Best 360 spin car seats, as recommended by parents

Buying a baby car seat, a toddler car seat or car seat for an older child can be a bit of a minefield. Whether it’s getting the right size car seat for your child’s age or height, selecting between a forward- or rear-facing seating position or researching the latest i-Size regulations and safety ratings, it can be difficult to know where to start.

360 swivel car seats have grown hugely in popularity and it’s easy to see why. Not only can the seat swivel and rotate towards you, helping you strap your baby into the car with ease, but they come packed with innovative safety features too.

With quick and easy ISOFIX installation or the option to have your child in a rearward facing position for an extended time, there are a wide range of 360 car seats to choose from. We’ve thoroughly researched the best 360 car seats you can buy right now, including tried-and-tested recommendations from the Mumsnet forums.

When it comes to transporting your little one, we've got all the important products covered with our roundups of the best pushchairs, best lightweight strollers, best travel systems, best double buggies, best baby carriers and best baby carrier backpacks, all featuring products that Mumsnetters love.

Best 360 spin car seats at a glance

• Best overall 360 car seat: Joie i-Spin 360 | Buy now

• Best budget 360 car seat: Graco Turn2Me | Buy now

• Best 360 car seat for extended rear-facing travel: Britax Römer Dualfix M 360 i-Size | Buy now

• Best 360 car seat for toddlers: Cybex Sirona Gi i-Size | Buy now

• Best 360 car seat for small cars: Maxi-Cosi AxissFix Plus | Buy now

• Best 360 car seat for newborns: Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 | Buy now

• Best 360 car seat to age 12: Ickle Bubba Radial i-Size Plus | Buy now

• Best 360 car seat for all ages: Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 | Buy now

• Best 360 car seat for safety credentials: Nuna Norr i-Size Car Seat | Buy now

1. Best overall 360 car seat: Joie i-Spin 360

RRP: £280 | Buy now from Boots

Key specs

Suitable from: Birth to 105cm (or four years old); rear-facing from birth to 105cm and forward-facing from 15 months to 105cm | Safety credentials: R129, Smart Ride™ lock-off, Guard Surround Safety™ panels for side impact protection and Tri-Protect™ headrest | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Weight: 13.9kg | Guarantee: Two years

What we like

• Extended rear-facing (till 105cm / 4 years)

• Quick and easy to install using ISOFIX

• Six recline positions, including lie-flat

• Infant inserts and strap pads for comfort

What we don't like

• Due to size, better suited to larger cars or placed behind the passenger seat

• Not the easiest option to get in and out of the car due to shape and size

What Mumsnet users say

“We have the Joie i-Spin 360 and it's brilliant. It lasts until they are about four, so good value too” - recommended by Mumsnet user, Cosybelles

“We have a Joie 360 and it's great. We had it since my daughter was six months. She’s three and a half now and still uses it and is still happy going rear-facing” - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, FrugiFan

Our verdict

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Joie i-Spin 360 review

A great all-rounder, the Joie i-Spin 360 is a popular choice among Mumsnet users thanks to its design, ease of installation and rearward-facing longevity.

Suitable to use from birth, this 360 swivel seat comes with a ‘Grow with me’ insert made of three individual pieces that adapts to your child’s size and body shape as they grow (up to 105cm or approx 4 years).

While it’s a tad bulky to be moved regularly between cars, the ISOFIX provides the added peace of mind of green light indicators that ensure you’ve fitted it correctly. It also has strong side impact protection, so you can be sure your baby will have a safe and comfortable ride.

Read next: The best baby car seats, as recommended by parents

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2. Best budget 360 car seat: Graco Turn2Me

RRP: £150 | Buy now from Boots

Key specs

Suitable from: Birth to approx. 4 years (0-18kg); rearward-facing from 0-18kg (birth to approx. 4 years) and forward-facing from 9-18kg (approx 1 year to approx. 4 years) | Safety credentials: R129, side impact protection, no-rethread harness | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Weight: 13kg | Guarantee: 2 years

What we like

• Similar design to the Joie at a cheaper price

• Shoulder strap hooks help place your child inside with ease

• Integrated colour indicator to show the seat is installed correctly

• 10 recline settings (5 forward and 5 rearward)

What we don't like

• Some reviewers feel the padding isn’t ideal for newborns

• Some reviewers state that the straps tend to get twisted

What Mumsnet users say

“We have just purchased this as a second car seat for my partner's car as it’s virtually identical to the Joie Spin 360 that we already have but cheaper”  - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, Anna9433

Our verdict

If you like the style of the Joie i-Spin 360 but have a smaller budget, the Graco Turn2Me is a cheaper alternative with a similar design. While the safety features aren’t quite as extensive, this seat still boasts a four-star safety rating with ADAC (the German car seat tester that goes beyond European safety credentials).

