Stokke has an established and notable history as a manufacturer, especially when it comes to chairs. Beginning as a company that produced bus seats and adult furniture back in 1932, the Norwegian brand moved into the children’s equipment market over forty years ago with its iconic Trip Trapp chair designed by the famed chair designer Peter Opsvik.
Since 2006 Stokke has focused exclusively on children’s furniture and equipment but has kept its tradition of making smart and sustainable merchandise, and the iZi Sleep X3 is part of the new generation of products.
A Group 0+ rear-facing car seat, suitable from birth to 13kg/29lbs (around15months), it is a cross between an infant car seat and a lie flat carrycot, which will allow your baby to remain in the optimal lying down position for longer.
What’s in the box?
- Stokke iZi Sleep X3 by BeSafe
Any added extras?
- Stokke iZi Sleep X3 ISOFIX base by Be Safe - £135
First impressions?
I was eager to test the car seat because it offered the lie flat option and I wanted to try it with my four-month-old daughter Lyla.
The lie flat option is the best thing about the car seat, because I can take her in and out of the car while she is asleep without disturbing her when she nods off during car journeys – which Lyla does a lot.
She can really stretch out while she is sleeping and I don’t feel guilty that I’m stunting her growth or that she can’t breathe properly.
How easy was it fixing the iZi Sleep X3 into the car?
It fits into the car easily with the seat belt if you don’t have ISOFIX in your car, and it feels nice and solid. But if you want added security, you can always get the izi Sleep ISOFIX base for an additional £135.
Can it convert between the seated and flat option easily?
Yes, you have to use it in the seated mode when traveling in the car, but once you’ve lifted the car seat (and baby) out of the car, you press the levers on the handle and the seat reclines easily in a sliding motion.
The iZi Sleep X3 also has a rounded base so you can rock it when it’s on the floor to keep your little one in the land of nod.
Six things you need to know about the new car seat laws.
Find out why it is important for your newborn to lie flat.
Is it easy to transport in and out of the car?
No, the biggest problem I have with the car seat is how heavy it is (15 pounds/6.8kg). Yes, I may have the muscle strength of a daisy but it’s really difficult to lift.
Getting through doors of the house and going in and out of the car was a struggle. With my daughter, who weighs about 15 pounds, inside the seat, it was a bit of a back breaker.
Is it travel system compatible?
Yes, it can be used in the car seat or lie flat mode with the Stokke Xplory and Stokke Crusi strollers and there's not need to buy any adaptors.
Read the full review on the Stokke Xplory.
Check out the full Stokke Crusi review.
Tell us about the car seat hood.
The integrated canapé is extra large (and extra useful) and comes with a visor. It moves easily and quietly, and is really good for both sunny days, because it’s got a UPF15+, and rainy days.
However, you’d need a generic rain cover for full protection because it doesn’t come with one.
Is it easy to clean?
It’s pretty easy to clean, the removable covers are machine washable, which was great because mine got covered in covered in milk, goo and worse.
The headrest and seat textile have to be washed separately at 40 degrees, while the canopy and visor has to be unzipped and hand washed. The harder, plastic parts can be wiped down easily with a little soap and water.
Made For Mums verdict?
It is a stylish, cool looking car seat that is comfy, sturdy and great for your baby to sleep in, but far too heavy to lift. Compared to our normal car seat it’s not a winner and £269 more expensive. A great design but unfortunately it’s too heavy and bulky to recommend unless you’re Wonder Woman.
