Review: Kiddy Guardianfix 3

For the past few weeks we have been trying out the “Guardianfix 3” car seat from Kiddy. It is their latest in the Guardianfix series and corresponds with the very latest safety standards. Suitable from 9 months and available in an array of beautiful rich colours, this car seat is not only a gentle beast to keep your child safe, but once invested in, will be the only car seat you will need from them being 9 months up to 12 years. Here are our thoughts on it…

Safety

As mentioned the Guardianfix 3 ticks all of the boxes for the latest safety standards for infant and children’s car seats. Currently you can turn infants forward facing before 15 months as long as they are in a weight based car seat and weigh at least 20lb/9kg (approx. 9 months), and are then also restrained in the correct way. They also must remain in a high backed booster until around 12 years old.

This car seat is suitable for both of these requirements. It is a weight based seat and therefore is suitable from 9kg… it has been fitted with a safety shield that sits across the baby or child (until they are 18kg) which works to absorb the energy of a collision so that the upper body of the child will naturally roll over; this gives a low load on the neck region compared to 5 point harness systems. This design corresponds with the law that from 9kg to 18kg a child must be restrained using a harness, or safety shield, and from 15kg a harness, seat belt or safety shield.  It allows for an overlap of belt or shield for the growing child.

It is fitted using both the ISOFIX in the car and then a 3 point seat belt, and this design means that the Kiddy Shock Absorber absorbs the energy acting on the 3-point seat belt, which protects the child in the case of an accident or sudden braking. The K-Fix+ connectors from the seat to the ISOFIX means that it will naturally slide sideways in a side collision!

It is made from high tech materials known as “Honeycomb 2” which can be found in the seat around the delicate head and shoulder area of the child, and is designed to absorb energy, offering more protection.

The Guardianfix 3 also has side impact protection and is cleverly designed so as to not obstruct the child’s view, but still offers maximum protection in the event of a side collision. It is designed to be able to be the perfect car seat for your child at any age.

I love how it all moves in order to accommodate the growing child – For younger children the seat is used with the seat cushion and the impact shield. For older children, the backrest can be adjusted to accommodate growth in height and width. The adjustable leg rest can also be extended and the eye level indicator on the head-rest ensures that the back rest is always correctly aligned with the child’s height.

Fitting

This car seat was super easy to fit into our car. We just have an old tacky Citreon Picasso, but it has ISOFIX and it literally took only a minute or 2! It simply clicks into the ISOFIX points at the back of the outer seats and boom – baby (or child) can be popped in, shield on and belted up.

Aesthetics

I call this seat the gentle beast because you can’t hide away from the fact it looks like a bit of a beast! Obviously this is to accommodate all of the wonderful and necessary safety features in order to make for a smooth and gentle ride for our baby/child. I am fine with that, its just a lot bigger than other seats I have been used to, but after the first week or so I was used to it and now I really do like having it.

I love most that it is available in so many colour options (8 to be precise) that are both “normal” right up to bright and beautiful. We chose the Ocean Petrol and I really like it. It’s a happy shade to see in your rear-view mirror!

Ease of use

Once fitted in to the car (which is easy to do), getting the child in and out is pretty simple and straightforward. Only its not with miss Alice! She seems to struggle with the fact she has to have the impact shield on and we always have a mini battle when she first gets in! It begins with a protesting shout followed by feet up and hands together pushing it away before we can get the belt on and around her. So yes, I’d say if you don’t have a rebel baby like ours that seems to want to live on the edge of safety regulations, then this car seat is super quick to both fit/take out and then to get your child/baby in and out of.

Babies response

Need we say any more?!!! No I’m kidding – once she is in and settled she really enjoys looking out of the window, being able to keep a sly eye on mummy and daddy, and joining in the jokes with Ethan and Megs. She can eat fine on a long journey, sleep and seems very content. The adjustable sleep position is useful though she seems to prefer to snuggle into the impact shield (not so bad now is it madam?).

Value for Money

I have thought a lot about this one as I am a thrifty person and don’t particularly enjoy spending a lot of money unless I feel it is necessary or good value. The Guardianfix 3 costs £279 which compared to competitors is on the higher end, but then I haven’t looked into each of their features to see how they compare, and to look at what you are getting for your money.

Taking this on an individual basis though and seeing how it can grow with your child from being only 9 months until 12/out of a car seat, I would say it is an excellent investment. The fabrics are machine washable and the seat can be moved in wondrous ways to accommodate the growing child, which is something I absolutely love. Most importantly though it is line with new safety standards.

Over all I love our new Guardianfix 3. It’s colour is gorgeous and it is super easy to use. It offers peace of mind with numerous and brilliant safety features, and the smallest member of our family is certainly loving life (once she’s in) back there in her beast of a throne as we cruise down the road!