The best swivel car seats in the UK 2023

Usable from birth to 12 years, the swivel car seat offers comfort and protection to children. The Isofix system makes it easy to use, much better than the seat belt. This is important because 66% of children are not properly restrained in the car. Rotating 90 ° or 360 °, the model chosen must meet the legal standards R44/04 or R129. For you, we have researched the best swivel car seats of the year.

Chicco Unico Plus
9/10

Editor's Choice

Chicco Unico Plus

The best swivel car seat

The Chicco Unico Plus is designed to follow your child's growth. It can be used from birth to 12 years of age and will provide great comfort for your baby and keep him safe throughout the car journeys you make together.

182 £ on Amazon

Chicco has come up with ingenious concepts to develop the Unico Plus. The harness system is a very effective replacement for your car's seat belt. From the age of three or when the child exceeds 15 kg, the central harness is replaced by the safety belt. The car seat will then be fixed to the back seat by the Isofix system. This system is easy to engage and allows the car seat to be attached and removed quickly.

The Unico Plus seat can be rotated through 360°. It also reclines to an angle that varies according to the child's weight. The headrest is always adjustable to ensure optimal comfort for your little passenger. The presence of a reducer cushion reinforces safety. Moreover, the Chicco Unico Plus also has a safety system specially dedicated to side collisions. The swivel car seat is a small, comfortable and safe space in which your toddler can travel until he or she is 12 years old.

Nania REVO 360°
7/10

Best Cheap

Nania REVO 360

The best entry-level swivel car seat

The Nania REVO 360° car seat shelters baby in a small and secure space when driving in the car. The accessory is made in the UK and tested according to the safety standards in force. It will help you to travel with your child in all serenity.

71,93 £ on Amazon

The Nania REVO 360° is suitable for babies and children from 0 to 18 kg. It is classified in the group 0+/1. Its swivel seat allows to adapt the position of baby in the car according to its age and its size. Infants and babies under 10 kg will be placed with their backs to the road. From 10 to 18 kg, they will be able to travel facing the road in a totally safe way. Indeed, this swivel car seat benefits from several safety features.

This includes the side protection, the reducer cushion for newborns or the reliable 5-point harness. The Nania REVO 360° is made and tested in the UK. It is approved according to the ECE R44/04 standard. In addition to being completely safe, this car seat is comfortable. The backrest is reclining on 4 positions. The seat is comfortable thanks to its thick and soft padding. Of course, the cover is removable and hand washable to ensure good hygiene of the swivel car seat.

Cybex Gold Sirona S i-Size 1
8/10

Best High End

Cybex Gold Sirona S i-Size

The best high-end swivel car seat

It is a car seat that combines optimal comfort with the most complete safety. Approved i-size, it is suitable for children from 45 to 105 cm and must be completed by the Z base of the same brand.

352 £ on Amazon

The Cybex Gold Sirona S i-Size has a 360-degree swivel base, which can be activated with one hand to allow you to easily move your child in and out of the car seat. Which in theory means: less strain on your back. The seat is rear-facing and is suitable for your little one up to the age of four (about 105 cm). It also has a well thought-out safety feature: the L.S.P. and "ER-Tech" systems, to effectively resist frontal and side collisions.

The Cybex Gold Sirona S i-Size harness is equipped with "SensorSafe" technology, which is a monitoring system connected to your smartphone. It alerts you if the belt is clipped incorrectly or if the temperature is too high or too low. It also alerts you if baby has been sitting for too long or is left unattended in the car.

Star Ibaby Isofix Travel
8/10

Excellent Choice

Star Ibaby Isofix Travel

An example of practicality

The Star Ibaby Isofix Travel is a very complete swivel car seat. In addition to providing great comfort and safety for baby, the accessory makes it easy for parents through its ingenious attachment systems. This seat will accompany your baby on trips for many years.

