How to Choose a Car Seat

Car seat, capsule… and wtf is Isofix?!?
Our guide to buying the best baby transporter for your family.

If you have a car and are having a baby, you’re going to need a car seat. They’re a big purchase and signal ‘you’re having a baby’ like no other, and for peace of mind and practicality, they’re an important purchase to get right.

From the top, all our car seats are safe. To be sold in Australia, brands have to comply with thorough and complex safety regulations. With safety taken care of, this guide is here to help you break down the models and features that best suit your family and lifestyle, from capsule to car seat, rear or front facing, we are here to help make this big decision, easy.

Capsule or Car Seat

A common point for deliberation amongst parents, do you pick a capsule to accommodate the newborn stage only for ease or convenience, or go straight into a car seat to get better longevity and use? It all comes down to what you value most and how you will be using it.

A baby capsule is a rear facing restraint with an inbuilt harness best used for babies up until about 12 months (or depending on your child’s size). Another option is the car seat. It has a larger lifespan with most models suitable from newborn until 4 years old (with some styles accommodating children up to 8). All car seats grow and expand with your child thanks to fully adjustable harnesses, shoulder and head rests and can easily convert from rear facing (recommended until at least 6 months old) to front facing.

Unlike car seats, capsules are portable and can be easily transported with ease in and out of the car, attached to your pram or carried on your arm, all to minimise disruption to you and your baby. A capsule is a great idea for those parents who are frequently in the car for short journeys, particularly in and around nap time. A safe place for them to rest when you’re driving, when you park, you can take it out and carry your baby without interrupting their sleep to your next location, or attach it to your compatible pram.

Here are a few things to consider whether you are looking to add a capsule or car seat to your parenting arsenal:

1. Your Pram

Capsule

The saying, ‘what came first, the chicken or the egg’ definitely applies here! What do you choose first, the pram to match the capsule, or the capsule to match the pram. There are certain capsule models that are compatible with more pram models than others, and this is something you may want to consider if you have your heart set on a pram already!

Car seat

Not applicable here! When your baby is a newborn, the bassinet attachment for your pram is a great option, or if they are older, a standard pram seat.

Maxi-Cosi Mico 12 LX Pro Capsule Isofix

2. Portability

Capsule

A primary reason as to why you may be looking down the capsule route is for the benefit of portability. Whether it can be transported effortlessly, with its precious cargo safely intact, without injuring yourself is key, so the weight of the frame may be a point of consideration. The Bugaboo Turtle by Nuna Car Seat + Base proudly features a lightweight, compact design with an ergonomic, 3 position adjustable carry handle, wrapped up in a tiny 4kg package, yet sturdy enough to last the test of time.

Car Seat

A car seat is not as portable or interchangeable.

Bugaboo Turtle by Nuna Car Seat + Base

3. Car Size

Capsule

Capsules tend to be slightly bulkier than car seats due to their separate base, so because of this, your car size is something to consider.

Car Seat

If you have multiple children and car seats to fit in the back, or a smaller car to begin with, consider a more compact car seat.

Maxi-Cosi Pria LX G-Cell Isofix (0 Months - 4 Years) - Onyx

4. Comfort

Whilst all child restraints provide an incredibly comfortable experience for your baby, some models have gone the extra mile to include additional features to make your child’s experience extra plush.

Capsule

In terms of recline and body alignment, the Cybex Cloud Q Capsule & Base is elite, with an ergonomic lie flat position when outside the car, complete with a reclining backrest to ensure optimum comfort. Similarly, the Bugaboo Turtle by Nuna Car Seat + Base is crafted with the finest merino wool for optimal climate control, all whilst being removable and washable, important for those inevitable spills, mess, or sticky situations.

Car Seat

Our children grow and develop at varying rates and stages, and therefore, it is imperative that your child’s car seat can accommodate these changes in order to ensure a comfortable ride throughout the years.

Britax B.Pod Low Birth Weight Capsule

5. Age

Capsule

A capsule has short product lifespan. Most of our models suggest use from newborn until 12 months. This is dependent on the size and limb proportion of your baby, with some potentially outgrowing the capsule before this. If your baby is tracking on the lower percentile, you may choose a capsule designed for premature or smaller babies. The Britax B.Pod Low Birth Weight Capsule has been tested and designed for low birth weight and premature babies.

Car seat

Now let’s get technical here! Australian law states that newborns must be secured in a rear facing car seat at all times whilst travelling and can swap to a front facing restraint once the child reaches 6 months. However, it is ideal for your baby to remain in a rear facing car seat for as long as possible due to better safety and protection prospects, minimizing your child’s spine and head injuries in the event of an accident. Children can only face forward if they are big enough and reach the shoulder height markers on their seat.

