Best car seats in Australia in 2025

With SecureSafe's 'Protect Plus' safety system, featuring armour tech, active air pads and side impact pods, this seat ticks the boxes for safety and comfort. Peace of mind is one of the biggest aspects of purchasing a car seat, so knowing this safety system is in place will provide reassurance. It’s also a great option if you’re hoping for a forward-facing seat to last you the long haul.

A reclining option can be an important factor to consider when shopping for your car seat and, after checking in on the BabyCenter community, it seems that the Grandeur takes the prize for best reclining child seat. It’s no secret our little ones love a little nap in the car, especially after a big day out and this seat’s luxury recline assists in securing their head and neck comfortably back into the seat. Happy baby, happy parents!

Welcome to the most spoken about seat in our community! The Britax Safe-n-Sound Graphene is a real winner with its extended rear-facing option, comfort and brand reputation. As one parent says, “we could not be happier with our purchase”. It’s also very easy on the eyes, so will complement your car no matter what model you have.

The Vita Smart seems to be on par with the Britax Safe-n-Sound Graphene when it comes to reviews and feature comparisons. BabyCenter parents appear to love it just as much, so your choice might come down to personal preference, what you’re used to and what you can buy most easily. Parents love how well cushioned it is, making it comfortable and secure for your little one as they grow. You can also keep it as rearward-facing up to 30 months.

This car seat is a sure-fire winner thanks to its compact dimensions. It’s a great option for those with smaller cars or if you have a car full of baby seats. Either way the Compaq will be sure to make things that little bit easier without taking any comfort and safety away from your little one.

This seat is an affordable and very versatile option which will see your little one through from six months with the harness all the way through to using the booster seat until they’re eight years old. The Tempo Convertible has great reviews with one parent rating it for being “super snug and sturdy”.

This Babylove seat is a great lower budget option with good reviews that repeatedly say how comfortable and easy to use it is, as well as how secure it sits in the car. The Ezyone2 is the best value for money on our list, and remember, just because it’s cheaper, doesn’t make it any less safe. If not for yourself, it could be the perfect spare or an option for the grandparents’ car.

The Maxiguard Pro will last your child from 12 months to eight years old. It’s been spoken about and recommended a number of times through our BabyCenter community, and for good reason. Built by a leading brand in the car seat game, Britax has given parents what they want with this one, but also the kids - did somebody say cup holders? A selling point for sure!

This pretty piece of equipment has some raving reviews for all features, with a similar price tag to many of the others on our list. Fans of the Nuna say that it is super easy to install, easily adjustable and really comfortable for their little ones. Let’s face it though, the stylish colours and clean lines take the prize on aesthetics alone.

The ClickTight+ is top of the range for features, comfort and quality. Based on reviews this seat is faultless and, without listing the endless positive features that parents love, users say “it ticks all the boxes”. If budget isn’t an issue for you, then this will probably shoot to the top of your list.

What does the law say about child car seats?

Children aged up to seven years must use a car seat appropriate for their size and age and which meets standard AS/NZS 1754. Choosing a car seat that’s the right size for your child’s weight and height is important for both their safety and comfort, so don’t rush your decision.

The standards label will be on the car seat and on any packaging. The seat must also be correctly fitted and adjusted to your child. Until your child turns four, they must sit in the back seat of your car. Children aged between four and seven can only sit in the front seat when all the available seats in the back row of seats are occupied by children aged under seven. They must use an approved child car seat suitable for their age and size.

What else do I need to consider when buying a child car seat?

Aside from safety and comfort you'll need to check any car seat you're considering will fit your vehicle easily. Seats vary in size so check both width and depth. Measure up your car but see too whether the store will also let you do a test fit before buying. And check how easy it is to adjust the harnesses while the car seat is in.

You’ll also want to think about how much you have to spend of course. That’s why our selection covers a range of budgets. But you might want to consider what age the seat is designed to go up to. A more expensive seat could be better value if it’s going to last your child longer.

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