114 £ on Amazon

Looking for the best swivel car seat for your little one? The Star Ibaby Isofix Travel will fully satisfy you. It provides great comfort thanks to its padded seat with four adjustable recline positions. The height of the seat and headrest can also be adjusted to six positions. With so many choices, you'll be able to put your baby in the position he or she feels most comfortable sitting and sleeping in.

The Star Ibaby Isofix Travel comes with a unique sunshade to protect your baby from the sun's rays. Safety is not forgotten. This swivel car seat has a 5-point harness, Isofix attachment and an effective side impact protection system. It is a multigroup 0/1/2/3 model. It is therefore suitable for children from 0 to 36 kg. The seat being rotatable on 360 °, its position will be adjustable according to the age and the weight of the child.

Britax Römer DUALFIX2 R 2
7/10

Durable

Britax Römer DUALFIX2 R

A comfortable and durable seat

Back or forward facing, the Britax Römer Dualfix² R Cosmos Black offers total flexibility. Its 360° rotation, its high level of comfort, its double Isofix and strut system make it a must for the under 18 kg.

279 £ on Amazon

Britax Römer invented the Isofix system. For its Dualfix² R Cosmos Black swivel car seat, it offers an additional attachment system. This is the strut, a height-adjustable leg that rests on the floor of the car to stabilize the car seat. Belonging to group 0+/1, this model made in Germany is indicated from birth to 18 kg.

Installing and attaching the child has never been so easy. The 360° rotation allows the child to be placed with his back to the road or facing the road. This swivel car seat offers an exceptional level of comfort thanks to the fully padded walls. Note that this brand works closely with Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. In addition, it has its own crash test center to comply with current regulations.

i-spin 360 Joy 3
9/10

Safe and Comfortable

i-spin 360 Joy

Maximum safety and comfort

The editor's favorite is a swivel car seat that is approved and complies with current regulations governing car seats. Comfortable and safe, it will make parents and baby happy.

303 £ on Amazon

The Joie i-Spin 360 is an i-Size infant car seat. This means that it is approved according to the latest car seat regulations. It can be used from birth until your child reaches the height of 105 cm or 18 kg in weight, which is usually about four years.

The base of the device rotates 360 degrees, so you can use it rear-facing until your baby outgrows the seat. Or you can rotate it to face forward once your baby is 15 months old (about 76 cm). Basically, easy to install, super comfortable, swivel, super convenient and most importantly very safe, this seat is well worth the price.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best swivel car seat

Any specific needs?

The best swivel car seat

The best entry-level swivel car seat

The best high-end swivel car seat

An example of practicality

A comfortable and durable seat

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best swivel car seats

THE BEST LESS EXPENSIVE TOP OF THE RANGE EXCELLENT Sustainable Safe and comfortable
Chicco Unico Plus
9/10
Nania REVO 360°
7/10
Cybex Gold Sirona S i-Size 4
8/10
Star Ibaby Isofix Travel
8/10
Britax Römer DUALFIX2 R 5
7/10
i-spin 360 Joy 6
9/10
OUR SELECTION
Chicco Unico Plus
Nania REVO 360
Cybex Gold Sirona S i-Size
Star Ibaby Isofix Travel
Britax Römer DUALFIX2 R
i-spin 360 Joy
The Chicco Unico Plus is designed to follow your child's growth. It can be used from birth to 12 years of age and will provide great comfort for your baby and keep him safe throughout the car journeys you make together.
The Nania REVO 360° car seat shelters baby in a small and secure space when driving in the car. The accessory is made in the UK and tested according to the safety standards in force. It will help you to travel with your child in all serenity.
It is a car seat that combines optimal comfort with the most complete safety. Approved i-size, it is suitable for children from 45 to 105 cm and must be completed by the Z base of the same brand.
The Star Ibaby Isofix Travel is a very complete swivel car seat. In addition to providing great comfort and safety for baby, the accessory makes it easy for parents through its ingenious attachment systems. This seat will accompany your baby on trips for many years.
Back or forward facing, the Britax Römer Dualfix² R Cosmos Black offers total flexibility. Its 360° rotation, its high level of comfort, its double Isofix and strut system make it a must for the under 18 kg.
The editor's favorite is a swivel car seat that is approved and complies with current regulations governing car seats. Comfortable and safe, it will make parents and baby happy.
Recommended age or weight
0 to 12 years (0-36 kg)
0-18 kg
0 to 4 years old
0 - 36 kg
0 to 4 years (0 to 18 kg)
From birth to 4 years old
Group
0+, 1, 2 and 3
0+/1
Up to 105 cm max.
0/1/2/3
0+/1
Up to 105 cm
Dimensions
57 x 60/78 x 49 cm
45 x 57 x 62 cm
71 x 43 x 64 cm
60 x 45 x 45 cm
78 x 45 x 53 cm
65 x 58 x 76 cm
Homologation
CE R44/04
ECE R44/04
R129
ECE R44/04
ECE R44/04
R129
Weight
8.8 kg
9 kg
14,3 kg
9.5 kg
14 kg
14.22 kg

