Can the 'mid-sized' stage of car seat be safely skipped?

[ThisCharmingFlan]

DS is 6mo and nearly 9kg. He'll fit in his 0+ size Maxi Cosi for a while yet, but I'm starting to look into the next stage.

An initial chat with an advisor in Mothercare led us to believe that it's not actually necessary to buy one of the 9mo - 4 year car seats (that look like bigger versions of the infant carrier) and that DS can fairly soon be safely put into one like this that will convert into a booster seat and last him all the way to 11 years old.

I'm all for saving money (and not buying bulky unnecessary products that can't even be sold on) but is a baby of less than a year old really suited to one of these more 'grown-up' seats? Are they comfortable in them, can they sleep in them and most importantly - are they safe? I'd really appreciate anyone's thoughts and experience - thank you.

[IneedacleanerIamalazyslattern]

Well yes you generally move onto one of them they are usually mae from the same weight the in between onews you mention are but there are a few things about them.

They don't come off as well in crash test reports as a good 9mo-4y seat does, kind of one thing thrying to do too many jobs.

Also for a child at the lower end of the suitable age range they are not that comfortable, most babies sleep in the car and when they sleep in tose they look sooooo uncomfortable as basically it is a high back booster with 5 point harness it isn't as padded and shaped as the 9mo + ones.

I had one for temp use visiting my sister once when dd was just under 18months and it wasn't great at all certainly not for everyday use anyway.

[MrsBadger]

Depends on which 123 seat you choose - we have the Britax 123 Evolva Ultra (not the plain 123 Evolva) and it was comfy for dd from abotu 14m as it has a passable recline.
It's true they are not rated quite as safe as the Stage 1 seats though.

Leave him int he Cabrio till he is 13kg (max weight) or his ears are above the top of the seat though - should last you ages and ages

[Pingpong]

From what I can see in the link you posted that seat doesn't recline. Most young children prefer to sleep in the car in a reclined position. I think the Britax evolva 123 does recline here.
I bought a very cheap Nania branded evolva type car seat from kiddicare to have in Scotland to keep at my parents house so if we fly up I don't have to take a car seat. We've used it since DD was 10 months and it's okay for occasional use but it doesn't recline. DD does fall asleep in it if very tired but her head does roll about a bit. Like I say fine for occasional use but I wouldn't be happy using it for everyday use for a young child.
I can't really comment on safety as we've not been involved in an accident but Which? I think do product reviews and safety tests. I'm pregnant now and think I might get an Evolva type one for DD when the next baby is ready to move up to the next category as it will last for ages rather than have 2 seats in the 9m-4y category.

[ThisCharmingFlan]

Good points RE reclining. DS is not one for sleeping bolt upright.

I was just looking at those £200+ stage 1 Maxi Cosis in the shop and boggling at how a 4yo could fit in one. My DS has the potential to be a strapping lad so I'm keen to skip an expensive purchase that wouldn't last long.

The Britax Evolva looks like a good compromise.

thanks all

[nicm]

have you thought of a rear facing seat for group 1? they are much safer than ff ones. we have the britax two way elite for ds 21 months and it will last to 25kgs about 6 years. although he is 14 kgs at the minute so might not make it to 6 lol!

have a look at www.rearfacing.co.uk for more information.