Winner:PLATINUM - Best Car Seat Design
Who:Multimac
What:Minimac ERF
Why:
This impressive three to four seat-wide car seat created a huge buzz at the JDA’s. Parents of multiple children were particularly in awe of how much simpler life could be with a Minimac ERF on board. This new version of the classic forward-facing Multimac (still in production) means that parents can opt for a row of rear-facing car seats – now a legal requirement up to 15 months. The judges praised the innovation and clever design that went into accommodating larger rear facing seats and the strict safety testing that this seat passed with flying colours.
"A genuinely innovative idea that solves a real problem for families."
"I have four kids… I think this is amazing."
"A brilliant adaptation of the original Multimac that makes it rear-facing friendly, very safe and useful for longer."
"The MultiMac Minimac ERF is a genuinely innovative product that addresses a significant challenge for growing families by enabling extended rear-facing travel without requiring a larger vehicle. The engineering behind the design is particularly impressive, combining a narrow aluminium construction with exceptional strength to maximise space while maintaining high levels of safety."
Winner:JOINT GOLD - Best Car Seat Design
Who:Axkid
What:Zero Pro
Why:
Our judges were super impressed by Axkid’s Zero Pro, an R129/i-Size infant carrier for babies from birth to around 12 months, complete with insert for smaller newborns. The panel admired the energy-absorbing EPP construction that keeps it ultra-light at just 2.5kg, plus the one-hand adjustable headrest and integrated side-impact protection. With a 180° swivel ISOFIX base and universal stroller compatibility, this seat was praised for being easy to install and versatile for family life.
"A well-designed seat with a clear focus on safety and quality."
"The Axkid Zero Pro is a thoughtfully engineered infant carrier that successfully balances safety, comfort and everyday practicality. Its lightweight construction, combined with R129/i-Size compliance and energy-absorbing materials, demonstrates a clear focus on protecting young children while making daily use easier for parents."
"An excellent car seat that looks good, carries light and gives great peace of mind."
Winner:JOINT GOLD - Best Car Seat Design
Who:CYBEX
What:Cloud G3
Why:
This sleek infant car seat built for comfort, safety and versatility really impressed the JDA panel. Top marks were awarded for its 180° rotation and one-click release for easy, stress free in-and-out access. The integrated mesh ventilation to keep babies cool in the plus version of this seat was also much admired. Airplane-certified, this is a car seat supports seamless travel and is built for longevity accompanying children from birth to four years old.
"A beautifully designed car seat that feels premium, modern and incredibly well finished."
"The CYBEX Cloud G3 is a well-engineered infant car seat that combines high levels of safety, comfort and everyday practicality. Features such as the 180° rotation, ergonomic lie-flat position, all-round ventilation and lightweight construction demonstrate a strong understanding of the needs of both parents and young children. The compatibility with the Modular G3 system also provides a practical long-term solution as children grow."
"An incredibly well designed, ergonomic seat that has a sleek, streamlined look. A great long-term investment."
Winner:JOINT SILVER - Best Car Seat Design
Who:Axid
What:Minikid Core
Why:
Our judges were excited to discover this rear-facing car seat with excellent longevity – suitable from newborn to 7 years – that doesn’t require the limitations of an Isofix. This seat was also praised for its exemplary safety standards, including Swedish Plus Test approval. The judges really liked the simple design and felt the fuss-free installation would make travel in different vehicles so much easier, allowing for spontaneous plans without compromising on safety.
"A really strong all-round product. It feels premium, well made, reassuringly safe and it looks nice too."
"A well-engineered, safety-led product that successfully combines extended rear-facing protection with practical everyday usability. It offers families a durable and thoughtfully designed solution that balances safety, comfort and long-term value."
"This makes rear-facing an easy option for parents who don’t want to commit to an isofix and do want the ease of using their car’s existing seat belt system. So clever."
Winner:JOINT SILVER - Best Car Seat Design
Who:BeSafe
What:Stretch²
Why:
The JDA panel agreed that the BeSafe more than lives up to its name when it comes to rigorous safety testing. Having passed the demanding Plus Test carried out with larger dummies and extra weight loads, features like the Dynamic Force Absorber™, SIP+ side impact protection and a rigid, energy-absorbing frame were proven to deliver outstanding protection from every angle. Designed to keep children safely rear-facing until around seven years old (125cm/36kg), far beyond typical safety standards, this car seat is a great choice for parents who want to guarantee they’re following the latest safety guidelines.
"A car seat that gives children from six months up to seven years old the ability to sit rear facing makes this a brilliant choice for parents who want a one-buy approach to long term safety."
"The focus on extended rear-facing is a real strength and gives parents more choice. A great option for parents looking for a long-lasting, safety-focused car seat."
"The BeSafe Stretch² is an impressive example of engineering-led product design, combining exceptional safety credentials with thoughtful everyday functionality. The extended rear-facing capability up to approximately seven years addresses a genuine safety challenge, encouraging families to keep children rear-facing for longer while maintaining comfort as they grow."
