The Ten Best: Baby car seats

Chosen By Sally J Hall Former Consumer Editor Of 'Pregnancy &Amp; Birth'

1. Britax Rock-a-Tot Si, £69.99

This ever-popular seat fits on to several Britax prams to make a travel system and has an alternate method of securing the seat if your car has short seat belts.

www.britax.co.uk; 01264 386034

2. Graco Autobaby, £69.99

Easy to fit in most cars, it has a nifty positioning indicator to tell you when it's properly installed and can be used alone or on a safety base which stays in your car. It has a flip-over canopy.

www.graco.co.uk; 0870 9090501

3. Jané Matrix, £180

With newborns in mind, Jané has produced the only car seat with a lie-flat position. You can move it without waking the baby and it can be used in the car or on one of Jané's prams.

www.johnstonprams.co.uk

4. Mothercare Travel Tot Deluxe, £74.99

Rear-facing, it has a head-hugger to keep newborns' heads from rolling around, and a hood and apron. Can be snapped onto a Mothercare Maxim pram chassis to form a travel system.

www.mothercare.com; 0845 3304030

5. Maxi Cosi Cabrio, £94.99

A popular seat as it can be used on several pram chassis, including Maxi Cosi, Quinny and Safety First strollers. A support lets newborns lie flatter and it has a head-hugger.

www.maxi-cosi.com; 020-8236 0707

6. Mamas & Papas Primo Viaggio SIP, £130

Suitable from birth to around 12 months, this has an advanced head support system which grows with baby. High density foam protection.

www.mamasandpapas.com; 0870 830 7700

7. Bébécar Easymaxi, £99

Designed to be used in cars using the standard safety belts, it can be fitted to the front seat if there is no airbag. It has a storage area and detachable, washable padded upholstery.

www.bebecar.co.uk; 020-8201 0505

8. Britax First Class si, £129

This has a newborn insert for a more natural sleeping position and five recline positions when it faces the front. It has a slim base that will fit in modern sculpted car seats.

www.britax.co.uk; 01264 386034

9. Mothercare Lucio, £109.99

Use it rear facing from birth to when your baby reaches 13kg, then turn it around. Suitable up to around four years, it has a reclining, padded seat and a comfy five-point harness.

www.mothercare.com; 08453 304 030

10. Concord Ultimax, £134

A deep, cosy chair with reclining positions, this has a double walled construction and padded head cushions for improved side-impact protection.

www.concord.de; Mothercare, John Lewis and independent nursery stores