The most important purchase your make for your new baby, is the baby car seat.
Are you looking to buy the best baby car seats available in Australia for your little bundle of joy? Then look no further! We have done extensive research and created a comprehensive guide of the 12 best baby car seats on the market today.
Our top picks vary from lightweight infant carriers to advanced convertible seats, perfect for growing babies – so there’s something to suit every parent and family’s needs. With safety being paramount, all choices are Australian Standard-approved and guarantee superior protection.
Get ready to shop smarter and hit the road worry-free with our ultimate list of approved baby car seats!
Purchasing a baby car seat is probably THE most important purchase you make in anticipation of your new arrival. There are plenty of places to save money for a new baby – but the car seat isn’t a place to do that. You want the safest possible and best baby car seat humanly possible – the very best for your Prince or Princess. A car seat that will protect your bundle of joy from the unthinkable.
A car seat is where you want to spend your good dollars on – a car seat is an investment in your child’s safety. You want the best baby car seat on the market!
Here is our list of the Best Car Seats in Australia – 2022 Edition. And by best – we mean the safest baby car seats.
More Reading:
Table of Contents:
1. Points to Consider When Choosing a Baby Car Seat |
2. Legal Requirements for Baby Car Seats Sold in Australia |
3. List of Best Baby Car Seats |
1. Points to Consider When Choosing a Baby Car Seat
It can be hard standing in front of a huge row of baby car seats from different manufacturers when they all claim that their product is the best baby car seat on the market, but is it really? Our list of best baby car seats will explain why one car seat is better than the other, making it a good purchase, and where the bargains are.
Read on to get up to speed with the world of baby car seats, after analysing this list you will be an instant expert that can impress your friends and family with extraordinary knowledge about car seat safety. Children who are too small for the seat in their age group can stay in the seat they are in until they grow into the seat for the next age group
Here are the most important points to consider before making a choice:
Do you need your car seat from birth, or will you use a baby capsule for the first 12 months?
If you are using a baby capsule from day one – look at the car seats from 12 months plus. Many of the following car seats are suitable until age 8! If you want a car seat that will suit your child from newborn – it may only last them until they are four years old. Something to consider.
Will the car seat be in one vehicle, or can transfer from vehicle to vehicle?
Some baby car seats can be a pain in the ass to move from car to car. Sure, you could purchase multiple car seats, but that gets very expensive. If you have this issue, look at car seats such as the Britax SNS B-First+ Convertible Car Seat which is upon a base – you just click it into place. You can purchase multiple bases (which is much cheaper than multiple car seats), and it makes life so much easier.
Is a Rear-Facing Baby Car Seat Important to You?
It is recommended that all baby car seats be rear-facing until the age of six months – but many parents opt to keep them rear-facing for much longer than that. Some car seats are suitable for rear-facing up to 30 months old! If this is you – look at models such as the Maxi Cosi Nero.
Will the Baby Car Seat FIT in your Car?
Some baby car seats are wider than others. If you have a small to medium car and multiple car seats, look at the baby car seats that have the slimline design
2. What are the legal requirements in Australia for baby car seats?
- Children under 6 months must use rear-facing car seats with an inbuilt harness
- Kids from 6 months to 4 years of age must either use a rear-facing or forward-facing seat with an inbuilt harness
- Children who are 4 – 7 years of age must use a forward-facing child car seat/booster seat, that has an inbuilt harness and that also works with the lap-sash seatbelt.
- Kids who are 7 years or older must use a booster seat that works with the adult seatbelt or a child safety harness
If your child is a fast grower and is too big for their age group, you can always move them up to the next car seat they can comfortably fit into.
For more information about all things car safety, visit The Raising Children Website, which has a breakdown of what you need to do for kids aged 0 to 12 years.
Children need to be in a car booster seat if they are under 145cm in height and don’t fit a set of criteria about how they are sitting in the seat. Britax has a great guide to let you know if your child should stay in a booster seat or is indeed ready to sit in the car as an adult.
TIP: Make sure to measure the car and the car seat before you purchase…making sure it fits is essential
List of the Best Baby Car Seats in Australia 2023 Edition
1. Britax Safe-n-Sound Maxi Guard Pro+
- Age Suitability: 6 months – 8 Years
- Colour: Kohl Black
- Stockist: Baby Bunting
- Price: $569.00
SLIM FIT BABY CAR SEAT SUITABLE FOR SMALLER VEHICLES
Features of the Britax Safe-n-Sound Maxi Guard Pro+
- This amazing car seat has body-conforming foam which makes safety a priority – but it also relieves pressure points that can be uncomfortable for your baby, so your baby will not only be safe but will be comfortable.
