Group 1 car seat for grandparents

[fraktion]

We're looking to get a group 1 car seat to leave at my parents' place. DS is a large 18months and we ERF at home but budget doesn't stretch to another.

What's the safest, easily fitted group 1 that doesn't cost the earth?

[Rottenluck]

The kiddy seats are known as being grandparent proof, and two of them are which best buys, can't remember which but will check. They are brilliant and lightweight.

[fraktion]

Aren't they the ones which aren't advisable for Houdini like wrigglers? I wish I could borrow one to see whether DS can escape but my bet is that he'd be able to.

[Rottenluck]

Mine never have but it could be possible If they are that way inclined I suppose.

[lagoonhaze]

They are escapable so yes maybe see if any friends have one you can borrow.

[BertieBotts]

I have a wriggler but he's never escaped from the Kiddy. It's a different kind of mechanism. With straps it's easy for them to work out how to get their arms under, but with the Kiddy it's more a case of them working at it little by little. IME most children don't realise that the seat is getting looser and so don't see it as an escape route! Also, they tend to feel less restrictive to the child as they have their arms loose and can play with things on the little "shelf" part if they want to.

Mamas and Papas shops and John Lewis sometimes have display models with a car seat with seatbelt, so you can strap them in and try it out (tell him you want to see if it feels comfy - don't give him any ideas! )

[BertieBotts]

Also might be worth looking at Britax First Class. It's not ERF but supports RF until 13kg and the back is a lot longer than an infant seat. They also have an alternate belt routing for older cars. Usually around £100 if you shop around :)