Essential things to consider when deciding which one is right for you

Universal car seat carrier strollers are simply stroller frames onto which an infant car seat can attach, resulting in something that is not far different from a travel-system stroller, only a lot more lighter and compact and a great deal cheaper. Universal car seat carriers can only work with an infant car seat so can only really be used while your baby still fits into this seat; usually a period of around one year. Top brands include Graco, Kolcraft and Maxi-Cosi.

Universal car seat carrier strollers tend to be very basic compared to full-featured strollers and travel systems. However, their main appeal lies in this no-frills simplicity itself and if you choose well, it is possible to get a stroller which saves you a lot of time and hassle. Here are some things to consider when shopping for a universal car seat carrier stroller:

1. Weight

Lightweight is one of the key selling points of these strollers with some models weighing as little as 12 pounds. Remember to account for the weight of the car seat when considering how heavy the stroller really is.

2. Compactability & Storability

Look for an easy folding and unfolding mechanism, preferably one that you can manage with one hand. The frame should collapse to a compact size which can be stored effortlessly in your car boot, while still leaving space for other luggage.

3. Car seat compatibility

If you are buying this stroller to use with a car seat you already have, make sure the two are compatible. Most universal car seat carrier strollers will work with most major car seat brands but if you have an older model, this may not be the case. If you are buying an infant car seat to fit the stroller, make sure that it has all the safety and comfort features you desire and that it fits your car.

4. Car seat attaching & detaching mechanism

Try installing and releasing your car seat on the frame prior to purchasing. This should be very easy and the seat should fix securely in place without the risk of detaching while you are on the move.

5. Safety

Look for rear-wheel parking brakes; these may be hand or foot operated. In addition to this, ensure that your infant seat adheres to safety regulations too.

6. Handling

Look for front swivel wheels which will give easy manoeuvrability in tight spaces. The stroller frame should fit through narrow spaces even with the car seat in place. Some models have adjustable handle-bars which can be optimized for different heights.

7. Comfort

In large, the comfort of a baby traveling in a universal car seat carrier stroller will depend on the quality of the car seat that the stroller is used with. Most stroller frames don’t even have sun-canopies so choose a car seat that has its own. Some models come with rain covers and parasols can be bought separately and attached to the frame. Selecting a model with wheel suspension will minimize the bumps felt by your baby so will ensure a smoother ride.

8. Storage

Most of these strollers offer a generous amount of storage space in under-seat baskets. Some have spring-loaded pull-down features so that they are easier to access when the car seat is in place.

Universal car seat carrier stroller frames are also available in twin or triplet models and are great for keeping the weight down when you have to cart around multiple kids. Starting at $60, they provide a cost-effective transporting solution for those who like to keep things simple.

Bringing you the highest standards in car-seat safety

IMMI, the manufacturers of Safeguard car seats have been producing child seats for over three decades and pride themselves on their high safety standards, so much so that they have their own in-house safety standards testing facility. Safeguard car seats currently come with an astonishing limited warranty of 7-years which covers them against defects in their materials or workmanship.

IMMI currently produce two car seat models; the Safeguard GO-Booster Hybrid and the original Safeguard Child Seat. Both these seats are front facing and are designed to be used for children aged one year or over, weighing a minimum of 22 pounds which in accordance with current safety regulations.

The Safeguard GO-Booster Hybrid seat is current IMMI’s most popular model and provides good value for money at around $150. It can be used as a conventional forward facing seat as described above, or as a backless booster seat for children weighing between 40 to 100 pounds and between the heights of 43 and 57 inches.

The key feature of this seat is it’s lightweight and portability. It folds away easily and can be stored in its handy carry-bag. It boasts top and bottom LATCH anchors which means that it can be installed easily; the manufacturers claim that this can be done in under one minute although in theory it does take a little longer than this especially on the first fitting. The top tether requires LATCH connectors to be present in the car but the bottom section can be anchored using a standard seat-belt.