- The Maxi Guard Pro+ also has two recline positions that offer comfort to your sleeping baby.
- The seat has Side Impact Cushions Technology which offers 180-degree protection around your child’s head. The outer layer is there to absorb immediate crash energy.
- Easy to Install
- Forward-facing car seat for kids aged 12 months to 8 years.
- Is a slim fit – so perfect for smaller vehicles or multiple car seats.
- Seat Weight is 8.6kg
Negatives?
It isn’t suitable from birth, so you will need either a baby capsule for the first six months.
2. Britax Safe-N-Sound B-First Clicktight+
- Age Suitability: From birth to 4 years of age
- Colours: Black, Deep Blue and Charcoal
- Stockists: Baby Bunting
- RRP Price: $799.00
BEST ALL-ROUND CAR SEAT
If you are looking for a baby car seat that will ‘Click’ into a base – well this is the very best one on the market. The Clicktight car seat provides for an effortless and secure installation.
Safety Features of the Britax Safe-N-Sound B-First Clicktight
- Has the Britax Award Winning Protective Shell with advanced shielding to protect the baby’s body during an impact.
- Has the advanced SICT with crumple zone technology both on the headrest and on the torso.
- Rearward facing from birth to 2-3 years – with an easy-to-use rearward facing level indicator.
Comfort Features
- The fabric is the Thermo5 which allows for superior airflow to the baby’s skin
- Designated ventilation zones.
- Comes with an ‘Infant Comfort Insert’ for newborns that provides both support and protection for small babies.
3. Britax Safe N Sound Brava
- Age Suitability: From birth to 4 years of age
- Colours: Black
- Stockists: Only available at Baby Bunting
- RRP Price: $549.00
NARROW AND COMPACT – PERFECT FOR MULTIPLES OR SMALL VEHICLES
If you need a top-notch baby car seat that will fit into a smaller vehicle, or you have multiple car seats, then this is the baby car seat to choose. In fact, you could fit three of these car seats in a narrow car! This car seat is only available at Baby Bunting.
Features of the Britax Safe N Sound Brava include:
- Isofix compatible so easy to install and remove and ensures a correct fit and safer journey.
- Has ‘Active Head Restraint’ which features deep side wings that contain your child’s head in the event of a side impact crash.
- Has two recline positions
4. Infasecure Grandeur Caprice
- Age Suitability: From birth to 8 years of age
- Colours: Black
- Stockists: Only available at Baby Bunting
- RRP Price: $799
SUITABLE FROM BIRTH TO 8 YEARS OF AGE
Even though this is one of the most expensive baby car seats on this list, remember that this is the only car seat that will last from birth through to 8 years of age. So you don’t need another car seat when your child turns 4 like most of the other car seats.
Features of the Infasecure Grandeur Caprice include:
- Twist & Lift technology that allows for one-handed adjustment of the headrest and harness from the front of the restraint.
- Features Air Cocoon Technology that enhances side impact protection through blow moulding design, which dramatically reduces the impact forces during a crash.
- Machine-washable press-stud covers that are easy to remove without having to uninstall the restraints.
- Comes with an infant insert to support newborns.
- Has nine different recline positions.
- Is ultra-compact – so you can fit up to three car seats across for multiples, and suitable for small vehicles.
5. Infasecure Luxi II Caprice 0 – 8 Years
- Age Suitability: From birth to 8 years of age
- Colours: Black
- Stockists: Only available at Baby Bunting
- RRP Price: $599
SUITABLE FROM BIRTH TO 8 YEARS OF AGE
The Luxi II Caprice is a Convertible Car Seat that is suitable from Birth to 8 Years, and offers three modes of use: Rearward Facing to a large 12-month-old, Forward Facing with the internal harness to a large 4-year-old and Booster Seat for use with your vehicle’s lap & sash seatbelt.
The Luxi II Caprice features Air Cocoon Technology™ (A.C.T.). This enhances side impact protection through blow moulding design, which dramatically reduces the impact forces during a crash. The machine-washable, press-stud covers can easily be removed for cleaning without having to uninstall the restraint, as can the shoulder pads.
