Car seat for a tall 3 year old

[Qwertie]

My 3 year old has outgrown his stage 1 car seat, his head is above the back rest; I bought him a Joie Trillo Shield for my husband's car, but he will not have the shield on & so I use it in stage 2/3 mode with the seat belt. He is above the height & weight lower limits (just). I need to get another seat for him for my car, which he travels in a lot more. His sister has a Britax Kidfix, which was much more expensive than the Trillo LXs, but doesn't look as comfy. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks

[MrsA2]

Try googling the Britax TWE - it can keep them harnessed until 25kg. Annoyingly it is only available from the in car safety centre which is in Milton Keynes and I think two other locations but they can post it out to you if need be.

Also Joie Stages is up to 5/6ish or Joie Every stage is group1/2/3. But both of these you'd have to use the seatbelt once he hit 18kg (if he's above the 75th percentile ok weight then he'll likely hit 18kg before he is four - the minimum age that he should be in a seat belt).

Hope that helps! It's a total minefield isn't it.

[timeforachangeithink]

Two way elite or axkid minikid or axkid Rekid. All good options.

[HPPAY]

Hi, just saw your post and thought I'd chime in to ask if you've spoken to the manufacturer of the seat to make sure your little one has actually outgrown it? The only reason i ask is that i have a very tall 3 year old and about 6 months ago had a panic and called Britax as his head was starting to protrude over the back of it and she said they're ok until their eyes become level with the top of the seat - then it's time to change.

I know all seats are different but mightbe worth checking this if you haven't already x

[AppleMagic]

The strap height is important too though. When forward facing the shoulder straps need to start at, or above the shoulders. My dd outgrew the top shoulder strap position at 3 years.

[Qwertie]

Thanks. I'll have another look at whether his eyes are level with the top of the seat. I think Apple is right about the straps too; I'm having to hoist them over the top of his shoulders. I'm a Which safety test addict, although I've cancelled my subscription. If anyone is able to identify which (no pun) of the above have good Which reviews, I'd be most grateful.

[LittleBee23]

I have the TWE and the Minikid and they're both great. My four year old is still rear facing in them and could be for another good while height wise so either should do.

[timeforachangeithink]

Be careful with which they tend to score rear facing seats low as they take into account things like colour choice, ease of fitting etc. Car seat advice for mummies and daddies page or A to Z of rear facing on Facebook are great.