The GO-Booster has an adjustable 5-point safety harness and meets and exceeds federal safety standards. The side protection is somewhat limited on the body section but side-wings provide a generous amount of side-coverage on the head-rest. Unfortunately, the seat does not recline but armrests are present to provide a little extra comfort.

The original Safeguard Child Seat retails at the heftier price of around $350 and can accommodate children between 22 and 65 pounds. It is ergonomically designed with shoulder pads and a height-adjustable head-rest. The seat is well padded with a super-comfy memory foam which guarantees a smooth ride for little passengers.

Safety features on the Safeguard Child Seat include the standard 5-point harness as well as a decent amount of side protection all the way around the seat. The frame is made of an aircraft-quality aluminum and it has a Smart-core to absorb energy in the event of a collision. This seat also supports a LATCH connecting system but a standard seat belt can also be used. Although it is still lightweight, it is not as easily transportable as the Go-booster and is beat being used in a fixed location.

Safeguard car seats are sturdy in construction and are manufactured to the very highest standards. In terms of safety, ease of use and comfort, they compare very well to other leading brands and with their generous weight tolerances, are likely to last your child a very long time.

Style, simplicity and safety all in one seat

Peg Perego, an Italian company are world-renowned, trusted manufacturers of toys and baby products. They have been in operation since 1949 and their main aim is to deliver stylish baby-gear that provides all the extra features any parent or baby could possibly desire. Peg Perego currently manufacture one car seat; the Primo Viaggio Sip 30/30. This is a newer version of the original Primo Viaggio SIP car seat that has been updated to accommodate heavier babies thus reducing the need to buy a convertible or forward facing seat before your baby is ready for it.

The Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30 complies with NHTSA standards and is approved for use in cars and aeroplanes. It is suitable for babies weighing between 5 and 30 pounds with a maximum height limit of 30 inches. This obviously means that its use is limited to younger infants and many parents find that their babies grow out of it an astonishing rate.

The Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30 scores very highly in the safety category. It has top-notch side impact protection with SIP wings that can be moved into different positions to ensure that they are always at the optimum height for your baby. To make things easier, these wings can be adjusted at the same time as the five-point safety harness which is padded for extra comfort. A removable support cushion is included to keep small babies extra snug and secure. Other comfort features include an adjustable hood to shade your baby from harsh sunlight and a seat-covering made from a breathable comfort-dry micro fiber fabric.

A clear disadvantage of the Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30 is that it is a rear-facing seat which is sure to create issues with inquisitive babies who don’t like to miss out on any of the action. However, from a safety perspective, this is definitely advantageous for your child as it allows them to ride it the rear-facing position until they are at the recommended age of one year.

The car seat has a LATCH system base which it clicks onto with an easy-release system. The base can also be attached with a standard seat-belt and although extra bases are available separately, it is even possible to affix the car seat without the base if you need to travel in different cars. In addition to this, the seat is travel-system compatible with all Peg Perego strollers as well as with other leading brands with the use of an adaptor bar.

Despite the fact that the Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30 can only be used for a relatively short time, it is an excellent car seat and has all the style and snob-appeal you would expect from Peg Perego gear. It is guaranteed to make your baby feel snug and cozy and it will give you peace of mind knowing that they are as secure as they could possibly be.

Features to look out for when deciding which one to buy

A car seat is probably one of the most important things you will ever buy for your baby; not only will it keep her safe but it will provide a comfortable place from which to view the world and keep her entertained, leaving you free to concentrate on your driving. Choosing a car seat for an infant is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly and you should never use a seat that may have been involved in a previous collision as its safety will be compromised.

The current US regulations state that an infant must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are over one year and over 20 pounds in weight. After that, they may travel in a forward-facing car seat until they are around 40 pounds and tall enough to sit in a booster seat. Despite this, always carry a baby in the rear-facing position for as long as possible even if they exceed the criteria detailed above as this is the position that offers the most protection.