- Suitable from Birth to 8 Years
- One Seat, Three Modes – Rearward Facing, Forward Facing with an internal harness and Booster Seat
- Rearward Facing to large 12-month-old
- Forward Facing to large 4-year-old
- Booster Seat to large 8-year-old
- Comfort Infant Insert, Shoulder Pads & Crotch Buckle Pad included
- Air Cocoon Technology™ (A.C.T.) integrated
- Easy install belt path
- Self-adjustable Tether Strap – easily reposition the tether strap to either side of the child restraint shell
- 9 recline positions
- Built-in anti-rebound design
- Adjustable, locking headrest
- Vehicle Seat Protector included
- SafeGrip Belt Clamp included
6. Britax Safe N Sound Graphene+ Convertible Car Seat
- Age Suitability: From birth to 4 years
- Weight: 7.8kg
- Stockists: Available at Kogan
- RRP Price: $529.00
SUITABLE FROM BIRTH TO 4 YEARS OF AGE
The Pebble Grey Britax Safe-N-Sound Graphene Convertible Car Seat is designed to be a safe and practical choice for families with limited space and those who require flexible seating arrangements. This car seat has a narrow and compact installed depth, which is ideal for small cars and growing families who need to accommodate multiple seats.
It is suitable for infants up to 4 years old, approximately, and comes with ISOFIX compatibility. Additionally, it can be used in a rearward-facing position for newborns up to 2-3 years old and then converted to a forward-facing position for children up to 4 years old, approximately.
- Side Impact Custion Technology SICT
- Rear facing for longer meaning Your child can remain rearward facing until they are 30 months old or approximately 2-3 years old
- ISOFIX Compaatble connectors allow for installation to vehicles with ISOFIX low anchorage.
- Thermo5® High Performance fabric with Bamboo Charcoal delivers the premium comfort your baby deserves.
- Deep side wings that shield and contain your child’s head in a side impact includes EPS layer to absorb energy.
- Perfect for cars with small internal widths and where the front seats are in close proximity to the back.
7. Mothers Choice Ascend Convertible Car Seat
- Age Suitability: 0 – 8 years
- Colour: Titanium Grey
- Stockists: Available at Kogan
- RRP Price: $465.00
SUITABLE FROM BIRTH TO 8 YEARS OF AGE
Designed to transport your most precious cargo, the Mother’s Choice Ascend convertible car seat provides safety, comfort, and convenience for children from newborn up to approximately 8 years old, or until their shoulders reach the upper height marker.
Equipped with advanced Air Protect Technology for superior side impact head protection, this car seat is an excellent choice for parents seeking state-of-the-art safety features.
- Cosy newborn inserts designed for safety and comfort
- Built in rebound bar for easy use and fitment
- 10 Position headrest
- Single handed adjustable headrest with automatic harness height
- Air Protect superior side impact head protection technology
- Single handed recline adjustment with 3 positions
- Crotch buckle adjustment to be adjusted as the child grows
- Magnetic harness holders for easy in and out transition of a newborn
8. Safe-n-Sound Quickfix ISO Convertible Car Seat
- Age Suitability: 0 to approximately 2-3 years old
- Pack Dimensions: 68.5cm(H) x 44cm(W) x 44.5cm(D) x 9.22kg approx
- Stockists: Available at Kogan
- RRP Price: $329
SUITABLE FROM BIRTH TO 3 YEARS OF AGE
The Safe-n-Sound QuickFix™ car seat is an excellent option for families with small cars and those who need to accommodate multiple seats. With its narrow and compact installed depth and width, it can easily fit in tight spaces.
Additionally, this car seat allows for extended rearward-facing of up to 3 years of age, providing added safety for young children. The QuickFix™ is also ISOFIX compatible, making installation easier and ensuring a correct fit for a safer journey every time.
- Safe-n-Sound Quickfix ISO Convertible Car Seat
- Rear facing for longer – Your child can remain rearward facing until they are approximately 2-3 years old, which is safer for your child.
- Compact design – Perfect for fitting 3 across the back seat of cars with small internal width.
- ISOFIX COMPATIBLE – allow for installation to vehicles with ISOFIX anchorages. ISOFIX use ensures an easier installation, correct fit and a safer journey every time.
- Compact installed depth allows for fitment in small cars where the front seats are in close proximity to the back.
- Hassle Free Harness™ & Adjustable Headrest
9. Maxi Cosi Vita Smart Isofix Convertible Car Seat
- Age Suitability: 0 – 4 years
- Weight: 10kg
- Stockists: Available at Kogan
- RRP Price: $519.00
SUITABLE FROM BIRTH TO 4 YEARS OF AGE
Featuring innovative safety technologies such as Air Protect and G Cell, this car seat is fitted with a safety shield that provides complete head and torso protection. The removable infant insert, made with “Cool Baby” Bamboo wicking fabric, offers superior comfort for newborns, while the 3D mesh adds pressure support and airflow for extra seat comfort.
