I've been driving for 14 years. I passed my test first time. I still feel like that was some kind of miracle, because it really was the most awful test. I think I stalled 3 times, I don't remember checking the rear view mirror once. I'm pretty sure the examiner felt sorry for me to be honest. This waffling nervous 17 year old girl who wittered away the entire hour. Perhaps he just couldn't face sitting through it again, so he thought "what the hell, let's just get rid of her and set her free on the road!" Whatever the reason, I passed, which at the time I felt was a big achievement.
Since then, I like to think I've become a better driver. I do around 500 miles a week with my job, often setting off in the dark, the wind, the rain, the cold. I'm confident on the road, and until I became a mother, I hadn't really thought twice about it, but all that changed a year ago. The first time I drove with the most precious cargo in the back I suddenly felt a huge sense of responsibility and fear! Not only was I questioning if I was really up to the task of transporting my tiny, fragile baby boy, but what about everyone else on the road.
I'd invested in one of those "baby on board" signs and the best car seat and ISOFIX system we could afford. I checked the ISOFIX about 10 times before I got behind the wheel. I prayed that everyone around me would read my little sign and suddenly pay extra attention, slow right down and allow me to pass with my precious boy in tow. I drove, heart pounding the whole 10 minute drive, trying hard to concentrate on the road and not look behind me to check he was still safe. We made it, of course. But those first few drives with a new baby, it's huge.
As a parent, peace of mind really is everything, particularly when it comes to car seats. You don't want to mess around. You need to be absolutely certain that the device you're using is as safe as humanly possible. There are so many car seats to choose from, all promising the utmost level of safely for your child. I was happy with the one we invested in initially, but Ollie is tall, and it really wasn't long before he'd outgrown his 0-18 month car seat.
I was delighted when we were asked to review the BeSafe iZi Modular. I'd heard great things about this Swedish brand and it really hasn't disappointed. The first thing that struck me about this car seat was how snugly and soft it was. The BeSafe has something called 'body hugger' technology which makes the seat soft and comfortable for Ollie without compromising safely. In fact, the shape of the seat actually feels like it wraps around him, reassuringly safe even when you consider side impact. This isn't the kind of car seat you would lift out and carry your baby around in, however Ollie was actually too heavy to do that by the time he was 6 months anyway.
The Harness is comfortable with padded straps and very easy to use. It also has 'tidy magnets' which hold the harness open for ease. The head rest is adjustable and there's a double layer cushion insert meaning the seat is suitable from 6 months to 4 years. These things are never cheap so it's great to know it will last years and will really be worth the investment. We also got the ISOFIX base. It's incredibly heavy and robust compared with the first set we bought. It doesn't wobble a centimeter, so you can relax knowing your baby is completely secure.
One of Ollie's favourite features of the seat however....the sit up and recline positions. If he's wide awake and I want to keep him that way, I'll sit him up. He looks out of the window and chats to me (well, y'know, gurgles and squeaks) while admiring his reflection in the mirror. But if he's tired, or if I'm trying to get him to drift off for a nap, I'll recline the seat and pop his dummy in. Always works a treat!!
Aside from all the practical and safely things, the BeSafe also looks gorgeous! There's a whole selection of colours to choose from, although we went for traditional black to match the car seats. Another great feature is that the seat cover can be completely removed and is machine washable. As every mother knows these babies sure do know how to make a mess of car seats, push chairs etc.
All in all, we are super impressed with the BeSafe iZi Modular car seat and would absolutely go for this brand again with another child. 100/100 from us!