Car Seat Advice

[EPC]

Hi All

I need some advice please. My baby is just gone 1 years old and is in the 90th percentile height wise and 70 odd weight wise. We are starting to look at our next car seat. We want her rear facing as long as possible. The spin option is a must have as I have a really bad back and couldn’t manage without it. I am based in Ireland. Thanks a mill!

I don’t think the spin seats have as high weight & height limits as fixed ones so it might not last as long for your little one but i’ve heard good things about the Britax Swingfix M Plus - this rear faces until 20kg/105cm. Joie I-spin goes to 19kg I think. If you’re on fb, Car Seat Safety UK group would probably have other good recommendations.

Maxi cosy do a great spin one that lasts until they're about 3/4 depending on how big they are. It can go rear or forward facing but sorry I can't remember what the name of that particular one is but if you go on their website I'm sure you'll find it

Look at rearfacing.ie as they have some good info.

As your DC is on higher centiles you would likely be best off with one of the 25kg+ limit seats like Axkid rather than a spinning one. For a 90th centile child, the seats "up to age 4" will normally last until about age 3.5 which is quite little to change them over to a high backed booster. Whereas the Axkid etc which are sold as "up to 7 years" will likely last until about age 6, so you can choose when to change them to high back booster - age 4, 5, etc or keep them rear facing until 6 if you want.

If you can find an ERF specialist near you you might be able to try out the seats before buying which can be quite helpful as you can see if they are comfortable for you to use. With the spin ones bear in mind you have to lift them up quite high and they will be older before they can climb in alone - my nearly 3yo very determined climber can just about do this with ours - whereas the ERF 25kg+ seats are lower down and easier for them to get into so less lifting for you from around age 2.