Car seat for newborns: 6 cosy 0-13 kg rated by ADAC tests
Cosy, shell seat, or 0+ group: three terms for the same infant car seat designed for newborns and now meeting i-Size standards. We’ve gathered six models for 0–13 kg weight range, rated based on TCS/ADAC tests. From budget options to premium models, complete with actual ratings and current prices.
Cosy, shell seats, i-Size: what you need to know before buying
"0–13 kg" and 0+ group: the old R44 standard is being phased out
"0+ group" and "0–13 kg" refer to the now-retired R44 standard. The market has shifted to i-Size. "0–13 kg" is still used out of habit, as parents often search for it.
i-Size (R129): measured in cm, not weight
The i-Size standard is measured in centimeters, not kilograms. A newborn car seat generally covers 40-75, 40-83, or 40-87 cm. The higher the range, the longer the seat will serve. A 40-87 cm model can be used with the child until around 24 months.
Back facing the road and airbag: two non-negotiable rules
Back facing the road is required throughout the 0-13 kg weight range. It protects the baby’s neck in case of a collision. In the front seat, the passenger airbag must be disabled first. Without this step, the front seat is not suitable for the car seat.
Reading an ADAC rating: lower is better
ADAC rates seats from 0.6 to 5.5. A rating between 0.6 and 1.5 is considered “very good,” while 1.6 to 2.5 is “good.” Each rating applies to a specific configuration: seat alone or with a base. The two are not combined.
Cosy and electric car compatible. Electric vehicle platforms often feature a flat floor and long wheelbase. As a result, there’s more space at the back for a rear-facing seat and its base. Before installing the baby, you can pre-condition the cabin using the app, so the child enters a already temperature-controlled car.
A quick look at our selection of 0-13 kg cosy seats
We’ve selected six seats rated by the TCS/ADAC testing consortium. Each rating applies to a specific configuration: seat alone or with base. On the ADAC scale, lower scores indicate better performance.
Model
Role
ADAC rating (tested configuration)
Approximate price
Joie i-Snug 2
Low price
2.0 (seat alone, May 2023)
starting at ~119 €
Joie Sprint
Top rating in 2025, with built-in ISOFIX
1.8 (May 2025)
starting at 187.90 € all inclusive
Cybex Cloud G i-Size
Ecosystem, 40-87 cm
1.8 (with Base G, May 2024)
Shell starting at 228.90 €
Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360
Pivoting from birth
1.8 (with FamilyFix 360, Oct. 2021)
Shell starting at 149.88 €
Nuna Pipa Next
Evolvable system (NEXT base)
1.8 (with Base Next, May 2022)
Starting at ~220 €
Foppapedretti Disk Infant
ADAC 2026 winner
1.9 (with base, May 2026)
Starting at ~199 €
Also read
Which electric cars offer 3 real car seat positions in the back in 2026?
The budget option: Joie i-Snug 2
The affordable entry-level model scores a safety sub-score of 1.5 (“very good”) in the ADAC test. It costs around 120 to 150 euros for the seat shell alone. It weighs 3.2 kg and fits into a three-point seat belt, making it suitable for use in taxis or car-sharing services. An i-Base Advance base is available as an option.
Size/weight: 40-75 cm (approximately 12 months old), 3.2 kg.
ADAC rating: 2.0 (seat shell only, May 2023), safety score 1.5.
Price: starting at 119 euros for the seat shell (as of 25/08/2026).
Strollers: Joie range available directly, with others available via “standard Maxi-Cosi” adapters.
The seat belt attachment works in taxis or older cars. However, almost all electric vehicles come equipped with ISOFIX. For daily use, a base provides greater stability.
Best rating in 2025, with integrated ISOFIX: Joie Sprint
The seat shell integrates the ISOFIX connectors directly. Translation: no need to add a separate base costing 150 or 250 euros. It achieved an ADAC rating of 1.8, ranking first among the seats tested in 2025. Expect a total price of around 188 euros. Compared to packs priced at 400 or 500 euros, this is a strong advantage.
Size/weight: 40-75 cm (~12 months), 4.1 kg.
ADAC rating: 1.8 (May 2025).
Price: starting at 187.90 euros inclusive (checked on 25/08/2026).
Strollers: Joie series, with the Parcel + Sprint travel system pack available.
The built-in ISOFIX reduces the load when carrying it from the parking lot to the car. The benefit is noticeable in everyday use.
The long-term ecosystem: Cybex Cloud G i-Size (+ Base G)
The Cloud G scores 1.8 from ADAC with its Base G. When not in use, the seat folds flat: the baby sleeps better in the stroller. Its size range of 40-87 cm suits children up to about 24 months old. Cybex’s ecosystem follows with the Priam, Mios, and Balios strollers.
Size/weight: 40-87 cm (~24 months), 4.0 kg.
ADAC rating: 1.8 with Base G (May 2024), safety score of 1.7.
Price: starting at 228.90 € for the seat, base sold separately (as of 25/08/2026).
Strollers: Cybex range available via direct link, Babyzen Yoyo through adapters.
