The Montecarlo Plus is the evolution of the Indy Plus car seat, which won a host of awards and was a top seller, and Jané expects the same from its successor. The Montecarlo Plus has been produced with improved head support and side impact protection.
Like the Jané Momo Racing, the Montecarlo Plus is designed to offer a secure seat for children from around 4 to 12 years, as the back can be detached to turn it into a booster seat. For an even longer life, invest £65 in the specially made XTEND protective cushion, which allows the seat to be used for children weighing 9kg-18kg.
The one benefit the Montecarlo Plus has over the Racing Momo is that it offers the ISOFIX system, which attaches the seat to fixings beneath your car seat for more stability. It’s also handy when the kids are bigger and you drop them at school, as it ensures the seat stays in place without you having to get out and fasten the seat belt to keep it secure. However, without the ISOFIX fitted, I found the seat less stable than the Racing Momo, so it’s worth trying out different styles in your own car, as they will all vary slightly.
Finally, the Montecarlo Plus has a host of awards under its belt, including the Top Gear Award – FQ magazine, BPA (Baby Products Association) BACRA (Baby and Child Recognition Award) – short-listed, Platinum award – Baby gear magazine and Editors Choice – L’Automobile magazine.
What we love
Beneath the beautifully padded seat (Arron declared the seat “very comfy”), lies an aluminium structure that Jané says improves protection by 70% compared with a traditional system.
The fabric used for all that padding is breathable. This is definitely an improvement on our current car seat, which leaves Arron hot and sweaty whatever the weather! And it all comes off to be easily cleaned - good news to mums of messy kids everywhere.
The wraparound shape offers protection as well as a comfy place to rest a weary head. And if your child is tired, the seat can easily be adjusted to three reclining positions by simply pulling the handle at the base of the seat. The headrest can be tilted, too, for extra snoozability.
Jané Montecarlo Plus backrests can be altered widthwise to accommodate a growing child.
What to watch out for
Style-wise, the Jané Montecarlo Plus loses out to its designer-sibling the Racing Momo. In fact, Arron kept asking where his “racing car seat” was!
If you don’t have ISOFIX in your car, do check that this seat feels stable enough for you. Jané’s Montecarlo car seat is similar, but without the ISOFIX, and may fit better.
Who is Jané Montecarlo Plus car seat best for?
Parents after a super comfy seat with ISOFIX.
The Jané Montecarlo Plus is a well-made, easy-to-use car seat. It offers adjustable features to ensure total comfort, along with good safety features, such as ISOFIX and that aluminium structure. However, it’s not as stylish as its Racing Momo sibling.