Infant Seats Vs. Convertible Seats

Infant seats offer a very versatile way of transporting a young baby as they can be removed from the car and either be carried inside or attached to a compatible stroller without having to disturb your baby. These seats are designed to be rear facing and typically offer good newborn support and side-impact protection. The downside is that they can only be used for a limited amount of time as they have a weight limit of around 30 pounds.

Convertible car seats can usually accommodate larger babies. They can be fitted in either a rear-facing position while your child is below 20 pounds and under one year, or forward-facing when your baby is bigger and older. A good convertible car seat will also offer newborn support, multi-reclining positions and side impact protection.

Size Matters

Whether you choose an infant car seat or a convertible one, it is important to adhere strictly to the manufacturer’s weight and height limits. Never use a seat if your baby slumps forwards in it or if you cannot get optimum adjustment of the safety harness. Conversely, never use a seat if your baby’s size exceeds the seat’s capacity.

Safety First

All new car seats that are sold in the US have to undergo the same rigorous safety-testing procedures which will determine if they are able to protect your child in the event of a collision. A car seat is only safe if it is correctly fitted so make sure you are absolutely happy with both attaching and releasing the seat. Some seats will be only feature lower attachments whereas other more stable models will offer top tethers to secure the upper part of the seat too.

Other safety features to look out for are a five-point safety harness and side-impact protection to the whole upper body. Higher-end models have energy absorbing foam in their structures which deflects the brunt of force away from your child in the event of an accident.

Consider Comfort

Your baby won’t care how safe a car seat is but they will appreciate being comfortable. A well-padded seat which is upholstered in a plush or breathable fabric should be chosen; this should offer good support for newborns (e.g. a head and neck supporting cushion). Pads on the harness are a good way to stop the straps from digging into your baby’s skin. The seat should have multi-reclining positions (infant car seats generally do not offer this feature). Take care to ensure that the seat does not have any exposed metal parts which may burn your baby’s skin as they heat up under direct sunlight shining into the car.

Fitting Facts

Car seat fitting stations are present in many locations such as hospitals and fire-stations; here experts can check that your seat is properly installed and that your child’s safety is not compromised. It is important to try fitting the car seat in your car before you buy it to make sure it fits and that the fitting process is not too complicated for you. Some infant seats have bases that the seat fixes onto and this allows for easy attachment and removal especially if you need to put the seat in different cars.

The Low-down on LATCH

The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system increases the safety of car seats by making them easier to install. Both cars and car seats made after September 2002 will be LATCH co-ordinated but many LATCH model car seats can also be anchored using a standard seat-belt; this is good if you need the car seat to work with an older car or if you need to fit it to the middle portion of the rear seat.

On-the-go baby safety from a trusted name

Fisher-Price is a well established, trusted household name and a company that is very well known for producing durable and affordable baby gear and toys. There have been a few changes regarding Fisher-Price’s range of car seats with some lines being discontinued and a few models being recalled due to safety issues. However, the hallmark of these car seats continues to be in their easy-to-install design and their affordability.

The Fisher-Price Safe Voyage Deluxe Convertible car seat was the most adaptable seat in the range but has been discontinued by the manufacturers in some production regions. The car seat is still available from retailers who still have supplies of the model and with an average price of around $150 it provides an affordable way of transporting a baby from 5 pounds up to 55 pounds. The seat can be used either in the rear-facing or forward facing position once a baby is at least one year and weighs a minimum of 20 pounds. The seat can carry a baby in the safest recommended rear-facing position up to 33 pounds which compares brilliantly against other similar models.

Other features of the Safe Voyage Deluxe Convertible are similar to basic Britax models since Britax made this seat for Fisher-Price. It features EPA energy absorbing foam, a five-point safety harness and removable seat covers for easier cleaning. It provides a decent amount of side impact protection and is well-padded and comfortable for little passengers. The biggest downside of the seat is that is doesn’t recline but it is set at enough of an angle to allow snoozing on the go. The seat comes with a slim base so fits well even in smaller cars and has an easy to install LATCH system.

