Car Seat Mega Thread! Please post all your car seat questions here!

from_atozinc · 03-01-2014 11:45am

nikpmup wrote: »

I think it's one or the other - I don't have isofix in my car so I use the seatbelt, occasionally we put it in my OH's car which does have isofix so we use that. There'd be no harm in using both together though I'd say!

Thanks, I put the baby seat behind the passenger seat and the baby is facing the back of the car , is this correct ?

Gee_G · 03-01-2014 11:48am

from_atozinc wrote: »

Thanks, I put the baby seat behind the passenger seat and the baby is facing the back of the car , is this correct ?

Yeah I also think its one or the other. We had an isofix newborn seat and didn't use the seatbelt. You can get great little mirrors so that you can see the baby as they are rear facing(not sure if you have one) but I found it great!:)

nikpmup · 03-01-2014 1:00pm

from_atozinc wrote: »

Thanks, I put the baby seat behind the passenger seat and the baby is facing the back of the car , is this correct ?

That's right, the little mirrors are great - around a tenner in smyths

from_atozinc · 03-01-2014 1:07pm

nikpmup wrote: »

That's right, the little mirrors are great - around a tenner in smyths

So if you have 2 kids in the car, you obviously have to put one baby seat right behind you and not behind the passenger seat.

Suppose im asking, what is the advantage of putting the baby seat behind the passenger as opposed to putting it behind the driver seat ?

nikpmup · 03-01-2014 1:17pm

from_atozinc wrote: »

So if you have 2 kids in the car, you obviously have to put one baby seat right behind you and not behind the passenger seat.

Suppose im asking, what is the advantage of putting the baby seat behind the passenger as opposed to putting it behind the driver seat ?

I think it's so the driver can see the baby? No clue really - I have mine behind the passenger seat as my oh has quite long legs and when he's driving my car he has to pull the seat back quite a bit so it squashes up against the carseat. When I'm driving he just has to put up with no legroom :P If you've two kids obviously then you have to have one behind each seat.

from_atozinc · 03-01-2014 1:23pm

nikpmup wrote: »

I think it's so the driver can see the baby? No clue really - I have mine behind the passenger seat as my oh has quite long legs and when he's driving my car he has to pull the seat back quite a bit so it squashes up against the carseat. When I'm driving he just has to put up with no legroom :P If you've two kids obviously then you have to have one behind each seat.

Thanks for reply.

So at the moment, our baby is facing the back of the car.

I understand that after a year or so that the baby will face forward. Does a new BASE *and* SEAT have to be bought for this ?

P.S. I currently have the maxi cosi easi fix BASE and the seat is the cabriofix.

nikpmup · 03-01-2014 4:01pm

from_atozinc wrote: »

Thanks for reply.

So at the moment, our baby is facing the back of the car.

I understand that after a year or so that the baby will face forward. Does a new BASE *and* SEAT have to be bought for this ?

P.S. I currently have the maxi cosi easi fix BASE and the seat is the cabriofix.

You can buy a base and a seat, but most of the forward facing seats are designed to be fixed in place without a base, either with isofix points or seatbelts. The bigger seats aren't taken out of the car as much, you lift the baby out of the seat instead.

Moonbeam · 04-01-2014 12:14am

from_atozinc wrote: »

Thanks, I put the baby seat behind the passenger seat and the baby is facing the back of the car , is this correct ?

you can put it in any seat in the car but if it is in the front the airbag needs to be disabled.
I always keep the youngest behind me though.

Blueskye · 04-01-2014 9:23am

nikpmup wrote: »

I think it's one or the other - I don't have isofix in my car so I use the seatbelt, occasionally we put it in my OH's car which does have isofix so we use that. There'd be no harm in using both together though I'd say!

It's not recommended to use both belt and isofix at the same time, just one or the other.

from_atozinc · 04-01-2014 9:00pm

Blueskye wrote: »

It's not recommended to use both belt and isofix at the same time, just one or the other.

Thanks for that.

from_atozinc · 05-01-2014 8:48pm

I currently have the maxi cosi easy fix base - which has the isofix anchors.

I have a cabrio fix chair that attaches to this.

Can anyone tell me the difference between the maxi cosi easy fix base and the family fix base ?

ThisRegard · 06-01-2014 1:38pm

Blueskye wrote: »

It's not recommended to use both belt and isofix at the same time, just one or the other.

Don't think it's an issue as some isofix seats also use the cars seatbelt as the kid restraint.

g0g · 06-01-2014 2:04pm

from_atozinc wrote: »

I currently have the maxi cosi easy fix base - which has the isofix anchors.

I have a cabrio fix chair that attaches to this.

Can anyone tell me the difference between the maxi cosi easy fix base and the family fix base ?

