Mother & Baby Oct 19

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Next-stage car seats Keep your child safe and comfy in the car as he grows Working out when to move your child from a baby car seat to one suitable for a growing toddler can be confusing. The key thing to remember is that a car seat ‘fits’ your child according to his weight (or his height, in the case of i-Size seats) – not his age. Don’t move your child until he’s close to the maximum weight or height limit for his current seat. Lots of parents buy the next-stage seat too soon, thinking the seat looks a bit snug, but it’s safer to keep your child in the lowest group seat for his height and weight. For this test our panel of mums and their babies tried out seats across various different groups. A very affordable seat might tick all your boxes if you’re shopping for a spare seat for occasional use, but it might be worth buying a more expensive seat if you need features such as a rotating base or ISOFIX. It’s worth spending as much as you can on a car seat with the best safety features. Do you need a next-stage car seat? If you’re currently using a Group 0+ seat (rear-facing and suitable from birth; popular as it comes with many travel systems), you’ll probably need a new seat once your baby weighs about 13kg, often around 15–18 months. If you’re using an i-Size seat, you’ll need to replace it when your baby reaches the height limit for the seat – these vary, and are set by the manufacturer, but it’s likely to be when your child is somewhere between 12–15 months and four years old. Do you need to move the seat between cars? Unlike infant carrier car seats, which can be used to transport your baby back and forth between the car, next-stage car seats are designed to stay in your vehicle. It’s best to avoid moving them unnecessarily to minimise the chances of re-installing it incorrectly, but if you’re a two-car family or need to move it into a grandparent’s car occasionally, choose a car seat that’s straightforward to re-install. Is your child ready for a forward-facing seat? Rear-facing seats provide greater protection for your baby’s head, neck and spine than forward-facing seats. Only move your child to a forward-facing seat once he can sit up unaided and he has exceeded the maximum weight for the seat or he is too tall for the seat, usually when the top of his head is above the top of the seat. Or, consider using a larger (Group 1 or Group 2) rear-facing seat. If you choose a seat that can be both rear facing and forward facing, check the weight limit for rear-facing use, as some seats aren’t suitable for rear-facing use beyond a certain weight. SEAT PADDING A well-padded seat means a more comfy journey for your child. Is it plush enough, and can you wash the cover easily in the event of a toilet-training accident or spilled drink? Words Heidi Scrimgeour This month’s testers Emily Maskell 28, from York, is mum to Isla, six months ‘We do lots of long trips, so I’m looking for the comfiest seat for when Isla’s infant carrier is outgrown.’ Sarah Grant 29, from Portstewart, is mum to Elijah and Olivia, 17 months ‘I’d like an affordable seat that’s easy to adjust after every growth spurt!’ Uanfind Lewis 36, from Ballycastle, is mum to Ardan, 33 months ‘I’d like a rear-facing car seat for an older child, that’s simple to install and not too bulky.’ Always remove your child’s coat before you strap him into his car seat, as a thick padded coat or pram suit creates too much space between your baby’s body and his harness, and prevents him being properly restrained and protected. 108 | October 2019 | motherandbaby.co.uk
Shop! ROTATION Some of the seats we tested rotate to help make it easier to pop your child in and out of the car. Check how easy it is to operate this feature – it can be a wonderful extra if you have back problems or a heavy child. SEAT RECLINE Multiple recline positions mean more comfort for your child if he nods off in the car. Check how many recline settings there are, and whether you can easily (and quietly!) adjust the seat, even with your child in it. HARNESS AND BUCKLE The car-seat harness should be tight-fitting – you shouldn’t be able to fit more than two fingers between the strap and your child’s shoulder. Check how easy it is to adjust the harness height and straps, without breaking a nail. Groups at a glance Car seats are categorised into groups according to the weight limits at which they’ve been tested, as follows: Group 0+ (0-13kg), Group 1 (9-18kg), Group 2 (15-25kg) and Group 3 (22-36kg). ACCESSORIES A cup holder isn’t an essential, but it makes life easier as you don’t have to stop the car to pick up dropped toys or hand over drinks. Check whether any useful extras are included, or if you can buy them separately. SAFETY FEATURES All car seats must pass crash tests and safety standards, but they don’t share the same safety features. Look for extras like side-impact protection – especially around the part of the seat that supports your child’s head – and a seat shell designed to help absorb impact. Joie i-Spin 360, £280 motherandbaby.co.uk | October 2019 | 109
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Mother & Baby Oct 19

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