Concord Ultimax 2 review

The seat won an ADAC Award, receiving an overall grade of Good in a joint International test and was also shortlisted ‘Best Car Seat Group 1’ in the Mother&Baby Awards, so I was confident that we would like our new seat.

Click here to buy the Concord Ultimax 2 on Amazon

First impressions?

We started looking for a new car seat for our daughter Lacie, once she reached nine months. She seemed too big for her first car seat, a Group 0+ we’ve had since birth.

Yet she was not old or big enough for a forward-facing seat yet.

We were torn between keeping her in her original chair or buying a forward-facing seat, so the Concord Ultimax 2 seemed like the perfect solution.

She could continue to sit rear facing, until we are confident enough that she is big enough and old enough to sit forward without having to go and buy another new chair.

Is it easy to install in the car?

One of the best things about the Concord Ultimax 2 car seat is that it’s so easy to set up.

The ISOFIX base slotted securely into my car’s ISOFIX sockets and the fact that the seat is both rear facing and forward facing, gives you more bang for your buck - as the seat will keep your child safe and comfortable until they are around four-years-old.

Lastly, you simply click the seat into the base, and hey presto!

How is strapping your little one in the chair?

In the past, I’ve always had to strap my daughter in using a seat belt, so it was very reassuring knowing that the car seat was properly installed and secure every time I needed to use it.

And being able to leave the base in the car made my life so much easier.

However, I did find it hard getting her in the chair, as it’s so secure once it’s locked into the Isofix base that I had to really lean in the car to make sure she was in correctly.

I’ve seen some Isofix style car seats spin round, which makes it easier to pop them in, that would be a welcome addition to the Ultimax.

I also found the headrest hard to adjust. To move it up, you have to pull it forward and up – and with one hand holding the baby and one hand free, I found it stiff and awkward.

Thankfully it is in the right position now and I won’t have to adjust it again in a hurry.

Is the chair comfortable for your little one?

Yes, Once Lacie was in the car she seemed super comfortable. I loved that this chair can grow with Lacie. Its deep and cosy and the headrest is adjustable and supportive, which is perfect for children who love to nap in the car.

It also has a five-point strap system which is centrally adjustable and user friendly, and the fabric is also soft, padded and can be removed easily when it needs to be washed.

It’s great for parents who don’t want to worry about their child’s comfort on long car journeys and have the space to keep the seat permanently in the car.

What do you think of the different seating positions?

I think they are great; the chair is ideal for parents looking for a seat that will grow comfortably and safely with their child, and last from birth to four years old.

The Concord Ultimax 2 is also ideal for those who want the option of rear and forward facing seating positions. It can be so difficult to know when is the ideal time to turn your baby into a forward position, especially, if like me you have a smaller baby.

Nine months is currently the legal minimum age (until 2018 when iSize takes over) when parents can move their child from a rear position to face forward.

But if you, like me, have a more ‘Scandinavian’ way of thinking then you want your little ones to sit rear-facing for as long they can.

With the Ultimax 2 that’s up to four years rear-facing, providing you can avoid the tantrums about wanting to “see everything.”

But when they (and you) are ready to face-forward the seat simply turns around to the forward position. Concord does not recommend you do this before your child reaches 13kg, which is approximately 18 months.

How does it compare to your previous car seat?

Having only used a Group 0+ seat, the biggest difference is that I can’t carry it around with me, which is particularly inconvenient if Lacie has fallen asleep and I want to take her out the car without disturbing her.

The chair also sits higher than others we have used in the past and Lacie sat up, up right and could clearly see out the window – which she loved.

Is the Concord Ultimax 2 value for money?

Yes definitely. At under £300 it’s secure, comfortable and will last her at least another three years.

I also like that when my nephew, who is three, wants a ride in my car, we can just spin the seat round and he can sit forward facing. He also likes that it reclines.

What’s in the box?

• Isofix base
• Concord Ultimax 2 Car Seat
• Instructions

Any extras?

• Concord Cooly Cool Cover - £26.59

MadeforMums verdict?

At less than £300 The Concord Ultimax 2 is a great investment that will ensure your baby is safe and comfortable as they grow from a baby to a toddler.

Your child can remain rear facing until they are big enough to face forward, without having to do much more than turn the seat and base round.

The base ensured that the chair was secure and didn’t move an inch; giving us the peace of mind we needed when on the road.

My 10-month-old daughter also seemed very comfortable in it, thanks to the adjustable headrest, padded straps and deep, generous seat space.

Read more...

• The 2-hour car seat rule - what you need to know
• How to install a car seat
• 3 ways to stop your child getting out of a car seat