Cosatto Troop Car Seat Review

At the rate my little man is growing, it won't be long until we need to update his carseat, so when Cosatto offered to send us a Troop, their new group 1,2 and 3 seat, I couldn't resist checking whether it was cosy enough for a 9 month old as well as spacious enough for a 12 year old.

Cosatto have been one of our favourite baby brands since we first discovered them all those months ago.  Dylan and Archie have quite a selection of Cosatto high buggies, car seats and high chairs and I fall in love with every new collection they bring out.  We have been testing the Troop in the funky pablo design and I have to admit that I love it even more in the flesh.

With a white base and colourful triangular design, this car seat was designed to stand out and we get comments from everyone who spots it.  The seat can easily be attached to the car using the Isofit systembut it is perfect for occasional use too as rather than strapping the carseat in with the seatbelt and then using the 5 point harness, both actions are combined into one with the use of the impact shield.

The impact shield is used for younger passengers and slots into the chair keeping the child incredibly secure.  Some have been sceptical about it as a 5 point harness is the norm, but I have to admit it feels more secure than a traditional carseat and there is no way that sea is going anywhere if it is strapped in properly!  Dylan loves having somewhere to rest his arms and seems very comfortable in there.

For an older child, the impact shield would be removed, and the seat belt used over the seat.  To make the seat usable for an older child, there is an easy handle at the back of the head rest that when pulled up, raises the head rest and broadens the shoulders leaving lots of space.  I haven't tried the seat with an older child yet but I can see that this will last Dylan for many more years!

The seat feels well padded, soft and secure and I would be confident using it for Archie when he progresses from his infant seat in a few months time.  Despite Dylan being an incredibly chilled little man, I can already see that Archie is raring to go and he will be the one climbing up the curtain poles in a few short months.  One of the great features of the Troop is that even a little monkey wouldn't be able to escape the shield, unlike a harness and all the time the impact shield is on, they will not be able to unbuckle their own seat either, which would make me feel a lot safer.  

On the smallest setting at 23 months

The only real issue I have had with this seat is that it is quite big and I do struggle to get the seatbelt round i sometimes although there has never been an occasion where I couldn't manage it.  The list of pros is pretty impressive though:

-Side impact protection

-washable covers

-2 position seatback recline

-5 headrest positions

-gorgeous design

-works from 9 months all the way to 12 years

-free 4 year guarantee

-easy to use

- works in all cars

I would definitely recommend this seat for ease of use and the practicality of not needing to upgrade every few years as your little one grows.  Although it is quite big, it is this aspect that offers the great fit and extra protection so it is well worth it.

Disclaimer:  I was sent this car seat for the purpose of this review 

but all thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

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Cosatto Little Monster Moova Car Seat Review

I am rather excited to say that I have been chosen as one of Cosatto's new Brand Buddies, meaning I will be bringing you exclusive news and reviews over the next few months.  They are a brand I completely adore as their products are full of colour and personality - much like my family I like to think and they are both gorgeous and practical.  I have already told you about the Yo! Toffee Apple and the Slim Jim Highchair and for the last couple of weeks we have been testing the Little Monster Moova Car seat.

The car seat is suitable for children from approximately 9 months until 4 years (Stage 1) so will last a long time.  It comes with a removable and washable cover so you can keep it looking clean and lovely for the three years or so your little monster will be in there and the funky patterns make it much better at hiding a mess than some plainer car seats.  It is easy to install with a 3 point harness and we had no problem getting it in and out of cars.  I did find the instructions were not as clear as some other seats and it took me a while to get it in securely but once you have worked out the trick it is easy to get in and out in future.  

The higher sitting position is great for nosy toddlers who like to see where they are going and the three recline positions mean no lulling head when they start to drop off.  Dylan looked happy and comfortable in his and the design suited him completely!  We already have

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Kiddy Phoenix Pro Review

We found looking at car seats almost as exciting as looking at pushchairs.  There are so many styles and shades from so many different brands that it is hard to know which to choose.  The Kiddy Phoenix Pro is new to the UK and a bit different to the others on the market.  The main change is the lack of 5 point harness.

Kiddy's car seats use an impact bar rather than the harness and although originally I was dubious, once I have seen one and tried it, I am sure it is safer than our previous seat!  

As we don't drive, I need a car seat that will go in and out easily.  We are in my mum's car, friend's cars or taxis very often and most car seats need to be strapped in first with the seatbelt, then the child strapped in on top.  Not the Phoenix pro - The car seat just seats in the normal seat and the seatbelt does both jobs in one. There is the option of the K-Fix to permanatly secure the seat too but we love how easy this is to use.  

Once you have seated your child appropriately (there is a booster that can be added in to ensure a perfect fit) you just slide the impact shield in so it fits against your child's tummy and legs and pop the seatbelt round that.  The car seat cannot move at all as the seat belt keeps it very secure and the child is safe in the seat secured from armpit to knee in Dylan's case.

The Phoenix pro comes with an adjustable headrest and in a variety of colours.  I loved the reds in the seat we picked and though the colours would be perfect for a girl or boy.  Dylan was very happy in there and seemed comfortable and content.  When he fell asleep he seemed supported and there wasn't the usual head roll we tend to get.

Unfortunately without the K-fix the seat cannot be put into a recline position which I do prefer for car naps but this didn't seem to bother the little dude as he seemed comfy enough.  I can't think of anything else I would change about the seat though as it felt strong, comfortable, protected, innovative and secure.  The seat is suitable from 9-18kg or approx 9 months to four years so Dylan has plenty more growing space in there! The seat will retail for £200 which I think is a good price for such a sturdy and supportive car seat, after all your child's safety is so important!

•    Easy and quick to fit fitting for parents
•    Quick-release K-Connectors for isofix fitting (optional use)
•    Lightweight design makes it comfortable to pick up and move
•    Highly-protective shaped chest and headrests
•    Ergonomically designed for a comfortable ride
•    Adjustable headrest to choice of 7 positions
•    Unique shock-absorbent hidden panels for superb side-impact
•    Spacious inner dimensions to accommodate a growing child
•    Optimised front impact protection
•    3-way adjustable baby insert cushion
•    Advanced machine washable covers (30°C)

You can find out more on the Kiddy facebook page or tweet them @kiddycarseats and there is more about the Phoenix Pro on the Kiddy blog


Disclaimer:  We were sent a Kiddy Phoenix Pro for the purpose of this review but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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