The Fisher-Price Safe Voyage Booster seat retails at around $80 and can carry a child up to 100 pounds. It is used with a standard seat belt and has built-in belt guides for optimal positioning around your child. The back-rest which features energy absorbing foam can be adjusted in two positions and can even be removed completely once your child is older. Comfort features such as foam padding and a handy cup-holder are guaranteed to keep your child happy.

Fisher-Price also have an infant seat in their range; the Safe Voyage Infant seat which is hugely popular in the UK and Europe. This is travel system compatible with the Fisher-Price Safe Voyage stroller and has a LATCH equipped base that it clicks effortlessly onto. It is well padded and features energy absorbing foam, newborn support and a five-point safety harness. An adjustable sun canopy is also present and the seat is suitable up to around 28 pounds.

Fisher-Price car seats are excellent models to consider if you want installation within minutes together with essential safety features without breaking the bank. They may not offer a long list of extra features that some car seats on the market boast but if you prefer to keep things uncomplicated then you may value their simplicity if you manage to get hold of one.

Features to look out for when deciding which one to buy

A car seat is probably one of the most important things you will ever buy for your baby; not only will it keep her safe but it will provide a comfortable place from which to view the world and keep her entertained, leaving you free to concentrate on your driving. Choosing a car seat for an infant is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly and you should never use a seat that may have been involved in a previous collision as its safety will be compromised.

The current US regulations state that an infant must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are over one year and over 20 pounds in weight. After that, they may travel in a forward-facing car seat until they are around 40 pounds and tall enough to sit in a booster seat. Despite this, always carry a baby in the rear-facing position for as long as possible even if they exceed the criteria detailed above as this is the position that offers the most protection.

Infant Seats Vs. Convertible Seats

Infant seats offer a very versatile way of transporting a young baby as they can be removed from the car and either be carried inside or attached to a compatible stroller without having to disturb your baby. These seats are designed to be rear facing and typically offer good newborn support and side-impact protection. The downside is that they can only be used for a limited amount of time as they have a weight limit of around 30 pounds.

Convertible car seats can usually accommodate larger babies. They can be fitted in either a rear-facing position while your child is below 20 pounds and under one year, or forward-facing when your baby is bigger and older. A good convertible car seat will also offer newborn support, multi-reclining positions and side impact protection.

Size Matters

Whether you choose an infant car seat or a convertible one, it is important to adhere strictly to the manufacturer’s weight and height limits. Never use a seat if your baby slumps forwards in it or if you cannot get optimum adjustment of the safety harness. Conversely, never use a seat if your baby’s size exceeds the seat’s capacity.

Safety First

All new car seats that are sold in the US have to undergo the same rigorous safety-testing procedures which will determine if they are able to protect your child in the event of a collision. A car seat is only safe if it is correctly fitted so make sure you are absolutely happy with both attaching and releasing the seat. Some seats will be only feature lower attachments whereas other more stable models will offer top tethers to secure the upper part of the seat too.

Other safety features to look out for are a five-point safety harness and side-impact protection to the whole upper body. Higher-end models have energy absorbing foam in their structures which deflects the brunt of force away from your child in the event of an accident.

Consider Comfort

Your baby won’t care how safe a car seat is but they will appreciate being comfortable. A well-padded seat which is upholstered in a plush or breathable fabric should be chosen; this should offer good support for newborns (e.g. a head and neck supporting cushion). Pads on the harness are a good way to stop the straps from digging into your baby’s skin. The seat should have multi-reclining positions (infant car seats generally do not offer this feature). Take care to ensure that the seat does not have any exposed metal parts which may burn your baby’s skin as they heat up under direct sunlight shining into the car.

