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How to Choose a Car Seat - Dimples

How to Choose a Car Seat

in Post

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 years
What 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.

Tags: Car Seats & Prams

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