When it comes to bathing your baby there are many more elements to bath time than just purchasing the bath. Dimples have all the bath time necessities that make bathing baby easier for you and 10 times more sensational for baby.
Let’s begin with bath toys...
Baby is already getting so much enjoyment by splashing the water around your bathroom but throw a jellyfish in there and watch their eyes light up as you have never seen before.
Jelly the jellyfish
from Done by Deer is going to become your little one’s new best friend. Jelly can perform entertaining tricks when he soaks up water and then drizzles it out when turned upside down. This neoprene activity bath toy is easy to grasp, including different sensory features that will help baby learn as they bathe.
Now that you have your little one distracted playing with Jelly, let's get that baby nice and clean. The
Made 4 Baby Starter Pack
is the perfect place to start. Suitable from newborn these products are all fragrance-free and perfect for sensitive skin. Featuring all the essentials you need, these products are also all full size. Featuring a 200ml foaming hair and body wash, 60ml all over baby lotion preventing dry skin, a
Sleep Tight Massage Oil
for after bathing helping them to relax and sleep well, a Botty Barrier Crème to help prevent nappy rash and a face cloth to wash your baby’s soft skin. All these essentials will be incredible and keep your baby’s skin soft and healthy.
A shampoo brush is going to become your new best friend when washing your baby’s hair. Until the
Shnuggle Baby Shampoo Brush
landed in your palms this product is something you never knew was missing from your bath time routine, however after just one use you will realize how revolutionary this product truly is. Gently massage your baby’s head and brush away that cradle cap, cleanse, and shampoo. Fitting perfectly in your hand this design is comfortable for you and soft on your baby’s head helping them to feel calm.
Now that your little one is all relaxed post head massage here comes the scary part. Somehow you will need to rinse the product out without a meltdown about water and shampoo trickling down their face. Well parents you need to fear no more as we have the perfect product for you. The
Shnuggle Washy
is the perfect little jug designed to take the tantrums away from bath-time. Featuring a soft grip handle for parents and a flexible edge that contours gently to the top of baby’s forehead tipping the water safely away from sensitive little eyes. Keep bath-time tear-free this is the perfect bath-time accessory for all ages – from treating baby’s cradle cap to washing a toddler’s curly locks.
Now that you have made it through your bath time routine it’s time to wrap the little one up in a nice, hooded towel. When looking for the best Bath-time towel
Dimples Hooded Towel and Flannel Set
is the best place to start. This Towel and Flannel set is made from 100% thick, cotton towelling, and is very absorbent helping you dry your baby faster. The Towel features a hood to help keep delicate heads and ears warm, while the Flannel is gentle to use on your baby while they are in the bath. Trimmed with satin giving a beautiful finish and ensuring your set will last longer.
Bathtime creates special memories between you and your children, so let’s not allow it to become a chore.
The perfect gift for any new parent. This Towel and Flannel set is made from 100% thick, cotton toweling, and is very absorbent helping you dry your baby faster. The Towel features a hood to help keep delicate heads and ears warm, while the Flannel is gentle to use on your baby while they are in the bath. Trimmed with satin giving a beautiful finish and ensures your set will last longer.
And you never thought leaky pipes could be fun. But these Boon Pipes make bath time a scooping and pouring extravaganza!
These fun bath toys come in five shapes that can be used individually or put together to make a chain. They suction to the wall so the water goes back in the tub, not on the floor.
Complete your baby's bath set with a Dimples Towelling Flannel. Made from 100% towelling cotton. It is gentle to use on your baby while they are in the bath. Choose from the 3 famous Dimples hand embroidery designs, this soft flannel is stain trimmed to give that extra beautiful finish and will ensure your flannel will last and last.
Keep your baby’s clothes food free with this cotton towelling bib. Made from 100% cotton towelling, it is soft and gentle on baby’s skin. They conveniently dome at the back of the neck making it easy to put on and off. Bound in silk, giving it a beautiful finish and making sure it will last. Take this bib anywhere as it easily sips into any bag, and it is very stylish making it look great with any outfit. Dimples hand embroidery.
