to be concerned about the car seat safety?

[cowsaysmoo]

We received a car seat for my toddler from a friend (used by her dc previously). The seat is only fixed by a seat belt and doesn't have Isofix.
We followed the instructions fitting the seat in the car but it really wobbles when we try to move it around without much force.
Is it normal?
Is it safe?
We ever only used Isofix seats before and we are quite concerned despite it would be in our second car, whch we don't use much with kids but still...

I have a seat belt fixed one, it doesn't wobble. Are you absolutely sure it is fitted correctly?

Push it downwards while installing.

Not having isofix isn't an issue, but the wobbling is. Is it a reputable brand?

Push a knee into the seat while pulling the seat belt as tightly as you can.
Isofix was barely a thing when my dc were small and their car seats never moved.

You need to put your knee firmly into the seat base and pull the fuck out of the seat belt so it's super tight. Then it's done right.

Is it a Kiddy brand?

Thanks everyone, we didn't try pushing it down. We'll have a go tomorrow and see. Fingers crossed!

Doesn’t sound safe to me. Second hand car seats are risky anyway even if they’ve never been in any sort of accident. The plastic and fixings degrade and become brittle after a few years of use. They’re not designed to be used long term as hand me downs.

It's Mothercare.

Are you wobbling from the top or base of the seat?
if it’s the top don’t worry
if it’s the base it’s likely not fitted properly

look for an official fitting video on YouTube perhaps?

isofix isn’t safer, it just gives less room for user error; a seatbelt fitted seat installed correctly is just as safe

look up ‘car seat advice uk’ on Facebook if you’d like more information

Do you have the manual to check you’re installing it correctly? My son’s
car seat isn’t isofix and is weirdly complicated to belt in so I don’t think I’d had got it right and therefore non-wobbly without the manual. You should be able to find it online if not.

Firstly it's not advised to use a second hand car seat unless you can be completely sure about its history (ie not in a crash, stored safely, etc).

Secondly what make and model of seat is it? Did you check whether it's compatible with your car?

Thirdly, seat belt fitted seats are just as safe as isofix if fitted correctly (obviously isofix seats are easier to fit). So check the manual (hopefully your friend gave you the manual?!) and the YouTube installation videos. And do it again.

If in doubt, don't use the seat. If you're on Facebook join the group Car Seat Advice UK where you'll find a wealth of info and advice about seats.

Not all car seats are compatible with all cars the angle or width of the back seat can make it difficult to fit some car seats into some models of car.

The mothercare seats don't have a great reputation. They were usually rebadged budget brand seats and quite a few models were recalled. It might be worthwhile double checking that the seat you have wasn't subjected to a recall.

If you're unsure look up Joie new car seats. I find them decent but fairly cheap.

Mothercare seats are not great to be honest. Second hand car seats aren't the best idea either. Car seats degrade over time so often only last 6 to 7 years (this varies a bit depending on manufacturer) so even if you know it has never been in an accident it may still not be safe.