Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Car seats

Confused about car seat regulations? Find baby car seat advice here. For Mumsnetter-approved essentials, sign up for Mumsnet Swears By emails here.

Flip

Original poster

Recommendations for a rear facing toddler carseat?

12 replies

TownhouseMummy · 16/06/2013 16:10

I have a 12 month son and he is still in his baby carseat, but he will outgrow it soon (in height, rather than weight). I would like to purchase a RF toddler carseat for safety reasons, although preferably with the option to forward face too as he's presently not a big fan of the car and it's possible that RF might not work as well as forward facing (but I would really like to try!)

We currently have a 3 door Vauxhall Corsa (so not a lot of space!) although intend to purchase a bigger (with 5 doors) car soon.

Can anyone provide any advice/recommend their RF carseat?

Thank you!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

mmmmsleep · 16/06/2013 16:35

we have a kiss rf seat
it reclines and takes up less space than other models. the face either way option models massively drop on safety ratings when you forward face compared to comparable forward facing models. the shop in milton keynes that specialises in rf seats is v good and can advise on best for your car and fit. we got ours there!

Original poster

TownhouseMummy · 16/06/2013 18:13

Thank you very helpful advice regarding relative safety of the forward facing mode. That would certainly affect my decision. Would you say your LO is happy rf? Lots of friends say their babies have been much happier travelling forwards but perhaps it's just a developmental thing? We have a mirror so DS can see us and he e joys looking out of the window for short periods of time (before he gets fed up!)

I think we will go to MK.

OP posts:

Bluecarrot · 16/06/2013 18:17

I've been reading up on these and kiss and britax first class? have come up favourable most often. I haven't read safety reports or know if its compatible with your car.

Original poster

TownhouseMummy · 16/06/2013 22:21

Great, thank you BlueCarrot

OP posts:

mmmmsleep · 17/06/2013 23:24

my ds is 2 and he loves his kiss. we have mirror so he can see us too. very happy with it and will get one for dd as ds will still be in it when she moves up a class

notfarmingatthemo · 20/06/2013 03:12

Just seen this new britax dual fix car seat looks interesting. If just appeared on their site.

AmandinePoulain · 20/06/2013 12:59

I like that seat!

Wonder when it comes out? And how much it'll cost?

mrsmortis · 21/06/2013 11:03

We have a BeSafe Izi Combi rear facing car seat. There weren't many to choose from when we got it as most of them couldn't be bought in the UK. DD1 used it for over 3 years and DD2 has been in it for the last 5 months. It's a pain to fit but it's actually easier to get a toddler into than a forward facing one (you don't need to be able to open the door as far which is brilliant in a busy car park).

Neither of my DDs have been worried about being rear facing. The seat lifts them up quite a bit and we have taken out the head rest so that they have a clear view of of the rear window. We have had funny looks from the driver of the car behind us in traffic jams when they are being waved at though...

If you happen to be in the East of England I highly recommend these folks: www.drivingcasualtiesdown.org/pages/drivers/drivers-seatbelts/drivers-seatbelts-try_before_you_buy.html

It's a service run by Essex council. They have most models of car seats and they will try them all in your car for you to work out which is best for you. Because they don't sell anything it's completely impartial advice. If you have already bought a seat they will also fit it for you/check that it's fitted properly!

ladymisslulu · 15/07/2013 07:50

Essex County Council no longer runs this service, but the In Car Safety Centre is being run privately. When I spoke to someone in at Road Safety in Essex they referred me to them. The website is:

www.incarsafetycentre.co.uk/

They have lots of rear facing carseats which you can try before you buy.

JollyShortGiant · 15/07/2013 07:52

We have a Britax Two Way Elite which is great. In Car Safety provided us with advice over the phone as we're 100s of miles away and we ordered online.

poocatcherchampion · 16/07/2013 09:56

yes dd was always fine in the infant carrier but now she is in a toddler rf she loves looking around and can see so much more. it's completely different to the infant carrier view.

KnittyGritty · 16/07/2013 10:06

Cybex sirona - it is smaller than the be safe and swivels so you put dc in facing you and then turn the seat rear facing. Genius idea and I love it! It also goes forward facing but it has an impact cushion instead of straps then so you have the best of both worlds. It has quite a good recline too. Can you tell I love this car seat?

Flip