The ISOFIX connectors make the Graco Turn2Me quick and easy to install, with an indicator that changes colour to reassure you that it’s positioned correctly. With the option to keep your child rearward facing till the age of four, you can easily adjust the headrest to grow with your child without needing to rethread the harness.

While some reviewers share frustration about twisting straps, this seat offers a good alternative to the Joie 360 car seat with a far more affordable price tag.

Read next: Best baby carriers to buy

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3. Best 360 car seat for extended rear-facing travel: Britax Römer Dualfix M 360 i-Size

RRP: £349 | Buy now from John Lewis

Key specs

Suitable from: Birth to 105cm (or age four) – forward-facing from 76-105cm | Safety credentials: R129, Stiftung Warentest (2.1), ADAC (2.1) and ÖAMTC (good) and side impact protection | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Weight: 15kg | Guarantee: Two years

What we like

• Easily accessible rotation mechanism

• 12 recline positions

• Machine-washable seat cover

• Can be used from birth right up to four years

What we don't like

• Takes up significant space

• Tricky to install

• Short seat depth - if your child is tall, you may find they outgrow it before their fourth birthday

What Mumsnet users say

“We love our Britax Romer Dualfix M i-size. Feels incredibly safe, their safety standards go beyond EU regulations. My son finds it very comfy” - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, darcey87

“I’ve got a Britax Dualfix M i-Size and a Joie 360. I much prefer the Britax (we have one in each car), it’s much better quality than the Joie. The Britax harness is nicer and easier to adust, the swivel is easier and it just looks and feels better. If I only had one I’d have the Britax” - recommended by Mumsnet user, Megan2018

Our verdict

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Britax Römer Dualfix 360 i-Size review

Britax Römer's Dualfix M i-Size is a great option for parents with a large car that want to keep their child rear-facing for as long as possible. Suitable from birth thanks to its tailored newborn insert, it can be used rearward facing till your child is around four years old.

It’s a large and bulky seat, so while it takes up significant space, it’s a well-padded seat offering 12 recline positions to ensure a comfortable ride whether your baby is sleeping or wide awake during your travels. Some Mumsnet users find this seat tricky to install, but once fitted, they love the smooth swivel and easy-to-adjust harness.

Read next: Best car seats for four-year-olds

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4. Best 360 car seat for toddlers: Cybex Sirona Gi i-Size

RRP: £325 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Suitable from: From 61 to 105 cm (approx. 3 months to 4 years) or from birth (40cm) with the newborn inlay which is sold separately | Safety credentials: i-Size (R129), integrated Linear Side-impact Protection (LSP), energy reduction technology for safer forward-facing, travel rear-facing for longer | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Weight: 13kg | Guarantee: 3 years

What we like

• 360-degree rotation for easy boarding

• Integrated air ventilation and mesh fabrics (Plus version)

• Five recline positions (for each direction)

• Fast one-click installation

• Plush padded seat

• Good value for money

What we don't like

• 360-degree rotation mechanism sometimes quite stiff

• Limits how much the adult seat in front can move or recline

• Unsuitable for babies under three months unless newborn insert bought separately

What Mumsnet users say

“We had a Cybex Sirona. Was a great seat, easy to use and sturdy. Lasted until my daughter was 4.5” - recommended by Mumsnet user, ISeeTheLight

Our verdict

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Cybex Sirona Gi i-Size review

Cybex has a great reputation for safety, and the Cybex Sirona Gi i-Size is no exception. A strong and sturdy 360 car seat with simple ISOFIX installation, it offers Linear Side-impact Protection (LSP) for increased safety in the event of a side-impact collision.

