Once installed, one of the Cybex Cloud Z2’s main safety features includes its Linear Side-Impact Protection (LSP) system designed to enhance safety by absorbing and dissipating the energy from a side-impact collision in a controlled manner, utilising the built-in shoulder and head protectors. When choosing which one to buy, it’s wise not to compromise on the safety features, but do think about how long you plan to use the car seat. For instance, some lie-flat car seats like the Cybex Cloud Z2 i-Size are suitable from birth to a higher weight/age limit, potentially providing a longer useful life. Can you use a secondhand lie-flat car seat? Isofix fittings are a must for safer journeys. This is when a car seat is connected directly to a car's chassis using build-in Isofix connectors for a more secure fit. As one of the lightest and slimmest lie-flat car seats on our list, you may assume that the Cybex Cloud Z2 i-Size isn’t as safe as bulkier car seats on the market. But the truth is, this newer Cybex model meets the strictest safety criteria, including the ECE-R129 (i-Size) standard, and it’s been awarded top safety certifications by ADAC, Stiftung Warentest and ÖAMTC respectively.

Rear-facing installation: i-Size car seats in the 0+ category are typically installed in a rear-facing position, which is considered safer for infants and young children. There are plenty of toddler seats on the market which rotate and extended rear face. You don't need to get one as part of a system. As part of the Joie Signature range, this car seat boasts more luxurious features than those in its standard range, with its vegan leather detailing on the harness padding, removable sun canopy that can be unzipped and extended further, plus a sturdy, no-slip leather handle for easy carrying. Weight and portability: Consider the seat's weight as you might need to carry it when your baby isn't in the car. Lightweight options like the Cybex Cloud Z2 i-Size can be more practical. The Cloud Z2 i-Size Car Seat grows alongside your child by including adjustable features, for example, the headrest can be adjusted to 12 different heights while the recline options keep your little one in the best position for them. The integrated sun canopy protects your child from the rays inside and outside of the car - keeping their delicate skin safe.Side-impact protection: i-Size car seats have enhanced side-impact protection to minimise injury risk in side collisions. But don't keep your baby in their car seat for longer than two hours at a time and try to have regular 10 or 15-minute breaks if you're going on a long road trip. Our new Lara is so compact, you can easily fold and store it in the smallest of places. Perfect for urban families and travellers, Lara is exceptionally lightweight—only 6.3 kg, and it also provides your babies with maximum comfort, thanks to its breathable seat. The Nuna Arra Next is also the only car seat on our list to hold the prestigious GREENGUARD Gold Certification, signifying its adherence to the strictest third-party chemical emissions standards. In a nutshell, this guarantees your child's safety without compromising indoor air quality. Travel system ready: If you plan to use your lie-flat car seat with a stroller or pram, confirm its compatibility with your chosen system. Most of the lie-flat car seats on our list come with a range of travel system options.

A lie-flat model is the best type of car seat for a newborn to travel in, meaning that your child can spend longer in their car seat with minimum risk to their health or development. All 3 go on the same pushchair adapters (Maxi Cosi/Cybex/Universal type, not Britax type, those are for older Britax seats), so will fit all the same models. Cybex is probably "officially" approved for more simply because it's been out longer, but you don't need the official approval especially. When leaving the hospital with a premature baby or baby with medial conditions, they may have to pass the car test. This may happen if the little one is; less than 37 weeks gestation, going home on oxygen, have a congenial heart disease or other conditions where they can't tolerate time in a car seat or were born outside of their local hospital and will take an hour to get home. Read more on this test here. Are you and your new family looking for an easy-to-fold pushchair, which is super lightweight but still offers the best comfort for your baby, wherever you go? You love to travel and want to explore the world with your newly expanded family from day 1? If yes, our Lara² is the perfect lightweight compact pushchair for you and your new family!Ultimately, whether you need a lie-flat car seat depends on your specific circumstances. If you go on extended car trips with your newborn or prefer the added reassurance of a more natural sleeping position, a lie-flat car seat could be a valuable investment. However, for shorter journeys, a traditional upright car seat that complies with safety regulations may suffice. What age do babies not need to lie flat? Easy installation: Ensure the car seat can be easily and securely installed in your vehicle. Some use ISOFIX connectors, while others, like the Jané Matrix Light 2, use both the ISOFIX and/or seat belts. Pebble 360 Pro is TUV aircraft approved, which means it is allowed to travel with your baby by airplane, in all recline positions. The Nuna Cari has been approved to the latest (and most rigorous) R129 safety standards, so you know you're little one is protected when on board in the Nuna Cari. The shell of the carrycot is made with a robust shell and it is outfitted with EPP energy-absorbing memory foam to shield your child from any impact. The 3 point harness keeps your child secure and the snug infant insert ensures they're cocooned in both comfort and safety. While most car seats in the 0+ age category can only be used until 12 to 15 months of age, this car seat is suitable up to the age of 18 to 24 months, offering more usage in the long run. Plus, it has a nifty swivel function, allowing you to get your child out of the car with ease.

User-friendly features: Look for a car seat with convenient features like an adjustable harness, one-handed recline adjustment and simple installation instructions. Top tether or load leg: Many i-Size car seats include a top tether or support leg for added stability and safety. I'm not saying that you shouldn't look at spinning infant seats. They may well be the best model for your family, budget, circumstances. Sometimes other features of the seat (like the recline on the Cybex) are the seling point anyway. But I do think they are overhyped, and it's worth being aware of the full picture and costing up alternative options all the way through to age 4.Also with the price of a lot of the modular systems, it's worth looking at the Recaro seats Zero.1 elite / Salia elite. Not hugely popular in the UK, I think due to the price. But they are actually cheaper than a full set of these modular seats and have a lot of the same benefits, so I think if you're looking at them then it's worth giving the Recaro seats a look too. Perfect for parents with places to be, the Nuna Cari is an innovative carrycot that doubles up as a car seat when used in conjunction with the Nuna Base Next included in this bundle, making getting out and about with baby an absolute breeze. Travel system compatible with your adaptor friendly Nuna pushchair (sold separately), you only need a pushchair chassis and your carrycot to hit the road with your little one, giving you one less thing to buy before your big arrival. Save the car seat shopping for later, the Nuna Cari Next is all you need. A car seat should not be used as a place for your child to sleep for long periods of time, and as hard as it may seem to disturb your peaceful little, you should remove your baby from the seat once you get home and place them on a flat surface. Now, I said rotation is useful for the next stage up and I stand by that, it really is. But if you look at these modular systems (infant seat, base, toddler seat all compatible) from a bigger picture perspective you will often find that they are fantastic from the manufacturers' point of view - they have you captive for the next seat up already. But they are not always practical from the consumer's point of view. Reasons being: