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Best 360 spin car seats, as recommended by parents

Struggling to strap your wriggly baby into a fixed car seat? Want the flexibility to choose between a rear- and forward-facing seating position? We’ve researched the best 360 spin car seats that swivel full circle for safe, stress-free travel.

By Lucy Cotterill & Laura Westerman | Last updated Apr 28, 2026

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collage of 360 spin car seats

Buying a baby car seat, a toddler car seat or car seat for an older child can be a bit of a minefield. Whether it’s getting the right size car seat for your child’s age or height, selecting between a forward- or rear-facing seating position or researching the latest i-Size regulations and safety ratings, it can be difficult to know where to start.

360 spin or swivel car seats as they're called, have grown hugely in popularity and it’s easy to see why. Not only can the seat swivel and rotate towards you, helping you strap your baby into the car with ease, but they come packed with innovative safety features too.

With quick and easy ISOFIX installation or the option to have your child in a rearward facing position for an extended time, there are a wide range of 360 spin car seats to choose from. We’ve thoroughly researched the best 360 spin car seats you can buy right now, including tried-and-tested recommendations from the Mumsnet forums.

When it comes to transporting your little one, we've got all the important products covered with our roundups of the best pushchairs, best lightweight strollers, best travel systems, best double buggies, best baby carriers and best baby carrier backpacks, all featuring products that Mumsnetters love.

Best 360 spin car seats at a glance

How we tested the best 360 spin car seats

Children in 360 spin car seats

To find the best 360 spin car seats, we took a thorough, multi-step approach to ensure our recommendations are both trustworthy and practical.

First, we combed through Mumsnet forums to gather real-life feedback from parents, highlighting top-rated car seats as well as flagging those with consistent negative reviews. We also consulted expert recommendations, consumer websites like Which?, and trusted print media, ensuring we included brands that consistently rank in the top 10 for safety, ease of use, and overall performance.

Next, we carefully analysed customer reviews for each car seat on our longlist to gauge long-term satisfaction and spot any recurring issues.

Finally, to guarantee our recommendations stand up to real-world use, both the Mumsnet team and a panel of real parents tested the shortlisted car seats over a period of 4 to 8 weeks. This hands-on testing helped us select products that offer the best combination of safety, comfort, and convenience—ensuring there’s something for every family’s needs.

1

Best overall 360 car seat

What we like
  • Extended rear-facing (till 105cm / 4 years)

  • Quick and easy to install using ISOFIX

  • Six recline positions, including lie-flat

  • Infant inserts and strap pads for comfort

What we don't like
  • Due to size, better suited to larger cars or placed behind the passenger seat

  • Not the easiest option to get in and out of the car due to shape and size

Key specs

Price: £250 | Suitable from: Birth to 105cm (or four years old); rear-facing from birth to 105cm and forward-facing from 15 months to 105cm | Safety credentials: R129, Smart Ride™ lock-off, Guard Surround Safety™ panels for side impact protection and Tri-Protect™ headrest | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Weight: 13.9kg | Guarantee: Two years

What Mumsnet users say

Cosybelles · Recommended product
We have the Joie i-Spin 360 and it's brilliant. It lasts until they are about four, so good value too
See Post
FrugiFan · Recommended product
We have a Joie 360 and it's great. We had it since my daughter was six months. She’s three and a half now and still uses it and is still happy going rear-facing
See Post
Our verdict

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Joie i-Spin 360 review

A great all-rounder, the Joie i-Spin 360 is a popular choice among Mumsnet users thanks to its design, ease of installation and rearward-facing longevity.

Suitable to use from birth, this 360 swivel seat comes with a ‘Grow with me’ insert made of three individual pieces that adapts to your child’s size and body shape as they grow (up to 105cm or approx 4 years).

While it’s a tad bulky to be moved regularly between cars, the ISOFIX provides the added peace of mind of green light indicators that ensure you’ve fitted it correctly. It also has strong side impact protection, so you can be sure your baby will have a safe and comfortable ride.

