Finding the perfect rear-facing car seat for your baby can seem impossible. Each rear-facing car seat claims to be the best, and with so many on the market, how do you narrow your choice and find one that will keep your baby safe for years?
Well, by reading our guide. We have done the hard work for you and have the best child car seats on the market. Ten of the best rear-facing car seats are listed below, so you can find a convertible car seat or booster seat that is right for you.
We conduct our best rear-facing car seat reviews through a combination of product testing, individual research, real buyer feedback and certified paediatrician approval.
We understand that there is no such thing as a “best rear-facing car seat” for everyone, and what is best for one baby might not be suitable for another. With this in mind, we assessed rear-facing car seats by comparing different features and specifications and have highlighted the buyer we believe the product is best suited to.
We considered the following criteria below:
First up is this fantastic capsule from Cybex. The Cloud Q offers a safe space for your baby and includes a base, offering excellent value for money. The seat is encased in a flexible shock-absorbing shell, allowing you to drive without worrying about them.
There is also a telescopic linear side impact protection, which will offer additional protection should you be in a side impact collision. The protection will help to redistribute any forces from the impact, keeping your baby safe and injury-free. The rear-facing seat also features a super adjustable headrest, giving your baby plenty of room to grow. You can also use the removable newborn insert, offering more comfort and protection to premature or small babies.
| Age suitability | birth to 13 kg |
| Dimensions | 67 x 44 cm |
| Car seat weight | 5.4 kg |
| Isofix compatible | Yes |
| Inbuilt harness | Yes, five-point |
| Side impact protection | Yes |
| Colours | Stardust Black
Graphite Black |
| Adjustable Headrest | Yes |
| Accessories | Newborn inlay
Base |
| Travel System Compatible | Yes |
The Cybex Cloud Q Capsule was a hit with buyers. They loved that the capsule offered a lie-flat recline, a feature you rarely see on this style of rear-facing car seats. The recline feature is ideal for sleeping babies and gives them plenty of space to stretch out and relax, especially as they grow.
Customers also enjoyed the capsule’s design, finding it an incredibly stylish baby car seat, with strangers in the street complimenting them, too! They found that the adjustable headrest and newborn inlay kept their child’s head supported and protected, especially in the first few weeks after birth when a newborn’s head needs additional support.
Below, we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
Parents looking to splurge on a beautiful and practical car seat will love the Cybex Cloud Q. You get the capsule and the base, which speeds up installation and gives you more time to enjoy the seat. This is one of the highest-rated capsules in terms of car seat safety, making it the perfect choice for parents who want a safe and approved child car seat. The variety of adjustable features and the added newborn inlay make it the ideal choice for parents who wish to create a safe and secure space for their growing baby.
Next, we have the excellent Klik Plus from Nuna, ideal for parents who want a large capsule that will give their baby plenty of room to grow.
The lightweight capsule features adjustable head support and a no-re-thread harness that is easy to secure and adjust as your baby goes. The removable harness covers provide extra comfort, and protect the harness from any stains.
Installing the car seat is a breeze, with a bubble indicator found on all base aids so you can check the seat is level. You don’t need to worry about them sitting wonky or the seat toppling! Plus, there are coloured indicators on the ISOFIX connectors, so everyone can have the seat installed correctly the first time.
| Age suitability | Newborn to 12 months |
| Dimensions | 67.8 x 43.6 x 57.1 cm |
| Car seat weight | Without a canopy and insert: 3.75kg
With base: 9.13 kg |
| Isofix compatible | Yes |
| Inbuilt harness | Yes |
| Side impact protection | No |
| Colours | Caviar |
| Adjustable headrest | No |
| Accessories | Infant insert
Crotch cover Harness cover |
| Travel system compatible | Yes |
Buyers were pleased with the Nuna Klik Plus capsule. They found it easy to install, making it a winner with first-time and experienced parents. Many customers noted that the capsule was very bulky. They found it impossible to fit the capsule in smaller cars and that even in larger cars, the front seat needed to be very far forward to allow room for the car seat.
Customers did enjoy the premium fabrics used and how easy attaching the capsule to their favourite pram was. Not all prams are compatible with Nuna capsules, so check yours before purchasing.
Below, we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
The Nuna Klik Plus Capsule is ideal for parents searching for a reasonably priced baby capsule. The high-quality fabrics will keep your baby comfortable and are perfect for babies with sensitive skin. While the bulky size might make it unsuitable for some families, parents with a large car will have plenty of space for this baby capsule.