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Buying guide - swivel car seat

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How to choose your swivel car seat

2 out of 3 children are not properly restrained in the car. As a result, wearing a seatbelt and using a car seat are mandatory, even for a 200 m journey. Although generally reassuring, not all swivel car seats are practical. Here are our criteria to help you make the right choice.

#1 - The fastening system

The Isofix system is the safest on the market. It allows the car chassis to be firmly attached to the swivel car seat. To reassure parents, it has indicators to confirm the correct installation of the attachment. And since 2011, all cars leaving the factory are equipped with Isofix anchor points, in the form of metal rings. But Isofix seats are heavy, expensive and often unsuitable for older cars.

Another very interesting anchoring system is the Top Tether. In the form of a strap, this attachment prevents the car seat from tilting forward in the event of a frontal impact. It is a universal system compatible with all Isofix car seats.

The strut is another anchoring point, also additional to the Isofix attachments. It takes the form of a foot, adjustable in height, rests on the floor of the car to stabilize the car seat, prevents tilting forward and absorbs the power of the impact in case of accident.

In addition, there is the anti-bounce bar, suitable for car seats installed with their back to the road. This metal safety bar is designed to prevent the baby seat from moving forward in the event of a violent impact. Finally, the Tether Straps have a similar role to the Top Tether. These tethers are suitable for rear-facing infant seats.

#2 - Height, weight and age of the child

Choose

a swivel car seat that is appropriate for your child's size, age and weight. Keep in mind that buying a model that's a little too big to save money for upgradeable use is a bad idea. And you should keep your child facing away from the road for as long as possible, as long as legroom comfort is not affected.

There are 10 groups of car seats: group 0, group 0+, group 0/0+, group 0+/1, group 1, group 2 or 2 and 3, group 1/2, group 1/2/3 and group 3. We understand you: choosing a model adapted to so many categories is not easy! So the i-Size standard makes things easier by dividing the seats into 3 combined groups.

Group 0+/1 corresponds to car seats for newborns, usable from birth. They can sit up to 18 kg for a height between 40 and 70 cm. Group 2/3 is reserved for children from 9 months to 4 years, measuring 70 to 105 cm. Finally, group 1/2/3 is reserved for children from 3 and a half to 12 years old, weighing 18 to 36 kg and measuring 100 to 150 cm.

#3 - The comfort of use

The

child will spend hours in the swivel car seat without hardly moving. So you'll need to consider the comfort of the model you're interested in and not just the look. Your little one needs to be able to see out. Also, consider the quality of the protective foams and the ability to wash the seat cover.

In terms of comfort, the seat's adjustability is also important. A swivel car seat that can tilt back slightly will prevent the child from slumping forward while sleeping. There are also models with height and width adjustable seat boosters. But the more options you have, the more it costs!