The perfect gift for any new parent. This Towel and Flannel set is made from 100% thick, cotton toweling, and is very absorbent helping you dry your baby faster. The Towel features a hood to help keep delicate heads and ears warm, while the Flannel is gentle to use on your baby while they are in the bath. Trimmed with satin giving a beautiful finish and ensures your set will last longer.
This pack includes the ergonomically designed B.Box baby bath brush, and a two pack of replacement sponges.
The cute baby brush is ideal for gently washing your baby’s delicate skin and scalp, and it's comfortable grip helps you control each swipe, even when your little one is wriggly!
Simply pump or swipe your soap onto the sponge, and let it work it's magic. Doubles as a sensory toy for baby to touch and feel.
The Baby Bath Brush in Lullaby Blue colour is a gentle and essential baby care tool for bath time. With soft silicone bristles on one side, it helps gently remove cradle cap while softening and exfoliating baby’s scalp. On the other side, the replaceable non-toxic sponge is perfect for everyday use.
Perfectly complementing the B.box body range, this bath brush is ideal for cleansing, soothing, and nourishing your little one. The soft bristles promote bonding through gentle massage, while the playful fox character inspires communication and storytelling during bath time.
Once bath time is done, simply remove the sponge, attach the fox’s suction cup tail to a clean, flat surface to drain and dry. The brush is made with 100% FDA food-grade silicone, while the sponge is made from 100% polyurethane. The bath brush is dishwasher safe (top rack only) and steriliser safe, making it easy to clean. Suitable for babies from birth, but must be used by an adult with children under 3 years old.
The Oricom Digital Bath and Room Thermometer Duck is an adorable, dual purpose floating bath toy and temperature gauge.
This cute duckie is designed to ensure both your baby's bath water and nursery are at safe, comfortable temperatures as well as be fun to bop in the bath!
This bundle brings together two bath-time favourites to keep little ones safe and entertained while they soak. Featuring the Slip-Safe Bath Spots and the Chomp Whale Bath Toy it’s a winning combo for water-loving kiddos.
The Slip-Safe Bath Spots add colourful ocean character to your tub while helping prevent slips on wet surfaces. Easy to apply and kind on little feet, they make bath time that much safer, without the need for bulky bath mats.
Then there’s Chomp the Whale—ready to gobble up floating sea creatures with one big squeeze! This interactive toy is perfect for developing hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, all while making water play even more fun.
Whether you're creating a safer bath routine or gifting something practical and playful, the Ocean Fun Bundle is a splash hit!
You can never have too many muslins! This set of 3 organic cotton gauze cloths is soft, breathable, and gentle against your baby’s delicate skin, making them a true everyday essential.
Beautifully absorbent and quick to dry, they’re perfect for wiping little mouths, catching spills, or laying down during nappy changes. Their generous 70x70cm size makes them wonderfully versatile - use them as a light blanket, a swaddle, a bib, a changing mat, or even to dry your baby after bath time.
Available in a range of lovely colours and patterns, they add a touch of style while making life that little bit easier.
You can never have too many muslins! This set of 3 organic cotton gauze cloths is soft, breathable, and gentle against your baby’s delicate skin, making them a true everyday essential.
Beautifully absorbent and quick to dry, they’re perfect for wiping little mouths, catching spills, or laying down during nappy changes. Their generous 70x70cm size makes them wonderfully versatile - use them as a light blanket, a swaddle, a bib, a changing mat, or even to dry your baby after bath time.
Available in a range of lovely colours and patterns, they add a touch of style while making life that little bit easier.
Which is the right seat for your little one?
Choosing a car seat can feel overwhelming. Your choice is more than just a purchase; it's an investment in your child's safety and comfort. Are you looking for a capsule, a convertible, a booster seat or an all in one? And how do you know where to start?
Buckle up as we lay out the different types of seat to help you figure out what’s right for your whānau.
Capsule Car Seats
Best for: Newborns to approx. 12 months (up to 13kg depending on the brand)What they are: Rear-facing, portable infant car seats that easily lift in or out of the car. Most of the capsules we sell clip onto a base (sold separately) that stays installed in your car. Others have a baseless install either by Isofix or car seatbelt.
Why parents love them:
If you choose a capsule that's compatible with your stroller, you can transfer your sleeping baby for car to stroller without waking them
They're easy to carry with a handle
Most work with a base that stays in the car - simple click and go.