The car seat is perfect for families after an easily adjusted capsule that is easy to carry from the car to your favourite pushchair.
Parents looking for an affordable baby capsule will love this option from Britax. The unique design of the capsule makes it a fantastic choice for premature babies or those with a low birth weight. It will keep smaller babies safe and secure, allowing you to drive with peace of mind.
The EPS foam and high-side walls provide superior side impact protection while keeping your baby comfortable. The ISOFLEX connectors directly connect to the ISOFIX points, making it one of the easiest capsules to install. The ISOFIX system clicks onto your car seats rather than using your seat belt, ensuring it is easily installed.
| Age suitability | Birth to 12 months |
| Dimensions | 43 x 54.5 x 47.5 cm |
| Car seat weight | 5 kg |
| Isofix compatible | Yes |
| Inbuilt harness | Yes, five-point |
| Side impact protection | Yes |
| Colours | Black |
| Adjustable headrest | Yes |
| Accessories | Newborn seat inlay
Shoulder pads Crotch pad |
| Travel System Compatible | Yes |
Buyers were impressed with the capsule, especially how easy the installation was. The ISOFIX base speeds up the installation process, and the clear videos provided by Beritax reduce the chances of incorrect installation.
They were also impressed with the included head insert and its enhanced head protection. It also offered smaller babies a comfortable ride, with many noting how well it fitted their premature babies.
Below, we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
The Britax Safe-N-Sound Unity car seat suits premature or smaller babies best. They will have plenty of room to grow into the car seat and enjoy superior side impact protection and comfort. The soft bamboo fabric keeps your baby comfortable and has moisture-wicking properties.
The lightweight car seat is ideal for parents after an easy-to-carry travel system and the range of compatible prams to choose from means you can create a travel system on any budget.
Moving away from capsules, we have the Mother’s Choice Eve, a convertible car seat that can be used for years. The seat has two modes, allowing you to use it as a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat, providing plenty of flexibility.
The seat is easy to adjust and can be done with one hand, making it ideal for parents who never have two hands-free. Instead of an ISOFIX base, there is a one-step base with a built-in rebound bar. It is easy to install and stay locked in place while you drive.
The seat is ideal for use from birth, with an infant insert and head pillow provided to ensure that even small babies are safe and comfortable.
| Age suitability | Newborn to four years |
| Dimensions | 46 x 60 x 67 cm |
| Car seat weight | 9.8 kg |
| Isofix compatible | No |
| Inbuilt harness | Yes |
| Additional Side impact protection | No |
| Colours | Black |
| Adjustable headrest | No |
| Accessories | Crotch buckle
Seat insert Infant head pillow |
| Travel system compatible | No |
Buyers liked the neck support the seat offered, keeping their baby safe and protected while they drove. While the headrest cannot be adjusted, the neck support worked for babies until they outgrew the seat.
Customers enjoyed the easy installation and low-maintenance design of the car seat. The washable fabrics let them clean the seat with minimal effort and remove stains easily.
While some were concerned about their baby’s position in the car seat, many found it comfortable and noted their baby would fall asleep quickly.
Below, we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
The design of the Motyher’s Choice Eve convertible car seat makes it perfect for taller parents who can easily reach around the car seat to access their baby.
The seat is ideal for busy parents who want to clean a car seat without handwashing and prefer one-handed adjustments.
Parents looking for a sleek and stylish capsule to add to their pram will love the Bugaboo Turtle. Not only will it attach to your Bugaboo stroller, but it offers fantastic protection while driving. The ISOFIX base allows for a seamless installation, making removing the capsule from the car easier – taking your baby from car to stroller in seconds.
The capsule is lightweight, allowing you to carry it without discomfort. The extendable sun canopy and visor make it the ideal purchase for hot Australian summers. It offers UPF 50+ protection, while the breathable fabrics prevent overheating and sweating.
| Age suitability | Newborn to 12 months |
| Dimensions | Capsule: 70 x 43.3 x 59 cm
With ISOFIX base: 73.5 x 43.3 x 66.4 cm |
| Car seat weight | 4 kg |
| Isofix compatible | Yes |
| Inbuilt harness | Yes, five-point |
| Side impact protection | Yes |
| Colours | Black |
| Adjustable headrest | Yes |
| Accessories | Crotch buckle
Seat insert Sun canopy with smart visor and magnetic clips |
| Travel system compatible | Yes |
Buyers were impressed with the newborn insert, finding it offered plenty of support for small babies, especially around their necks and heads. The insert fabric also added extra comfort, so they didn’t need to worry about their baby while driving.
