Ok, well you have ISOfix which is a start. Some of the best car seats for newborns that are group 0+ (newborn to 13kg) are:
Britax Babysafe + SHR.
- There has been some bad reviews on this seat through a problem with the handle sticking, this has now been recognised though so new models won't develop the fault.
- You can get the ISOfix base which stays in the car and then clip the car seat onto that. (You can also get a 'wedge' for free from Britax to fit under the base to recline the seat more as it is more upright than other baby carriers, this is good though as it gives forces of a crash more room to spread out and reduce the risk to the baby)
- It is also equipped with D-SIP which is a D-shaped clip that offers superior side impact protection, it basically diverts the forces of the crash around the seat so less force would be on the baby D-SIP
- The BabySafe+ SHR has also passed i-Size regulations on child seats that are not due to come into force for another 5 years - which means that the side impact protection HAS been tested, and the seat has been crash tested to higher forces, with a dummy that registers the force subjected to the child (Current EU regs only require a 30mph frontal crash test and NO side impact test >.< ) This seat will also last alot longer than the Maxi-cosi for example as it alot taller.
Klippan KISS/Graco DuoLogic
- This is a seat that is ISOfix or seatbelt fitted from birth through to 18kg. This seat is extra special as it remains rear facing right the way through from birth to the max weight/height of the seat is reached. (other combination seats turn front facing at 9 13kg, front facing seats are nowhere near as safe as rearfacing)
BeSafe iZi Combi/Kid
- Rearfaces from birth to 18kg
- the combi can turn front facing although BeSafe do not recommend this until the child is at least 2 1/2 yrs and the best safety experts and doctors recommend rear face to 4 minimum.
Maxi Cosi Cabrio with Easyfix base
- Newborn to 13kg
- Fits a majority of buggies and prams (please remember that babies must only be in their car seat for a max of 2 hours, if you intend to make a journey then use the carseat with the pram you'll have to allow for baby being taken out of the seat)
- A good, solid seat with an easy to use base. Not as good as the Britax safety-wise but a very, very good, practical seat.
Cybex Aton and ISOfix base
- Good solid seat and also fits alot of travel systems
- base can fit either seatbelt or isofix
Budget Seats
Seats that may be suitable if you are working within tighter budget
Graco Logico S with base
- Seatbelt fitted base that stays in the car. When fitted correctly it offers a very sturdy fitment.
- Graco seat is again quite big, although this may make it a bit harder getting in and out of car it'll last baby longer than the smaller, neater seats.
- You can normally pick up a base and seat for about £150
Britax First Class
- Rear facing from newborn to 13kg
- Then turns front facing till 18kg (can turn front at 9kg but I definately do NOT recommend this! Rear face as long as possible)
- Passed side impact tests and higher speed crash tests at Britax's testing facility.
Why a base?
70% of car seats are fitted incorrectly, if you get a base for your group 0+ child seat, particuarly making use of an ISOfix base, then you massively reduce the risk of fitting the seat incorrectly. With ISOfix you pretty much can't fit incorrrectly.
It'll also make life a hell of a lot easier for you!
After the baby has outgrown the infant carrier
The baby will only outgrow the infant carrier at the maximum weight of the seat or the top of his/her head being level with the top of the seat. With the above seats this is all 13kg. Apart form the First class, which the baby will most likely outgrow the rear-facing by weight first (I hope or that is one tall baby!) The Klippan/Graco remains rear-facing anyway - you will need to check if the Graco/Klippan will actually fit in your car too as it's quite big!
If you go with a group0+ infant carrier, once the baby has outgrown this I would highly recommend that you keep the child rear-facing in an extended rear-facing seat. Please take a look at the links below for more info on child seats and extended rear facing :)
child seat safety place My website
rearfacing for facts and figures about extended rear facing.
If you need any more help don't hesitate to PM me!