I was just researching the same question over the past week. Family fix base is a different style that can also accommodate the next size up of Maxi Cosi seat (group 1 I think) once you move to that. So they say they're saving you buying a new base when you need a bigger chair. Personally I'd prefer just buy a group 1-2-3 seat (once finished with Group 0) and fit it correctly with seatbelts so I just ordered the easy fix. There's also one called easy base 2 and the difference between this and easy fix is that one gets tied with seatbelt and the other uses the isofix points. All three types have an anchor bar for floor of car. Also, I don't think their newer Pebble chair will fit on all of those bases. Hope this helps (and that it's right!!!). The Maxi Cosi site is actually good for comparing options on their seats and their bases.

from_atozinc · 06-01-2014 2:10pm

g0g wrote: »

I was just researching the same question over the past week. Family fix base is a different style that can also accommodate the next size up of Maxi Cosi seat (group 1 I think) once you move to that. So they say they're saving you buying a new base when you need a bigger chair. Personally I'd prefer just buy a group 1-2-3 seat (once finished with Group 0) and fit it correctly with seatbelts so I just ordered the easy fix. There's also one called easy base 2 and the difference between this and easy fix is that one gets tied with seatbelt and the other uses the isofix points. All three types have an anchor bar for floor of car. Also, I don't think their newer Pebble chair will fit on all of those bases. Hope this helps (and that it's right!!!). The Maxi Cosi site is actually good for comparing options on their seats and their bases.

Thanks for that.

Its all very complicated

And a msssive money racket .

Hello Lady! · 08-01-2014 10:20pm

Folks, I am looking to buy bases for the maxi cosi cabriofix. As we have two babies AND two cars, we were hoping to pick up a couple of bases second hand. I have found one locally on adverts and had my offer accepted. When I go to inspect it before buying what should I be looking out for? Any things which I need to look for that would mean the base doesn't work/isn't safe? I am just a bit nervous, but we can't afford to spend over €400 on car seat bases (even if it would give me peace of mind :rolleyes:)

Apologies if this has already been asked and answered - its a loooong thread!

from_atozinc · 08-01-2014 11:55pm

Hello Lady! wrote: »

Folks, I am looking to buy bases for the maxi cosi cabriofix. As we have two babies AND two cars, we were hoping to pick up a couple of bases second hand. I have found one locally on adverts and had my offer accepted. When I go to inspect it before buying what should I be looking out for? Any things which I need to look for that would mean the base doesn't work/isn't safe? I am just a bit nervous, but we can't afford to spend over €400 on car seat bases (even if it would give me peace of mind :rolleyes:)

Apologies if this has already been asked and answered - its a loooong thread!

The best thing to do is bring your own car seat with you. Test the base your buying, make sure it makes all the clicks it's supposed to when installed, lights go green when you insert base and baby chair etc.

After installing the base, give it a good shake to make sure its sturdy. Do the same after inserting the baby chair, shake it to make sure nothing lose. And make sure the lights are green. I bought one 2nd hand yesterday and spent about 20 minutes installing, testing, re testing etc.

If a seller is genuine, they will have no problem with you testing all this.

Hello Lady! · 09-01-2014 1:46am

Thanks for the advice!

toby2111 · 12-01-2014 2:46pm

Our wee man turns 1 next Friday so I guess it's time we starting looking at car seats. We have the maxi cosi cabriofix but will prob not get much more out of it. What's the best 123 seats out there? Also is there any good sales on at the moment for car seats?
Are 123 seats the best? Or will they get bored of the seat by age 6 or 7. Just figured 123 might be best as then we don't have to buy more seats.

Moonbeam · 12-01-2014 8:08pm

My baby just gone 1 and his head is at the top of the maxi cosi so need to move him soon.
He will go in to a besafe izi x3 and the tiny just 3 year old will go in to a kiddy guardian fix pro.
The guardian fix is a really good seat ,with excellent safety ratings and the kids love it due to the lack of straps.

At 6 or 7 he will probably be in a booster seat.

toby2111 · 12-01-2014 8:29pm

At €425 and €330, I think both those seats are out of my budget. Surely, there's ones out there at half that price with very good safety ratings?

Moonbeam · 12-01-2014 8:34pm

I used Which? to find the Kiddy one.
The 9 months - 12 year category is the hardest to find good seats in unfortunately.
We have a Britax evolva 123 as well but I am not really a fan,it is incredibly hard to install properly in some cars.
I have friends that like the 123 evolva plus though.
http://www.kiddicare.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/categorydisplay10A_6315_11302_71721_-1__70709_70709_10151_70709 have a good selection listed and I ave heard good thing about their own brand seats.

toby2111 · 12-01-2014 8:46pm

Yeh, was looking at the Evolva 123. I wonder why is it so hard to install?
I suppose it's case of personal preference. I'll visit a few shops over the next week and see what suits us best.

