Car Seats

An important question we all ask when having a baby is… which car seat to choose?

Everyone will have a different opinion and budget, with factors such as safety features, look, price and comfort steering people in different directions.

As a family who do a lot of long distance travel to visit family (12 hour drives) it was important to us that our car seats are comfortable and really safe.

We initially bought the Maxi Cosi Euro in 2014, which we have been really happy with (but know that a bunch of them were recalled in 2015. In saying that, we have never had a problem with the shoulder straps and the Dorel customer service team have been great when we’ve contacted them).

However! This seat is only for 0-4 years, so we’ve used it as our youngest baby’s chair for the past 5 years, as each small person has been added and require rear-facing seats.

Note – it has come to my attention that certain companies hire out baby capsules that are suitable for up to 12 months – we have trialled this for a short period of time and it could be a good alternative if you only wanted to buy a 6 month – 8 year seat.

For subsequent children (not for newborns) we have gone on to buy the Britax Maxi Guard Pro https://www.britax.com.au/car-seats/britax-safe-n-sound-maxi-guard-pro?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2ayL__uu4wIVQZGPCh3zMw6SEAAYASAAEgLAMPD_BwE which we REALLY like – it’s comfortable, the kids enjoy sitting in them for long distances, the covers are washable and they are super easy to adjust when the kids swap around the seats. The cup holders are also a great feature in a car where there isn’t a spot for snacks or drinks to be accessed easily once strapped in. It also has great reviews.

*A word on car seat installation –

We have found that car seat installation is not our strength in parenting, so we have had our seats professionally installed.

Check in with your local council – ours offers free seat installation a couple of times a year (you just have to get in quick to book as the spots fill up).

This introduced us to Pearce’s Child Restraints https://pearceschildrestraints.com.au/pages/about-pearces-child-restraints who take safety really seriously and fit seats incredibly well. They are lovely to deal with and also do seat/capsule rentals.

A word on car seat safety -

Only when we had our car seats professionally installed, was it explained to me about the top part of the seat - as in, the ‘helmet’ around the child’s head.

Before I knew what I know now, the two padded parts on either side of the child’s head, sat up quite high, as if on an aeroplane.

It was explained to me however, that just like a motorbike rider’s helmet, this is designed to protect the neck/spinal chord and head in case of a crash. There should be NO GAP between the child’s shoulders and this part of the seat, that is height adjustable (as pictured above).

Knowledge is power, people!

Happy car seat shopping/using!