Chicco Oasys 2/3 review

It’s perfect for those who do a lot of driving or long journeys and less worth it for just the school run.

What’s in the box?

• Oasys 2/3 car seat
• Instruction manual
• Cup holder

Is it value for money?

At £119.99 for the non-isofix and £149.99 for the FixPlus isofix version the Oasys 2/3 is mid-range. There are cheaper options available. The Diono Monterey 2 comes in nearly £70 cheaper and is both seatbelt or isofix compatible. But you don’t get most of the same seat adjustment features that come with the Oasys 2/3. Not even with similar priced, seatbelt-only high back boosters like the Maxi-Cosi Rodi XP (£99.99) and Be Safe iZi Up X3 (£120).

Is it easy to install?

My husband and I were slightly at odds with installing the Chicco Oasys 2/3. Installing Group 2/3 car seats means essentially placing the seat backrest firmly against the car chair and securing your child in with the car’s seat belt. My husband fitted the Oasys 2/3 in a blink of an eye after a cursory glance at the instructions saying, “Well, that’s the easiest car seat I’ve ever fitted.” But Jack wasn't in the seat at the time. I found strapping Jack in was a real nuisance due to the Oasys 2/3 arm rests which blocked my access to the seat belt buckle. My experience might have been heightened by the fact my large four-wheel drive vehicle. I had to climb up into the car to find the buckle, which was hiding behind the arm rest. Perhaps this wouldn’t have been an issue in a lower car.

How comfortable is it for your child?

The Oasys 2/3 is really designed with comfort in mind whatever the size of your child. The backrest can be adjusted to 10 different height positions and the seat altered width ways too. The Oasys 2/3 also reclines with a simple push-button and pull action. Not many similar seats in Group 2/3 offer as many as 4 recline positions. In reality it didn’t actually recline a great deal. But as children in this age group are generally past napping, it’s no deal-breaker.

Jack’s verdict…?

The Oasys 2/3 gets my son’s vote for one simple reason. The built-in cup holder. He always wants to take a drink when we leave the house. In all, the whole seat seemed pretty grown-up, with armrests and cup holder. Jack said the seat was “super comfy” and was more than happy to get into it every time.

Is it easy to use day-to-day?

To use this seat the child must be strapped in using the vehicle's own safety belts. Strapping my son in was a real nuisance due to the car seat arm rests. The rest are well-padded but they blocked my access to the seat belt buckle. In his previous car seat Jack had been able to strap himself in – when the mood took him. This just wasn’t possible with the Oasys 2/3. The fact I drive a large four-wheel drive might have tainted my experience. I had to climb up into the car to locate the buckle. Perhaps this wouldn’t have been an issue in a lower car. Once safely strapped in, it was great though.

Is it easy to clean?

With a potential 8 years worth of usage and therefore juice spillage the Oasys 2/3’s machine washable cover is a must. You do have to negotiate your way through several Velcro straps and elastic fasteners to remove the cover. But it’s a small price to pay for maintaining your seat.

What colours are available?

• Black
• Midnight (blue)
• Fire (red)
• Grey

Switch or keep in car?

The Oasys 2,3 isn’t the lightest of high-back boosters on offer. Its 7.2kg weight indicates it might be better kept in one car than used in taxis, hire cars or trips in family cars. But it does win points for such use as it’s a synch to install. If you’re moving your seat in and out of cars then the Maxi-Cosi Rodi XP should also be a serious consideration at it’s ultra-light at 4.4kg.

MadeForMums verdict

If you do a lot of long journeys, then this seat is great. The extra support provides peace of mind. You can adapt this seat to grow with your child. Young ones like being able to reach their own drinks. The multiple recline feature is a good extra benefit. Likewise, if you need to swap the seat between vehicles on a regular basis, then the ease of installation of the Chicco Oasys 2/3 isn’t to be sniffed at. Though it is relatively heavy. If your main use is simply the school run then this seat probably isn’t for you. On the days when you seem to do nothing but get your kids in and out of the car then the added difficulty of reaching the seatbelt buckle might have you wondering why you paid more in the first place – even with the added features.