Moonbeam · 12-01-2014 8:56pm

I can get it in to the Ford Galaxy securely,I can not get it in to my mothers Santa Fe securely at all but in my car I install it and then move the seat forward to tighten it.

Moonbeam · 12-01-2014 8:57pm

http://www.toys.ie/Group-123-!WSCAT322-subcat.aspx the Evolva is reduced in Smyths.

sillysocks · 12-01-2014 9:18pm

I think the problem is in some cars the seatbelt isn't long enough for the Evolva. That's what happened when we tried to get one for my mother in laws car (she minds our toddler during the week). I had gone to Halfords and they tried to fit it but couldn't so recommended another one. It's definitely worth a trip to somewhere like there or Tony Kealys and just see what will fit properly and safely before you decide.

Moonbeam · 13-01-2014 11:27pm

The seatbelt is long enough I just can not get it to tighten in properly,even if I sit in the seat to push it back and tighten it I can still push the seat sideways.
If it is not an isofix seat I would also recommend getting it fitted.

Moonbeam · 14-01-2014 12:17pm

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_851919_langId_-1_categoryId_212579 seems like a pretty decent offer.
It gets good reviews and that is the cheapest that I have found the elite version anywhere.

toby2111 · 14-01-2014 11:05pm

Moonbeam wrote: »

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_851919_langId_-1_categoryId_212579 seems like a pretty decent offer.
It gets good reviews and that is the cheapest that I have found the elite version anywhere.

That looks pretty decent. Gonna pop in to halfords on Saturday and check it out. Anyone have any experience of this car seat? Would it be better than the Britax evolva?

houseplant · 19-01-2014 9:48pm

Hey guys, just about to look for the next car seat for the little one. We were looking at the maxi cosi axiss and I'm wondering of those that have it, would you recommend it? How is the safety with it not being isofix? Is it easy to fit? And is it worth the money??

PuddingHead · 21-03-2014 11:39am

My sister in law has a bad back and that was the one recommended for her and her little one, they love it, although they have a big enough car, octivia and you'd only fit 2 car seats in the back and no third passenger

I'm also looking for help, Im moving my son into a bigger seat in the next 8 weeks I'm only going to put him in a rear facing seat...

I'm looking for 2 cheap group1 rear facing seats for grannys car and daddys car, as mammy is already paying stupid 500 euro on the one for my car (it's the one we use most)

Any help?

cowlick · 21-03-2014 2:22pm

houseplant wrote: »

Hey guys, just about to look for the next car seat for the little one. We were looking at the maxi cosi axiss and I'm wondering of those that have it, would you recommend it? How is the safety with it not being isofix? Is it easy to fit? And is it worth the money??

Sorry for the late reply, I have this car seat and find it excellent, it has a good recline too and is easy to install and is secured to the seat really tightly, I would have every faith in it compared to an isofix. Its brilliant on my back the way it swivels and now that my toddler has reached a stage where I have to battle with him to get him into the seat it's even better that the seat faces out towards me when securing him into his seat. Hth

Moonbeam · 21-03-2014 2:26pm

PuddingHead wrote: »

My sister in law has a bad back and that was the one recommended for her and her little one, they love it, although they have a big enough car, octivia and you'd only fit 2 car seats in the back and no third passenger

I'm also looking for help, Im moving my son into a bigger seat in the next 8 weeks I'm only going to put him in a rear facing seat...

I'm looking for 2 cheap group1 rear facing seats for grannys car and daddys car, as mammy is already paying stupid 500 euro on the one for my car (it's the one we use most)

Any help?

500 is a bit crazy , which one are you getting ?
Britax do one that is pretty cheap but non isofix .

PuddingHead · 21-03-2014 2:41pm

I'm getting the cybex sirona for my car, i do a good bit of driving, my parents live over an hour away his are 40 minutes, and when we holiday in europe we drive so we want that considering the use.

i agree its totally crazy but for the autobahn ill take it :P I'll keep researing britax, that's okay daddys car doesnt have iso fix anyway.

Hello Lady! · 21-03-2014 5:52pm

Smyths have 20% off car seats inc already reduced ones. I am thinking of maybe buying now and keeping for later (my girls are only 3 months) but I was watching watchdog the other day and they said that over the next 12 months Europe will be introducing new safety standards on car seats and many of the seats currently compliant wont pass the new regulations. In particular booster seats and seats without a wrap around head rest due to the safety issue if a car is hit side on. I am wondering if that is part of the reason for the reductions??? Dunno whether to buy now or wait!!??

PuddingHead · 21-03-2014 6:13pm

My public health nurse was telling me that the RSA are considering making rear facing child seats mandatory to 24 months, and in Europe they make it mandatory for rear facing up to 18kg so maybe thats it?

