Kids Around

Testing baby and children products to help you make informed decisions.

Narrow car seats

When it comes to car seats, some parents prioritize space-saving designs that fit into smaller cars or provide easier maneuverability. Narrow car seats are ideal for those who need to fit more than one car seat in the back or simply need a compact option for tight spaces. Below are two narrow car seats suitable from birth that are available in the UK, along with their pros and cons.

From Newborn:


1. Maxi-Cosi Cabriofix i-size

Available at Amazon car seat only for £87.99

Or with isofix base for £177.98

Car Seat Dimensions‎ 73 x 44 x 55.5 cm

Isofix base Dimensions: 60 x 33 x 70 cm;

We opted for this car seat for our third child, attempting to get three car seats along the back seat. We chose this as it was compatible with the Bugaboo Donkey 5 pram, but also due to its width. With the base, it is quite restricting as this obviously slots into a fixed position and can’t be moved over to one side to allow more space in the middle.


Pros:

Suitable from birth to approximately 12 months (0-13kg).
Compact design, making it perfect for small cars and easy to install in tight spaces.
Side Protection System for enhanced safety.
Easy to carry with a lightweight design.
Compatible with many prams and strollers, creating a convenient travel system.


Cons:

Limited rear-facing weight capacity, as it only accommodates babies up to 13kg.
Some parents find the harness system slightly fiddly to adjust.
The base is sold separately, adding to the overall cost.
When using the isofix base, it can be temperamental slotting the seat into the base.


2. Cybex Gold

Available at Amazon for £179

Dimensions: 66 x 44 x 39 cm


Pros:

Compact and narrow design, ideal for smaller vehicles.
Suitable from birth to approximately 18 months (0-13kg), with an extended rear-facing option for added safety.
Excellent side-impact protection with an energy-absorbing shell.
Features a large sun canopy for extra protection against the sun.
Clicks easily onto compatible pushchairs for use as a travel system.


Cons:

The base is sold separately, increasing the overall cost.
Not as lightweight as some other infant carriers, which may be a concern for carrying the seat long distances.
The recline mechanism can be difficult to adjust when the car seat is in the base.



In conclusion, both the Maxi-Cosi Rock and Cybex Aton 5 offer narrow designs suitable for smaller cars, but they come with specific limitations in terms of weight capacity and installation complexity. Consider your priorities such as portability, safety features, and whether a compatible base is needed when making your choice.

Narrow Toddler Car Seats

1. Joie Stages

Seat Dimensions: 54.5 x 58 x 76 cm

Available at Amazon for £89.99

We have this seat for our 2 year old, and being able to use a seatbelt to secure the chair allows it to be pushed further along the seat, allowing that extra space in the middle.

Nb. She also loves to nap in this, so must be incredibly comfy.

Pros:

  • 3-in-1 Design: This seat is a 3-in-1 car seat, suitable for rear-facing (from 0 to 18 kg), forward-facing (9-18 kg), and as a high-back booster (15-36 kg). This long-lasting seat provides great value for money.
  • Narrow and Compact: It is known for its narrow design, making it ideal for smaller cars or when you need to fit multiple car seats in the back.
  • Good Safety Features: It includes side impact protection and a 5-point harness for added safety, with ISOFIX connectors for secure installation.
  • Comfortable: Padded sides and a reclining feature ensure comfort for toddlers during trips.

Cons:

  • Limited Recline: The recline function is somewhat limited in the rear-facing position, which could be less comfortable for younger children on long journeys. Although as I say, ours sleeps every time.
  • Less Luxurious Features: It may not have as many high-end features, such as additional padding or premium materials, compared to more expensive models.
  • Lower Weight Limit for Rear-Facing: Some parents may prefer a higher rear-facing weight limit, as the Joie Stages only supports rear-facing up to 18 kg, which may require transitioning to forward-facing earlier than other models.

2. Cybex Solution Z-Fix

Available at Amazon for £544.

Seat Dimensions 63.5 x 53.34 x 30.48 cm

Pros:

  • Slim Design: The Solution Z-Fix is a very slim car seat, making it an excellent choice for families who need to fit multiple seats across the back row.
  • Adjustable Headrest and Backrest: This seat offers an adjustable headrest and backrest that grows with your child, providing better comfort and support as they get taller.
  • Safety Features: It includes advanced safety features such as Linear Side-impact Protection (L.S.P.) and ISOFIX connectors, ensuring excellent side-impact protection and easy installation.
  • Good for Longer Trips: The seat is well-padded and designed to provide comfort for extended journeys, especially for toddlers transitioning to forward-facing.