It also uses energy reduction technology, which improves the safety performance of the Sirona Gi i-Size during forward-facing travel if you choose to switch the car seat to forward-facing from 15 months.

Our tester, Laura, loved the plush and breathable seat fabrics as well as the 360-degree rotation, however she felt that the rotating mechanism could have been smoother. 

She says, “By far its most useful feature is the 360-degree rotation, which, in my opinion, is a must for getting my toddler in and out of her car seat. With that said, the 360 mechanism is stiffer than that on the Joie i-Spin 360, and is the only real frustration I have with this seat."

While you’ll need to buy the insert (sold separately) if using with a newborn, the Cybex Sirona Gi i-Size offers 12 adjustable heights on the headrest, allowing it to easily adapt to your child as they grow. There’s also a choice of five recline positions which can be adjusted one-handed - a real plus if your child tends to nap in the car.

Read next: The best travel systems to buy

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5. Best 360 car seat for small cars: Maxi-Cosi AxissFix Plus

RRP: £290 | Buy now from Kiddies Kingdom

Key specs

Suitable from: 4 months to 18kg/105cm (approximately 4 years); rear-facing until 87cm (approx 2 years) | Safety credentials: i-Size (R129), impact-absorbing materials and side impact protection | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Weight: 12.45kg | Guarantee: 2 years

What we like

• Smooth and accessible 360 rotation

• Easy one-handed height adjustment

• Simple ISOFIX installation

What we don't like

• Only suitable as a rear-facing seat until 87cm (around two years of age)

• Unsuitable for babies under 4 months

What Mumsnet users say

“I have a Maxi-Cosi AxissFix and wouldn't hesitate to buy the same again. The mechanism is still smooth after a lot of use (constant use for 4 yrs). It has a good deep recline and hooks to hold the straps out of the way” - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, Happycow

“I bought the Maxi Cosi Axxisfix and I wish I had it for my older kids (they weren't a thing when they were babies). It's so much easier, saves your back and is a dream for getting them in or out when they are sleeping. I wouldn't be without one again if we were to have another baby. I highly recommend one to everyone” - recommended by Mumsnet user, cookiemonster5

Our verdict

With a sleek and compact design and a smaller footprint than many 360 seats, the MaxiCosi is a popular choice for those looking for a safe, accessible seat in a smaller car.

With a central control panel for easy rotation and smart belt hooks, it makes getting your baby in and out of the car a breeze. With seven headset positions and four recline options, combined with a comfortable padded shoulder, belt and crotch pads, this is a comfortable seat for babies aged four months plus. The downside? Due to the smaller size, it's only suitable as a rear-facing seat until two years of age.

Read next: The best car sunshades to buy

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6. Best 360 car seat for newborns: Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360

RRP: £230 | Buy now from Boots

Key specs

Suitable from: Birth to 83cm (around 15 months old) | Safety credentials: i-Size (R129), integrated side impact protection | Fixing system: ISOFIX (with Family Fix 360 Base) or seatbelt | Weight: 3.9kg | Guarantee: 2 years

What we like

• Travel system compliant (with Quinny or Maxi Cosi pushchairs)

• Clear and simple fitting instructions (with a seatbelt or Family Fix 360 base

• Lightweight and portable

What we don't like

• Base sold separately

• Child may outgrow it quickly so consider value for money

Our verdict

One of the biggest frustrations of 360 car seats for parents is that most are fixed to the base - not ideal if your newborn falls asleep in the car. The Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 offers a removable seat which is travel system compliant, allowing you to remove it from the base and attach it to a compatible travel system when you reach your destination.

With a padded newborn insert and integrated side impact protection, it offers significant comfort for your baby, while being a lightweight and portable option should you need to switch between cars. It does have a shorter lifespan than some 360 models, but you can upgrade later to the Maxi Cosi Pearl 360 which is suitable for up to four years.

