Toddler car seat recommendation for taking abroad

[SpringTime2023]

Does anyone know of any car seats suitable for a 2 year old that aren't massive? I want one for private transfers to the hotel as holiday company say they won't provide them. We had a really portable one as a baby! Thanks.

I've never had a private transfer where the private company didn't offer child seats!
Do you mean the included coach transfer? For that you don't need a seat.

Otherwise I think Maxi Cosi do one called Nomad or Nomad something

If you want rear facing the Nachfolger TinySeat is foldable but is super expensive and I think is Isofix only so depends on what cars you have. People also use the Graco Slimfit and keep it in its original box but it doesn’t fold down, but it is belt fitted so should be compatible with most cars.

Thanks! This is Jet2 and it says on their website that they don't provide them. I'll ring to check tho!

@SpringTime2023 ah I see, like an extra thing you booked with Jet2

By private transfer I meant that we always book a local transfer/taxi firm (nothing to do with TUI or Jet2 etc) and they always have seats.

We just let the TUI agent at the destination airport know that we don't need the transfer as we have our own, so they're not waiting for us.

So if you're paying extra anyway for the Jet2 "private" transfer, and you won't need the car seat for the rest of the holiday, then maybe just book with a local company? I just use Google maps to see what's around the area and go for one with great reviews (and prices 😅)

You can buy travel ones..

https://amzn.eu/d/huNVb6c

Or a cheaper version ..

https://little-dreams.co.uk/products/littledreamsuk-portable-car-child-safety-seat-child-protection-car-cushion-seat

Obviously depends on your budget.

Just book a private transfer. Seat provided.

Those car seats in your second link are not safe in any way. Here’s a Which article with horrifying test video. I don’t want to come across as the car seat safety police, but without hyperbole those seats are untested death traps.

We used Joie Steadi - it's not exactly small, but if felt a lot smaller than other car seats. Also meant we could get cabs to/from airport without worrying about seats, and gave us extra room via the box to pack nappies. Just check that your toddler isn't too tall - it's not the longest lasting but should be ok if your toddler isn't particularly long torsoed.

Not the ones linked by a previous poster - very unsafe. Unfortunately there isn't an easy solution - best to take your own. I wouldn't use a car hire company or hotel car seat - likely old, basic model, might not be installed properly or clean, and may well not be age appropriate. I'm speaking from experience.

You need to say where you are going as the seat needs to be legal there, too.

One of my friends has the first and my other the second. I have never seen the second in person so I take away the advice if it's bad! But I have used the first one and it seemed very sturdy and fit my DS in lovely.

Maxi Cosi Nomad is fine. That conforms to the ECE R129 safety regulation and is allowed for children over 15 months up to a maximum of 105cm/18kg. Rear facing would be better, but this seat is legal and better than a seatbelt alone.

The second link is a type of seat which are not safety tested. They rip apart horrifically in accidents and don't provide any crash safety. They are also illegal to use. It doesn't matter which exact one it is, it's called a "No-frame" or "Frameless" car seat. They are common in countries with very lax car seat laws e.g. Asian countries, Russia. We are seeing them in the UK because of the direct import sellers who now flood sites like amazon, and advertise (for direct sites as you linked) on social media. People see it listed and assume that because amazon is a reputable company, or the website has a .co.uk ending, the product must be safe. The problem is that amazon doesn't vet every product which comes through from third party sellers.

Your child would be safer in a seatbelt than this type of seat, but neither seatbelt nor "frameless" car seat is legal. Please watch the video linked, do not use the seat (I realise it was the Maxi Cosi you used before, which is fine) and tell your friend. They shouldn't be sold at all but amazon apparently don't give a shit about this, and nobody can stop people setting up websites to sell whatever they like.

If she needs a portable seat and can't afford the Maxi Cosi Nomad, the cheapest of this type of seat but with a proper safety standard I can find currently is Kinderkraft Comfort Up which is £50 in a few places. Or Joie Tilt, £60 at Argos, or Halfords have a few at £60 as well including one rear facing seat and one forward facing with isofix. Boots have Cozy n Safe Fitzroy for just under £60 with their current offer.

I know that is not as cheap as a £20 seat - but I'd use a second hand seat if necessary over those things.