The Matrix by the Spanish manufacturer Jane, is a unique infant carrier that can be used both in the traditional upright position and also horizontally in the rear of the car. This car seat is much larger than most infant carriers and can be used for up to 18 months. ( 9 months in the horizontal position) This means that, unlike some infant carriers, you will not be in the position of having your baby outgrow their infant carrier before they are ready to move to a forward facing car seat, a common problem. The seat addresses the growing concerns of health professionals over the use of infant carriers, paticularly as part of a travel system. Lying flat is the best way for young babies to be transported, it promotes correct neck and spinal development, and aids digestion, reducing "sickiness". A recent report from the US showed that infants who spent 1 hour in an upright infant carrier showed lower blood oxygen levels and decreased respiratory efficiency. The Matrix can be used with a variety of chassis to create the perfect travel system. The Matrix is not cheap at around £100, but as it will last much longer than other types, you may actually save money in the long term. The Matrix comes with clips that attach to the cars rear seat belts, and these can be left in place at all times and do not interfere with other people using the seat belts when the Matrix is not in the car. The Matrix simply attaches to these clips, or can be used in the upright position in the front or rear seat of the car. The Matrix can be fitted using all three of the rear seats, or using just two seats, although this is dependant upon the size of your car. In the upright position, the Matrix has another great feature, the carrying handle can be moved to an "auto" position that is designed to prevent "infant carrier rotation". (This has been seen in crash tests on infant carriers, where a severe impact can lead to the car seat rotating into the seat of the car itself. ) Last but not least these car seats performed well in a recent Which? report which used tests more stringent than the current legally required tests. They also look stylish, are easy to clean, have plenty of padding, including a headhugger and padded straps. The only niggle is that fitting the Matrix clips in the back seats does take a little practice, my advice is not to leave buying the car seat until late in pregnancy to allow yourself time to be totally comfortable and familiar with it.
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A nice, quick review. I read it before making my purchase.
neil277 12.11.2004 13:08
Hi. My wife is expecting in just under 4 weeks. Thanks to cousins who did a lot of research into car seats for their kids (under 2 years ago), we have ordered the jane matrix car seat. All the benefits you all mention...flat seat etc are true, it appears to be top dog in this compartment. However, and I really don't mean to startle you all, we started going to anti natal classes and the midwife basically said that in the car as far as safety goes, they are horrendous ideas (flat seats). In a bad accident the baby will die! it just doesn't give the support of a more figure hugging seat.
don't get me wrong...this view is just another and i am in the middle of trying to find out where these reports are from. Someone on this forum is correct, which? have not yet done a review on the jane seats but someone is getting abck to me over the next 2 days with some answers on my potential claims. We now have under a month and have not sorted out what car seat. I will let you know what the outcome of my research is. Having said all this, don't panic, i'm sure its just 1 persons view and if it was that bad it would have been removed from the market. apart from that, i am looking forward to getting the kit as i think it fits the bill perfectly.
Advantages: Baby can lie flat, adjustable positions, versatile, good quality finish Disadvantages: Adjustment/fitting to car can be tricky, takes up the whole rear seat when flat
dmacalpine 12.02.2006 (12.02.2006)
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Review of Jane Matrix
May 30th, 2002
(Sep 10th, 2002)
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