10 Best Car Seats for Toddlers UK 2024 | UK Paediatrician Reviewed

This option from Maxi-Cosi perfectly covers the toddling ages. Car seats, with all their cushioning and supports, can feel a bit stifling for a toddler, but the ClimaFlow temperature control technology of this seat helps to keep them cool. 

To keep the parents happy, the ISOFIX compatibility of this car seat makes it very simple to plug in and offers maximum safety, and to keep a smile on your child's face there's a cup holder in which they can store their favourite beaker. 

They're a lesser-known brand, but Cybex can more than hold its own against some of the big hitters when it comes to keeping children safe. The innovative design of the Pallas B-Fix is a testament to their ingenuity.

Instead of a regular harness, the B-Fix uses an impact shield to keep your child safe. It's not something we're accustomed to seeing on car seats, and this may make some parents uncomfortable, but the proof's in the pudding — in 2020, the Pallas B-Fix topped several tests, including the ADAC car seat test.

Maxi-Cosi is one of the best-known car seat brands in the world. That's because they don't compromise on safety. Their products tend to cost a little more than their competitors', but they offer unparalleled protection for your child. The Mica Up is a perfect example of this. This seat faces rearwards when your child is small and then swivels as they grow into toddlerhood. 

In combination with the ISOFIX fittings and support leg, this adaptability ensures that they remain as safe as possible during both of these critical developmental stages. This seat's main drawback is that it's only suitable once your baby reaches four months, meaning you'll have to buy an infant carrier that you probably won't use for very long!

What makes this car seat stand out is the thoughtful little extras. Your toddler might feel quite separate from the rest of the car with the vast amount of support around their head and ears, so this seat includes a sound system with speakers to keep them entertained. 

There is also an air ventilation system which will make the seat feel less stuffy, especially on hot days. It is a bit more on the costly side, but this seat will last and last, so it will be a worthwhile investment. 

With just one purchase, you can have a car seat that will be suitable throughout your child's need for one. With its reversible seating position and removable extra padding, it will be suitable for a baby. Once they are beyond this point, you can slowly start transforming the seat into one that is more appropriate for a toddler. 

The transformative power goes as far as being able to convert to a booster seat, catering to any requirement your toddler could have at different stages. With the multi-recline feature, they can cruise around in luxurious style. 

The clue's in the name — the Britax Evolva 1-2-3  'evolves' with your child as they grow up. The harness will keep your child secure from 9 months until they reach four years old, at which point the Evolva transforms into a regular booster seat.

There's no denying that the Evolva doesn't encase your child as much as some car seats do, and the recline system is rather primitive. It is, however, a sturdily built seat from a highly trusted brand. And it has cup holders, which are sure to come into their on long journeys!

Lugging around a car seat can put a real strain on you, which is why Britax have created a car seat that is wonderfully light. For an even more lightweight option, you can convert this seat into a booster when they're ready by removing the back. 

Due to the lack of straps and extra support, this car seat isn't suitable for children younger than 4. It relies on the use of car seat belts, which is fine is your child is a bit older, but not an option if they're still in the group 1 weight category.

As full car seats go, this is a more affordable option, but not one that sacrifices exciting extras. The ISOFIX attaching system will keep your child firmly in place, and the cup holder means you don't have to constantly be handing them their beaker when they're thirsty. 

This seat is great for older toddlers due to the more open nature of the seat, but it is only suitable for older toddlers, which might put you off buying it if your little one is on the small side. 

This ultra-portable car seat not only acts as a little booster when travelling but also doubles up as a rucksack with enough space to fit a few essentials. For families who are often on the go, this car seat is just what you need. There's no need to worry if your child makes a mess either, as the easy-wipe material will look as good as new in no time. 

Whilst this seat does have a back, it is not the usual car seat back and offers far less support. This means that it isn't suitable for young children, and it's difficult to tell from the lack of car seat group. It may be handy in emergencies, but this seat is definitely not the most secure.

If your child is over 22 kg and is ready to move onto something a bit more grown-up, then this booster seat could be the option for you. Coming in at less than a tenner, it is extremely reasonably priced, and being a booster seat means that it can easily be moved from car to car when compared with other, more bulky choices with backs. 

The big drawback with booster seats like this is their lack of security. This booster seat is not fastened in at all, which might mean your child moves around more than they – or you – would like.