Kinderkraft JUNIOR FIX 2 i-Size car seat review

One of the most unique selling features is the headrest, which can be adjusted to 10 different heights with just one hand, so the seat can grow with your child. It also boasts ergonomic armrests for extra comfort. The seat covers are removable and washable.

What are your first impressions of the car seat?

It looks good quality for the price. The material is a nice colour and seems durable. I got the impression it was a much higher-end product than it was.

How easy was it to install the car seat?

I was only able to test the booster seat in a car without ISOFIX, but it was incredibly easy to install using the seatbelt, which had to be threaded through three simple points on the seat.

This is very easy to do and takes a matter of seconds. The headrest is also very easy to adjust as your child grows. They do say it can be done with one hand – I'm not sure it is quite that simple, but it was easy.

It can also be installed with ISOFIX connectors, and as we plan to upgrade the car soon, it's good to have a seat that allows both options, so we don't end up having to go out and buy a new one. I was happy Ivy looked safe and secure.

What are the key safety features of the car seat?

The car seat is forward-facing as appropriate for her age. It has a strong reinforced shell with energy-absorbing padding, wide side wings for impact protection and an adjustable headrest that can be moved into 10 positions.

I felt happy and reassured that Ivy was safe and secure in the seat.

Any unique features?

One of the standout features was the 10-point adjustable headrest. Ivy is tall for her age, and we have struggled to find a car seat that grows with her, and she ends up looking squashed and uncomfortable.

This was roomy, and she has plenty of space to grow into it. The seat fabric seemed good quality and washable.

How comfortable did your child find the car seat?

Ivy loved it. She had more room than in her previous seat and looked more comfortable.

The seat is wide and comfortable, and there are armrests, which I thought helped, especially on longer journeys. Her big sister Olive had a turn while on the driveway, and she loved it too.

Olive is 6, and although this car seat is suitable for children up to 150cm or around 12 years, I felt she was bordering on the upper limit. She is quite tall at 120cm and nearly 7 years old, and it's not a seat I would necessarily have chosen for her.

How robust does the car seat feel?

The material seemed durable and good quality, as well as being stylish. The shell seemed sturdy and strong, yet still lightweight to lift in and out of the car. I think this seat would last a good few years.

How easy is it to clean?

The covers are removable and can go in the washing machine. This was pretty easy to do. It was a bit tricky trying to pull them over the shell after they'd been washed, but the covers themselves came up like new.

The fabric is quite a light grey on the seat itself, and Ivy spilled something on it in a matter of days. I dabbed it down and didn't really notice at all.

How do you find the car seat to carry around?

Easy. It's very lightweight. We often have to lift the seat in and out of the car to accommodate different children and their friends, and it was no bother at all to take it in and out again.

As we do this a lot, this was a massive bonus point for the seat and a reason I'd buy it again. It weighs 6.4kg.

Is the car seat big enough for a growing child?

This seat is suitable for children between 100cm and 150cm tall, and roughly 3 to 12 years of age. Three-year-old Ivy is very tall for her age, and this seat fits her well with plenty of growing room.

I tried my 6-year-old in it and felt she looked quite tall in it. I'm not sure I would have chosen this for a taller or older child.

While there was plenty of room for her to sit, I think she would be more comfortable in a slimline seat without the extra safety functions that are in place for younger children.

How does it compare with other booster seats you've used?

For the price, I thought this car seat was great value. I've spent double this on similar seats before, and this appears just as durable and comfortable for Ivy. It was light, easy to install and looked stylish.

What's in the box?

Just the car seat. It comes as a whole, and you don't have to put anything together. It took a matter of minutes to install this in the car.

What additional accessories can you buy?

None.

What about packaging?

It's a big box that can be recycled, and a clear plastic bag.

What do you wish you'd known before purchasing the product?

I think it's important to know that this seat might not be the best choice for children closer to the 150cm mark. Otherwise, I was very happy with it.

Who would this product be most useful for?

While guidelines state it's suitable for children up to 150cms and around 12 years old, I think it is best suited to younger and smaller children in the category, probably up to around the age of 6 or 7, depending on their height.

Is this product worth the money?

For a budget product, I thought this was great value. It appeared higher-end and though I’ve only had it for two weeks, it does appear as though it is built to last. It washed up well and is suitable for cars with or without ISOFIX.

Where can I buy the Kinderkraft JUNIOR FIX 2 i-Size?

It is available from Amazon, Kiddies Kingdom and Very

MadeForMums verdict:

We thought this car seat was excellent value. It appears like a much higher-end product, has lots of safety features to keep your child safe and is spacious and comfortable for both long and short journeys. We loved the 10-point adjustable headrest, which will allow this car seat to grow with your child. We do think it is better suited to children at the lower and mid end of the recommended age range, so do try it first if your child is especially tall.