Cons:

  • Forward-Facing Only: This car seat is forward-facing only, which means it’s not suitable for younger toddlers or those who prefer rear-facing seats for extended periods.
  • Limited Recline: It doesn’t have an extensive recline option, which may not be as ideal for naps on long trips.
  • Higher Price: As with many Cybex products, the Solution Z-Fix is priced higher than some other narrow seats, which could be a drawback for budget-conscious parents.

Summary:

  • Joie Stages is a versatile, affordable option with a 3-in-1 design that grows with your child, but it has fewer luxury features and a more limited rear-facing weight range.
  • Cybex Solution Z-Fix is a sleek, high-quality forward-facing seat with great safety features and comfort for older toddlers but lacks the ability to rear-face and comes at a higher price point.

Both of these seats are narrow, making them ideal for smaller vehicles or families with multiple car seats, but each has its own set of trade-offs in terms of features, installation, and comfort.

Narrow booster seats for children

1. Britax Römer KidFix M

Available at Amazon for £179

‎Seat dimensions: 42 x 44 x 7.2 cm

Pros:

  • Narrow Design: The KidFix SL is known for its slim profile, which makes it ideal for families needing to fit multiple booster seats in the back or those with smaller cars.
  • High Backrest: It offers a high back with deep side wings, which provides enhanced protection in case of a side-impact collision, making it a safer option for your child.
  • Seatbelt Guide: The seat has an easy-to-use seatbelt guide that helps ensure the seatbelt is positioned correctly over the child’s shoulder and lap for optimal safety.
  • Comfortable: The booster seat is well-padded for comfort during longer journeys, ensuring your child is supported throughout the ride.
  • Durable and Easy to Clean: The fabric is durable and easy to remove for cleaning, which is always a bonus with children’s car seats.

Cons:

  • No ISOFIX: The KidFix SL does not have ISOFIX, so it must be secured using the vehicle’s seatbelt. This may be less stable and secure than ISOFIX-based seats, and parents need to ensure the seatbelt is fastened tightly.
  • No Reclining Function: This seat does not feature a recline function, which can be less comfortable for children who tend to sleep during longer car trips.
  • Higher Price: The Britax Römer KidFix SL is on the more expensive side, especially for a non-ISOFIX booster, which may not be suitable for all budgets.

2. Graco Affix Highback Booster Seat

Available at Amazon for £67.

Seat Dimensions: 39.5 x 46.3 x 64.5 cm

This was the final seat we chose, with all three I’ve mentioned above fitting comfortably across the back seat of a standard car. I purposefully opted for a high-back to allow greater safety for our children than a simple booster.

Pros:

  • Narrow and Compact: The Graco Affix Highback Booster is designed to be slim and compact, making it a good choice for families with limited space in their vehicles or those needing to fit multiple seats across the back.
  • Safety Features: It has side-impact protection to keep your child safe in case of a side collision and features a 5-point harness system (up to a certain weight), ensuring the child is securely fastened.
  • Easy to Install: While it doesn’t use ISOFIX, the Graco Affix has a simple, straightforward seatbelt installation that many parents find easy to use. The seat also includes a seatbelt positioning system that helps guide the belt properly.
  • Affordable: Compared to many other highback booster seats, the Graco Affix offers a good balance of safety and features at a relatively lower price point.

Cons:

  • No ISOFIX: Like the Britax Römer KidFix SL, it lacks ISOFIX, meaning it relies entirely on the seatbelt for securing the booster seat. This can result in a less stable installation, especially in vehicles with less secure seatbelt configurations.
  • Less Comfort for Longer Trips: While the seat is padded, it’s less cushioned than some other models, so it might not be the most comfortable option for longer journeys.
  • No Recline Feature: The Graco Affix does not offer any reclining ability, which could make it uncomfortable for children who may want to sleep during long drives.

Summary:

  • Britax Römer KidFix SL is a high-quality, narrow, and safe option with side-impact protection and high back support, but it lacks ISOFIX, has no recline, and is relatively pricey.
  • Graco Affix Highback Booster Seat is a more budget-friendly, slim, and practical option with easy installation and safety features, but it also lacks ISOFIX, comfort, and a reclining feature for longer trips.

Both are excellent choices for narrow, highback booster seats that don’t use ISOFIX, but the choice will depend on your budget, need for comfort, and preference for extra safety features.