360 Car Seat: Pros, Cons, and Buying Tips

Any parent who has tried to get their small child in to or out of a car seat will know they have the uncanny ability to transform into an octopus from time to time.

Extra limbs seem to appear from nowhere, with yourself and the child ending up in some strange positions.

This has led to the rise of the 360 car seat. With more and more of these on the market, we wanted to have a look at the pros, cons and any tips on what to look out for when trying to decide if you should buy one.

What are swivel car seats?

Quite simply, a swivel car seat is one that has the ability to rotate on the base. The clue is in the name really.

More often than not, these bases come with Isofix connectors, so are very secure and not going anywhere.

Those with the swivel function allow you to spin the seat so it is easier to get your child into and out of the seat. Or, if you have a small baby, to allow you to turn the seat so they are facing the rear of the vehicle. Then as they get older, you can have their seat facing the front.

There are some car seat swivel systems which only turn 180 degrees – the ones which make like easier getting them in and out of the car.

Whilst others turn the full 360 – the ones which can be used for front or rear facing.

Rotating Car Seats: Pros

Rotating car seats can be convenient and safe for both you and your child, with benefits including: 

• Easy to secure children

You can rotate the seat to face you, which makes it easier to strap in your child and check that the belt is secure. 

• Comfort for children

Some models can adjust to rear-facing or forward-facing positions. Some also include features like infant inserts and adjustable headrests. 

• Travel system compatibility

Some rotating car seats can be used on a pushchair – clipping into the base of the chair. Which can be useful for quick trips. 

• Easy cleaning

Most rotating car seats have detachable covers that are machine washable

Rotating Car Seats: Cons

Rotating car seats have some potential downsides, including: 

• Installation

They can be more difficult to install than standard convertible car seats. For example, one reviewer had to remove another car seat to make space for a rotating car seat in their midsize SUV. 

• Weight

They can be heavy to move around due to them being attached to a rotating base. The average weight is around 10kg. If you have 2 cars in the family and need to move them, this is worth taking into account.

• Price

They can be more expensive than nonrotating seats from the same brands. On average around £250 - £400.

• Operation

It can be difficult to operate the rotating function one-handed while holding a child. 

360 Swivel Car Seats: What to consider

When it comes down to deciding if a swivel car seat is the right option for you, it is best to thoroughly do your research.

As well as the general pros and cons that have been listed above, each individual brand and model will have nuances to the design and functionality that you should take into consideration.

Buying a car seat, with a swivel function or not, is one of the most important things you can do.

So, ensuring that the car seat that you decide upon meets your needs, meets regulations and if comfortable for your little one is paramount.

To view the latest UK laws, visit the .gov website.