Read next: The best bike seats for babies, toddlers and kids

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7. Best 360 car seat to age 12: Ickle Bubba Radial i-Size Plus

RRP: £189 | Buy now from Amazon

Key specs

Suitable from: Birth to 150cm (approximately 12 years) | Safety credentials: i-Size (R129), standing support leg for stability, side impact protection, travel rear-facing for longer | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Weight: 11.6kg | Guarantee: 2 years

What we like

• Grows with your child (up to 150cm)

• Extended rear-facing

• Good value for money

• Easy to clean

What we don't like

• Heavy to manoeuvre

• Bulky base

• Not initially clear how to locate or use swivel function

What Mumsnet users say

“Both the headrest and harness height can be adjusted to suit as your child grows which is such a useful feature. I also appreciate that the headrest can move up or down using just one hand by pulling on a pull cord at the top of the seat.” - Sarah, parent tester

Our verdict

Tested by Mumsnet: Read our full Ickle Bubba Radial i-Size Plus review

Packed with impressive features such as a 360-degree swivel, three recline positions and removable harness, the Ickle Bubba Radial i-Size Plus is a high-performing 360 spin car seat.

It lasts from birth till age 12, so offers a long lifespan for parents who don’t want to shell out for a separate toddler car seat and then another car seat to last into the tweens. One huge benefit is that it also allows for extended rear-facing travel up to 105cm, which is around age four.

While she found it tricky to work out how to swivel the seat and where to tuck the harness once her four-year-old had outgrown it, our tester Sarah says, “The Ickle Bubba is stable once correctly fitted and, once the straps were securely tightened, my toddler couldn't wriggle his arms out of the seatbelt. The seat itself is comfortably cushioned and can be adjusted to accommodate my son's growing frame, ensuring he remains well-supported and protected at every stage.”

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8. Best 360 car seat for all ages: Silver Cross Motion All Size 360

RRP: £395 | Buy now from Boots

Key specs

Suitable from: Birth to approximately 12 years | Safety credentials: i-Size (R129/03), side impact protection | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Weight: 14.4kg | Guarantee: 3 years

What we like

• One seat from birth to age 12 - excellent value for money

• Recently voted ADAC's best baby, toddler and child (multi-stage) car seat

• Easy installation

What we don't like

• Heavy (better used as a fixed seat)

• Your child may prefer a booster seat

Our verdict

At the time of writing, the Silver Cross Motion All Size 360 car seat is the only R129 i-size compliant multi-stage 360 car seat, suitable from birth right up to 12 years of age. It has recently been named the best baby, toddler and child car seat in ADAC’s 2022 Autumn Test.

Made from natural bamboo fabrics, the seat quickly and easily adapts to your child as they grow, with a removable newborn insert, stow away harness and eight adjustable headrest positions. In terms of value for money, you can’t get much better, however, it’s best to keep this fixed in one car due to its weight and size. Older children may also prefer a more upright seating position, so there’s no guarantee it will be used for its full recommended lifespan.

Read next: The best baby carrier backpacks, as recommended by parents

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9. Best 360 car seat for safety credentials: Nuna Norr i-Size Car Seat

RRP: £425 | Buy now from Kiddies Kingdom

Key specs

Suitable from: Birth to 4 years| Safety credentials: i-Size (R129), steel strength technology and automatic side impact shield and voluntary Swedish PLUS test | Fixing system: ISOFIX | Weight: 14.30 kg | Guarantee: 2 years

What we like

• i-Size compliant and passed additional Sweedish PLUS test

• Enhanced side impact protection and steel strength to protect upon impact

• Premium ventilated fabrics

What we don't like

• Costly

• Large/bulky size and weight

What Mumsnet users say

“I loved ours, lasted both kids and rear faced until four” - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, shouldbesleepingnotscrolling

“We have the Nuna Norr which goes from birth to 4 years. It spins 360 but only locks in place as rear-facing. I-size and Swedish road test approved so excellent safety credentials” - recommended by Mumsnet user, FightMilkTM

Our verdict

If you’re looking for a 360 car seat with excellent safety credentials, then look no further, they don’t come much more extensive than the Nuna Norr. Not only does this seat offer i-Size ISOFIX technology, but it’s also been through stringent Swedish safety tests that go above and beyond European standards.

With steel strength technology, automatic side impact shields and failsafe ISOFIX installation, your baby will be safe and comfortable from birth to around 4 years of age.