The flat position is useful during charging breaks: the baby can lie down without leaving their seat.
The swiveling newborn stroller: Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 (+ FamilyFix 360)
The FamilyFix 360 base rotates toward the door. The baby can be installed without twisting. This duo scored 1.8 from ADAC. It also serves as a natural link to our rotating seatback series. In terms of price, the base currently costs around 150 €.
Size/weight: 40-83 cm (~15 months), 4.6 kg.
ADAC rating: 1.8 for FamilyFix 360 (Oct. 2021), safety rating of 1.6.
Price: Starting at 149.88 € for the base (as of 25/08/2026).
Strollers: Very wide compatibility, directly or via adapters, including Yoyo.
The rotation toward the door is helpful in tight spaces near a curb. The baby can be loaded on the sidewalk side without strain.
Also read
Used: Which electric family sedan to choose under 40,000 €
The expandable system: Nuna Pipa Next (+ Base Next)
The Pipa Next belongs to Nuna’s NEXT system. A single base, the Base Next, is used for multiple seats in the early years. The seat is replaced as the child grows, not the base. The seat shell can be installed on the base or on a belt, making it suitable for use in taxis as well as in cars without ISOFIX.
Size/weight: 40-83 cm (~18 months), 3.3 kg (2.8 kg without the reducer or canopy).
ADAC rating: 1.8 with Base Next (May 2022).
Price: approximately 220 € for the seat shell, base sold separately (verify before purchasing).
Strollers: Nuna’s own range directly, Yoyo and others via adapters.
The base with leg support must rest on a solid floor. In an electric vehicle, the flat floor above the battery works fine. Just ensure there is no storage tray under the feet.
ADAC 2026 Winner: Foppapedretti Disk Infant i-Size
The Disk Infant scores 1.9 with its base in the May 2026 test, surpassing more well-known brands. This Italian brand has been around since 1945 but remains rare in France. It represents the “hidden gem no one expects” category.
Size/weight: 40-87 cm, shell compatible with belt or base
ADAC rating: 1.9 with Tech i-Size base, 2.2 for the shell alone (May 2026)
Price: around 199 € for the shell
Strollers: Foppapedretti range via adapters; third-party compatibility to verify
Also read
7-seater electric cars: top 6 best models for families
Strollers to avoid (and why)
Mentioning models that failed tests adds credibility to a selection. Here are three notable examples from recent ADAC tests.
Kinderkraft Mink Pro 2 + base Mink FX2: In the front crash test in May 2026, the seat shell separated from its base. It then left the seat together with the dummy. The perfect counterexample.
Maxi-Cosi Nomad Plus: Failed in October 2025 (rating of 4.6). The reasons were front crashes and PFAS contamination in batches produced before March 2025. This is noted even though two Maxi-Cosi models are included in the selection.
Silver Cross Glide Plus 360: The seat shell alone received a rating of 2.4. With its swiveling base, the overall rating dropped to 3.1 (May 2026). Thus, a base can reduce protection levels.
The takeaway: The rating always refers to the tested configuration, including the base.
Travel systems: attaching the seat shell to the stroller
A travel system is a shell that clips onto a stroller frame. You can switch from driving to walking without waking the baby. The Joie Parcel + Sprint set remains an affordable option with a highly rated shell.
In terms of compatibility, one standard dominates. Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, or Nuna shells can be clipped onto a Babyzen Yoyo using adapters. Always check the exact model of the adapter before purchasing.
Cosy and baby shell: frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a cosy, a shell, and a carrier?
"Cosy" and "shell" refer to the same thing: a rear-facing car seat for newborns. A carrier, on the other hand, is an elongated cradle that provides less protection in case of a side impact. For use in the car, the shell remains the standard choice.
Can a shell be clipped onto a Babyzen Yoyo?
Yes, with the provided adapters. Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, and Nuna car seats are commonly attached to it. Check the specific compatibility of your model before ordering.
Is an ISOFIX base mandatory?
No, not always. The Joie Sprint comes with ISOFIX without a base. The i-Snug 2 and Nuna Pipa Next also accept seat belts. Other car seats, however, require their own base.
Can a baby seat be installed in the front?
Yes, but under one strict condition. The passenger airbag must be disabled before installation. Without this step, it is prohibited to use the front seat for a baby facing away from the road.
How long can a baby stay in a car seat?
Avoid exceeding 1.5 to 2 hours continuously. The semi-reclined position strains the baby’s back. Take regular breaks during long trips.
Until what age should a baby seat be used?
It depends on the child’s size, not their age. A seat cover sized 40-75 cm will last about 12 months. A model sized 40-87 cm will last up to around 24 months.
Can a car seat fit in an electric city car?
Yes, without any problem in most cases. The flat floor of electric models even leaves space at the back. Make sure to check the available length for a rear-facing seat cover and its base.
For more information
Are you looking for a seat that will last beyond birth? Our guide on ISOFIX pivotable car seats covers models for 0-105 cm. For older children, our guide to child car seats for 100-150 cm is available.