Things to consider:
You’ll likely only use it for the first year.
Weight matters – some are much easier to carry than others.
Great options to compare:
Nuna Pipa Next – lightweight (only 2.8kg) and super portable.
Nuna Arra Flex – features three recline positions - including a near-flat 157° recline.
Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro – ergonomic recline, 360° base for easy loading.
Nuna Pipa Urbn – ideal for swapping between cars or rideshares, it has built-in Isofix, no base required.
Nuna Cari Next – this one is in a category all of its own - both a carrycot and car seat. The Cari has a three-point harness and connects to the Nuna Next Base in the car. Baby can lie peacefully at a full recline - the best position for a developing spine. The Cari can also connect to your stroller so you can move from home to car to pushchair without interrupting their sleep.
Convertible Car Seats
Best for: Birth to approx. 4 years (or longer depending on the seat)What they are: Seats that start rear-facing and convert to forward-facing as your child grows.
Why parents love them:
Cost-effective – you’ll use it for several years.
Often more spacious and padded than a capsule.
Things to consider:
Not portable – it stays installed in the car.
Some seats rotate on a base, so you can turn them towards the door to make buckling in easier
Check your car - do you have Isofix points or do you need a seat that can be seat belt installed?
Great options to compare:
Nuna Todl Next – works with a rotating base for easy access.
Nuna Rylo – built-in 360° rotation, no separate base required.
Nuna Rava Next - seatbelt installed, and known for its simple installation, generous legroom, and plush comfort. Ideal for families who want a long-lasting seat without the need for a base or Isofix.
All-in-One (Convertible + Booster)
Best for: Birth to approx. 11–12 yearsWhat they are: Car seats that transition from rear-facing to forward-facing to booster seat.
Why parents love them:
One purchase that lasts for years.
Ideal for parents who don’t want to keep upgrading.
Things to consider:
Not portable – stays in the car.
No rotating options available.
Great options to compare:
Nuna Exec Next – rear-facing from birth, forward-facing to booster mode up to 148cm / 50kg.
Britax One4Life Slim – rear-facing to booster mode up to 160cm / 54.4kg.
Booster Seats
Best for: 4+ years (or as per height and weight guidelines)What they are: Forward-facing seats that position the vehicle seatbelt properly across your child.
Why parents love them:
Simple to use and install.
Gives older kids a good seat height and a view out the window.
Often more compact.
Things to consider:
Only suitable once your child meets minimum size requirements.
Great options to compare:
Nuna Lumn – harnessed car seat that transforms to a belt positioning booster
Nuna Aace Lx – adjustable height, recline, and side impact protection.
Britax Skyline – affordable, comfortable, and lightweight.
Axkid Up – has a patented raisable seat to elevate your child to better align with the vehicle seat belt
Other Key Considerations When Choosing a Car Seat
Car fit: Not all seats fit all vehicles – check for compatibility, especially if fitting multiple seats.
Ease of use: Consider rotating seats if you struggle with lifting your child in and out.
Installation method: Isofix is quicker and easier, but seatbelt installs offer flexibility for older vehicles or travel. However Isofix does have lower weight restrictions (generally around 18kgs). If a seat allows for both Isofix and seatbelt installation it can pay to opt for Vehicle Seat Belt installation as it eliminates having to switch installation method once weight limits are reached.
Longevity: Weigh up whether you want a dedicated seat for each stage or one that adapts as your child grows.
Need Help Choosing?
Our Car Seat Technicians are here to help you make the best choice for your family. Visit a Dimples store and get personalised advice, try seats in your car, and enjoy our free professional car seat fitting with purchase. You can also take our handy quiz to find out what might work best for you.
Whichever seat you choose, safety and comfort come first – and we’re here to make sure you get both.
Shop the full car seat range online or in-store today.
The Power of a Bedtime Routine for Your Baby
Simple rhythms that can make bedtime calmer – for both of you
In the early weeks with a newborn, life seems to find a rhythm all on it’s own! Feeds, naps, cuddles and nappy changes all blur into one another, and having anything that resembles a routine can feel a little out of reach… Don’t worry – that’s totally normal.
