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Weight - If choosing a baby capsule, consider if the weight of it is acceptable for you to pick up. Empty, they weigh around 4-5kg.
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Time - How long do you want your little one in this seat? A convertible car seat will take your bub from newborn up to 4 years of age via a series of removable inserts and shoulder height marker adjustments. Some models will even take you from newborn to 8 years old.
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Budget - An all-in-one (birth to 8 years) model of convertible car seat might initially set you back a little more than a capsule or a model that is for newborns to four years. However, once you have it, you won’t need to replace it until your child is 8 years old.
Make sure it fits in your car
If your car is small, you might want to look at compact models of seats. If your car is large, you’ll have more options to choose from. Do you also need to accommodate other car seats/children in your back seat? Consider how wide any existing seats are and whether seat belt clips and buckles will remain accessible once fitted. You'll also need to take anchor points, armrests and the angle of the window into consideration.
Safety is key - finding the best size and style
Once you’ve worked out what size baby seat will work in your car, it’s time to focus on style and safety. The seat you choose must meet Australian standards. At Metro Baby, we only stock Australia’s leading baby car seats certified to standard AS/NZS 1754. Safety technology just gets better and better. Infasecure, Britax Safe n Sound and Maxi Cosi all use clever side impact reduction mechanisms that absorb impact forces so that they are directed away from your child. Some of these safety features include:
- Infasecure’s Air Cocoon Technology (A.C.T.) and Secur-air Triple Layer Crash Protection.
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Britax’s Safe n Sound b Clicktight technology, Advanced Side Impact Cushion Technology (SICT) and EPS (energy-absorbing foam) layer protection.
- Maxi Cosi’s Safety Shield, Dual Action Protection and ProtectTM superior side impact protection.
Convertible car seats explained
When it comes to convertible car seats, you can choose from models that take your bub from birth to 4 years, 6 months to 8 years, or birth to 8 years (approx.).
- Birth to 4 years - These can be converted from rear facing to forward facing as your child grows. Crash statistics show that children are safest in the rear-facing position. Some models allow you to keep your baby rearward facing for 12 months, while others offer up to 2.5 years. You can choose what is best for you and your baby.
- 6 months to 8 years - Also known as toddler seats, these are forward-facing seats that can be used from six months onwards. After four years, they can be converted from a harnessed front-facing seat to a booster seat used with a harness or an adult seatbelt.
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Birth to 8 years - These seats let your child face rearward for 12 months (or 30 months for the Infasecure Attain model). They convert from rear facing to a forward facing car seat and, later, a convertible booster seat. A seat like this can be the only car seat you purchase for your child's life.
Features to look for in a newborn car seat
In addition to child safety, there are several features to look for in a newborn car seat. A few of these include:
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Comfort - Comfy kids are happy kids. What to look for:
- Fabrics/inserts/padding - breathable or moisture wicking fabrics and sufficient padding. Most models come with a series of removable inserts to take out as your child grows.
- Recline - Multiple recline settings make for a comfier ride.
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Head rests - Checking if the head rests are sufficient - not only is your child likely to fall asleep on these, they’re also an important part of collision protection.
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Compatibility - Will you be using ISOFIX or non ISOFIX methods to install your seat? Most cars less than 15 years old come with ISOFIX capability, meaning that a car seat can simply be plugged in to the ISOFIX fixture. If your car does not have ISOFIX, you can use the existing seatbelt accompanied by a tether strap connected to an anchor point.
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Cleaning - Covers that are easy to remove and washable are handy. Babies can be messy. You might also want to consider a seat liner to protect the adult car seat beneath.
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Cup holder - While typically only used from toddler age and up, this is a useful addition because children can’t usually reach the existing cup holders in cars.
Difference between an all-in-one convertible car seat and a convertible car seat
An all-in-one convertible car seat differs from a convertible car seat in that the all-in-one is used from birth to 8 years and the regular convertible car seat is for birth to 4 years of age.
Installing your newborn car seat safely
If you’re installing the seat yourself, it must be strictly in keeping with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Ensure the seat is held tightly by the seatbelt and tether strap or ISOFIX connectors.
If in any doubt, having a professional install your baby car seat will give you peace of mind.
Other accessories you may want to consider
You might also like to browse the rest of our range of car seats and accessories for products like seat liners, scuff mats, window shades, Baby on Board signs, various Safety 1st products, rearview mirrors and car organisers (great for storing essentials like snacks and nappies!). Metro Baby also has everything else you’ll need for your baby, from swaddles to baby monitors. Browse our range here.
Brands we know and trust
Safety and quality are top priorities for Metro Baby. That’s why we only stock products from the brands we know and trust. Leading infant car seat brands like Infasecure, Maxi Cosi, Britax and Cybex are industry leaders in Australia and their car seats meet Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1754.
Buying your newborn car seat online at Metro Baby
We want your shopping experience with Metro Bay to be simple and stress-free. It’s important to us that you receive swift and reliable service when purchasing your newborn car seat with us. You can also click and collect from our store in Richmond, VIC. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
FAQ:
What type of car seat is best for a newborn?
The best newborn car seat is one that meets Australian standards, fits in your car, and ticks all the boxes you require for safety and comfort. A baby capsule is a good option, as is any convertible car seat from the high quality brands in our range above.
Can you put a newborn in a car seat?
A newborn must be in a rearward facing baby car seat for six months, such as a capsule or a convertible car seat from the above range. After six months, you may turn them forward facing, however, it’s safest to keep your child rear facing for as long as possible.
