Car is coming tomorrow so I have to get two new car seats.

One is for a 3 year old (who is approximately 3 feet tall and at 15kg - 33lbs) and the other for a 3 month old.

I have done a search but the messages are old so would not mind some more recent advice.

Also I don't understand how the cat 3 seats can be either a proper high backed seat or a booster cushion?- could someone please explain it to me.

thanks
sam

I think the best advice for safety sake would be to pop down to Mothercare or similar.

Mark Elvin said:

I think the best advice for safety sake would be to pop down to Mothercare or similar.

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What he said! I'm sure they'd let you try out a seat or two in your car to make sure they fit and work properly.

Mark Elvin said:

I think the best advice for safety sake would be to pop down to Mothercare or similar.

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Unfortunately they will not let you try more than a couple, and it take alot more than 2 attempts to find a good car seat - so some extra info is very helpful.

I have the Maxi Cosi (Grp 0+) and that fits fine, but the ISOFIX base which is an optional extra does not fit properly, as the support leg pushes into the front seat.

You will find most Grp 0 car seats will fit, as they are mostly seatbelt types that are designed to be easily installed and removed with the child still inside.

Grp 1 (9 months-4 years approx) are more tricky as these are generally bulkier and although can be installed, are too big and brush against the front seat or side. I.e. my Maxi Cosi Priorifix does not fit - so had to buy a new one ... Pictures are available in this thread https://www.fiatforum.com/500/208381-f-ing-isofix.html



I have not tried any car seats for older kids.

306maxi said:

What he said! I'm sure they'd let you try out a seat or two in your car to make sure they fit and work properly.

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You will be shocked at the different levels of service you can receive, its like going to PC World sometimes. You sometimes get a good installer with good product knowledge, but often get someone that reads the information off the tag on the product and does not really know the product.

I live near Kiddicare and they have always been awesome, both for product knowledge but also for fitting the seat properly

YouKnowWho said:

Unfortunately they will not let you try more than a couple, and it take alot more than 2 attempts to find a good car seat - so some extra info is very helpful.

https://www.fiatforum.com/500/208381-f-ing-isofix.html

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We literally tried a dozen or so, so that's not true IMO.

Mark Elvin said:

We literally tried a dozen or so, so that's not true IMO.

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You had a good experience .. I have had a few ... but alot of bad ones too, where they are too busy to try more than a couple.

Toys R Us were the worst, they were a little too busy, and didn't do the proper checks they actually sold a seat that was not appropriate, that I had to return it.

Kiddicare have their own database which they check for fitting information, which ties into the manufactuers own list ... an example is that when I bought my car seat the Maxi Cosi website did not include the 500 ... Kiddicare had that extra info as to which car seats could fit.

Hi Mark - which seats did you plumb for in the end?

thanks

sam

sams500 said:

Hi Mark - which seats did you plumb for in the end?

thanks

sam

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Blimey, can't remember, Graco something, Rally I think.

For my 4 year old we are using Britax Evolva 1-2-3 (Isofix) and for the Group 0+ we are using the car seat that came with the travel system (Oyster) but I think that most will fit without the base. Just one word of advice on that: be sure to try as the seatbelt can be short for some models... If you want Isofix, I think that Britax Baby Safe will fit, but not so sure, as I've just heard it will, haven't tried myself...

Hope this helps

For ISOFIX, It's worth knowing that the Fiat 500 was tested using the Britax Duo Plus as part of the NCAP rating. The Duo Plus is often used as it fits practically all ISOFIX cars. You may still find references to the Britax or Duo Plus in the Fiat 500 Handbook as a consequence.

Details available on NCAP site http://www.euroncap.com/tests/fiat_500_2007/298.aspx

It only got 3 stars, as its one of the earliest examples of ISOFIX car seats, so your mileage may vary.

I would also recommend checking sites like YouTube - There are a number of crash test videos with car seats that are worth checking out.

Given the importance of getting this decision right, it's worth spending some time - and others have mentioned - trying different seats, but more importantly - ensuring that you can properly secure the seat - as this is the most common problem