The convenience of the car seat was praised, too, with the carry handle and compatibility with Bugaboo strollers allowing parents to create a unique travel system that worked for them. They also found the adapters easy to use, allowing them to quickly move their baby from the car to the pram without disturbing them.
Many buyers did note that their baby seemed to sit awkwardly in the car seat, with their chin touching their chest, causing many to be concerned for their safety.
Below, we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
The Bugaboo Turtle is best suited for parents with smaller babies who want to stay comfortable and secure during long car drives. When used with smaller babies, the chin and chest touching issue was not reported, allowing you to use the car seat without worrying about your baby’s safety.
The Graphene TEX car seat from Britax is a wonderful convertible car seat. You can keep your baby in rear-facing mode until 30 months, keeping them safer for longer. The compact design makes this the ideal choice for smaller cars, and you can easily fit three of these across a backseat.
The quick-adjust harness and headrest allow you to secure your baby quickly in the car seat and adjust it as they grow, keeping them comfortable and safe for years. Plus, the plush padding ensures your little one will always feel comfortable and well-protected.
| Age suitability | Newborn to 4 years |
| Dimensions | Rear-facing: 68.5 x 42.5 x 52 cm
Forward facing: 68.5 x 42.5 x 44 cm |
| Car seat weight | 7.8 kg |
| Isofix compatible | Yes |
| Inbuilt harness | Yes, six-point |
| Side impact protection | Yes |
| Colours | Black Graphene |
| Adjustable headrest | Yes |
| Accessories | Seat insert |
| Travel system compatible | No |
Buyers were pleased with the option of extended rearward facing with this car seat, keeping their baby safe for longer and allowing them to drive worry-free. They enjoyed the extra padding the seat offered, maintaining babies’ comfort for longer. The included seat insert helped smaller babies and newborns remain comfortable and protected, while the enhanced side impact protection gave parents peace of mind.
While some customers noted the lack of accessories for the price was a downside, the insert was appreciated by most customers.
Below, we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
The compact design of the Britax Graphene makes it ideal for smaller cars or parents with multiple children. You can fit three of these car seats across your back seat without worrying about a lack of comfort or space.
The car seat is perfect for parents who want peace of mind while driving, with the extended warranty and enhanced side impact protection keeping any worries at bay.
Families with a big budget will love the Maxi Cosi Pria Lx car seat. The seat features patented air protection, guaranteeing superior side impact protection to keep your baby safe in a collision.
The seat features five recline positions, keeping sleeping babies comfortable and preventing their heads from flopping. With the adjusting headrest, you can keep their heads well protected at all times. There are 11 positions so the seat will grow with your baby for years.
Installing the seat is a breeze, too. The instructional video is easy to follow, and the smart lock self-installation system will keep the seat firmly in place so you can focus on driving.
| Age suitability | Newborn to four years |
| Dimensions | 45.5 x 68 x 51.5 cm |
| Car seat weight | 9.8 kg |
| Isofix compatible | No |
| Inbuilt harness | Yes, five-point |
| Side impact protection | Yes |
| Colours | Black |
| Adjustable headrest | Yes |
| Accessories | Newborn insert
Tether strap |
| Travel system compatible | No |
Buyers were happy with the easy installation and adjustment. They found the belt guide allowed them better access to their baby while in the seat and helped ensure that the seat was installed correctly.
The baby insert was a crowd-pleaser, with parents finding it brought extra protection and comfort to their newborns, especially smaller or premature babies.
Below, we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
The Maxi Cosi Pria Lx car seat is perfect for families with small cars or who want a compact seat for their back car seat. The compact design suits families with multiple children or those looking to expand their family, as three seats will fit comfortably in your car.
Parents with small or premature newborns will love the Maxi Cosi Mico 12 LX. The capsule is designed to offer protection and comfort to smaller babies while still offering plenty of room for them to grow,
With a three-step seat belt installation system, the seat is easy to install. The system is easy to follow and will have your capsule locked into place in no time. The additional top-tether cable provides extra security, too.
The lightweight design makes the capsule ideal for carrying, too! The carry handle is comfortable, so you can easily move the seat from the stroller to the car or take it with you! Your baby is protected from collisions in the seat and the sun’s harmful rays. The UPF 50+ sun canopy will keep your baby shaded and well-protected when needed. The canopy is also fitted with mesh panels to provide plenty of airflow and allow you to check on your baby without disturbing them.
| Age suitability | Newborn to 12 months |
| Dimensions | 65 x 68 x 45 cm |
| Car seat weight | 5.29 kg |
| Isofix compatible | No |
| Inbuilt harness | Yes, five-point |
| Side impact protection | Yes |
| Colours | Onyx |
| Adjustable headrest | Yes |
| Accessories | None |
| Travel system compatible | Yes |
Buyers were impressed with the high-quality material, finding it soft and not irritating their baby’s skin. The materials were easy to clean, too, allowing them to keep the car seat fresh with minimal effort.
