Recommendations for stage 2 car seat? Post Reply

[Moonlight]

Hello,

I need to get a stage two car seat for my daughter and just wanted to see if anyone had any recommendations?

Thanks so much!

[nannyS]

I have been looking into this too and like the sound of this one:

http://www.britax.co.uk/car-seats/car-s ... ix-xp-sict

Not seen or used it yet and can only be ordered from mothercare and can't just buy off shelf. I like it as the side impacts are adjustable so only need to extend the one nearest the side of car. Where as the older models have permanent side impacts that take up space on both sides of seat. So depends on how big your car is!

Here is the review Best Buy on Which.

Britax Kidfix XP SICT
Britax Kidfix XP Sict
Launch date: Oct 2013
Type: Isofix and belt installation possible
Which? score: 76%

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Britax Kidfix XP Sict review Best Buy
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The Britax Kidfix XP Sict is the most sophisticated model of the updated 2013/14 Britax Kid child car seat range. It is a forward-facing Group 2/3 high-backed booster seat with a seat belt harness pad. Is the adjustable side impact protection a good safety feature? We sent it to our crash test lab to find out.

This is a great child car seat that is safe and easy enough to use to qualify as a Best Buy. Using the Isofix function makes the seat more stable on the seat than when it is installed using the adult seat belt only.

What is it?
The Kidfix XP SICT is a forward-facing Group 2/3 child car seat for children from 15kg to 36kg (about 3.5 year up to 12 years old).

Both the car seat and the child are held in place with the adult seat belt. Red belt guides show where the seat belt needs to go.

You can also attach this seat to the Isofix mounts in your car - this makes it more stable on the car's seat, and also holds it in place on journeys when your child is not using the seat - which is safer for front seat passengers than an unsecured booster seat.

How safe is it?
This depends how you are using it.

It scores 77% when installed with the Isofix mounts because they prevent it from tilting during the ride. It scores 74% when used with the adult seat belt alone because it is a bit less stable on the seat.

In both cases side impact safety is excellent because the adjustable side impact 'screw' deforms to absorb the force of the crash.

Front impact safety is good too; the XP-Pad adult seat belt padding holds the adult seat belt in a good position on the child.

You may find that there is some interference between your car seat's headrest and the headrest of the Kidfix XP Sict, which could tilt the booster seat forward away from the backrest. You might be able to address this by removing the car's headrest or re-installing it facing backwards. If you can't do this the XP Sict is probably not suitable for your car - try it before you buy.

Is it easy to fit the seat?
Yes, the instructions and warning labels are easy to understand and it's easy to install correctly and belt up. It requires a fair bit of space in the car, though.

Is the seat comfortable?
The XP Sict is well-padded, provides good leg support and a good view out of the car.

But the position that the child sits is satisfactory for comfort and safety, rather than perfect. The seat shell is narrow for older children because only the headrest position can be adjusted - not the side wings.

The seat has an excellent finish quality. The covers are machine washable and easy to remove for cleaning.

Is there anything else I should know?
In 2011, we changed the car body we use for testing to more accurately reflect the current typical family car seat belt layout and design. We carried out some repeat testing to ensure that previous tests shown online are broadly comparable to the current ones. However, such a significant change means we can't make absolute comparisons.

These results are from our 2013 tests.

Should I buy it?
Yes. Assuming that this high-backed booster seat fits properly with the headrest of your car's seat it is a great car seat for older children.

Please remember that not all car seats fit in all cars. We recommend that you check how well this seat fits in the cars you will use, before you buy it.

Do you already own this child car seat? If you do, click the 'Customer views' tab - below - and tell us what you think of it.

Pros: Great side and good front-crash safety, good padding, excellent finish quality, easy to clean

Cons: A bit big and stability can be affected by the car's headrest

[nannyS]

Just to add, it has the XP-PAD feature too.

Forward facing installation from 15 kg to 36 kg
XP-PAD – Setting a new safety standard for Group 2-3, in the event of a frontal impact it takes up to 30% of the energy forces away from your child’s neck vs the adult seat belt alone (Source: BRITAX TESTS)
Adjustable Side Impact Cushion Technology (SICT) provides superior Side Impact Protection is now adjustable so it is only used on the side closest to the door, freeing up space for additional passengers
Intuitively positioned seat belt guides ensure a repeated correct positioning of the adult 3-point seat belt to maximise protection for your child
Deep, softly padded full side wings provide optimum Side Impact Protection for your child along the entire seat
V-shaped backrest ensures a perfect fit throughout your child’s development
Height-adjustable headrest and belt guide allow the seat to grow with your child whilst keeping the adult seat belt in the correct position over your childs shoulder
Seat secured with ISOFIT system even when not in use – no need to remove or install the seat with belt when not in use with your child
Installation indicators confirm the seat is installed correctly
Retracting ISOFIX arms allow the ISOFIX connectors to be stowed during storage or when used in belted only option
Softly padded washable cover keeps your child comfortable in their seat and can be easily removed for washing

[Moonlight]

Thanks so much nannyS, we ended up sticking with Britax and getting the Britax DUO plus which we are happy with. We did look at the XP-PAD which looked great but since we will be having two car seats, it was unfortunately a little too wide for our car.