Silver Cross Approach Plus 360 car seat review

The Silver Cross Approach Plus 360 i-Size is a rotating car seat suitable from birth to around 4 years (19.5kg/105cm), designed for easier side loading and extended rear-facing travel. Used with the separately sold Base Plus 360, it includes multi-position recline, a removable newborn insert, adjustable headrest and harness, plus ventilation panels for improved airflow.

This Silver Cross Approach Plus 360 retails at around £295, with the Base Plus 360 costing an additional £200, bringing the total bundle price closer to £495 — placing it firmly in the premium rotating car seat category, similar to seats like the Cybex Cloud T and Base T (£399.90) and the Thule Elm and Alfi Base (£568). The Base Plus 360 is also compatible with the Silver Cross Glide Plus 360 Car Seat, meaning it can be reused as your child grows, which helps spread the cost if you plan to stay within the Silver Cross 360 range.

How easy is it to install the Silver Cross Approach Plus 360 car seat?

For me, installation felt surprisingly straightforward once I realised the ISOFIX base does most of the installation work. The seat clicks into place securely and the coloured indicators are clear enough that you don’t spend ages second-guessing yourself.

The ISOFIX arms locked into the points in my VW Polo quickly and once the support leg was adjusted, the base didn’t budge — even when I tried to wobble it. That solid feel made a real difference to my peace of mind.

I did watch the Silver Cross video tutorial first, which was simple and reassuring and it boosted my confidence before installation. It’s easy to adjust and install overall, but I would recommend visual aids over using the written manual.

How does it work for a young baby?

The newborn insert immediately feels protective and secure. It has a cocoon-like quality that makes you feel as though your baby is held securely without being restricted. My 2 month old sat comfortably with a natural posture and didn’t slump forward at all, which was something I’ve worried about in other seats. The recline angle is gentle enough for their head to stay back and I didn’t notice any awkward chin-to-chest positioning, even when they fell asleep.

Getting a delicate baby in and out was much easier thanks to the 360 swivel; I didn’t have to lean awkwardly into the car or twist my back trying to buckle them in (something I’ve suffered with using alternative seats). It’s one of those features that sounds like a luxury but feels like a complete sanity-saver during daily life. Short trips were cosy and fuss-free and on longer weekend drives, my baby stayed asleep with no red marks or sweaty patches afterwards.

What’s the 360° swivel like?

The rotation is smooth and controlled, not loose or wobbly. A quick squeeze of the button allows you to turn the seat towards you, which immediately removes the most frustrating part of car seats: awkwardly wrestling with straps in a cramped doorway.

Being able to load your child straight from the side makes everyday use noticeably easier. I’ve tested non-rotating car seats before and once you’ve used a 360 seat, it’s very hard to go back. For everyday convenience, especially with a young baby, I would choose a rotating seat every time.

How adjustable is the seat?

The headrest moves up and down smoothly with one hand and the harness adjusts with it — which means no tricky threading and no worrying whether you’ve put it back correctly. It grows gradually with your child rather than requiring large adjustment steps, so it feels naturally and accurately sized at every stage.

The recline options are easy to find and smooth to change, although I found I mostly stuck with two positions: a deeper recline for naps and a more upright position for everyday trips. The seat definitely feels like it’s built to grow with your child without needing major adjustments every few months.

How does it feel day-to-day?

Day-to-day, this is the kind of seat you simply leave in the car and rely on for every journey. The swivel and easy tightening of the harness make getting my baby in and out quickly. I have friends who prefer seats that they can easily remove from the car (without disturbing a sleeping baby), but that doesn’t bother me. That said, I wouldn’t want to move the seat between cars often. It’s quite heavy and its solid structure is reassuring when fixed in place, but awkward to lift out repeatedly.

In terms of size, it fits fine in a VW Polo, but I couldn’t fit it alongside two other car seats in our larger 4x4, which shows how wide the seat is. For families with three children needing seats side by side, it’s probably not the best option. For everyday use with one or two children, though, it’s genuinely practical and feels like a reliable choice.

