Britax Dualfix or Cybex Sirona?

[TobyLerone]

Which one should we buy and why?

We're leaning towards the Britax at the moment, but there could be something dreadful or fantastic about either one that we're missing.

Our other option was the Recaro Polaric, but I think we've discounted that on account of it being less versatile. Obviously we want to keep DD rearfacing for as long as possible, but if it becomes unworkable when she's 2+ (due to her discomfort/sudden hatred of RFing), at least we would have the option to forwardface in the same seat.

We only have one car and it's huge, so no worries about space or moving it between cars. DD is 9mo at the moment.

I have the dualfix and the swivel function is not stiff and my baby is very comfy in it. It feels sturdy and well made. Didn't buy the cybex because of the FF bolster cushion, baby would get too hot in the summer. Got a brilliant price from Boots.

Actual LOL, fair :o

It's crazy isn't it that they keep doing these news articles about parents not fitting seats right or using the right seats etc. Yet there is not a single clear unbiased site to get things like crash test videos and test results, fitting demonstrations and hints and tips. I also think in regards to sales staff there should be a legal requirement for them to know their products and correct fitting of them, why should it be down to the consumer to have to do so much leg work for something as important as child safety, they should be experts.

Sirona is bound to be in the top five names list next year

If anyone finds a magic answer to the seating problem please pm me. I have no idea what to put my 3 year old in next.

Does anybody know how you're supposed to know when your child has outgrown the cybex sirona? We've just bought one for my 18 month old and his head is over the top of the back of the shell (the back is lower than the sides which seems odd). With the headrest text ended higher than the back his head is well supported though.
With our dualfix I was told by britax that he outgrows it when the side slits of his eyes are level with the shell top. That's complicated with the sirona because of the difference in shell height for the back/sides/the headrest....
If it will last at least until he's three in erf I'm happy, although I'm not sure about the impact shield. But I don't want to spend £240 if it only lasts a year!!

That was meant to say with the headrest extended....

Extend the headrest as high up as needed. He has outgrown it once (1) his head is past the back of the seat on the highest setting or (2) he goes over the weight limit. Whichever is soonest.

Is that definitely right though? It's just his head is already over the headrest and he's only 18 months... It seems unlikely he's outgrown it already doesn't it?
I was told the same about the britax dualfix but customer services said that wasn't the case. I'm hoping it's the same with the cybex!

Have you pressed the button under the headrest so the whole back part slides up? Thats really odd, I mean, I agree its a smaller unit than other ERF seats, but I couldnt imagine an 18mo would have outgrown it. How tall is your LO?

Id be tempted to take it to where you bought it and get them to check its fully extended.

Yes i think so, I'll try again when I get home. Have had an email from cybex which I'll cut and paste. Thanks for your help ??

This is from cybex.....

Please check whether the headrest is in the top-most position. Sometimes adjusting the headrest to the highest setting can be slightly more difficult – push the headrest up whilst pulling the lever forward. The seat can be used until the shoulders just touch the headrest in the top setting and there is still enough space to position the safety belt correctly. (It is not a problem if your child’s head protrudes slightly above the headrest as long as its centre of gravity remains within the protection of the headrest – the head’s centre of gravity is where the eyebrows meet).

We've used Britax, Graco and MaxiCosi. Favourite was a Graco imported from Sweden, rear facing birth to 18kg, ISOFIX base, the seat has wheels and a retractable handle so we could pull DD along from car to door (handy as she got bigger). We bought online three years ago after we got frustrated by salespeople's lack of knowledge of their products and the laws relating to car seats. Everyone has different preferences so make up your own mind but KEEP THE RECEIPT. My insurance company said I needed to replace the seats after I was shunted but then said they would only pay out if I could produce the receipts.

I was worried about our sons head in the cybex sirona by his second birthday. He was about 96cm but was 17 kg anyway so I knew I had to find him something else soon anyway.

I was confused about the head height safety too. I was positive that when we bought it the woman at the centre in Essex said she would be inclined to forward face them once the head was reaching above. I guess because of worry their head would tilt back over the top on impact? When that started happening I emailed them and they said no that wasn't the case and gave me the info about shoulder height etc.

So it was expensive for us as we used it for a year and a half or less but it was great while we had it. The recline positions were great and it was good for a heavy fellow who couldn't get himself in and out of a car.

I would like to buy the newborn insert for next time if anyone knows where I can.