Alternative car seats to Recaro zero 1 elite?

[Lotstolearn5]

Hi

New user here wanting to say hello and tap into the wisdom of mumsnet.

I’ve spent ages researching a car seat for our new arrival due in march and had settled on the zero 1 elite due to having a built in carrier, swivel and doing from birth to 4yrs. Unfortunately i cant seem to find one anywhere.

Can anybody suggest suitable alternatives?

I think we’re going to try doing without a pram at first so not too fussed about travel system compatability.

Thanks

Best advice is to buy an infant carrier (Maxi Cosi, Joie, Britax, Be Safe, etc) and use that for the first 12mo. By then you will know what weight and height centile your child is following. If they're over the 50th centile for height or weight, a 25kg rear facing seat is the safest option (Axkid Minikid or Britax Two Way Elite are good options). If they're under the 50th centile, an 18kg rear facing seat is a good option (e.g Joie Stages).

Thanks. The carrier side of things isn’t a priority, more of a nice to have. Would the above still apply or would we be ok to go for something like a Cybex Sirona s or Britax dualfix and then step up from there when required?

Sorry if I’m asking naive questions, I’m a bit overwhelmed by all the options available and feeling the time pressure to get something purchased in time.

It's fine, car seats are a minefield!! The best source of advice is the Facebook group 'car seat advice uk' if you can get on there.

The Cybex and Dualfix are fine but because they're birth to 18kg, there are some compromises, like the recline for a newborn. The other problem is that if your child is tall or heavier than the 50th centile, they will outgrow that seat before 4 so you could spend £200-300 on this seat and then have to fork out another £200-300 for a 25kg seat. It's more economical at buy an infant carrier (the safest kind of car seat for babies, doesn't have to be removed from the car) and then a 25kg seat if that's what you're going to end up needing anyway.

My DS follows the 98th centile for height and weight so he's predicted to outgrow an 18kg car seat at 2.5yrs - so many people get caught out thinking ab 18kg will actually last them to 4 yrs and unfortunately many find they don't last anywhere near that's

If you do decide to go for an 18kg swivel, the Dualfix has a really short shell so is likely to be outgrown very early. The Joie 360 is better.

But a carrier and then 25kg rear facing seat is still the safest option overall

Thank you for the clear explanation. I’ve taken your advice and joined the facebook group and will look into the infant carrier options.