As your baby grows, you might start to notice more predictable patterns start to emerge. This can be a lovely time to gently introduce a baby bedtime routine - a simple series of calming steps that helps signal to your little one that that the day is coming to an end.
It doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, some of the best bedtime routines are the simplest ones.
Why a Bedtime Routine Matters
Babies LOVE familiarity. Repeating the same gentle activities each evening can help your baby begin to recognise that sleep is coming, while creating a comforting transition between the day’s activities and bedtime.
A bedtime routine can also be a really special opportunity to slow everything down together, creating a sense of calm, security and connection.
And while your bedtime routine will naturally change as your baby grows, those familiar little rituals can continue well into childhood.
When Should You Start a Bedtime Routine?
There’s no exact age when you have to start.
During the newborn stage, feeding and sleeping are naturally quite unpredictable, so there’s no need to worry about a strict schedule. From around six to eight weeks, you will probably notice your baby becoming more predictable, and you can begin introducing a few simple bedtime cues if it feels right for your family.
At first, your routine might simply be a fresh nappy, sleepwear, a feed and a cuddle. You can always add more as your baby grows.
How to Start a Baby Bedtime Routine
There’s no “perfect” bedtime routine - what works beautifully for one family might not work at all for another.
The important things are keeping it relatively simple, calm and consistent. Around 20 to 30 minutes is usually plenty, and where possible, try doing the final part of the routine in your babes room so they begin to associate that space with winding down and sleep.
Here’s a simple bedtime rhythm you could try:
Bath
A warm bath (or shower with you!) can be a lovely way to end your day together. Keep the lights soft if you can, slow things down and let bath time become part of the transition from playtime to bedtime.
Massage
After the bath, a few minutes of gentle baby massage can be incredibly calming and is a beautiful opportunity for some quiet bonding time.
You could use a baby massage product such as Scullys Massage Oil, or keep things very simple with Loloma Coconut Oil.
Keep the movements very slow and gentle, talking quietly, humming or singing to your baby as you go. Over time, even the smell and feel of their usual massage can become another little signal that bedtime is approaching.
A Little Extra Wind Down Support
For particularly restless little ones, you may also like to add something like Magnesium Rescue into your bedtime routine. Magnesium can help regulate the nervous system, promote muscle relaxation, and support the production of melatonin.
The important thing here is the ritual itself. Whether it’s massage, moisturising or simply a quiet cuddle after their bath, repeating the same calm steps each night is what helps make bedtime feel familiar.
Sleepwear
Changing into cosy sleepwear is another simple but powerful bedtime cue!
Choose soft, breathable layers that are appropriate for the temperature of your baby’s room. Merino is one of our favourites for sleep because it makes layering easy throughout the year.
Our baby sleepwear collection includes merino bodysuits, babygrows, gowns and other cosy layers for bedtime.
💛 Dimples Tip: Your baby’s room temperature is much more useful than the season when deciding what they should wear to bed. Feel their chest or back to check whether they’re comfortably warm rather than relying on their hands and feet, which can naturally feel cooler.
Feeding
For younger babies, a feed will naturally be an important part of bedtime.
As your baby gets older, you might like to experiment with offering their final feed slightly earlier in the routine rather than making it the very last thing before sleep. Some families find this helps separate feeding from falling asleep.
But don't stress if your baby loves feeding to sleep, especially in those early months. Every baby is different and your routine can evolve gradually.
A Story or Song
This is one of our favourite parts of a bedtime routine.
Your baby certainly doesn’t need to understand the story yet to enjoy listening to your voice. Reading the same book each night, singing a lullaby or simply humming quietly can become a wonderfully familiar sleep cue.
Reading together from an early age is also such a lovely habit to establish, and our children’s book collection has plenty of beautiful first books to choose from.
One day they'll be choosing the bedtime story themselves - and probably asking you to read it agaaaaiiiin!
Cuddles & Goodnight
Finish with a cuddle, a quiet goodnight and plenty of reassurance.
It sounds so simple, but that same kiss, phrase or cuddle each evening can become one of the most familiar parts of your baby’s bedtime routine.
And even if you know you’ll probably be seeing them again in a few hours, it’s still a lovely way to finish the day together.
Watch for Your Baby’s Sleepy Cues
One of the best bedtime tips we can give is to watch your baby rather than becoming too attached to the clock.