Read next: The best baby car seats, as recommended by parents

2

Best budget 360 car seat

What we like
  • Similar design to the Joie at a cheaper price

  • 360-degree rotation, with a spin button either side

  • Six headrest positions

  • Integrated colour indicator to show the seat is installed correctly

  • 10 recline settings (5 forward and 5 rearward)

What we don't like
  • Side impact protection pod needs to be clicked into place separately

  • Spin lock occasionally doesn’t catch properly

Key specs

Price: £150 | Suitable from: Birth to approx. 4 years (40-105cm); rearward-facing from 0-18kg (birth to approx. 4 years) and forward-facing from 9-18kg (approx. 15 months to approx. 4 years) | Safety credentials:  i-Size (R-129); ‘Good’ ADAC and Stiftung Warentest rating (2.4); TrueShield™ Side-Impact Protection (SIP); extended rear-facing | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Weight: 13.4kg | Guarantee: Two years

What Mumsnet users say

Parent tester, Laura · Tried & Tested
I loved the smooth 360-degree rotation (it spins from either side), the easy-adjust headrest and harness, and the clear ISOFIX colour indicators that make installation foolproof.
See Post
Our verdict

Tested by Mumsnet editor and toddler mum, Laura: Read our full Graco Turn2Me DLX i-Size review

An impressive upgrade to the original Turn2Me, the Graco Turn2Me DLX i-Size delivers improved safety and usability while maintaining excellent value for money. The addition of a built-in anti-rebound bar and removable side-impact protection pod adds reassurance in the event of a crash, while the ISOFIX colour indicators make installation virtually fool-proof.

Parent tester Laura, who tried the seat with her three-year-old, said: “I love that the Turn2Me DLX comes with a fixed ISOFIX base, so it doesn’t need to be fitted separately. I also really appreciated the car seat's colour-coded installation indicators, which turn green when the seat is correctly installed and red when it’s not. This reduces any margin for error and offers peace of mind.”

The DLX keeps the same user-friendly 360-degree spin, now with smoother rotation from either side and easy one-handed headrest and harness adjustments as your child grows. You can keep your little one rear-facing until 105cm (around age four), and the seat’s ten recline positions and built-in ventilation help boost comfort on longer trips.

Laura noted that while “the recline felt a bit limited” for her three-year-old, she found the legroom ample in every position - a definite plus for longer journeys.

Overall, the Turn2Me DLX i-Size strikes a smart balance of safety, ease of use and affordability, making it one of the best-value extended rear-facing 360-spin car seats currently available.

Read next: Best baby carriers as tested by parents

3

Best 360 car seat for extended rear-facing travel

What we like
  • SlideTech pull-out and 360-degree rotation

  • Extended rear-facing up to around 4 years (105cm)

  • Long-lasting design

  • Five recline positions and adjustable headrest

  • Easy-in harness keeps straps out of the way

  • Breathable fabrics with removable, machine-washable cover

  • Strong safety features

What we don't like
  • Heavy and fixed - not ideal for switching between vehicles

  • Not travel system compatible, so less convenient with a newborn

Key specs

Price: £399 | Suitable from: Birth to 150cm (approx. 12 years) – rear-facing to 105cm; forward-facing from 15 months | Safety credentials: R129 (i-Size); G-CELL side-impact protection; AirProtect® safety cushions | Fixing system: ISOFIX with support leg | Weight: 15.58kg (with base) | Guarantee: 2 years

What Mumsnet users say

Parent tester, Laura · Tried & Tested
I love the fact that you can pull the actual seat out towards you, as well as the rotating 360-degree spin feature
See Post
Our verdict

Tested by toddler mum, Laura: Read our full Maxi-Cosi Emerald 360 Pro car seat review

The Maxi-Cosi Emerald 360 Pro is a great choice if you want to keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible - up to around four years old (105 cm). Extended rear-facing travel is the safest position, and this seat makes it feel practical for everyday use thanks to its thoughtful design.

