I was all set for RF stage 1, but now I'm confused

[ImpYCelyn]

I was definitely going to get DS a RF stage 1 seat, but while I was looking over the options today I found a website from a car seat safety centre in Essex which basically said that they've been overhyped and aren't necessarily safer etc etc.

They had a page where they had "experts" discuss them and one person who works in the car seat industry said they're not worth it, and a car seat fitter, who fits ERF seats, said she wasn't convinced either.

They said the side impact is much worse and that they're as bad in a rear shunt as FF are in a front impact.

Both suggested getting FF seats with a safety shield (I think) or isofix.

The two people in favour of them just said the same things I'd always read, 5x safer in front impact, but didn't address the issues with side or rear impact.

DS is 16 months, fortunately he's small so he's been fine in his Cabrio. So should I look at FF seats as well?

no, thats not the essex carsafety site! it has been linked before on here! looks like it but it isn't it. is this it? www.carseatinfo.co.uk/index.cfm?sid=19086&pid=947208

i like where 'glenn' not his real name says, driving conditions are very different to scandanavia and we don't all drive big volvos ...no we don't but my ds 1 & 2 went out with their aunt at the weekend in a 3 door 207 and were both rf, in a britax hi-way and britax two way elite! and they all fitted with 2 adults in the car as well! some people are very anti rf for some reason..

this is the proper essex website, www.childcarsafetyseats.co.uk/index.html. i don't live anywhere near essex but they are very helpful on the phone and vicki has the twe for her child.

:)

Yes it is that one. Thanks!

Seems a bit unbelievable that they're the top result on google of they're not even the real people!

Thanks so much for linking the real one.

I'll stick with my original plan then :)

Oh my goodness, I dont even know where to begin with that article; how incredibly misinformed it is.

To the OP- My DS (2.5yrs) is rearfacing in his Two Way Elite, it fits nicely into the family car plus my Mum's Polo and before that, her Ka. We're very happy with the car seat.

Thanks again, I've got an appointment this Saturday for a shop near me to try some out. Including the new Britax Max Way which arrived there today!

ImpYCelyn what shop have they got the Max Way in??!

Oh dear lord what a blooming stupid report! I agree ERF should NOT be pushed on people, but I do think that parents should be made aware of the differences when they are choosing their next seat. I also work for a major child seat retailer and I inform every single customer of ERF before they even start looking at the FF seats!

ARGH that article has got me SO mad! and what is with the comment "I would rather sell a forward facing seat with great side impact protection and crash test results." I mean...seriously??? Yes agree the side impact on some ERF seats could be better, but the BeSafe for example has passed the most vigorous Pass Plus testing.... please show me a front facer that has - none have! Also... it doesn't matter how good the crash test result on a front facer because they only have to pass at 30mph equivalent force, and the 'P' dummy that is used only measures 7 points of force on the childs body.

*rant over

justforinfo They've got it at Babycare in Petts Wood (Kent). Here

Yes that article did fail to mention several things which make quite a difference!

Securatot also have it in stock too [[www.securatot.co.uk !