So the time has come where my youngest (Sophia 13 months) has out grown her infant carrier and when people tell you they're not babies for long, they are so right, time really does fly by. My children are my world, so keeping them safe is my main priority.
Sophia is my second child, so I feel that I have experience from my first child helping me to determine what we need in a car seat and what extra features we would like to make life easier when driving for us as a family.
There are so many car seats out there and it can be such a mine field, so finding the right car seat can be hard but I really do believe we have found it in the Recaro Zero Elite.
So here is our review to help parents who are looking for a car seat to whittle down your choices and hopefully help make that decision a little easier :)
The infant carrier
So to start, the Recaro Zero elite is a 2 in 1 car seat which is like no other car seat out there as it includes a removable infant carrier. The infant carrier is simple to use and is easy to install, it simply slots into the car seat and green indicators will show the correct installation with a one button release. You can easily manoeuvre little one from the car without disturbing them and it can also fit on to a wide range of prams with adaptors.
The infant carrier is suitable from birth to 76cm/9kg with a padded 3 point harness, adjustable headrest and removable insert. Even though Sophia is too big for this it is still a key feature for us, as it makes the car seat future proof which we didn't think about previously.
The installation
Firstly, we decided we wanted to keep Sophia rear facing, so underneath the base, there is a clip which you turn for the mode you prefer (rear or forward facing.)
The installation of the Recaro Zero Elite could not be easier; even Dad would agree!! You simply click the isofix arms into the isofix points in the car, extend the support leg down to the floor until you hear the click and your done. Sounds too easy right? Well the car seat is fitted with a system of indicators to show red and green, this gave me thereassurance that I had fitted the car sear correctly. All green and your ready to go, a great visual display of support.
For us as an on the go family, this installation is perfect as we can just leave the one unit in the car at all times with no messing around with seat belts.
The protection and testing
The Recaro Zero Elite has extra side protection on both sides of the seat which easily snap out depending on which side the seat is fitted to in the car. The extra side protection absorbs some of the shock in a side impact collision, giving that extra safety feature, another tick in one of our boxes.
Also the car seat has RECARO HERO safe 5 point harness which helps prevent the harness from slipping or twisting, whilst also making securing your child into the seat easy.
iSize is the newest legislation when it comes to car seat testing, so knowing that this seat is iSize compliant is great. This also means I can keep Sophia rear facing knowing she is safe.
The 360 spin
This feature we love! The seat has the ability to spin to the side to pop little one in with ease. Sophia can sometimes be a little madam when putting her in the car seat and it previously would have been a struggle to lift her over, then harness her in. This is no longer a problem taking away the initial stress of the journey.
Other benefits and features:
There are four unisex colours available for the car seat ;
As I know how messy my children get, I went for Performance Black to keep as clean as possible :) The fabrics are fully breathable and automotive moulded foam ensures little one is compatible and safe.
The recline on the seat is amazing, it has 3 positions perfect for when Sophia falls asleep in the car. With Sophia only being 13months she can't unfortunately tell us whether the seat is comfortable, however with the padded deep ergonomic foam and also the big smile on her face, I'm guessing the answer is a definite yes!
The harness extends so easily with a one button release.
Knowing that the seat also has a 6 position head rest, means I know the seat will grow with her.
The seat is from birth to 18kg to approximately aged 4 years and can be rear or forward facing, meaning this will last Sophia and we will know she is as safe as can be.
Summary
So after using the car seat now for a couple of weeks, we have found travelling so much easier, Sophia is so content in the car seat and us as parents are at ease knowing our daughter is protected and secure.
So, if you are looking for a car seat with a high standard of protection, an easy installation, a 360 spin and an investment which will grow with your child, the Recaro Zero.1 Elite will come highly recommended from the Houghtons :)