Fitting Facts

Car seat fitting stations are present in many locations such as hospitals and fire-stations; here experts can check that your seat is properly installed and that your child’s safety is not compromised. It is important to try fitting the car seat in your car before you buy it to make sure it fits and that the fitting process is not too complicated for you. Some infant seats have bases that the seat fixes onto and this allows for easy attachment and removal especially if you need to put the seat in different cars.

The Low-down on LATCH

The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system increases the safety of car seats by making them easier to install. Both cars and car seats made after September 2002 will be LATCH co-ordinated but many LATCH model car seats can also be anchored using a standard seat-belt; this is good if you need the car seat to work with an older car or if you need to fit it to the middle portion of the rear seat.

Safety and simplicity the stylish way

Clek manufacture deceptively simple car seats and boosters which are designed by seat experts so that they are effortless to install but still provide essential safety and comfort for little passengers. Clek seats have won the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association’s (JPMA) Innovation Award for their unique booster seats which are LATCH equipped so they are extra stable and secure and stay in place even when your child is not sitting in them.

Clek understand that for a car seat to be safe, it must be properly fitted. The best feature of Clek’s seats is their astonishingly easy connection method; they literally click into place thanks to the LATCH connectors. The process is totally idiot-proof and the manufacturers’ claim that this can be done in 10 seconds is absolutely spot-on.

Clek manufacture three seats; the oobr, the olli and the ozzi. All these feature clean, cutting-edge designs which make them look and feel like an integral part of a vehicle rather than just attachments. The seats have Clek-jacket covers which can be purchased separately so they can be personalized to suit individual tastes. All three seats feature the comfort-cube base with superior padding to keep little bottoms comfortable on even the longest of journeys. The seats have soft-touch armrests and incorporate belt-guides for optimum seat-belt positioning around your child’s body.

The Oobr is Clek’s newest model and is a full-backed booster car seat. It is designed to look like a top-of-the-range coach or bus seat and is suitable for kids between the weights of 33 and 100 pounds. It can be used as a back-less booster once a child reaches above 40 pounds. As well as the standard Clek features described above, the oobr incorporates Clek’s Elementary Safety System which involves having a magnesium back support with additional side protection and energy-absorbing foam. It also has an adjustable head restraint for extra protection and snooze-a-ability. With its reclining seat upholstered in a washable-removable Crypton-Super-fabric which is stain and mold resistant, the oobr is definitely the Rolls-Royce of the Clek collection. Unfortunately, this seat is still not widely available and retail process are still unknown, so watch this space.

The Ozzi booster is suitable for kids between 40 and 120 pounds. Upholstered in a removable plush fabric, it is a backless booster which is lightweight and portable. The Clek Olli model is one step up from the Ozzi with its handy carry-strap for super portability and its convenient storage pouch. It is also available in a wider range of fresh colors and eye-catching patterns; truly a delight to behold. Some people are bothered by the lack of head protection or side-impact protection for younger kids but rest assured, the boosters meet all relevant safety criteria.

Clek booster seats retail at prices between $70 and $90 which is certainly a bit hefty for simple boosters. The style-conscious find these prices easier to swallow as the snob appeal of these seats is definitely top-of-the-range. The simplicity of installation simply cannot be beaten by any seat on the market, so, if you shy away from installing things, these are definitely the seats for you.

A Parent’s guide to buying the right stroller

Travel system strollers are perhaps the most versatile and convenient types of buggies on the market. Although somewhat bulky, they are perfect for families who have travel requirements that are divided between riding in the car and walking on foot. Some travel systems strollers can accommodate an infant car seat whereas others can also take a bassinet and are perfect for transporting very young babies. Top travel-system brands include Graco, Bugaboo, Evenflo and Peg Perego. Here we discuss ten things to consider before deciding on a travel system that is right for you.

1. Size & Weight

One of the major cons of travel-systems is that they are heavier and larger than regular strollers when the infant car seat or bassinet is in place so make sure you test the stroller with these attachments in-situ. If possible, borrow a baby so you get a true idea of how heavy the system will be in real life situations.

