How to Choose the Right Car Seat – When You're Spoiled for Choice
Choosing a car seat can feel overwhelming – especially when your baby’s safety, comfort, and your lifestyle are all at stake. With capsules, convertibles, boosters and everything in between, how do you know where to start? Here's a practical breakdown to help you compare the different types of car seats and 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 click in and out of your vehicle.
Why parents love them:
- Can transfer a sleeping baby from car to stroller without waking them.
- 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 on the stroller or when used as a carry seat.
- Cybex Cloud T – lies near-flat outside the car, great for stroller naps.
- Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro – ergonomic recline, 360° base for easy loading.
- Nuna Pipa Urbn – ideal for city living or rideshares with built-in ISOFIX, no base required.
- Nuna Cari Next – a lie-flat carrycot that’s also a car seat – perfect for naps and spinal support.
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.
- Can remain rear-facing for longer, which is safest.
Things to consider:
- Not portable – stays in the car.
- Check your car for what installation method you need (ISOFIX or seatbelt).
- Some have rotating bases to make buckling in easier.
Great options to compare:
- Nuna Todl Next – works with a rotating base for easy access.
- Nuna Revv – built-in 360° rotation, no separate base required.
- Nuna Rava - 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.
- Cybex Sirona T – comfortable, safe and easy to use with excellent recline and rotation.
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.
- Saves money in the long run.
- 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 – rear-facing from birth, forward-facing to booster mode up to 148cm / 54kg.
- 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 AACE LX – adjustable height, recline, and side impact protection.
- Britax Skyline – affordable, comfortable, and lightweight.
- Maxi Cosi Titan Pro – grows with your child from toddler through to booster stage.
Other Key Considerations
- 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 certified 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 here
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.