Children should remain in a car seat until they are 8 years old. From age 4 - 8 they can use a fitted booster seat or child restraint, but many forward-facing car seats will accomodate them to age 8.

Maxi-Cosi Pria LX Convertible Car Seat (0 Months - 4 Years) - Onyx

6. Installation

A safe car seat is a car seat that is safely installed. If you are a first-time parent, most hospitals require documentation that shows that your newborn car seat has been professionally fitted. When you are at the appointment, our top tip is to ask all the questions and learn how to fit it yourself. On average, you will remove and reinstall your car seats around six times a year, so the more comfortable and familiar you are with the process, the better.

ISOFIX

This is a nifty little system that makes installing your car seat a breeze, no fumbling around with seat belts.

To install a car seat with ISOFIX, you'll need a vehicle equipped with ISOFIX anchor points. Most modern cars come with these anchor points already built-in. They're usually hidden between the seat cushions or tucked away in the car's structure. Just make sure to check the compatibility of your car seat with the ISOFIX system before making your purchase.

ISOFIX provides a rock-solid connection between your car seat and your vehicle, offering enhanced stability during your journeys while also being super simple to use. The system typically consists of two rigid metal bars or connectors that are attached to your car seat. These connectors simply click into the ISOFIX anchor points in your vehicle, creating a secure and reliable link.

Seat Belt

First and foremost, seat belt installation offers flexibility. It allows you to use your car seat in different vehicles without the need for specific anchor points. So whether you're borrowing a friend's car or using a rental, you know that you can install your car seat simply and effectively.

To begin, find a suitable seating position in your vehicle where you can install the car seat securely, facing the correct direction (forward facing or rear facing) based on your child's age and weight. Ensure that the seat belt is long enough to reach around the car seat and has a locking mechanism to keep it in place. Then, thread the seat belt through the designated belt path on the car seat, making sure it goes behind the correct belt guides and isn't twisted.

Next, buckle the seat belt and ensure it is securely latched. To achieve a proper fit, gently press down on the car seat while pulling the seat belt tight. Double-check that there is no excessive movement or slack in the belt, ensuring a snug and secure installation.

Remember, always consult the car seat's instruction manual for specific installation guidelines as they may vary between models. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to guarantee the best possible fit and safety for your child.

Maxi-Cosi Tuva LX Harnessed Booster (1 - 8 Years) - Onyx

7. Safety

We want to reiterate that all car seats are safe! That is why they can be sold in Australia in the first place! All our models, whether capsule or car seat, have added safety features, going above and beyond standard requirements. From Air Coccon Technology to Air Protect Superior Side Impact Protection, all mechanisms are designed to reduce and protect impact in the unfortunate event of a crash. The Cybex Cloud Q Capsule & Base has achieved the highest safety rating out of all capsules, with its Telescopic System absorbing the force of side impact collision.

FAQs

Are twin strollers suitable for newborns?

Yes, newborns can use our twin strollers. Some models come with convenient features like seats that can be fully reclined or the ability to attach bassinets and baby car seats. This makes it easy to transfer your infants from car to stroller while keeping them safe and comfortable.

Can twin strollers fit through standard doorways?

Most twin strollers are designed to fit through standard doorways, but it depends on the specific model. It’s always a good idea to check the stroller’s size in the product description before purchasing.

What is the weight capacity of a twin stroller?

The weight capacity varies depending on the model, but our twin strollers typically support anywhere from 15 to 50 kg in total weight. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for exact details.

Are twin strollers easy to fold and store?

Most of the twin strollers we offer can be folded compactly for storage. Some models feature a one-hand fold mechanism as well to make them even easier to manage.

Can the seats in twin strollers recline independently?

The Memo stocks twin strollers with independent reclining seats, so each child can rest or sit upright as they prefer. This is a great feature for when one child wants to take a little nap while the other stays awake.

Are twin strollers compatible with car seats?

Many of our twin strollers are compatible with infant car seats from popular brands. We recommend checking each product description for more information.

How much does a twin stroller weigh?

Twin strollers tend to be heavier than single ones, typically weighing between 10 and 15 kg, depending on the model and features.

Do twin strollers have adjustable handlebars?

Yes, many twin strollers come with adjustable handlebars to suit different parent heights, making it more comfortable for you to push the stroller.

Are there any accessories available for twin strollers?

To make your trips even more convenient, some of our models come with add-ons like weather shields, cup holders, and organisers that you can buy separately.

What are the safety features of twin strollers?

A variety of safety features, such as front and rear brakes, five-point harness systems, and safety reflectors, are included with twin strollers. For more comfortable rides, some models also have anti-shock suspension.Check the product information for more details of which features each pram has.