This article was taken from the May 2015 issue of WIRED magazine. Be the first to read WIRED's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.

How we tested

WIRED enlisted seven-month-old Bethany, a full-time baby, and Dr Bashir Qureshi, a fellow of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. The seats were checked for design, weight and time to set up and strap Bethany into the back of a VW Polo. Dr Qureshi saw how comfortable Bethany looked, then WIRED took her for a drive -- and timed the tears.

Silver Cross Simplicity

A rear-facing design with an adjustable five-point harness and headrest, this can grow with a baby to up to 12 months and can be used with Silver Cross pushchair bases. It is roomy enough for heavier babies, although it also has a newborn insert. "This was the simplest to operate and felt the lightest out of all four models," says Dr Qureshi. 7/10 £130

Time to strap seat in24s Time to install seat4m Weight4kg Time until tears 15m

Maxi-Cosi Pebble

This design can fit on to a Maxi-Cosi or Quinny stroller. Getting the handle to recline can be awkward, but once done it's a practical seat to manoeuvre, with a three-point safety harness and built-in Sun shade. It can take a child of up to 12 months, but it already looked snug on Bethany. "I like the protection it gives," says Dr Qureshi. "It also feels sturdy and compact, and is a good price." 8/10 £150

Time to strap seat in17s Time to install seat7m Weight4.1k Time until tears 10m

Doona

The Doona can be converted into a stroller at the pull of a lever – perfect if you don't want to wake baby while switching from car to street. This also frees up boot space. Dr Qureshi liked its generous length and deep, double-walled side-impact protection. "Its orthopaedic structure supports a baby's back, but you wouldn’t want to keep a child in a car seat for more than two hours." 9/10 £300

Time to strap seat in30s Time to install seat6m Weight6.5kg Time until tears 20m

Cybex Sirona

Suitable from birth up until four years (or around 18kg) in the advised rear-facing position, the Sirona will also work front-facing from nine months. Dr Qureshi liked its side protection and that force is evenly distributed to the seat’s chassis. "It's the most expensive and heaviest, but it's spacious and offers all-round protection for a playful baby who may try to wriggle out of it," says Dr Qureshi. 7/10 £375

Time to strap seat in20s Time to install seat5m Weight15kg Time until tears 25m

This article was originally published by WIRED UK