Community

Hello

Our 1st is due in 6 weeks and of course we will need a capsule

Are they all much the same ?

My shortlist is the

1. BabyTends Flex Loc @ $200
2. Safety 1st Designer 22 @ $200
3. Safe-n-Sound Unity @ $300

I had a quick look at some in the stores and they all seem much the same [the only one of the above I have seen in a store is the BabyTrend]

We are also on a list for one from Plunket but since we want more children it makes sense to get a new one for only a little extra cost

Thoughts ?

Hi xlink_nz,


Well now, that's a hard one to answer. But in short, really, they're definitely not all the same. That said however, the common feature they do all share are that they are all infant seats that come with bases.

I suggest you read the bottom of this page for more info on the different types of rear-facing seats: http://www.childrestraintsafety.com/rear-facing.html#types

The most important thing is to get a seat that can be correctly installed in your vehicle, one you will use correctly every time, one that suits your child and your needs and of course - one that suits your budget.

There are a lot of reasons why some seats can be installed in some vehicles and some others can't. Reasons for this can be sloped back seats, long seatbelt buckle stalks, seat "humps" if installing in the middle, not enough room in your car for some rear-facing seats and the list goes on...

The most important thing is to get a short list of seats that appear to meet your needs (which I see you've already done) and try each one in your car to a) see if it fits and b) see how easy it is for you to install it and adjust the straps, play around with it etc.

Another seat I'd also suggest you look at is the Graco Logico S which I've personally found is extremely easy to install. The base for the Safe-n-Sound Untiy whilst a very nice seat, can be a little bit cumbersome. Also with numbers 1 and 2 on your list, they can be installed with or without the base - which is a nice option to have. However to my knowledge the Unity can be used only with the base - it is also dependant on every vehicle you travel in having an anchor bolt.

I'd suggest you visit a retailer such as Baby On The Move (www.babyonthemove.c o.nz) who stock 2 out of 3 of those seats you mentioned. They also have other seats and at least this way you'll get to try them in your car before you buy.

Hi Bonnie,

Thank you for the reply, you replied to a PM I sent on www.everybody.co.nz  :)

The Graco Logico S from memory was quite expensive @ $350 and we only need a capsule until we get a Brio Zento ;)

Thank you too for your comments on the Unity I did not know the Unity cannot be used with base...I'll scratch that one from the list !

None of the local stores had the Safety 1st Designer 22 or the Safe n Sound Unity. I think our local Plunket has the new Safety 1st but they told my wife it depends on what is available at time of pickup.

I will contact the local babyonthemove rep to see what she has in stock and more importantly whether she knows how to fit them ! - FYI our car is a 97 Hyundai GLS wagon which has a 60/30 rear seat

Also Babyonthemove are more expensive for the BabyTrends and Safety 1st than Retail competitors which is surprising...

Lastly Do you know the difference between the Babytrends Flex Loc and EZ ?

I guess hiring is out of the question?


You mean withOUT the base? Yes it can't be used withOUT the base. Must always be used WITH.



BOTM should have one of every car seat if not in "stock" at least for "display" to try out in your car and possibly order in for you. And yes you're right about plunket, it depends on what they have at the time. And all BOTM franchisees should know how to install all of the seats they have in stock :)


It might just be the certain type of babytrend seat they have and also the fact they're not like every other retailer - they fit all their car seats and are more of a one-on-one type (home based) business/franchies. Rather then "here's your car seat - cya!"  :P


Not off the top of my head sorry. Maybe you could have a look at babytrend.com?

[/quote]

Bonnie

Thank you for the reply

I didn't know one could hire the Logico S but I just checked the new BOTM web site and see one can - I'll get in contact with the local rep

Yes I meant that I will scratch the Unity of my list since it appears it cannot be used with a base

Yes I [re]checked the Babytrend web site and the differences are subtle essentially the Flex-Loc has a "4-position push-button height adjustable base" as opposed to the EZ's "Push-button height adjustable base" and the Flex Loc has "Height-adjustable seat back; no harness rethreading" wherewas the EZ appears not too.

I'll let you know how I get on with BOTM, the local rep is a few minutes away I'll also ask if she is a Safe2go technican

All BOTM franchisees should be safe2go trained. Good luck!