Yawning, rubbing their eyes, staring into the distance, becoming quieter or suddenly getting a little fussy can all be signs that your baby is getting tired.
Starting your bedtime routine when you notice these early sleepy cues can often make settling easier than waiting until your baby is overtired.
Create a Calm, Sleep Friendly Nursery
As bedtime gets closer, gradually make the house feel a little quieter.
Dim the lights, turn the television off and put away stimulating or noisy toys. These small environmental changes can become part of your baby’s bedtime cues too.
A dark room is ideal for sleep, but a gentle night light can be super handy while you're feeding, settling or changing nappies overnight.
💛 Dimples Tip: Once bedtime begins, keep voices quieter and movements slower. Babies pick up on our energy surprisingly well, so turning your pace down can help make the whole room feel calmer.
Putting Baby Down for Sleep
As you get to know your baby, you may like to experiment with placing them into their sleep space when they're sleepy but still awake.
Some babies take to this beautifully. Others need plenty of cuddling, rocking or feeding before they're ready to settle - particularly when they're very young.
There's no need to turn bedtime into a battle. The aim of a routine is to make sleep feel calm and predictable, not to achieve a perfect settling technique.
What works for your baby today may also be completely different in a few months time.
Be Consistent, But Stay Flexible
Consistency helps babies recognise their bedtime cues, but flexibility is just as important.
There'll be evenings when your baby is overtired. There'll be illnesses, holidays, late dinners, visitors and nights where absolutely nothing goes according to plan.
That's parenting!
Rather than worrying about following your routine perfectly, think about having a few familiar rituals you can return to wherever you are.
A fresh nappy, familiar sleepwear, the same book, a cuddle and your usual goodnight might be all your baby needs to recognise that it's bedtime.
If more than one parent or caregiver can occasionally do the bedtime routine, that's great! It helps your baby become comfortable settling with the other special people in their life.
And Don't Forget About Mum
Once baby is finally settled, it can be surprisingly difficult to switch your own brain off.
After spending all day feeding, changing, remembering, organising and looking after somebody else, having a tiny bedtime ritual of your own can be just as valuable.
Make a warm drink, put your phone down, have a shower or simply sit somewhere quiet for ten minutes.
For mums who enjoy something cosy before bed, Mamma's Milk Bar Moon Milk can become part of your own evening wind-down ritual. Prepare yourself a nice warm cup and enjoy a quiet moment once your little one is settled.
Small Rituals With Lasting Benefits
Your baby's bedtime routine doesn't need to be elaborate, and it certainly doesn't need to be perfect.
It's simply a collection of familiar little moments that tell your baby: the day is finished, you're safe, and it's time to rest.
Some nights it might be bath, massage, pyjamas, feed, story and bed. Other nights it might be clean nappy, feed, cuddle... bed.
Both count!
As your baby grows, the routine will grow with them. The massage might disappear, they'll choose their own pyjamas, and eventually they'll be the one reading the bedtime book.
But that cuddle and goodnight kiss? That will still matter - even if one day you have to sneak them in after lights out. ❤️
Choosing the Right Bottle & Teat for Your Baby
A Practical Guide to Finding the Right Bottle Feeding Setup
We’ve been helping families for many years now, and a question we are always asked by new parents is “Which is the best baby bottle?” - and while we wish there was a one size fits all answer to this question, the reality is that there isn't one perfect bottle for every baby. The best baby bottle is the one that suits your bub's feeding style, comfort, and stage of development, while also fitting your family's routine and preferences.
Finding the right bottles and teats can sometimes feel overwhelming. With so many options available, from anti colic bottles and wide neck designs to glass, silicone, and plastic bottles… it's natural to wonder which choice is best for your baby.
In this guide, we'll help you understand the different bottle and teat options so you can find a feeding setup that feels right for your baby and your family.
How to Choose the Best Baby Bottle
When comparing baby bottles, start by thinking about your baby's feeding needs rather than focusing on brands or features.
Newborn? Look for slow flow teats and easy to clean bottles – you’ll likely be using up to 12 bottles a day in those very early stages!
Breastfed or mixed feeding? Wide neck bottles and breast shaped teats can help support a natural latch.