Swivel car seats rotate 90° or 360°. This makes it easier for parents to place their child facing them at the door. A 360° swivel model allows the child to be placed facing away from the road without being carried. When you know the weight of the seat in addition to the child, you realize how practical this is!

#4 - Compliance and compatibility

Make sure

the seat is marked R44-04, R44/04, i-Size or R129. Mandatory since February 2011 on all vehicles leaving the factory, the Isofix system equips more than 50% of car seats. This generalization has increased with the appearance of the i-Size or R129 regulation in 2013. Isofix i-Size seats (i.e. approved according to the R129 regulation) are compatible with all cars that meet the i-Size standard.

For Isofix seats approved according to R44-04 or i-Size incompatible cars, it is necessary to check the compatibility between the seat and the car. However, rest assured that the majority of Isofix seats are compatible with the majority of cars that have these anchor points. The manufacturers of swivel car seats keep an updated list of the compatibility of their models.

Also, adapt your choice to the size of your car. Make sure the dimensions of the swivel car seat fit in the back of your vehicle. The last detail is a matter of aesthetics. As an integral part of the car, choose your swivel car seat according to the color that would best match your interior.

The brand of the swivel car seat

For the sake of impartiality, we have not mentioned the brand as a criterion of choice. But it often guarantees the quality of a swivel car seat. In this highly competitive market, even premium brands, such as Recaro in late 2018, can disappear. in the UK and Europe, the French group Team Tex dominates thanks to Nania and Migo. Team Tex also produces car seats for many private labels like Tex Baby, Auber, etc. Among the premium brands, Britax Römer, Bébé Confort and Jané are essential.

How to install a swivel car seat?


In order to provide optimal safety for your baby during car journeys, the correct installation of the swivel car seat is essential. It is therefore essential to read the instructions carefully in order to install it correctly, as incorrect installation can have serious consequences. Moreover, each swivel car seat has its own specificities.

Thanks to the isofix fastening system, the installation becomes safer and more practical, but above all easier. This equipment consists of two anchoring rings, which you need to attach to the hooks of your car seat. The first step is to clip the chair to the back seat using two clamps.

It is better to use this system to avoid using a seat belt which is a bit complicated to use. Once you have the two clamps in place, you should focus on the Top Tether. The latter is an additional strap that serves to make the seat integral with the bench seat. In addition, it helps to reduce the movement caused by braking and turning.

If your car or car seat is not equipped with the Isofix system, you can always adopt the solution of using the vehicle's 3-point belt. If you want to attach a car seat with the belt, it is strongly recommended to follow the instructions provided in the manual.

In addition, when you put the seat belt around the car seat, you should not make it twist. Apart from that, during each step of installation, you must tighten the belt and also tighten it in a regular way. Finally, you must make sure that no object is placed under or behind the seat.
And now you have your car seat installed!

The different types of swivel car seats

The principle of the swivel car seat facilitates the installation of the device and baby in the car. Here are the 2 most common systems.

360° swivel car seat

The 360° swivel car seat is the most practical choice. Your baby can sit facing the road or with his back to the road. He can also turn towards the parents or other passengers. The car seat adopts all possible positions without having to lift it. The weight of the seat is no longer a problem when changing places or when installing.

90° swivel car seat

The 90° swivel car seat can be turned into two positions: facing the door then back to the road or facing you then back to the road. It can just as easily remain in this forward-facing position to keep the child comfortable throughout the ride. Of course, the possibilities decrease with the angle offered. Anyway, it's still easy to get this 90° swivel baby equipment into the car. Note that you can no longer put your child facing the road in this case.

Swivel car seat or classic car seat

Swivel car seat

The car seat is a piece of equipment in which baby is placed during car journeys. It can be used from the time your baby is born until he is four years old. The advantage of this device is that it ensures optimal safety for your child thanks to its reinforced side protection and its 360° rotating function that allows you to put your baby facing the road or backwards.

