Best car seats for unhappy travellers

[Embalina]

So we're going to Halfords at the weekend to get 7mo a new car seat but wanted some direction first to narrow our search down a little.

With lockdown we haven't gone out much but DS isn't very happy in the car at all. He manages with near constant entertainment from toys and songs with my husband in the back but he's now gone back to work so it'll be solo trips for us.

I know rear facing is much safer so want to go for that type but does anyone else have any fussy travellers that you've found a good seat for?

Honestly I don't think the seat makes much difference at that age except to get one that's more upright than the baby seat, so they can see better out of the window.

If you want to rear face it's often better to look at the ones which go up to 25kg, as they last longer. Halfords don't stock these as they are considered specialist. But look at the website of Axkid which is one of the companies that make them and see if they have any stockists close to you. As a plus they tend to be independent retailers with much better knowledge than Halfords anyway.

Otherwise the spinning ones tend to be quite high in the car which can give them a good view. I'd stick to britax, Maxi Cosi, Joie or nuna for brands for these as a lot of cheaper brands are doing spin seats now but they don't perform as well for safety.

Also take the rear headrest off for a better view, and stick a mirror on the middle headrest, so he can see you.

@BertieBotts That is so helpful, thank you! Going to look those up now

I have a very similar problem. Although she has been ok (ish) recently, tomorrow will be the big test as I’ve got to drive 1.5hours in rush hour.

I’ve tried the ax kid and a maxi cosi seat, didn’t make any difference. I borrowed them from my sisters to try before I buy. But she seems to now like her MC pebble, now I’ve switched back. I’ve been swaying towards the Joie 360.

Joie 360. The one that spins. I think it's because they're quite high up and can see more.

My unhappy traveller was better in the Joie 360

We've absolutely loved the Joie 360 as well I have to say.

Front facing all the way for my DD. We have a rotating one so it was easier to get her in or out. She was so much happier when she could see me and I was less likely to have an accident while she was screeching at me.

Mine traveled much better when we changed to a Joie seat too

That one stood out actually when I was researching earlier, that’s really good to know that it’s pleased some other fussy babies! Thanks so much for replying, I’m hopeful that we might actually get a car seat that is to his majesty’s liking

I had a joie 360 and loved it, gave it to a friend when we finished with it and she loves it too.

I had excellent travellers. They've barely been in a car this year until recently, and are now feeling queasy within minutes even on short trips.

@Embalina I've found my daughter ribs better now she has moved from the baby seat as the next size up seems to give a more elevated position so she can watch out of the window quite easily now. We didn't go for a chair with a spin as we bought a seat that fitted the same isofix base as the new one and to be honest it's a faff getting her in and she is not even 1 yet. If you can get a spin then I'd say jump at it.