Getting your child in and out of the car is where it really stands out. The SlideTech pull-out mechanism brings the seat closer to you, working alongside the 360-degree spin to take the strain out of lifting. As our parent tester Laura put it, “ During testing, I loved the fact that you can pull the actual seat out towards you, as well as the rotating 360-degree spin feature.” Once your child is strapped in, you simply slide the seat back and rotate it into position.

It’s designed to be easy to live with day to day, too. The easy-in harness stays open and out of the way while you’re getting your child settled, while five recline positions and a multi-height headrest help you adjust the seat as they grow. The breathable fabrics and mesh panels keep things comfortable on longer journeys, and safety is well covered with i-Size (R129) compliance, G-CELL side-impact protection and AirProtect cushions for added reassurance.

As your child gets older, the Emerald 360 Pro continues to adapt, from rear-facing (birth to 105 cm), to forward-facing with a harness from 15 months, and eventually into a high-back booster using your car’s seatbelt from 100–150 cm.

4

Best 360 car seat for toddlers

What we like
  • 360-degree rotation for easy boarding

  • Integrated air ventilation and mesh fabrics (Plus version)

  • Five recline positions (for each direction)

  • Fast one-click installation

  • Plush padded seat

  • Good value for money

What we don't like
  • 360-degree rotation mechanism sometimes quite stiff

  • Limits how much the adult seat in front can move or recline

  • Unsuitable for babies under three months unless newborn insert bought separately

Key specs

Price: £280 | Suitable from: From 61 to 105 cm (approx. 3 months to 4 years) or from birth (40cm) with the newborn inlay which is sold separately | Safety credentials: i-Size (R129), integrated Linear Side-impact Protection (LSP), energy reduction technology for safer forward-facing, travel rear-facing for longer | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Weight: 13kg | Guarantee: Three years

What Mumsnet users say

ISeeTheLight · Recommended brand
We had a Cybex Sirona. Was a great seat, easy to use and sturdy. Lasted until my daughter was 4.5.
See Post
Our verdict

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Cybex Sirona Gi i-Size review

Cybex has a great reputation for safety, and the Cybex Sirona Gi i-Size is no exception. A strong and sturdy 360 car seat with simple ISOFIX installation, it offers Linear Side-impact Protection (LSP) for increased safety in the event of a side-impact collision.

It also uses energy reduction technology, which improves the safety performance of the Sirona Gi i-Size during forward-facing travel if you choose to switch the car seat to forward-facing from 15 months.

Our tester, Laura, loved the plush and breathable seat fabrics as well as the 360-degree rotation, however she felt that the rotating mechanism could have been smoother.

She says, “By far its most useful feature is the 360-degree rotation, which, in my opinion, is a must for getting my toddler in and out of her car seat. With that said, the 360 mechanism is stiffer than that on the Joie i-Spin 360, and is the only real frustration I have with this seat."

While you’ll need to buy the insert (sold separately) if using with a newborn, the Cybex Sirona Gi i-Size offers 12 adjustable heights on the headrest, allowing it to easily adapt to your child as they grow. There’s also a choice of five recline positions which can be adjusted one-handed - a real plus if your child tends to nap in the car.

Read next: The best travel systems to buy

5

Best 360 car seat for small cars

What we like
  • Smooth and accessible 360 rotation

  • Easy one-handed height adjustment

  • Simple ISOFIX installation

What we don't like
  • Only suitable as a rear-facing seat until 87cm (around two years of age)

  • Unsuitable for babies under 4 months

Key specs

Price: £160 | Suitable from: 4 months to 18kg/105cm (approximately 4 years); rear-facing until 87cm (approx 2 years) | Safety credentials: i-Size (R129), impact-absorbing materials and side impact protection | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Weight: 12.45kg | Guarantee: Two years

 