How do you rate the safety features of the Silver Cross Approach Plus 360?

Silver Cross is known for having strong safety standards and you really notice that when your child is strapped in. The padding is thick but not restrictive and the Side Impact Protection feels genuinely sturdy and effective. The newborn insert gives full-body support, especially around the head and torso, which adds confidence when driving on busy roads.

The safety indicators on the ISOFIX base are reassuring, especially when you’re rushing and need to double-check at a glance. The harness tightens smoothly with a firm, secure pull, and I never felt unsure about whether my baby was strapped in properly. For long drives, especially on motorways, the combination of rear-facing up to four years and the deep, protective padding definitely makes this a seat I’d trust without hesitation.

What’s the design and build quality like?

The fabrics immediately feel soft and cosy, with a breathable finish that helps prevent little ones from getting sweaty, even on longer journeys. Everyday spills wipe away easily with a cloth, which is handy if you’re constantly juggling snacks and milk bottles. The padding feels substantial rather than just "pretty", giving a cushioned, cocooned feel around the baby’s head and hips.

Both the insert and seat materials look and feel premium, with a sturdy shell that doesn’t flex when you push against it. Overall, it gives the impression of a seat built to last several years without worrying about wear and tear.

The covers are genuinely easy to take off, and machine washing them doesn’t feel like a chore you’ll put off forever. For day-to-day mess, most spills wipe off without leaving stains or smudges, which is essential once snacks become part of every car journey. While there are a few creases where crumbs can collect, they’re not deep or awkward to reach, so you won’t need a hoover on standby all the time.

What’s in the box?

• Silver Cross Approach Plus 360 car seat
• Removable newborn insert with head and torso padding
• User manual and installation instructions

Note: The Silver Cross Base Plus 360 (£200) is sold separately, and is required for installation.

How sustainable is the Silver Cross Approach Plus 360?

Silver Cross focuses more on durability than recycled fabrics, which means the seat is designed to last multiple children rather than wear out after one baby.

The packaging is mainly recyclable cardboard with minimal plastic, which is good to see when buying large baby gear. While the fabrics aren’t marketed as eco-certified or made from recycled fibres, the real sustainability benefit lies in its longevity — this is a seat that easily feels robust enough to be handed down to siblings and still feel like a "new" seat.

Is the Silver Cross Approach Plus 360 worth the money?

For families prioritising quality, comfort and everyday ease of use, this seat feels like a worthwhile investment. Cheaper rotating seats exist, but many lack the same level of padding, ventilation or sturdiness and they don’t offer the same level of newborn support.

It’s a particularly strong choice for families with one or two children who want a seat they’ll rely on daily, rather than something that’s constantly moved between cars. It’s not ideal for cars needing three seats across, but as a long-term, main-use seat from birth to 4 years, it feels like money spent once — and spent wisely.

Where can I buy the Silver Cross Approach Plus 360 car seat?

It is available from Silver Cross, John Lewis, Kiddies Kingdom and Natural Baby Shower

Where can I buy the Silver Cross Base Plus 360?

It is available from Silver Cross, John Lewis, Kiddies Kingdom and Natural Baby Shower

MadeForMums verdict:

The Silver Cross Approach Plus 360 is a brilliant option for new parents and those juggling children at different stages, offering a rare mix of practicality, comfort and proper peace of mind.

The standout feature is without a doubt the smooth 360° swivel function — it makes getting a sleepy newborn or baby in and out of the car so much easier, especially on busy London streets or rushed nursery runs.

The seat itself feels reassuringly solid with plush padding that looks built to last well beyond the first child, which is exactly what you want when you’re paying for a birth-to-four seat.

The downside is its size: it’s just too wide for families who need three seats across, and the separate ISOFIX base does increase the overall cost. But if you’re after a sturdy, comfortable rotating seat you can rely on every day, this feels like a smart, long-term buy rather than a passing baby purchase.

Read more:

• Best swivel and 360° car seats tried and tested by parents
• Best seats for use from birth
• Cybex Cloud T review