Boring but Important: Car Seat Issues

[sukiking]

Howdy. I know this isn't the most exciting subject but desperate for advice as I seem to have exhausted all other avenues. Recently bought a new car seat for 4 year old DS - Britax Romer Kid Plus. Best buy on Which?. But there is SOOOO much lateral movement when we turn corners, I just can't believe it's safe. Have triple-checked fitting instructions (just belt, no isofix) and there's no way for it to attach to the back. Have spoken to Britax for reassurance... who referred us to the council's Road Safety Officer (bit extreme). And can I get hold of him? Of course not.

Planning a long journey for Easter and a bit nervous about motorways with the seat seaming to have so much movement. I know I sound neurotic (I'm not usually - honest) but I could really do with hearing whether or not your car seats also move around a lot. Dull as dish water, I know, but all advice would be v much appreciated. Thanks!

PS:Yes, he's heavy enough for it. Weight range is 15 to 36kg.

I have a different seat, isofix, but it doesn't move at all. I think the normal ones do move a bit, but yours sounds extreme. Could you go to halfords and get them to check it? Have you tried to borrow anyone else's seat to see if a different brand fits better in your car?

Without Isofix, it is going to move laterally. It's just the weight of your child keeping it in position.

Have you considered getting a rubber mat to go on the seat and up the back to lessen the movement?

I've got a non isofix belt one and it moves. Not sure how it wouldn't really. Maybe the shape of the seat and the shape of your car back seat aren't compatible. ? Eg my old car had bucket seats in back and car seat wasn't great fit there.

DDs got the maxi cosi (is it rodi for the big ones?) not isofix, it doesn't move at all. You have to pull the belt really tight.

We have 2 of these for out dc's, there is no movement as I have 3 dc's wedged in. Does it have little arm rests attached to the base for the lap belt to go under?
How much movement - enough so that you have to adjust it mid journey?? So long as it doesn't interfere with you driving then I think I would be o.k with it as seatbelts tighten when you brake suddenly don't they?
I would go to Halfords or Mothercare and have them check it.

Hey thanks everyone - really appreciate the feedback!

We have a Ford Fiesta - possibly one of the most common cars going, so it really should be compatible, don't you think?

But I hear what you're saying about getting Halfords to check it - great idea. Will get onto that.

Also, good to know that we should expect a bit of movement (kinda knew that) but it just does seem a lot for a little fella. Hmmm. Will borrow a friend's - as suggested.

Thanks again everyone...

I've never really noticed either of ours moving and we don't have isofix. Are you sure the belt is tight enough?

I would borrow a friend's too.

If it is still moving have your seatbelts checked as they should lock when pulled, which would stop excessive movement.

I was coming back to suggest you get your seat belts checked they might not work properly at all or somehow the carseat stop them working as they should.

Definitely remove your headrests.

Our headrests are either removed or pushed right up so they aren't touching the car seat. I also pull the seat belt tight across ds before I close the door.