Experiencing wind or reflux? Anti-colic bottles will help reduce swallowed air.
Need something practical for everyday use? Lightweight plastic bottles are often a great choice.
Looking for a long term option? Glass bottles are durable and long lasting.
Choosing the Right Bottle MaterialDifferent bottle materials offer different benefits, but there isn't a single right choice.
Bottle Type
Best For
Things to Know
Plastic
Everyday use
Lightweight and practical
Glass
Durability
Easy to clean but heavier
Silicone
Mixed feeding
Soft and flexible
💛 Dimples Tip: Something we often tell parents is not to overthink the bottle material too much. Most babies will adapt well to different bottle types, so it's often more about what works best for your family and feeding routine.
Bottle Shapes at a Glance
Standard Bottles - A simple, reliable option that works well for most babies.
Wide-Neck Bottles - Easier to fill and clean, and often preferred by families combining breast and bottle feeding.
Anti-Colic Bottles - Designed to reduce the amount of air swallowed during feeding.
💛 Something we get asked a lot at Dimples: "Are anti colic bottles really worth it?" For babies who experience wind, gas, or reflux, or even for as a preventative method – yes! We know many parents who have found they make feeding more comfortable and reduce post feed fussiness.
Explore our bottle range here
Explore our Infant and Toddler Formula range here
Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies & Mixed Feeding
Another common question we hear at Dimples is:
"What's the best bottle for a breastfed baby?"
While every baby is different, wide-neck bottles with soft silicone teats are often a great place to start. When introducing a bottle to a breastfed baby, look for:
Wide teats that encourage a natural latch
Slow flow teats that mimic breastfeeding
Soft silicone teats with a familiar feel
Bottles designed to support mixed feeding
Many parents also find paced bottle feeding helpful, as it encourages babies to feed at a rhythm that's closer to breastfeeding. You can learn more about paced bottle feeding here.
Shop bottles suitable for mixed feeding
Choosing the right teat flow can make feeding feel calmer and more comfortable for your baby.
For newborns and younger babies, a slow flow teat is usually the best place to start. This helps milk flow gently and steadily, giving your baby time to feed at their own pace.
As your baby grows and becomes more confident with bottle feeding, they may be ready for a medium or faster flow teat. Age guides can be helpful, but your baby's feeding cues are often the best sign.
The flow may be too fast if your baby is coughing, spluttering, gulping milk, leaking milk from their mouth, or becoming unsettled during feeds.
The flow may be too slow if your baby seems frustrated, takes a very long time to finish a bottle, or often falls asleep before finishing their feed.
💛 Another common questions we are asked: "When should I move up a teat size?" The answer is usually based on your baby's feeding cues rather than just their age alone.
Shop our teat range here
Cleaning, Sterilising & Bottle Care
Keeping bottles and teats clean is a very important part of bottle feeding. Wash bottles and teats thoroughly, replace worn teats when needed, and sterilise bottles up until your baby is approximately 12 months old.
A few simple essentials can make life easier:
Bottle sterilisers
Bottle warmers
Bottle brushes
Drying racks
Feeding bibs
Shop bottle cleaning and sterilising essentials here
Frequently Asked Questions about Bottle Feeding
What bottles are best for newborns?
Most newborns do well with bottles fitted with slow flow teats. Anti-colic designs can also be helpful for babies prone to wind or reflux.
What bottle is best for a breastfed baby?
Wide-neck bottles with soft silicone teats are often a great option for supporting mixed feeding and encouraging a natural latch.
Are anti-colic bottles worth it?
For babies who swallow excess air while feeding, anti-colic bottles may help reduce wind, gas, and feeding discomfort.
How do I know if teat flow is too fast?
Look for coughing, spluttering, milk leaking from the mouth, or your baby struggling to keep up with the flow.
Glass vs plastic baby bottles: which is better?
Both are excellent options. Plastic bottles are lightweight and practical, while glass bottles are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to staining.
Finding the Right Feeding Fit for Your Family
Every baby is different, and finding the best baby bottle often involves a little trial and error.
Trust your baby's cues, be kind to yourself, and remember that there's no single "right" choice. What matters most is finding a feeding setup that feels comfortable for both you and your baby.