2. Versatility

A 2-in-1 model will be able to accommodate a car seat so is great if you use your car a lot. A 3-in-1 model will be able to carry a bassinet as well as a car seat; you can use this as a carry-cot for sleeping indoors as well.

3. Compatibility

If the travel-system is only compatible with its own specific car seat model, make sure that you are entirely happy with this and that it has all the safety and comfort features that you require. Furthermore, ensure that the car seat fits in your car and that you are confident with the way it attaches and releases. Rather than settle for a stroller that comes with a sub-standard car seat, consider a model that works with a wide range of car seats.

4. Ease-of-use, Folding & Storability

The car seat or bassinet should be easy to lock into place and detach. It is important to try this before buying to make sure the switching procedure does not leave you in a fluster. The main stroller itself should be easy to collapse and should be compact enough to fit into your car boot or other storage spaces easily.

5. Safety

The car seat or bassinet attachment should click securely into place and the stroller should have sturdy parking brakes. The latest models will be fitted with a safety wrist strap in case the stroller should roll away from you. Both the car seat and the stroller seat should be fitted with five-point safety harnesses.

6. Comfort

If you want the stroller to be suitable after your child has outgrown the infant car seat, choose a model that boasts a well-padded, multi-reclining seat. The stroller should have an adjustable sun-canopy and foot-rest. Some higher-end models will have extendable leg rests and be upholstered in a breathable fabric. Similarly, the car seat and bassinet should also be comfortable, preferably with foam padding, newborn support cushions and adjustable sun canopies.

7. Storage

Look for a good sized shopping basket that is situated some way off the ground to avoid the risk of dragging when full. It should not be difficult to access the storage even when the stroller is in full recline. Some models have storage pockets in the hood and storage trays or snack holders on the handlebar.

8. Handling

Whether a travel-system is a four or a three-wheeler, front swivel wheels are essential if you are to be able to maneuver it in tight spaces. Some top of the range models have wheel suspension and height adjustable handle-bars.

9. Attractiveness

Looks are probably a whole lot less important than practicality but lets face it, you are going to be a whole lot happier pushing your baby around in something that you like the look of. To make sure your stroller remains in pristine condition look for washable, removable seat liners and a rust-proof chassis.

10. Cost

Buying the most expensive stroller in the store does not necessarily mean that you will get the best performance; try instead to choose a stroller that gives you the most useful features for your money and you won’t end up paying out for bells and whistles you will probably never even need.

Essential features to look out for before buying

It is a well known fact that toddlers are a hard-to-please bunch of people especially on car journeys of any kind. If they are not constantly asking the inevitable “Are we there yet?” question, they are whining for snacks and drinks or to be entertained. Basically, car trips with toddlers are hard, even at the best of times. Choosing the right car seat means that you have one less thing to worry about where safety is concerned and, with any luck, a comfortable toddler will be a happier one. Our brief guide outlines important things to consider when shopping for a car seat for your toddler and essential features to look out for.

1. Choose the right seat

The car seat that you choose should be suited to your child’s age and weight. The law states that a child below the age of one and under the minimum weight of 20 pounds, should only travel in a rear-facing car seat. If your toddler exceeds these age and weight limits, he or she may ride in a forward facing seat which is likelier to keep them happier for longer by giving them a much better view of the world. Convertible car seats can be fitted so that they are either rear-facing or forward facing so give extra flexibility and some of these can even be converted to a booster-seat once your child exceeds 40 pounds.

The right seat should fit well into the rear seat of your car while still leaving enough legroom for your child and the passenger in front as well as space for other passengers on the rear seat. The seat should not be so high that is results in a blind spot when you are looking through your rear-view mirror.

2. Safety

Safety is of course every parent’s major concern when taking their baby on the road so make sure that a few basic safety features are present before you choose a car seat. Car seats may have a range of different safety harness types but the general consensus is that a five-point safety harness is the most secure of them all. The harness should be adjustable and easy for you to fasten and release but not easy for your child to undo or to get out of themselves. It should also be straightforward for any adult to release your child from the harness in the event of an emergency.

