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Car seats

Confused on which base to go for....

5 replies

Morwenna1 · 11/05/2016 16:54

Hi

I'm hoping someone can shed some light on this....apologies if this is mentioned somewhere else and for the length of this post!

So we have the Maxi Cosi Cabriofix carseat (which is part of a travel system we purchased). DC isn't due until August, so we're just getting ourselves sorted. Was all ready to buy the Family Fix base so we can just get the next seat along when needed (the Pearl), but then I found out about i-Size guidance coming into effect in 2018 (children up to 15months should be rear facing).

Family Fix is just for forward facing seats (when you get to that stage, i.e. Group 1 plus) , so if our LO grows out of the Cabriofix around month 12, then we'll have 3 months of not sticking to the guidelines (i.e. having to use a forward facing seat). So we're investigating the 2way base (which will allow rear facing seats). Maxi Cosi don't advertise on their website that you can use the Cabriofix with the 2way base, but on speaking to them, it is compatible (although apparently not 'designed' to be used with the base). Insurance policy still stands in the event of an accident - you will receive a brand new replacement seat.

John Lewis (and Mothercare) do advertise that the Cabriofix can be used on the 2way base, but when we went into our local branch they said they'd had some returns because the seat was getting stuck in the base (i.e. not releasing). Maxi Cosi say they have now fixed this issue...but returning a faulty base will only be done on a 'case by case' basis, depending on how much use the base has had.

We won't be breaking the law if we don't comply with i-Size in 2018 (LO will be around 15 months in November anyway), but I am keen to keep up with current safety standards...what would you do? Anyone else come across this?

Appreciate any thoughts/help!!

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dementedpixie · 11/05/2016 18:21

The i-size rules only apply to specific i-size car seats so wouldn't apply to the seat you have purchased as it is a weight based seat. You could always buy an extended rear facing seat in the future if required

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dementedpixie · 11/05/2016 18:31

And the 2 sets of regulations will run side by side for several years as you need isize compatible cars as well as isize seats

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AliceMum09 · 11/05/2016 19:39

Forget about I-Size, the CabrioFix is certified under the 'old' R44/04 regulations and is safe to use for as long as you need it, it won't become obsolete in 2018.

And I wouldn't bother with the 2way base either, the only Group 1 seat that fits on it is the 2way Pearl so if you buy the 2way base you are committing yourself to that one Group 1 seat. The 2way Pearl is a nice seat, but if your baby turns out to be taller or heavier than average it won't last him/her until he/she is 4 years old anyway. And thinking ahead, what if you have another baby before this one has outgrown the Group 1 seat? You're going to have to buy a second base, or use the CabrioFix by just belting it directly without a base (which is just as safe as using the base, just not as convenient).

I would buy the cheapest base for the CabrioFix (I expect this will be the seatbelt-fitted one), and then when the baby is outgrowing it re-assess your options

The I-Size requirement that babies stay rear facing until they are 15 months old isn't actually good enough - it's much safer for children to stay rear facing in the car until they are at least 4 years old. There is lots of information out there about the reasons for this, //www.lookbacklonger.com explains it quite simply and //www.rearfacingtoddlers.com is a good website to look at too.

There are loads of rear facing car seats out there that will keep your child rear facing to 18kgs (on average 4 years old) or even better 25kgs (on average 6 or 7 years old, but these seats are especially useful for heavier-than-average toddlers as they will outgrow a 18kgs seat before they are 4 years old). Some of these seats have passed the Swedish Plus test, which is the strictest test for child seats that exists. //www.securatot.co.uk is a good place to look just to see the variety of seats that exist.

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Morwenna1 · 16/05/2016 13:20

Thanks for your replies!

pixie - I realise the Cabriofix is not an i-size seat. You can use i-size seats in non i-size cars though. I know the regulations will run side by side for some years to come, and as I mentioned I won't be breaking the law - but I want to follow the safety guidelines of having the child facing rearwards until at least 15 months.

Likewise Alice - I know the Cabriofix won't become obsolete, but I do want to purchase a base that will last us when it comes to purchasing the next seat along..so it will be a decision between the Family Fix or the 2way. It doesn't bother me that the next seat will have to be a Maxi Cosi one, they are a good brand and I'm trying to save money by not having to purchase another base basically.
Of course, we'll have to buy another base if we have another LO in the near future.

I just wondered if you're trying to decide between the two, would the fact that JL have had returns on the 2way base put you off? They say they've fixed the problem now, but I have my reservations. I wouldn't want to find I can't get the seat unlocked from it when out and about! The dilemma I have is going for a base that will allow my LO to fit in it rear facing till 15 months (but may be faulty and have to be returned), or going for a base that I know will work but LO will have to be forward facing at around 12 months.

Can't imagine a 6/7 year old facing rearwards?!

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captaincake · 16/05/2016 14:24

Significantly safer guideline is to rear face till 4 years. If you search there are pictures around of 6/7 year olds rear facing perfectly comfortably. If you are on Facebook there is a group called car seat advice for mummies and daddies. I think you would find that really helpful. You write a post on what car you have/age of child etc and they suggest suitable seats for you.

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