What Mumsnet users say

Happycow · Recommended product
I have a Maxi-Cosi AxissFix and wouldn't hesitate to buy the same again. The mechanism is still smooth after a lot of use (constant use for 4 years). It has a good deep recline and hooks to hold the straps out of the way.
See Post
cookiemonster5 · Recommended product
I bought the Maxi Cosi Axissfix and I wish I had it for my older kids (they weren't a thing when they were babies). It's so much easier, saves your back and is a dream for getting them in or out when they are sleeping. I wouldn't be without one again if we were to have another baby. I highly recommend one to everyone.
See Post
Our verdict

With a sleek and compact design and a smaller footprint than many 360 seats, the Maxi Cosi AxissFix is a popular choice for those looking for a safe, accessible seat in a smaller car.

With a central control panel for easy rotation and smart belt hooks, it makes getting your baby in and out of the car a breeze. With seven headset positions and four recline options, combined with a comfortable padded shoulder, belt and crotch pads, this is a comfortable seat for babies aged four months plus. The downside? Due to the smaller size, it's only suitable as a rear-facing seat until two years of age.

Read next: The best car sunshades to buy

6

Best 360 car seat for newborns

What we like
  • Good ADAC rating

  • Comes with SlideTech technology

  • Travel system compliant (with Quinny or Maxi Cosi pushchairs)

  • Clear and simple fitting instructions (with a seatbelt or FamilyFix 360 Pro base)

  • Lightweight and portable

What we don't like
  • Base sold separately

  • Child may outgrow it quickly so consider value for money

Key specs

Price: £260 | Suitable from: Birth to 87cm (around 15 months old) | Safety credentials: i-Size (R129), integrated side impact protection | Fixing system: ISOFIX (with Family Fix 360 Base or Family Fix 360 Pro) or seatbelt | Weight: 4.9kg (13.5kg with FamilyFix 360 Pro base) | Guarantee: Two years

Our verdict

The Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro² stands out as the best 360° spin car seat for newborns, combining sleek design, top-tier safety, and unmatched convenience. While parent tester Anna reviewed the original Pebble 360 Pro, it’s important to note that the Pro² is virtually identical, with only two small upgrades: a PVC grip on the handle for easier handling and mesh fabrics that enhance breathability. Anna called the seat “a real game-changer” for getting her son in and out of the car, thanks to its innovative SlideTech™ technology, which allows the seat to slide toward you and rotate smoothly. This means no more awkward leaning or stooping - ideal for protecting your back, which is why it’s AGR-certified for ergonomic support.

Safety is another key strength. The Pebble 360 Pro² boasts an impressive 2.2 "good" ADAC safety rating, complies with strict R129 standards, and features G-CELL side impact protection. The easy-in harness keeps the straps open for hassle-free buckling, while the seat is also TÜV-certified for air travel, ensuring your baby can fly safely in their own car seat on the plane.

Anna also loved the large UV-protective canopy and the well-padded Baby-Hugg inlay, noting how comfortable and secure her son felt on every journey.

The only real downside is the price - mainly because the base isn’t included. You’ll need to buy one separately, and there are two options: the FamilyFix 360 Base, which lets you rotate the seat with one hand, or the FamilyFix 360 Pro Base, which also slides the seat towards you using that clever SlideTech™ feature. Both work with the Pebble 360 Pro², but the Pro base does cost a bit more - something to keep in mind if you're sticking to a budget. This car seat also has a shorter lifespan than some 360 models, but you can upgrade later to the Maxi Cosi Pearl 360 which is suitable for up to four years.