As this type of seat can rotate 90° or 360°, putting your baby in it is less difficult than with a fixed car seat, which puts more strain on the whole body. As a result, the swivel model means you don't have to bend over to find the right angle for the car door and easily recline your baby to avoid bumping him or her when you slide them into the car. Not to mention the step of attaching the safety harness. Apart from that, the swivel car seats allow you to know if the seat has been installed correctly via a "click" signal.

Classic car seat

Unlike with a swivel car seat, putting baby in a fixed car seat is quite restrictive because you will have to bend over (and not just a little) throughout the operation. This can lead to back pain in the long run.

Compared to a swivel car seat, the classic car seat is lighter. This makes it easier to move. In terms of safety, the classic car seat is secured with a seat belt, whereas most swivel car seats are secured with an isofix anchor. Therefore, the classic model is less secure than the swivel model. Apart from that, the classic car seat that attaches with the seat belt is much cheaper and lighter than its swivel counterpart.

The installation of the classic car seat is not as quick as with a swivel car seat. It takes more time. The conventional car seat also does not allow you to know if the equipment has been installed correctly. This is less safe for the child.

Verdict

In conclusion, it is better to opt for a swivel car seat because it is more ergonomic and comfortable for both your baby and you. It can be relatively expensive compared to other models, and the options and accessories can quickly increase its price. However, considering the safety it offers and the comfort it provides, it is well worth the price!

Why buy a swivel car seat?

The Isofix system

The Isofix system is a technology commonly used in the manufacture of car seats, and is also present on swivel models. It is known for its practicality and reliability compared to other baby seat safety devices. The two rings, once attached to the hooks of the rear seat of the vehicle, provide excellent protection. The strut or strap reinforces the safety of the child in this seat.

The different options of the seat

As its name suggests, the swivel car seat allows the child to be positioned according to the circumstances. The seat can be reclined so that the child can sleep peacefully, a reducer can be fitted for newborns or side guards can be installed to optimise the child's safety. This saves you from having to keep an eye on your child at all times and allows you to concentrate better when driving.

Comfort

As a general rule, a swivel car seat is designed with soft, supple materials to keep your child comfortable during the ride. The padding on the backrest and seat also contributes to the comfort of the toddler in the vehicle so that he can travel peacefully. In addition, the fact that the seat can rotate from 90° to 360° means that the seat can be turned as required.

Ergonomics

A swivel car seat offers more ergonomics than other types of seats. You can enjoy the benefits of a seat that is securely fastened to the back so that your baby does not wobble during the journey. There is also the swivel system, which is very practical when you give your little one a bottle. Lightweight and compact, a swivel car seat does not wear out quickly.

The evolutionary character

The swivel car seat comes with various accessories when the child is still too small to fit properly in it. Once the child reaches 12 to 24 months, certain items must be removed to make the child comfortable. However, this type of seat can be used even if the child is over 3 years old, as it can be adapted to the child's physique. In addition, swivel car seats come in several sizes.

The best brands of swivel car seats

In our opinion, the best brands of swivel car seats in 2022 are :

Nania
Migo
Britax Römer
Bébé Confort
Jané

Nania - Also owned by the Team Tex group, which is based in the Rhône-Alpes region, Nania has been making car seats for over 25 years. Unlike Migo, this brand is mainly positioned at the entry level. For small budgets, Nania offers optimal safety at low prices.

Migo - Migo belongs to the French group Team Tex, which dominates the market for swivel car seats in Europe. This brand brings together its entire range of high quality car seats. If you are looking for a quality group 1/2/3 car seat, take a look at the Migo catalogue.

Britax Römer - In 1997, Britax Römer invented the Isofix system. It has been so successful that since 2011, European decision-makers have made Isofix anchor points mandatory on all cars produced. This German brand manufactures the ultimate in premium car seats, no less!

