Silver Cross Navigator car seat review

Even though it looks large, the Silver Cross Navigator is light to carry and the easiest seat I’ve ever installed. I usually have to read the instructions several times, puff, pant and wrestle a car seat into position. But the Silver Cross Navigator was so simple it was fully installed within two minutes.

Now I faced the hardest job of all - persuading my little boy to sit in it.

My son Deme is 7 going on 17 and loves Jedward, High School Musical films, football and, eek, girls. He hates me kissing him at the school gate, choosing his clothes. And, more than anything, he hates his car seat.

I could see his point. The old one was orange, plastic and functional rather than fashionable. Deme is big for his age – he wears aged 10 clothes – and so we had to buy the only one he could fit into.

He would complain he wasn’t comfortable after a while, could never fall asleep in it, and was too hot and sticky in warm weather because of the material. He hated that old car seat so much he would offer to walk to school, instead of going in the car. And his moaning was driving me mad.

What we love

The Silver Cross Navigator won Deme over instantly. With its good looks and state-of-the art features, Deme could adjust everything so it was a perfect fit.

The car seat has a multi-head support, which helps protect the head in case of a side impact, and fully adjustable seat base and recline positions. That means Deme can sit up to watch a DVD on a long journey, relax to read a book, and recline back to nap.

This seat costs £125. It’s good value when you consider its longevity. Your child could use it for up to seven years, and the seat is built to last. Even though it only weighs 6kg, so is surprisingly portable, the frame is sturdy, there’s plenty of padding and the thick, jet fabric is durable.

The seat cover is removable and can be hand washed so it’s easy to clean.

Practicalities aside, it’s a winner on the style front, too. “It looks like a racing car seat,” Deme said and pretended to be Lewis Hamilton, complete with gear change noises, for the next 20 minutes.

It’s not just little boys that like it either. My husband was an instant fan of the Silver Cross Navigator. “Can I fit into it?” he wanted to know. Luckily Deme wouldn’t give up his seat of honour, but my husband has already said he wants to buy another one for our little girl, Anais, 20 months, when she’s bigger.

If children could buy their own car seat, they’d choose this one. So would the dads, and I love it because the designers have thought of (almost) everything.

What to watch out for

I struggled to find any faults, but if I had to suggest anything to the designers I’d mention there’s no drink holder and the seat only comes in black. That’s fine for a boy, but girls might complain they want something prettier!

Who is The Silver Cross Navigator car seat best for?

All parents with a child over 4.

MadeForMums verdict

The Silver Cross Navigator is a top notch Group 2/3 car seat. It has the looks, the best design features, is light and easy to install and a very good price. It will grow with your child and last up to seven years, so price per use, it’s exceptionally cheap. But the Navigator doesn’t look cheap and surpasses on comfort, safety, and child appeal.