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Group One car seats - overviewThe following categories provide detailed information on all of the seats in our test. Our parent panel gave the Best Buy award to the Maxi Cosi Priori XP but make sure you check each individual category as it could be that a different model performed well in an area that's significant to you. Don't forget, if you already use one of these seats and want to share your opinions, click on the links below and add a review.
You've done your research, selected your car seat, made your purchase and got it home -great! Now all you need to do is install it. Fitting your child's car seat can be a daunting and somewhat confusing experience but if you take your time and follow the instructions carefully, it shouldn't consume too much of your time. Our panel were impressed with the Maxi Cosi Priori's 'simple, clear and concise instructions' and they found it 'easy to use and fit in the car'. Similarly, they were impressed with the details that came with the Bebe Confort Iseos TT and found the 'instructions on the side of the seat of great benefit once the seat was installed'. Our panel agreed that the Concord Comfort Ultimax was 'the most confusing of the bunch' with one of our mums seeking help to get it fitted into the car. To save you time, your seat should have easily adjustable restraints that secure your baby into the seat with minimum fuss. The panel praised the Maxi Cosi, Mothercare Express and Mamas & Papas Pro-Tech for their 'simple adjustable restraints' that are 'quick and easy to use', but they found the buckle on the Bebe Confort Iseos 'a little stiff' and 'tricky to engage'. If you own more than one car and need to transport your baby from one vehicle to another, portability is certainly something you need to consider. Despite their hefty weights, our panel found the Maxi Cosi and Bebe Confort Iseos 'portable and easy to move between cars'. The Mothercare Express was 'very light in comparison to the other seats' making it 'easy to transport and fit into another car' whereas the Concord Comfort Ultimax was described as 'relatively heavy, but simple enough to move about once you get the hang of it'. The Britax Renaissance was 'by far the heaviest of the models on test' and was 'too bulky to transport from one car to another'. Your baby is going to sleep, eat and play in this car seat and since it's likely to last till the grand age of 4, (or until they reach 18kg) keeping them comfortable is essential. Our panel found that the most comfortable seats had 'soft material', 'a good head support', 'easy recliner' and 'a sufficient amount of space for them to relax in'. The Concord Comfort Ultimax did very well in this category and our panel loved its 'fantastic head support', 'smooth recline mechanism' and 'plush material'. They also praised the Maxi Cosi for its 'simple to use recliner' that allows you to alter the seat position 'safely and quickly - even when in the driving seat'. Other seats with a high comfort factor included the Britax Renaissance which offered 'an impressive 5-position seat recline' and the Bebe Confort Iseos which comes with a unique widening system that 'expands to fit your baby'. Our panel were less impressed with the Mothercare Express that offered 'little support for the head' and like the Mamas & Papas Pro-Tech, 'the recline mechanism was very limited'. Toddlers are a different ball game entirely to that little bundle of joy you lovingly rocked off to sleep in your spotless infant carrier! Food stains and finger marks are inevitable so make sure you look carefully at the materials and purchase a seat that will stand the test of time. Our panel found the materials on the Maxi Cosi Priori, Britax Renaissance, Mothercare Express Mamas & Papas Pro-Tech 'easy to wipe clean' with 'good fabrics that will last well into your child's fourth year'. They also liked the 'removable, wipe clean cover' that came with the Concord Comfort Ultimax - 'a godsend for spilt drinks and snacks'. The Concord can also be used from birth as a rear facing seat and is 'ideal as a long-term investment' as the 'fabrics and quality are so good'. Our panel agreed that you 'certainly get what you pay for' and some of the more expensive models were 'far more robust with a higher quality factor'. Those at the top of the list included the Concord Comfort Ultimax, Maxi Cosi Priori XP, Britax Renaissance and Bebe Confort Iseos TT. Optional extras can make all the difference to your baby's comfort and enjoyment whilst in the car. A major bonus our panel loved was the 'seatbelt tensioning systems' that 'pulled the seats back into place for a secure fit'. They also favoured the additional padding that came with the Britax Renaissance as it made it 'very cosy for the baby'. The Mothercare Express can be used in the centre of the rear seat although our panel did comment that it 'felt a little unsteady as there is no way of tightening the lap strap'. The Concord Ultimax 'had a real point of difference' as it can be used from newborn until they reach 13kg (around 18 months), 'prolonging the safer rear-sitting position for babies'. Our panel also loved the '6-position head support that adapts to your child as they grow'. A major plus point with the Maxi Cosi Priori was the 'height adjustable shoulder straps' that can be 'altered quickly and easily as your baby develops'. The Maxi Cosi also scored points for its looks and was described by one mum as 'the trendiest, most attractive looking car seat in the test.' All of the car seats in our test have passed strict European safety standards. If you're thinking of purchasing a car seat for your baby, always check that it complies with current safety standards and regulations.
Got something to say? If you're a long-term user of one of the car seats in our test and want to add your opinion, visit our individual parent panel reviews using the links below and share your views with other babyworld mums. Where to next:
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