Customers found the seat stylish, with a lovely colour that complimented their stroller. It was also easy to attach, helping them create a stylish travel system in seconds. While the lack of accessories disappointed some, the reasonable price allowed customers to customise the seat with the additional accessories that suited them.
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
The Maxi Cosi Mico 12 LX is best suited to families with small cars or who want a compact car seat. It will fit in virtually any space, with room for you to add additional car seats or booster seats if needed. The seat is perfect for parents who want a capsule easily added to a wide range of strollers.
Parents who only want to buy one car seat will love this option from Mother’s Choice. The Ascend will keep your baby safe for eight years, with plenty of adjustable features to keep them comfortable and well-protected.
The patented Air Protect technology offers superior side impact protection, keeping your baby safe in a collision. The forward-facing and rear-facing modes allow you to control what your baby sees, while the extended rear-facing keeps them safer for longer.
The one-step base allows for a simple installation, with the built-in rebound bar offering extra protection. The seat is covered in 3D mesh and bamboo-wicking fabrics that will pull moisture away from your baby to keep them cool.
| Age suitability | Newborn to 8 years |
| Dimensions | 45 x 69 x 57 cm |
| Car seat weight | 9.9kg |
| Isofix compatible | No |
| Inbuilt harness | Yes, six-point |
| Side impact protection | Yes |
| Colours | Black
Titanium grey |
| Adjustable headrest | Yes |
| Accessories | Newborn insert
Tether strap |
| Travel system compatible | No |
Buyers were pleased with the quick and easy installation process, allowing them to have the seat ready to use in no time. They found their baby stayed securely in place, even in the event of a collision, so that they could drive without any worries.
While some found the high profile on the side of the car seat impacted their access to their baby, this was not widely reported and did improve as their child grew and could take themselves out of the seat.
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
The Mother’s Choice Ascend is the ideal rear-facing car seat for families who only want to buy one seat, as it will last for years. The comfortable seat is ideal for babies who need to be cool and well-supported in the car without parents worrying about fabric irritating their skin.
Completing our list today is the Joie Armour FX. You can choose from three colour choices, with the two-tone car seat looking stunning in any car.
The seat features a steel-reinforced shell to offer protection during an impact without making the seat too heavy to lift. You can also choose from several recline positions, keeping your baby comfortable while they sleep. The easy installation and enhanced side impact protection for the hips, body, and head make this a fantastic and safe car seat.
| Age suitability | Newborn to four years |
| Dimensions | 70 – 80 x 48 – 53 x 56-66 cm |
| Car seat weight | 10 kg |
| Isofix compatible | Yes |
| Inbuilt harness | Yes |
| Side impact protection | Yes |
| Colours | Coal
Shale Lagoon |
| Adjustable headrest | Yes |
| Accessories | Newborn insert |
| Travel system compatible | No |
Buyers loved the adjustable seat and the safety features included. The retractable guard surrounding safety was a crowd-pleaser, with parents finding it easy to use. They also appreciated the newborn insert and its customisation options, ensuring that even premature babies fit comfortably in the seat.
While the seat is fitted with ventilation panels, some parents found they were not very effective, causing their baby to sweat in the seat.
Below we have listed pros and cons based on real buyer feedback:
The Joie Armour FX is perfect for parents after an adjustable car seat. The seat can be tailored to fit your baby perfectly and continue to provide a perfect fit as they grow.
Thanks to the ISOFIX base, the seat is ideal for parents who want a quick installation. The top tether provides extra security, making it suitable for worried parents.
Rear-facing car seats are an excellent choice, but choosing the right one can be tricky. You want to choose a car seat with a fantastic safety rating, an easy-to-use harness, and some extra extras that provide outstanding value for money. Everyone’s car seat needs are different, so we recommend asking yourself the following questions to help narrow your search:
That brings us to the end of our guide today. We have shown you ten of the best rear-facing car seats on the market, with options for every budget. Whether you want a super adjustable seat, one you can use for years, or one designed for premature babies, we are sure there is a car seat for you.
The only question now is, which will you choose?