Make sure that the seat doesn’t have any exposed metal parts that may hurt or burn your child’s skin. Some top-end models feature an energy absorbing foam that directs the brunt of the impact away from your child in the event of a collision and is a desirable feature to look for. The best car seats will offer a good amount of side impact protection that not only gives good coverage around the body section but also extends to cover the head-section of the seat.

Never use a second-hand car seat or one that has already been in a collision as the safety of this will most definitely be impaired.

3. Comfort

Toddlers love to be cozy and feel secure so look for a well-padded seat that is upholstered in a soft, breathable fabric; removable and washable seat pads are a bonus as little people can make a lot of mess. Seats that can recline are essential for snoozing on the go but remember, they will take up a little extra room when in full recline. Some models have adjustable head-rests or cushioned pads covering the harness straps to keep them from digging into your child’s body. Armrests, snack trays and cup-holders are other extra desirable features to look out for.

4. Fitting & Ease-of-Use

A car seat that has been fitted incorrectly is as good as useless so make absolutely sure that you are comfortable with how to do this before buying . Make sure the seat is suitable for your particular car as not all seats will fit all cars; most stores allow you to try a display model out for size before you buy.

All cars and car seats made after September 2002 will be LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) co-ordinated which basically means that they are easier to install and therefore, a whole lot safer. LATCH equipped models will usually also work with standard seat-belts although the attaching process may be a little more complicated. Fitting stations are located at hospitals, some garages and fire-stations and experts here can check that your seat is fitted correctly.

Bringing you superior safety while on the move

Britax are leading manufacturers of baby gear and make some of the most popular car seats currently on the market. Britax understand babies needs for comfort and they have done a lot of research into trying to understand the nature of a car crash, so have developed many unique safety features to offer top safety and protection to young passengers.

Britax’ current car seat range can be divided into three main groups; compact convertibles, mid-capacity convertibles and high-capacity convertibles, depending on the size and weight of the child they are capable of carrying. Britax also make the Regent and the Frontier which are forward facing seats which can convert to boosters. In addition to these, Britax have also recently brought out an infant carrier car seat, the Chaperone. This is a rear-facing seat which can click onto Britax’ Chaperone stroller (which is coming soon) or other major stroller brands with the use of an adaptor bar.

Britax car seats have more safety and comfort features than you could ever imagine possible. All the models in their current range offer side impact protection and have 5-point safety harnesses with hassle-free up-front adjustment. Most models feature Britax’ unique HUGS (harness ultra-guard system) which evenly distributes the force to your child’s head and neck in the event of a collision and stops their head from falling forward if they fall asleep.

The Britax range of car seats have EPS energy-managing foam in their structures which deflects the brunt of the force away from your child during a collision. Most of the car seats have an energy absorbing base too which results in a smoother ride for your child. Another unique safety feature is Versa tethers which secure the top of the car seat for greater stability; this has been proven to reduce the risk of head and neck injuries.

To make installation easier, Britax car seats are all LATCH equipped with premium push-button LATCH connectors. Some models feature seat-belt lock-offs to give better belt control and to stop it from escaping while you are trying to fit the seat.

The compact convertible range consists of the Roundabout and the Diplomat. These are suitable from 5 to 40 pounds up to a height of 40 inches. The Roundabout 50, the Marathon and the Decathlon are some of the most popular models in the extensive mid and high capacity collection and can deal with weights of between 50 and 65 pounds in the front facing position.

Britax car seats receive mainly positive reviews from parents with the only occasional grumbles being related to their relatively steep prices (starting at around $220) and the space-hogging characteristics of some of the higher capacity models. In the grand scheme of things, these are just minor gripes and all users would agree that where ease-of-use and safety are concerned, the Britax range almost always comes out on top.