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 ?

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.

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 ?

The Cosco Scenera is FAA approved. You might not find the red sticker, but as you can see by this attached photo which is of the Cosco Scenera. It is approved for use in aircrafts. Of all the FAA approved seats you will find in New Zealand, that would be the best bet, fitting wise.

What car seats are FAA approved?  We are going to be flying extensively with a number of different airlines, each airline have different standards, the only common standard is FAA. A red FAA sticker approving the the seat suitable for air travel. We have been unable to find any seats in New Zealand, can anyone help?

Good idea! Let me know how you go!

Thanks Bonnie, I think I might go down to plunket and get the lady there to do it for me. I can't do it, I just end up with aching fingers from the effort!

Ok if you're using a lap belt then you definitely don't need them. But if you're using those three point belts then yes you absolutely do. You can twist the seatbelt buckle stalk up to a maximum of three full rotations (and not any more then that). It's OK for the locking clip to touch/rub on the side of the car seat, it's just not ok for it to be on the EDGE of the belt path i.e. on a corner of the seat, if that makes sense?

Heya, Usually a 1993 Nissan Sunny, and also a 1993 Toyota Corolla. I'm using 2 'H' clips. There are no tags or anything on the belts.

I certainly don't see why you couldn't get the replacement (grey coloured?) foam, definitely ring Britax (see the options on the menu to the left "Retailers and Rental Agents" their number is there) and ask about the foam. As for the Polystyrene/EPS Foam, I'm not sure if you can get replacements for that  - you probably could though, I'd assume but best to ring Britax about that also.