💛 A final note from our team: We've helped hundreds of New Zealand families navigate bottle feeding over the years, and if there's one thing we've learned, it's that every feeding journey looks a little different. You're doing a great job.
Shop our full range of baby bottles, teats and feeding essentials
Getting a wriggly toddler into a car seat shouldn’t feel like a workout. That’s why rotating car seats are quickly becoming a go-to for modern parents.
In this blog, we explore how they work and why so many families are making the switch. From extended rear and front facing options to reducing back strain, we’ll help you decide whether a rotating car seat is the right choice for your growing family.
Benefits of a Rotating Car Seat
Easier access in and out of the car - The swivel function turns the seat towards the door, making it easier to get your child in and out of the car without awkward angles. With the seat facing you, it is easier to correctly position and tighten the harness, helping ensure your child is safely secured every time.
Reduced strain on your back - Rotating the seat towards you helps minimise bending, twisting, and reaching, which can help prevent back and shoulder strain, especially with growing toddlers. This also helps parents (or grandparents) recovering from birth, injury, or surgery, or those with limited mobility, who often find rotating seats easier and more comfortable to use.
Rear and front facing options - While your child is young, rear facing car seats are recommended for their safety. Though you want to keep them rear facing as long as possible (according to weight and height restrictions), you will eventually need to switch to forward facing, which is made incredibly easy with the swivel feature. You also have multiple angle options to recline the seat and can change all of these settings without having to re-install the entire seat.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Weight limits - Most (though not all) rotating car seats have a weight limit of 18kgs because of the isofix installation. On average, that’s around four years old, and while many parents are happy to switch to a booster seat after that, others just want one seat that goes all the way. If you’d prefer to buy a single seat with more longevity, a non-rotating option may suit you better. The Nuna Rava Next goes up to 29.4kgs (seven or eight years on average), and the Exec Next has a booster seat conversion, meaning that it lasts right from newborn up to 49.9kgs, around 12 years old!
Space in your car - If you have multiple kids and multiple car seats in the car, having one that rotates might be a bit tricky. Rotating seats generally have a larger base, and the swivel motion itself can be blocked if there are other seats in the way. If you plan on having three seats side by side in the back row, swivelling is a no-go. If you have two seats, then a rotating seat might be a good option depending on how it fits into your car. If you’re not sure, give us a call at our Newmarket or Christchurch stores, and book in a time to try out some options and see what works best.
What Are the Rotating Car Seat Options?
Nuna NEXT System
Built to work together seamlessly, the Nuna NEXT System offers flexibility, longevity, and peace of mind in one refined package. With two different base options (Base Next & Base Curv), two capsules (Pipa Next & Arra Flex), a unique lie-flat car seat (Cari Next), and a toddler seat for good measure (Todl Next), the NEXT System gives you a range of options for travelling in style. The bases come equipped with True Lock™ technology and coloured installation guides for your peace of mind, and one base can be used for all compatible products (keeping you covered for the first four years of baby’s life).
Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro Capsule & Maxi-Cosi Pearl 360
As part of the 360 Pro Family range, the Pebble and Pearl (when on the Family Fix 360 Pro Base) not only rotate 360°, but also slide towards you to eliminate the awkward reaching that usually comes with buckling in a little one. While the Pearl must be attached to the base in order to go in the car, the Pebble can also be seatbelt installed by itself.
Nuna Pruu
If you love the Todl but don’t want to bother with the separate base, the Pruu might be the seat for you. With the same detachable Side Impact Protection, integrated rebound bar, and smart-swivel lock, your little one will be travelling in stylish safety from start to finish. The big difference? The Pruu is one piece, with no separate base, making it a bit heavier to carry around, but super convenient for those who’d rather not bother with the extra pieces.
We also have the new Nuna Pruu Aire with a retractable sun canopy.
Nuna Rylo
A new and popular choice is the Nuna Rylo. This seat has it all: 360° rotation, seat belt installation capability, and premium materials. Certified to the AS/NZS standard, it’s perfect for Trans-Tasman travellers, or anyone who’s after the latest version of Nuna’s award winning technology.
Not sure which seat is right for you? Visit us in Auckland or Christchurch to see them in person. You can also book in a fitting with our team - we’ll help you find the safest, easiest option for your car and your family.
