Bumpstart has ample parking right outside the shop and our staff, trained by Britax, Maxi Cosi and Mamas and Papas, will always fit any car seat bought from us. We prefer not to sell a car seat unless we have checked the fit.
- What make and model of car(s) is it going into?
- Does my car have a passenger airbag? (The car seat cannot be fitted in a car with a passenger airbag unless the airbag is removed by the car manufacturer, or de-activated.
- How important is it that the car seat fits onto my pushchair, bearing in mind that I am going to be using my pushchair as a travel system for approx 6 – 9 months and as a pushchair for 3 years.
- Remember that the highest rated seats in a magazine test report can be the worst fitting in your car.
- Has my seat been involved in an accident or dropped? Then it must be replaced as it may be damaged and the harness will have stretched.
STAGE 0+ SEAT
You should determine what seat is suitable for your baby by their weight, NOT their age.
A Stage 0 seat is suitable from Birth – 13kg. They are always rearward facing – the seat acting as a cocoon protecting your baby on impact in an accident.
STAGE 0+1 SEAT
Suitable from Birth – 9kg rearward facing
Suitable from 9 – 18kg forward facing
Needs to be fitted to make sure that the seat belt is long enough and there is no buckle crunch where the tongue/buckle comes into contact with the contoured base of the seat. Can recline for sleeping.
STAGE 2 SEAT
Suitable from 15 – 25kg.
A two part booster seat, used with the adult seat belt. Remember that if your child is over 25kg but under 135cm or 10 years old, then you must still use the seat. You can generally adjust the height of the seat as your child grows.
STAGE 1 & 2 SEAT
Suitable from 9 – 36kg (approx 1 - 12 years of age)
Comes with a integral harness (for use 9 – 18kg) and lock off for adult seat (15 – 18kg).
Can also be used with just the adult seat belt for an older child.
Height of seat can be adjusted from the back of the seat.
Suitable for child of up to 135 cm or 12 years old.
STAGE 3
A booster cushion for children 22kg (approx 6 years old)
ISOFIX
Comes in 3 categories.
Vehicle Specific: You will need to refer to the car manufacturers who should be able to provide you with a list of cars approved for the use of an Isofix seat in their range.
Semi Universal: For a range of cars. Majority of seats have 2 anchorage points fitting onto cars attached to chassis of cars and protruding from between cushions on adult seat and a leg which rests on the floor of the car. These seats can only be used on cars with a solid floor, i.e. no floor storage compartments.
Universal: A seat which attaches to the Isofix points and a top tether which attaches to the back of the seat or into the boot of the car.