Read next: The best bike seats for babies, toddlers and kids

7

Best 360 car seat to age 12

What we like
  • Grows with your child (up to 150cm)

  • Extended rear-facing

  • Good value for money

  • Easy to clean

What we don't like
  • Heavy to manoeuvre

  • Bulky base

  • Not initially clear how to locate or use swivel function

Key specs

Price: £169 | Suitable from: Birth to 150cm (approximately 12 years) | Safety credentials: i-Size (R129), standing support leg for stability, side impact protection, travel rear-facing for longer | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Weight: 11.6kg | Guarantee: Two years

What Mumsnet users say

Parent tester, Sarah · Tried & Tested
Both the headrest and harness height can be adjusted to suit as your child grows which is such a useful feature. I also appreciate that the headrest can move up or down using just one hand by pulling on a pull cord at the top of the seat
See Post
Our verdict

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Ickle Bubba Radial i-Size Plus review

Packed with impressive features such as a 360-degree swivel, three recline positions and removable harness, the Ickle Bubba Radial i-Size Plus is a high-performing 360 spin car seat.

It lasts from birth till age 12, so offers a long lifespan for parents who don’t want to shell out for a separate toddler car seat and then another car seat to last into the tweens. One huge benefit is that it also allows for extended rear-facing travel up to 105cm, which is around age four.

While she found it tricky to work out how to swivel the seat and where to tuck the harness once her four-year-old had outgrown it, our tester Sarah says, “The Ickle Bubba is stable once correctly fitted and, once the straps were securely tightened, my toddler couldn't wriggle his arms out of the seatbelt. The seat itself is comfortably cushioned and can be adjusted to accommodate my son's growing frame, ensuring he remains well-supported and protected at every stage.”

8

Best 360 car seat for all ages

What we like
  • Good ADAC safety rating (2.5)

  • Soft bamboo newborn insert

  • Reversible, washable liner

  • Easy-to-use 360 spin feature

  • Eight headrest height options

  • Suitable from birth to 12 years

What we don't like
  • A little bulky

  • Fixed in the car- not portable

Key specs

Price: £325 | Suitable from: Birth to approximately 12 years | Safety credentials: i-Size (R129/03), side impact protection | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Weight: 14.4kg | Guarantee: Three years

What Mumsnet users say

Parent tester, Alice · Tried & Tested
The car seat feels very sturdy and our child feels protected when we’re in the car. The straps are easy to clip in, and the padding feels like good quality, with padding on the shoulder and the main strap
See Post
Our verdict

Tested by new mum, Alice: Read our full Silver Cross Motion 2 All Size 360 car seat review

The Silver Cross Motion 2 All Size 360 is a versatile, long-lasting car seat designed to see your child through from birth to 12 years. It’s particularly strong on safety, with extended rear-facing use up to age four (or 18kg) - a feature widely recommended for its protective benefits in early years.

Parent-tester Alice praised how user-friendly the seat is day to day, especially the 360-degree rotation. “As the seat can swivel round to face you, it makes it so much easier to strap him in, especially if you're in a rush,” she said. She also found installation and harnessing intuitive: “The straps are easy to clip in, and the padding feels like good quality. I love that you can tighten and loosen the straps to stop him getting his arms out.”

The Motion 2 is built with comfort in mind, featuring a bamboo-lined newborn insert that’s soft, breathable, and machine-washable. As your child grows, the seat adapts with them—the adjustable headrest and multiple recline positions make it easy to ensure ongoing comfort and support.

At 14.4kg (including base), the seat is on the heavier side—similar in weight to the Joie i-Spin 360—so it may not be ideal if you plan to move it frequently between cars. But for families looking for a secure, well-padded, and highly adjustable seat with true all-stage capability, the Motion 2 delivers on quality and convenience.

Read next: The best baby carrier backpacks, as recommended by parents

9

Best 360 spin car seat for comfort

What we like
  • Well-padded, adjustable newborn insert

  • Has a lie-flat recline

  • Easy 360-degree spin feature

  • Lightweight and portable

  • Travel system compatible

What we don't like
  • Only suitable for infants up to 18 months

  • Base sold separately

Key specs

Price: £225 (£425 with base) | Suitable from: Birth to approx. 13kg (18 months) | Safety credentials: i-Size (R129) | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Weight: 4.8kg without base | Guarantee: Two years

