Best car seat for newborn that will grow with them?

[Belle20]

Hi everyone, my husband and I have started researching early (16wks+4days) and are looking for your advice on the best car seats. Should we invest in a car seat like the recaro zero 1 which will last from newborn until 4 years old or should we start with the travel system carrier and upgrade after they become too big for it?

[newmumwithquestions]

It depends how much you’ll be driving! We had a latflat car seat that went straight into our pram (it was a Jane one) which was a godsend. But if you’re planning to use a more conventional ‘sitting up’ car seat then note that newborns should not be in the seat for too long (more than 45 mins I think but check this) so if your journeys are nearly this long you’d want to switch your baby’s position anyway so go for the car seat that stays in the car.

[Shmithecat]

None. They're rarely a good fit. The seats are too deep and the recline isn't enough. You're better off getting a dedicated group 0, then moving into a 1/2/3 seat when they've outgrown the 0.

[teaandbiscuitsforme]

The safest option is an infant carrier (can stay in the car if you don't want to take it in and out) and then purchase an extended rear facing seat once they've outgrown the baby seat (12-18months).

The Recaro is a good seat but generally those seats that claim birth-4 have to make compromises and there recline is one. Also, it goes to 18kg. If your child is higher on the centiles, an 18kg seat won't last to 4. With my DS it would be outgrown at 2.5yrs. Therefore, you would be better purchasing a 25kg seat. However you won't know these details until the baby is here and you can see how they're growing.