This seat also boasts premium fabrics that are ventilated to ensure your child doesn’t overheat on mild days. If your baby is prone to nodding off in the car, the 7-position recline allows you to adjust the seat to suit their needs.

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What is a 360 car seat?

A 360-degree car seat is a car seat that swivels or rotates a full 360 degrees. A 360 car seat allows you to turn the seat towards the door before clicking back into your chosen direction of travel - rear or forward facing.

What are the benefits of using a 360 car seat?

The main benefits of a 360 car seat are accessibility. The swivel nature of the seat means it can be turned towards the door, making getting your child in and out of the seat a breeze - you won't have to stretch or place strain on your back. If you have mobility issues or are recovering from a c-section - this feature can be especially useful.

Unlike 90 or 180-degree swivel seats, 360 car seats allow parents to choose between forward-facing and rearward-facing seating positions, rotating the entire unit in a few simple steps without needing to unclip or reinstall the seat.

Is a front-facing or a rear-facing car seat safer?

Having your child rearward facing for as long as possible is recommended as it offers greater protection in the event of an accident, particularly for your child’s head, neck and spine.

How to choose the best 360 car seat

• What age is it suitable for? Most 360 car seats are suitable from birth, but some require newborn inserts (sold separately) or are only suitable for older babies (4 months plus). Check the age specifications carefully before you buy to ensure they meet your needs.

• Is it travel system compliant? Due to their weight and size, very few 360 car seats are travel system compliant (with the exception of the Maxi Cosi Pebble 360). Consider what’s more important to you - taking the car seat out of the car or being able to get them in and out easily as required.

• How long can your baby be rearward facing? If you intend to keep your child rearward facing for as long as possible, check the full specifications of each seat. Some 360 car seats, such as the Maxi Cosi Axiss Fix Plus can only be used rearward facing until two years, which may not meet your needs.

• Is the base included? Most 360 car seats include the base and seat as one entire unit, but some have separate ISOFIX bases which you’ll need to factor into your purchase.

• How easy is it to rotate? How does the seat rotate? Does it have panels or levels on the side or at the front? Front panels are often easier to operate, but the more simple the mechanism the better.

• How easy is it to install? Does the car seat have an ISOFIX base and are there colour indicators for peace of mind?

• How big is it? If you intend to move the seat between cars, or have a particularly small vehicle, it’s worth checking the size. 360 car seats tend to be larger and heavier than their fixed-seat counterparts.

What’s the best 360 car seat to buy?

When it comes to the best 360 car seat, Mumsnet users really rate both the Joie 360 i-Spin and the Britax Romer Dualfix. It’s hard to separate the two, but with a slightly cheaper price tag and a less complex install, the Joie i-Spin 360 gets our vote as the best 360 car seat you can buy today.

How we chose our recommendations

We spent several hours sifting through Mumsnet's forums for our users' recommendations on the best 360 car seats that they have used and rated. We were also on the lookout for poor reviews of products to avoid.

We consulted recommendations from experts, consumer websites and print media and ensured we included brands that regularly appeared in the top 10 lists.

We then looked at reviews for our longlisted 360 car seats to check if those previous customers were satisfied with their purchases.

By doing this, we whittled our longlist down and chose a selection of products that we think offer something for everybody.

Why you should trust us

At Mumsnet, we believe parents should be able to access impartial and honest advice about products and services they may purchase.

We consult real parents as well as experts so we can offer the benefit of honest experience and we don’t take payment for our reviews from companies.

Our team of writers is made up of experienced consumer and parenting journalists who between them have a wealth of experience and knowledge at their fingertips.

About the author

Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, as well as several other online publications including US parenting site Pregistry and the Evening Standard, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of baby products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help parents make confident purchases that benefit their families.

Lucy has personal experience of researching, buying and using car seats with her own children, including the first car seats compatible with her travel system to 360-degree swivel seats and the multi-stage car seats that her children, aged six and 10, still use today.

About the editor

Laura Westerman is an editor, writer, Deputy Head of Editorial Content at Mumsnet and mum to a two-year-old. With a passion for car seat safety, she has created trusted car seat buying advice for Mumsnet for the last five years, working with experts and testers to bring parents the most up-to-date car seat guidance and product recommendations.