Xdancer · 21-03-2014 6:27pm

PuddingHead wrote: »

My public health nurse was telling me that the RSA are considering making rear facing child seats mandatory to 24 months, and in Europe they make it mandatory for rear facing up to 18kg so maybe thats it?

It's not mandatory up to 18 months in Spain. They recommend up to 24 months, but it's not law.

Hello Lady! · 21-03-2014 7:23pm

Yeah I think extending rear facing is part of it. I think I might just abandon the idea of a 1-2-3 and buy a separate, cheap but safe one for each stage.

Hello Lady! · 21-03-2014 7:24pm

Yeah I think extending rear facing is part of it. I think I might just abandon the idea of a 1-2-3 and buy a separate, cheap but safe one for each stage.

Moonbeam · 21-03-2014 9:54pm

I had mine rear facing until 3 and only moved them as the seat was needed for the next one:)
The besafe izi is brilliant.
kiddy do some very good forward facing seats for bigger kids.

Millem · 22-03-2014 2:10pm

Apologies in advance if this question has ready been asked! There are great sales on at the mo so I am looking to get one (or even two if they are a good price!) car seats the second size up from newborn baby but I want isofix any recommendations? Babs is only 9 weeks and we besafe izi go so don't need it for ages!

Moonbeam · 09-04-2014 9:21pm

uli84 wrote: »

Anybody seen any good value car seats recently? Thx

kiddicare.com had loads.

amor3 · 10-04-2014 12:10am

uli84 wrote: »

Anybody seen any good value car seats recently? Thx

Mothercare were having a car seat sale a few weeks ago, don't know if its still going!

foodaholic · 10-04-2014 5:00am

Just bought 2 off kiddiecare. 1-2-3 type great price

Millem · 10-04-2014 7:47am

uli84 wrote: »

Anybody seen any good value car seats recently? Thx

For rearward facing seats I found this man the cheapest and has a bigger selection. He recommended the kiss 2 or triofix (over the besafe izi combi) to me and they are on sale. http://shop.carseat.se

Moonbeam · 10-04-2014 3:33pm

Their prices used to be crazy high but it is 4 years since I bought our extended rear facing seat.

I came across this earlier which is a good price -
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Britax-First-Rearward-Forward-Facing/dp/B009O1P3V2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1397140341&sr=8-2&keywords=britax+dualfix
for 99 pounds

Millem · 10-04-2014 7:37pm

Moonbeam wrote: »

Their prices used to be crazy high but it is 4 years since I bought our extended rear facing seat.

I came across this earlier which is a good price -
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Britax-First-Rearward-Forward-Facing/dp/B009O1P3V2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1397140341&sr=8-2&keywords=britax+dualfix
for 99 pounds

Well I am looking for rearward facing isofix and he seems to have the most choice and be the cheapest. I think they are going to bring in some rule that all kiddies up to 4 must be rearward facing and there are hardly any on the market in Ireland!

kandr10 · 10-04-2014 8:03pm

Might be a silly question but where do the child's legs go in a rearward facing car seat?

Millem · 10-04-2014 8:09pm

kandr10 wrote: »

Might be a silly question but where do the child's legs go in a rearward facing car seat?

I think I read somewhere that bigger children like to cross them. I don't know much about them only they are ment to be safer. Prince George is going forward facing in New Zealand and there was uproar! Just found this link from the guy who runs that site you can see pics! http://bloggen.fi/bilstolslotsen/2012/11/ar-det-hopplost-trangt-om-benen-for-storre-barn-i-bakatvanda-bilbarnstolar/

Moonbeam · 10-04-2014 8:39pm

Millem wrote: »

Well I am looking for rearward facing isofix and he seems to have the most choice and be the cheapest. I think they are going to bring in some rule that all kiddies up to 4 must be rearward facing and there are hardly any on the market in Ireland!

They will never bring that in here but it is much better to have them rear facing in most accidents.
It does look like shops here are finally stocking them , demand will also decrease prices . I got ours from kiddicare it is the be safe izi fix one and they stayed in it until after 3 only coming out of it to make way for the next sibling .

Hello Lady! · 10-04-2014 8:53pm

Moonbeam wrote: »

They will never bring that in here but it is much better to have them rear facing in most accidents.
It does look like shops here are finally stocking them , demand will also decrease prices . I got ours from kiddicare it is the be safe izi fix one and they stayed in it until after 3 only coming out of it to make way for the next sibling .

Those new regs are European so will apply to Ireland too. AFAIK the rearward facing for larger children would just lengthen tge isofix point to give more depth. Problem with that is that in most cars, unless the driver is a midget theres not a lot of extra leg room you can give even if you wanted to.

Car Seat Mega Thread! Please post all your car seat questions here!

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