Bébé Confort - Who doesn't know Bébé Confort? This brand is famous for its strollers, high chairs, baby bottles and cots. If you are looking for a safe value, Bébé Confort is highly recommended.

Jané - This Spanish brand was founded in 1932 and created the first folding strollers. Since then, Jané has always kept its pioneering spirit to offer cots, strollers, car seats or high chairs. Its premium positioning will be of interest to many.Back to the comparison table

What is the price for a swivel car seat

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
£ to 200 £
Mid-range
200 £ to 300 £
High-end
more than 300 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Keep the straps tight.

Most children prefer to ride with straps that are loose enough to not restrict their movement. As a parent, it's tempting to comply with their request. But this is not a good idea. Sure, tightly fitted straps almost prevent movement. But they are painless and essential for safety. So don't hesitate to tighten them as much as necessary.

Turn the car seat backwards as long as possible.

Rear-facing car seats are the safest for children ages 0 to 2. You should keep the car seat rear-facing as long as your little angel can handle it. And don't change seat sizes until the limits have been reached.

Choose booster seats carefully.

For

a child to use a booster seat safely, he or she must be at least 4 years old, weigh 18 kg, and be mature enough to hold on properly. Buy a booster seat that is appropriate for the child's size, weight and ability to sit properly; even if it means changing it frequently as the child grows. Don't cut corners on your child's safety!

Most of the time, the middle seat is the safest place for children.

Children in the center seat will not be directly impacted in an accident, and there are fewer objects they can hit their heads against, especially if they are in a forward-facing car seat. If you have twins or children who are close together, install them on their sides.

Car seats also have an expiration date!

Pivoting car seats have plastic frames. And over time, this material becomes more and more brittle. This will make the seat less strong to withstand an accident. Generally, a car seat lasts 6 to 8 years. Be honest with yourself about when yours needs to be replaced, especially if you've used it with more than one child.

FAQ

What is the best swivel car seat?

The best swivel car seat depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.

How often should I clean my baby's car seat?

To ensure your child's well-being, remember to clean your child's car seat every two weeks. To do this, simply vacuum it and remove the cover and wash it with warm water and soap or put it in the washing machine.

How do I clean my baby's car seat?

If your baby's car seat is not removable, simply wipe the seat with a sponge. To disinfect and deodorize your baby's car seat, you can spray it with a mixture of tea tree oil, hot water and baking soda.

Can a child use an inflatable seat belt?

A child can be secured normally in the vehicle with an inflatable seat belt if the child is taller than 135 cm. You cannot use an inflatable seat belt to secure the car seat itself in the vehicle.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , quechoisir.org
  2. , 60millions-mag.com
  3. , consumerreports.org
  4. , upworthy.com
  5. , allobebe.fr
  6. , vroomly.com – Siège auto bébé :
  7. , babyandcompany.com
  8. , parents.fr
  9. , naitreetgrandir.com
  10. , auchan.fr
  11. , aubert.com
  12. , amazon.co.uk
  13. , quechoisir.org
  14. , autourdebebe.com
  15. , siege-autopivotant.fr
  16. , lemeilleuravis.com
  17. , acmobility.com
  18. , bebe2luxe.fr
  19. , britax-romer.fr
  20. , allobebe.fr
  21. , e.leclerc
  22. , siegeauto-pivotant.fr
  23. , cdiscount.com
  24. , aubert.com
  25. , baby-lux.com
  26. , siegeautopivotant.fr
  27. , vertbaudet.fr
  28. , e.leclerc
  29. , bebecool.fr
  30. , amazon.co.uk
  31. , norauto.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Chicco Unico Plus
Chicco Unico Plus
Nania REVO 360°
Nania REVO 360
Cybex Gold Sirona S i-Size 7
Cybex Gold Sirona S i-Size
Star Ibaby Isofix Travel
Star Ibaby Isofix Travel
Britax Römer DUALFIX2 R 8
Britax Römer DUALFIX2 R

Lecteurs

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