Car seat for tall 8 yo

[BigLittleRedOne]

My 8 year old needs a new car seat - he's 139cm tall and at the maximum his current one will go in terms of height. We are looking for one that will go up to 150cm as not keen on using just a booster. Currently looking at Britax Kidfix iSize range, and have also come across the Diono Monterey but can't see any info about safety testing.
Does anyone have any advice?

Yes the Britax one goes taller and so does the Diono, no safety info on it but it gives a good belt fit, which is generally the important thing for high backed boosters.

In terms of going up to 150cm, ignore what the marketing or seat specs say as these are not usually very helpful. The best thing to do if you have the option is take your child to a shop and try different models out to see which ones go up high enough. For instance the newer Maxi Cosi models also say that they go up to 150cm but they are quite significantly shorter than the Britax.

Britax, Cybex, Besafe and Joie are the brands which go taller IME and I have heard the Diono is roomy too and Avionaut Maxspace.

Another thing to look at with an older/taller child is comfort ie room for shoulders (especially for a boy) and how much leg support there is. Some booster seats have a short leg rest and this can be uncomfortable once children get older.

Thanks for your reply @BertieBotts !
I am in London and can't seem to find anywhere that stocks a good range of these particular seats to go and try - which seems a bit ridiculous!

I've also come across the Axkid Bigkid 2 - any knowledge of that one?

I agree re: shoulder width - but none of the seats seem to specify this internal measurement of the seat.

A local trained car seat advisor loves the Axkid bigkid. Axkid seats are generally very good!

He doesn't need one past 135cm - is it more for comfort for the where the seat belt sits?

Legally they don't need one after 135cm, however all car seat advisors and RoSPA recommend using till 150cm as some children won't have a safe belt fit at 135cm and a high back booster provides side impact protection.

135 cm is the legal minimum they nolonger need car seats but it’s much safer for them to be in them. Many European countries set 150 cm as the legal minimum.

Axkid Bigkid 2 definitely does the job in terms of height. My 141cm child isn't on the highest setting yet. Its also very broad.

Thanks everyone. Have ordered an Axkid Bigkid2 - found it on sale. Fingers crossed it does the trick.

Legal minimum does not equal safe.

I've heard the Axkid Bigkid is good yes - not seen it IRL personally :)

For boosters you don't need a specialist as such (though you do if you want to look at the lesser known brands like Axkid and Avionaut) - you can often find a decent selection of Cybex, Britax, Joie etc at places like Smyths, John Lewis or Halford's. I know - just the places they say not to go when you're looking at ERF seats! But because there isn't really an "ERF" type equivalent to booster seats, the mainstream/chain stores are fine. Or you could look at an independent retailer like Rear Facing Toddlers, but most of them are more focused on the ERF seats which you don't find in the chain stores.

My ds is 7yo and 137cm - he's got plenty of room left in his Joie i-Traver yet. Also, the seat pan extends a little, which makes it a little more comfortable for longer legs.

We have a diono monterey if you need me to measure the inside dimensions. It’s very sturdy and comfy and diono is a reputable brand.

@Abondanza Thanks, that would be great if you could measure the inside width. The Diono seems SO much cheaper than the other seats - it's £50 when the others are at the £200 mark - any idea why?!

We've tried the Axkid BigKid but unfortunately it's to narrow on his shoulders - he fits into it but not much room at all.

So now need to try another one :(

I will do my best to measure it tomorrow! I think it’s partially cheap because it’s their older model. The new one is RRP £300!

Hi sorry for delay! It’s about 18 inches at the widest point of shoulders. Hard to measure though as not a consistent width all the way! Will message you a picture.

We have a cybex platinum solution z-i fix. It says it fits a child up to 150cm and as you make it taller the shoulder space also widens to 61cm max.
DS is not that tall yet though so can't give personal experience.
www.cybex-online.com/en/gb/p/CS_PL_Solution_Z_i-Fix_EN.html?dwvar_CS__PL__Solution__Z__i-Fix__EN_color=Nautical%20Blue%20Plus