Despite its compact design, this car seat has a large seat depth, ensuring superior comfort for older children (around 4 years old) without compromising on size, safety, or comfort.
- Safety shield – Duel action head and torso protection.
- Air Protect, superior side impact head protection
- New compact G-CELL design for improved safety
- Compact rearward seat facing car seat @540mm depth.
- Large seat depth for child comfort for older children.
- Isofix fitted.
- Extended rearward facing up to 30 months
- Forward facing to 4 years age approx.
- Exit marker 435mm.
- Fitted with anti twist harness strap guides
- Removable modular infant insert
10. Infa Secure Serene 0-4 Convertible Car Seat
- Age Suitability: 12-month-old – 6 years
- Colour: Black
- Stockists: Available at Kogan
- RRP Price: $199.00
SUITABLE FROM BIRTH TO 12 MONTHS OLD TO 6 YEARS OF AGE
The Serene car seat is designed to accommodate children up to a large 4-year-old, starting with rearward-facing for up to a large 12-month-old. Its compact size of 44cm at its widest point makes it ideal for small cars and 3 across installations.
The Serene also features Air Cocoon Technology™ (A.C.T.), which uses a blow moulding design to enhance side impact protection, reducing the impact forces during a crash. This design makes the entire car seat behave like an airbag, significantly reducing the forces transferred to the child in an accident, eliminating the need for additional plastic cushions.
- Rearward Facing to large 12-month-old (average 30-month-old).
- Forward Facing with an internal harness to large 4-year-old (average 6-year-old).
- Air Cocoon Technology™ integrated.
- Compact design.
- Easy to use single belt path installation.
- Easy to use harness adjuster.
- 2 recline positions.
- 5 shoulder slot heights.
- Built in anti-rebound design.
- Press-studded cover design for easy cleaning.
11. Mother’s Choice Adore AP Titanium ISOFIX Convertible Car Seat
- Age Suitability: 0 – 4 years
- Dimensions: 45cm (W) x 55cm (D) x 64cm (H)
- Stockists: Available at Kogan
- RRP Price: $299.00
SUITABLE FROM BIRTH TO 4 YEARS OF AGE
The Mother’s Choice Adore AP convertible car seat is an excellent choice for parents seeking both comfort and safety for their growing child. With its compact design and narrow installation depth, this car seat is ideal for small vehicles and growing families who need to accommodate multiple seats.
- Air Protect superior side impact protection for the head
- Wicking fabric for your child’s comfort
- Fitted with ISOGO for easy installation
- Extended rearward-facing to approximately 30 months (maximum height marker 390mm)
- Forward-facing to approximately 4 years of age (higher height marker of 430mm)
- Easy to use headrest – accommodates for your growing baby by easily adjusting the harness up and down without removing the car seat from the car
- 3 position recline (forward-facing)
- Large seating depth for superior comfort for your growing child
- In-built rebound bar for simple car installation
12. Maxi Cosi Euro NXT Convertible Car Seat
- Age Suitability: 0 to to approx 12 or 30 months
- Weight: 8 kg
- Stockists: Available at Kogan
- RRP Price: $399.00
SUITABLE FROM BIRTH TO 4 YEARS OF AGE
The Maxi Cosi Euro NXT Convertible car seat is a cost-effective option for parents seeking an ISOFIX-compatible car seat. Featuring GCELL Side Impact Protection Technology, this car seat offers superior comfort for children during their journey.
Designed to provide the perfect fit and maximum comfort, the Maxi Cosi Euro is an excellent choice for parents looking for an affordable and safe car seat.
- 5 adjustable headrest positions
- 6-point safety harness and top tether strap and 3 adjustable recline base positions to suit a larger variety of vehicle
- BABY COOL Bamboo wicking fabric
- ISOGO is a patented ISOFIX compatible soft latch system
- GCELL is patented next generation, crash absorbing technology
- AIR PROTECT is a Superior Side Impact Protection specifically designed to shield your child’s head.
We hope this gives you a great list of the best baby car seats.
Ready to make your first purchase?
Having a baby is filled with exciting experiences and lots of preparation. One of the most important – and often daunting – tasks is selecting the perfect car seat for your little one. With so many options from traditional rear-facing car seats to convertible styles, choosing a safe, comfortable and long-lasting product can feel overwhelming.
Don’t worry though because we’ve done the hard (and time-consuming!) work for you! Our comprehensive guide will help you choose from Australia’s 12 best baby car seats in the 2022 edition so that you’re prepared for your road trips ahead!