THE MAKE AND MODEL OF YOUR CAR(S) THAT IT WAS TESTED IN:
Nissan Quashqai
PRODUCT REVIEW:
When looking for a car seat, safety is everything. You want to know your child is as protected as they can be. Once this is settled, it’s the extras that make all the difference, and the Jané Exo Basic has got them in abundance.
This is a car seat that not only makes life easier, it looks fantastic, and thanks to the inner absorbent material and large sides that absorb more energy on impact, it ticks the safety box too.
As soon as I saw the Jané Basic Exo in smart black and fire red I was smitten. We had recently invested in a new black car and I knew this seat would look the part. Not only were the colours striking but the curved design and super-cosy headrest appealed.
With a new system that allows you to adjust the harness by pulling the headrest up in one easy movement, this becomes a definite contender. And, unlike many cars which use the shoulder straps to tighten the harness, the EXO Basic uses the abdominal straps to restrict your child’s movement even further. So far, so good.
Unlike other car seats I’ve used, it has a separate Isofix supporting leg you can attach to the seat once it’s in place, making it easier to transfer between cars.
Other extras worth noting is the instruction compartment in the base of the seat and the instruction QR code located above it for the more gadget-savvy. All covers are fully washable, and if like many Mums you suffer from back pain, this is a lighter seat yet just as durable.
What I loved
Apart from boasting a sleek design and classic colour scheme, it really is comfortable. My youngest daughter, Heidi, looked instantly at home. The material feels soft and the headrest is so supportive there’s not a lolling head in sight.
Most chairs have Isofix these days, but they can be quite cumbersome to move from car to car when it’s attached to the seat. The detachable Isofix pole deals with this problem effectively, which makes a big difference. And it’s easy to do.
But, what I love most is the harness and headrest system. You can pull the headrest up with a simple tug of a ring located at the top of the chair, and with it go the straps. No more pulling the chair apart to adjust the straps, it all works in one simple pulley motion. Anything that makes my life easier as a Mum is a winner.
What to watch out for
The reclining handle is easy to pull out but not so easy to push back again, especially from the driving seat.
If your child is tall for their age the chair may feel quite snug early on and may not last them until they’re four.
It is quite expensive, but for safety and looks it’s worth it, if in your budget.
Who is this car seat best for?
Parents who like style and ease, with children who crave comfort.
MadeForMums verdict
A fantastic, sporty, car seat that’s as practical as it is good-looking. With safety standards met and exceeded, it ticks a lot of extra boxes including the pulley system that adjusts the harness and headrest in one easy movement, and a detachable Isofix pole. It’s extremely comfortable too, although may become a bit too snug sooner than expected for taller children.
