Car Seat for Toddler

The_MAC

The_MAC

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Any suggestions for a good quality and practical car seat?

Budget is R3000.
Current toddler weight is 15kg.

I ideally want something that is comfortably, reclining and can accommodate the little one for some time, before a booster seat becomes necessary. I've realised that rear facing becomes an issue with the larger seats, especially when using in a hatch-back, so that isn't a requirement.
 
We've been using a Recaro Performance Ride for the last couple of years. Our little one just turned 4 and she still fits in it quite well. The next car seat will most likely be the Recaro Monza Nova, it's pretty pricey but worth it.
 
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Rouxenator said:
We've been using a Recaro Performance Ride for the last couple of years. Our little one just turned 4 and she still fist in it quite well. The next car seat will most likely be the Recaro Monza Nova, it's pretty pricey but worth it.
Click to expand...

I definitely wont compromise on safety, I recently saw a toddler that is brain dead due to severe whiplash during a side impact collision, and he was in a seat. Very sad.

I want something with a bucket-seat type setup, with sufficient protection for the head.
 
Then Recaro is definitely for you. The one we have allowed for her to be rear facing until a few months ago (as recommended in Scandinavia). The problem in SA is that people have their little ones front facing way too early when your typical group 1 car seat can be rear facing up to 18kg/4yrs.

They are very pricey though...
 
R3k for a car seat ? Are you kidding me ? you need to up your budget to around R9k dude and buy a proper car seat for your child.
 
The_MAC said:
What is the difference between a R3k and a R9k seat?
Click to expand...
Go look at some of the test they put those seats through. Most of the cheaper ones aren't even tested. If you want things like ISOFIX with top tether and not just seatbelt attachment you will pay more. Ultimately you get what you pay for.

A good alternative to the Recaro seats is the Bambino Elite Isofix http://www.bambino.co.za/shop/travel/elite-isofix-car-seat/
We got one for my parent's Merc for whenever they need to drive around with their grand child. Best bang for your buck car seat in my view.
  • Elite Isofix Car Seat is suitable from 9 – 36kgs, Group 1 + 2+3, ages ±9 months to ± 12years
  • Fitted with Energy absorbing EPS foam to absorb the forces of a side collusion
  • Features the unique Side Protection System (SPS)
  • 5-point safety harness system
  • Belt adjuster and seat belt guides for easy installation
  • 4-position recline
  • Bubble seat cover for ultimate comfort
  • 6 position adjustable headrest
  • Adjustable Isofix Connectors
 
Rouxenator said:
Go look at some of the test they put those seats through. Most of the cheaper ones aren't even tested. If you want things like ISOFIX with top tether and not just seatbelt attachment you will pay more. Ultimately you get what you pay for.

A good alternative to the Recaro seats is the Bambino Elite Isofix http://www.bambino.co.za/shop/travel/elite-isofix-car-seat/
We got one for my parent's Merc for whenever they need to drive around with their grand child. Best bang for your buck car seat in my view.
  • Elite Isofix Car Seat is suitable from 9 – 36kgs, Group 1 + 2+3, ages ±9 months to ± 12years
  • Fitted with Energy absorbing EPS foam to absorb the forces of a side collusion
  • Features the unique Side Protection System (SPS)
  • 5-point safety harness system
  • Belt adjuster and seat belt guides for easy installation
  • 4-position recline
  • Bubble seat cover for ultimate comfort
  • 6 position adjustable headrest
  • Adjustable Isofix Connectors
Click to expand...

Hence my question.

I just had a look at that Bambino Elite and as you mentioned it has ISOFIX and the top tether and goes for R3800, a little more than my budget but a definite option.

It feels for me like some of the people prancing around with R10k+ prams..

If you are in a head-on collision, or a side impact collision, there is only that much protection a car seat can provide.

I've looked at the design of the R3k-R4k seats, and can't see any difference as compared to the "designer" ones, except for features like air-vents and perhaps more reclining positions.
 
Gumtree.

And don't start that bull**** about metal fatigue and all that ***. Especially if you are driving around in a skedonk.
 
Yes, you do pay a little more of the brand name on some of the seats and then there is the import costs too, but have look at this : http://www.sproutability.co.za/pRMS00A/RECARO-Monza-Nova-Seatfix-SEAT.aspx
That is a great price on a very good car seat. Does it perform any better than the Bambino? I'm not sure. I certainly would not go any lower than the Bambino Elite. Does you car have ISOFIX and a top tether?
 
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The_MAC said:
I just had a look at that Bambino Elite and as you mentioned it has ISOFIX and the top tether and goes for R3800, a little more than my budget but a definite option.
Click to expand...

Does that include the actual ISOFIX harness though?
 
On the Bambino Elite the ISOFIX attachments slide out of the back of the seat and clips in. It is fully adjustable, we've had it in a Astra, W203 and Vivo with out any hassles and it sits very securely. You can use the top tether and also feed the seatbelt through the back of the seat.

[video=youtube;EReW46ug_Og]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EReW46ug_Og[/video]
 
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SauRoNZA said:
Gumtree.

And don't start that bull**** about metal fatigue and all that ***. Especially if you are driving around in a skedonk.
Click to expand...

Meh, not too keen on the smell of stale vomit in my car, I'm fussy like that. Won't but used kettles, microwaves, mattress's etc.
 
SauRoNZA said:
Does that include the actual ISOFIX harness though?
Click to expand...

As per demo video posted by Rouxenator, it does indeed.

My car has isofix and the tether mounting hook/loop or whatever you call it, haven't paid much attention to the isofix mounts until now
 
The_MAC said:
Meh, not too keen on the smell of stale vomit in my car, I'm fussy like that. Won't but used kettles, microwaves, mattress's etc.
Click to expand...

You can wash it you know...

But it's your choice really, get a supreme seat used for a few hundred rand or buy a new one for a few grand.

Ultimately you are going to wash it yourself every so often anyway.

Also at 15kg your toddler really shouldn't be puking in the car any more and neither would the previous kit that did fit the thing.
 
maxi cosi car seats are light years ahead of the rest.
isofix is a must, and yes, you going to spend about 3/4k for the base, and another 4/5k for the seat.

at 15kgs you can get a car seat with built in isofix so you wont need a separate base.
the Rodi I think :
http://www.maxi-cosi.co.uk/gb-en/car-seats/rodi-xp.aspx

available locally.. pm me for sourcing.


don't get thrown by names like recaro and Ferrari etc... they not made by the recaro and Ferrari companies themselves,s but are rather licenced out.
 
SauRoNZA said:
..and neither would the previous kid that did fit the thing.
Click to expand...

I have seen some pretty sif prams and seats before when out in public

I wash our pram and car seat regularly with carpet shampoo, they look brand new and ready for the next one to use, I would even buy my own pram and seat if I saw it on Gumtree. Kids will always be messing things and even puking, the ones with the sensitive stomachs
 
Most cars have ISOFIX and it is an absolute must. It pretty much attached the car seat to the body of the car, much like the top tether does. The seatbelt is a nice add-on for added security or if you do not have a top tether mount then the seatbelt makes up for that. The Bambino Elite comes with everything you need. In our car with the W203 we had to buy the actual ISOFIX mount as an extra because back in 2003 was not a standard yet.
 
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