What Mumsnet users say

Parent tester, Nino · Tried & Tested
“It's super safe and sturdy. Honestly, it’s the best car seat we’ve had so far and has some great safety features compared to other baby car seats in the same range."
See Post
Our verdict

Tested by father of two, Nino: Read our full Silver Cross Glide Plus 360 car seat review

If comfort is your top priority in a 360-spin car seat, the Silver Cross Glide Plus 360 makes a strong case for itself. Tested over 12 weeks by father of two, Nino with his newborn son, it stood out for its soft yet supportive padding and cocooning design - the kind that keeps smaller babies’ snug without feeling restrictive. It’s also a 2025 Red Dot Award winner for innovation and design excellence, which reflects its thoughtful finish.

The extra-padded newborn insert is particularly impressive. Deeply cushioning in those early weeks, it can be adjusted as your baby grows by removing the side padding, while the EasyFit sprung harness and multi-height headrest allow the seat to adapt smoothly over time. The harness itself is well-padded to prevent digging, and the soft bamboo fabrics combined with built-in ventilation help regulate temperature on warmer days.

A standout feature is its lie-flat recline, supporting a more natural travel posture from car to stroller, especially helpful for longer journeys although it’s recommended to follow the two-hour car seat rule.

Paired with the Silver Cross Base Plus 360, the smooth rotation makes loading and unloading easier for parents, too. Triple-layer side impact protection adds further reassurance on every journey.

The only real limitation is longevity. As an infant carrier, the Glide Plus 360 is designed from birth to around 18 months, meaning you’ll need a follow-on seat later. However, for families who want to stay within the brand, the Silver Cross Approach Plus 360 toddler car seat is a natural next step as its suitable for children up to age four.

Overall, if you’re looking for a 360-spin car seat that prioritises plush comfort in those crucial early months, without compromising on safety, the Silver Cross Glide Plus 360 is a reassuring, well-designed choice.

19

Best 360 spin car seat for easy ins and outs

What we like
  • Slide-out rotation for easier ins and outs

  • Good ADAC safety rating

  • Roomy for extended rear-facing

  • Straightforward ISOFIX installation

  • Flexible recline and headrest adjustment

What we don't like
  • Heavy to move between cars

  • Base sold separately

Key specs

Price: From £330 (BASE curv sold separately) | Suitable from: Birth to 105cm (around four years); rear-facing from birth to 105cm and forward-facing from 76cm to 105cm | Safety credentials: R129, Good (2.3) ADAC rating, Side Impact Protection pod and True Lock™ ISOFIX installation | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Weight: 14.4kg | Guarantee: Two years

Our verdict

Tested by parent tester Anna: Read our full Nuna TODL next car seat review

The Nuna TODL next with BASE curv earns its place as the Best 360 spin car seat for easy ins and outs thanks to a feature that genuinely makes a difference in daily use: the slide-out ProxiPivot™ base. Rather than simply rotating, the seat glides out towards you as it turns, helping reduce awkward reaching when lifting your child in and out, something our parent tester Anna found especially useful in practice.

Anna tested the Nuna TODL next with her toddler and was particularly impressed by how smooth it felt to use. “It was easy to install, very comfy for my little one, smooth transitions when spinning from the side to rear-facing, the harness moves smoothly when loosening and tightening,” she says.

That ease is backed up by reassuring safety credentials too. The system holds a Good (2.3) ADAC rating, is R129 certified, and includes Side Impact Protection, a no-rethread five-point harness and secure ISOFIX installation with colour indicators to confirm correct fitting. Anna also found installation straightforward, saying the base took less than five minutes to fit.

Comfort is another strength. Five recline positions, including deep recline angles, plus a six-position headrest and a roomy seat shell make it well suited to extended rear-facing use up to around four years, while the seat’s modular compatibility with the NEXT system adds longer-term flexibility.

It’s worth noting this is a premium option, and the BASE curv is sold separately, which pushes up the overall price. At around 14kg combined, it’s also not the lightest if you plan to move it regularly between cars.

