For more trusted car seat advice and recommendations, we also have Mumsnet guides to the best baby car seats, the best toddler car seats, and the best 360 car seats. If you need to kit out your car with child-friendly accessories, we have a handy round-up of the best car sunshades for babies. Best car seats for age 4+ at a glance

Motion All Size 360 Car Seat | Silver Cross UK Motion All Size 360 Car Seat | Silver Cross UK

Although we found the ISOFIX connectors stiff to use at first, the Kore is both simple to use and install. Our tester, Jemma, thought it would be very difficult to make a mistake when installing this seat, even in a hurry, as belt routing is generally very intuitive.

Safety standards explained

The Maxi-Cosi Kore i-Size car seat is not only sturdy and comfortable, but it also comes with a smart safety feature called SPS Plus (Side Protection System Plus), which is like an extra layer of protection for your little one. Yes, it may be pricey for parents on tighter budgets, but we think the BeSafe iZi Flex Fix i-Size is nevertheless a great choice for busy families. It even has a nifty handle that allows you to carry it seamlessly between cars.

globalkids i-Size 360 Swivel Car Seat, Group 0+123 Car Seat globalkids i-Size 360 Swivel Car Seat, Group 0+123 Car Seat

Conforming to the new R129 regulations, the only other seat we tested to do this was the much more expensive BeSafe iZi Flex Fix i-Size. Maxi-Cosi's lifetime warranty is also something none of the other manufacturers offer – and is something to bear in mind when considering the car seat's longevity.

As well as boasting top-notch safety credentials, the Kore's sleek design means that it should continue to appeal to your child as they get older. It looks and feels more expensive than it is, and it’s also easy to clean – crucial in a seat that will last for multiple years. The seat can be set in one of three available positions with the possibility of changing its depth to accommodate larger bodies. The headrest also goes up slightly higher than the Joie Trillo model for instance, making it a great long-term investment that won't break the bank. It also comes with the latest Side Impact Cushion Technology (SICT) for extra protection in the event of a side collision. This large plastic dial unscrews easily from the side of the seat that’s closest to the door and is designed to compress and absorb some of the impact of a crash. With plenty of impressive safety features and a simple installation process that doesn't require an ISOFIX base, the Advansafix is regarded as a durable and reliable car seat that will go the extra mile. This seat can be secured with ISOFIX anchor points and a top tether that goes over the top of the car seat, plus a five-point harness up until your child reaches 18kg. Then, from 18 to 36kg, simply use the ISOFIX and/or a three-point seatbelt to secure your child in place.

globalkids Isofix Baby Car Booster Seat - Group 3 (6 to 12

R129 regulations are currently running in parallel with R44 so you can buy car seats that adhere to either guidelines. At some point, R44 car seats will be phased out of the shops – but it's unclear exactly when this will happen. What are the differences between R44 and R129? Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about how we tested the products we recommend. We won't always recommend the cheapest products or the ones with the most extra features. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones we'd recommend to our own friends and family. Laura Westerman is an editor, writer, Deputy Head of Editorial Content at Mumsnet and mum to a one-year-old. With a passion for car seat safety, she has created trusted car seat buying advice for the last five years, working with experts and testers to bring parents the most up-to-date car seat guidance and product recommendations. As the only forward-facing car seat ever tested by ADAC to receive a safety score categorised as 'Very good,' there's no doubt that the Cybex Anoris T i-Size has earned its award title as the best child car seat for long journeys, especially when it comes to offering protection from all angles whilst driving. While only suitable up to age six, this car seat's excellent safety credentials made it too good not to include in our round-up.How does the seat look overall? Is the fabric good quality? Would the seat still appeal to your child as they grow? A car seat's main job is to protect your child and, for that purpose, it tends to be a single-use item. You can use a car seat until you have an accident, at which point it must be thrown away and replaced. verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ While we think these are the best car seats for four-year-olds, some of them can be used from either nine or 15 months if you're looking to bypass the toddler car seat stage altogether.

The best car seats for safety and comfort in 2023 | Expert The best car seats for safety and comfort in 2023 | Expert

Heavily padded around the head, sides and hips to keep your child secure and comfy at all times, the Ostara Fix also has Superior Side Impact Protection (SSIP), providing extra cushioning in the event of a side collision. Plus, some reviewers have found that the extra cushioning makes the seat more comfortable for kids who like to nap in the car. Prices vary considerably and it’s worth looking into exactly what higher-priced seats are offering before spending any money as the most expensive seats aren’t necessarily the best. Adjustability: It’s important that the car seat you choose accommodates your growing child. Look for adjustable headrests and seat features that will support your child’s body. At just 5.5kg, it’s the second lightest child car seat on our list (next to the Cozy N Safe Augusta EZFix) and gives you the option of taking your own car seat with you when you travel. This is ideal if you plan to use your seat in multiple cars as it's light enough to make installation that much less of a chore.

An update on the popular Axkid ONE, the Axkid ONE 2 boasts over 150 updates, most notably the headrest adjustment, which now slides to extend at the push of a button. You’ll also find new ventilation holes for maximum safety and comfort on long car journeys, particularly in warm weather. As such, car seat experts from the likes of Good Egg Car Safety recommend never buying a secondhand car seat. What we looked for when testing the best car seats for 4-year-olds Stylish and easy to install, the plush memory foam padding and recline features also make it comfy for little ones. However some reviewers have noted that their children have taken a little more time to get used to the impact shield than they would a traditional harness as the solid piece fits securely across the body. Safety is the most important thing, and all car seats must conform to R44 or R129 regulations. Bigger brands often conduct their own safety testing too.