I spent ages trying to find a second stage car seat which fitted our two Vauxhall cars. I'd read a lot about the fact that 80% of car seats are incorrectly fitted, so I wnted to get it right. I also wanted a seat which would recline easily without the need to re-adjust the fitting.
After some really duff advice and "help" from Mothercare, I went to Halfords where the fully trained staff were brilliant and really knew their products. I was assured that a First Class would fit both of our cars, and the fitter showed us how it is done. The advantage of the First Class over others is that there are two fitting options, which makes it more likely that it will fit one way or the other.
The instructions that came with the seat are easy to follow and once you have read them, the seat is pretty easy to fit, although as with all car seats, the trick is getting the strap tight enough.
The First Class has replaces the Britax Club Class, but is similar in the way it fits. The seat is one of the more pricey ones at around £110, but I was lucky and purchased mine when there was a promotion on Britax seats in Halfords, and got it with 20% off. Anyway the price is pretty good value for money, when you consider the wide age range of this seat over others.
One of the benefits of this seat is that it can be used from birth in a rear facing positition (there is a lovely soft newborn cushion which comes with the seat to make it more comfortable for weenie newborns.) and up until they are 40lb (about four years old) in the forward facing positon
Of course, the real test of any car seat, other than whether it fits your car properly, is whether your baby is happy in it. My daughter has been road-testing the First Class every day for a month or so now and she loves it. She enjoys the high position, from which she can see out and look at all the sights. She is also usually asleep within ten minutes of setting out on any journey - a real testimony of the seat's comfort!
Although I set out looking for a Maxi cosy seat, (which incidently, fits neither of our cars!), I am thrilled to bits with this seat and I wouldn't trade it in for love nor money!
NB: The age group for this seat is from birth to 4years approx, not 12-36 months as stated in the age group box, but there was no option for this age range in the pull-down menu!
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We have a vauxhall zafira 2000, the britax first class is one of four britax seats that fit our car. We bought the seat to be used as a rearward and forward facing seat, it only fits properly as a forward facing seat, does not fit as a rearward facing seat, as it had buckle crunch. So, do not buy it if it is for rearward facing, as your child will not be safe!!! This is my third child i am buying a seat for and price is very important as well as safety, obviously safety comes first!
suzywong666 25.06.2005 14:24
Sorry, but I do care about the cost - why do they have to be so expensive??? I do care greatly for the safety of my daughter, but cannot justify spending more than I can afford. Great review. Suzy x
fionaneville 30.06.2003 22:05
HI,
I am currently looking for a new car seat as my 4 month little girl is gettin too big and heavy for the carry one we use at the moment. This sounds ideal so will go to halfords to have a look at it.
Thanks,
Fiona
:)
May 31st, 2003
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