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Car seats

Clueless - please recommend me a car seat group 2-3 (I think?)

27 replies

minipie · 09/08/2016 18:12

DD1 is coming up for 4, 101cm and nearly 18kg. She's in a Britax First Class Plus but her little sister will need that soon.

So... please can you recommend me a new car seat for her?

Ideally with:

  • a good recline, or at least very comfy and easy to sleep in (we tend to do any long car journeys in the evenings)
  • a removable washable cover (she is carsick occasionally)
  • can be used with or without isofix (we have it, but may need to use in cars which don't have it)
  • easy to do up the belt


Any suggestions very welcome

thanks!
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minipie · 09/08/2016 18:12

Oh and needs to be very safe.... Obviously!

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Artandco · 09/08/2016 18:15

Cybex solution. Can get isofix or non isofix version.

Mine rear faced until 4-5years, then on reviews this was one of the safest 18kg plus regular car seats

My 5 year old often falls asleep in car still and seems comfortable

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Artandco · 09/08/2016 18:17
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minipie · 09/08/2016 18:25

Thanks, looks good, I like the reclining headrest.

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CalleighDoodle · 09/08/2016 18:29

Ooo i need two new carseats. These look great.

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MissRainbowBrite · 10/08/2016 08:37

We got the one that Art recommended above and it's great. DD moved into it in April when she was 4.3.
It's easy to fit, the seatbelt fits perfectly across her and it has an adjustable head rest which makes sleeping comfortable. It wasn't cheap but considering it'll be used for a minimum of 4 years we were happy to pay a bit more. We went for the plus Cybex Solution Q2 Fix Plus.

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minipie · 10/08/2016 08:53

Thanks! What's the difference with the "plus" version please?

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Artandco · 10/08/2016 08:55

The 'plus' version is just Cybex range of nicer fabrics isn't it?

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MissRainbowBrite · 10/08/2016 08:59

Yes, the plus fabric is a bit like a soft denim so more hard wearing and the normal fabric is smoother and shinier.

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minipie · 10/08/2016 09:59

Ah gotcha. Thanks. Right let's see if I can find a local stockist to try it in person (DD not me obv!)

thanks all

Any other recommendations welcome, though that one does sound v good.

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AliceMum09 · 10/08/2016 17:47

I've always liked Britax high backed boosters. ISOFIX is neither here not there with high backed boosters really - all a high backed booster does is position your child so that the seatbelt can do it's work properly. I've read a few reviews recently (I just bought a Britax Kidfix SP for my 7 year old a couple of weeks ago) and people were saying they'd returned the seat because it wasn't a secure 'no movement' fit in the car, especially the 'ISOFIT' or 'soft latch' ones that have the ISOFIX clips on a length of strap. They've wasted their time really, a high backed booster doesn't need to be rigidly fixed to the car like the seats for younger children do.

Anyway, I'd try a few different brands - you need to look at how the lap part of the seatbelt fits your daughter (it should be almost across the tops of her thighs, and definitely not up near her soft abdomen) and this does vary from seat to seat.

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Artandco · 10/08/2016 17:53

I like the isofix as then the car seat is secure in car when children aren't in the seat. Meaning it's safer for Dh and I if you are travelling alone as in a crash we wouldn't have an unsecured seats flying around car

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SirVixofVixHall · 10/08/2016 17:57

Britax two way lasted my dds until 8 and 9 rear facing. (DD1 is taller than DD2). I have light children, but the seat has a tall back and so you may well get another couple of years out of it rf.

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Boredomismyenemy · 10/08/2016 18:09

I also bought the cybex q-fix plus for my DD. It's an excellent seat and she finds it so comfortable. With the reclining headrest, although the recline is minimal, her head naturally rests back if she dozes off. It also seems well ventilated as she doesn't get hot in it. It's also reassuringly heavy and sturdy! I chose this one particularly as its very safe and it's very adjustable.

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Chaby · 10/08/2016 18:25

Perfect I have been researching options for my son's next seat, had not heard of cybex

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AliceMum09 · 10/08/2016 18:57

Forgot to add - if your high backed booster isn't ISOFIX all you have to do is fasten the seatbelt over it if you are in the car without your child.

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Artandco · 10/08/2016 20:06

But does anyone really remember every time they get in car to make sure the seats are strapped in when no child in them? For us own child strap and Unstrap themselves in now, so the chances of them re strapping it in are slim. It's just extra reassurance

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Iwantawhippet · 10/08/2016 20:12

Why not use the free trial of Which magazine and see what they recommend?

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minipie · 10/08/2016 22:40

Thanks all. Yes I do want Isofix so I don't need to strap the seat in every time.

I can't put DD1 rf in her britax, not enough room in our small car, anyway DD2 needs it!

Unfortunately I used my Which free trial for something else... it was a while back though... might try again!

Cybex sounding very good though. Good tip on where the belt should go thanks. Next step is to see if any local shops stock it to try.

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MissRainbowBrite · 11/08/2016 06:57

Mothercare only stock the Cybex in standard fabric in a few colours so you can look at the seat itself and fit but if you want the plus fabric or a specific colour they are a bit harder to get hold of. We got ours from Uber Kids but had a 6 week lead time on it. I'm not sure who else carries a full stock, even Cybex themselves told me they are struggling to get enough stock into the UK from their base in Germany.

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rewardformissingmojo · 11/08/2016 07:00

We love kiddyguard!

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minipie · 11/08/2016 11:03

Thanks, not so fussed about seeing the particular colour/fabric (we just want black or grey!) it's more about the shape.

Looks like our local Halfords have it so that will be a fun trip out this weekend Grin

6 week lead time not ideal though as both DDs are very very close to the weight limit for their current seats. Hmm. Will have another look and see how much room they have in their current seats.

reward any particular model you would recommend? And is it good for sleeping in...? Thanks

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gammatron · 11/08/2016 11:15

You don't need Which membership to view recommended car seats www.which.co.uk/reviews/child-car-seats

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minipie · 11/08/2016 11:24

Thanks - looks like I can get a bit of info without signing up but not their actual opinion so don't know which they recommend? Or are all the ones listed on that link recommended by Which?

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BertieBotts · 21/08/2016 22:50

All of those are recommended/best buys.

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