But if easier loading, thoughtful ergonomics and smooth day-to-day usability are high on your list, the Nuna TODL next with BASE curv makes a compelling case for the investment.

What is a 360 spin car seat?

A 360-degree car seat is a car seat that swivels or rotates a full 360 degrees. A 360 spin car seat allows you to turn the seat towards the door before clicking back into your chosen direction of travel - rear or forward facing.

What are the benefits of using a 360 spin car seat?

The main benefits of a 360 car seat are accessibility. The swivel nature of the seat means it can be turned towards the door, making getting your child in and out of the seat a breeze - you won't have to stretch or place strain on your back. If you have mobility issues or are recovering from a c-section - this feature can be especially useful.

Unlike 90 or 180-degree swivel seats, 360 car seats allow parents to choose between forward-facing and rearward-facing seating positions, rotating the entire unit in a few simple steps without needing to unclip or reinstall the seat.

Is a front-facing or a rear-facing car seat safer?

In the UK, the law requires that your baby must be in a rear-facing car seat until they’re at least 15 months old. Having your child rearward facing for as long as possible (until around four years old) is recommended as it offers greater protection in the event of an accident, particularly for your child’s head, neck and spine.

Read next: Car seat regulations in the UK

How to choose the best 360 spin car seat

  • What age is it suitable for? Most 360 car seats are suitable from birth, but some require newborn inserts (sold separately) or are only suitable for older babies (4 months plus). Check the age specifications carefully before you buy to ensure they meet your needs.

  • Is it travel system compliant? Due to their weight and size, very few 360 car seats are travel system compliant (with the exception of the Maxi Cosi Pebble 360). Consider what’s more important to you - taking the car seat out of the car or being able to get them in and out easily as required.

  • How long can your baby be rearward facing? If you intend to keep your child rearward facing for as long as possible, check the full specifications of each seat. Some 360 car seats, such as the Maxi Cosi Axiss Fix Plus can only be used rearward facing until two years, which may not meet your needs.

  • Is the base included? Most 360 car seats include the base and seat as one entire unit, but some have separate ISOFIX bases which you’ll need to factor into your purchase.

  • How easy is it to rotate? How does the seat rotate? Does it have panels or levels on the side or at the front? Front panels are often easier to operate, but the more simple the mechanism the better.

  • How easy is it to install? Does the car seat have an ISOFIX base and are there colour indicators for peace of mind?

  • How big is it? If you intend to move the seat between cars, or have a particularly small vehicle, it’s worth checking the size. 360 car seats tend to be larger and heavier than their fixed-seat counterparts.

What’s the best 360 spin car seat to buy?

When it comes to the best 360 car seat, Mumsnet users really rate both the Joie 360 i-Spin and the Britax Romer Dualfix. It’s hard to separate the two, but with a slightly cheaper price tag and a less complex install, the Joie i-Spin 360 gets our vote as the best 360 car seat you can buy today.

Why you should trust us

At Mumsnet, we believe parents should be able to access impartial and honest advice about products and services they may purchase.

We consult real parents as well as experts so we can offer the benefit of honest experience and we don’t take payment for our reviews from companies.

Our team of writers is made up of experienced consumer and parenting journalists who between them have a wealth of experience and knowledge at their fingertips.

About the authors

Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, as well as several other online publications including US parenting site Pregistry and the Evening Standard, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of baby products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help parents make confident purchases that benefit their families.

Lucy has personal experience of researching, buying and using car seats with her own children, including the first car seats compatible with her travel system to 360-degree swivel seats and the multi-stage car seats that her children, aged six and 10, still use today.

Laura Westerman is an editor, writer, Deputy Head of Editorial Content at Mumsnet and mum to a three-year-old. With a passion for car seat safety, she has created trusted car seat buying advice for Mumsnet for the last eight years, working with experts and testers to bring parents the most up-to-date car seat guidance and product recommendations.