The iZi Flex Fix i-Size is BeSafe’s latest forward-facing high back booster aimed at those aged approx. four upwards or 100-150cm height wise. Adhering to the latest safety regulations, it’s a booster with lots of extras including significant safety reinforcements.
Fitting
The iZi Flex Fix is really simple to install. A lot can be done intuitively; however with all car seats it’s always worth investing the time to review the instructions (print instructions included or videos online) to ensure you have fitted it correctly.
Featuring stowable isofix connectors, the chair is fairly easy to install in different vehicles and by locking the connectors in an extended position, can help to eliminate any tricky spots where the car’s anchorage is tucked away behind thick upholstery.
For vehicles without isofix anchor points, the chair can be used without, however we noted it is less stable as it relies solely on a belted set up and child’s weight to keep it firmly in place.
As a parent to three younger children all requiring car seats, the narrow surface space of the booster is a lot slimmer compared to several on the market which supports three children in a row, a great feature for parents not wanting to purchase a larger vehicle. Despite this feature, the chair doesn’t feel short on space for child.
Safety
Safety is at the forefront of this design with accolades going above and beyond strict EU regulations. In addition to the flex performance and side impact protection, BeSafe have built in a further level of side protection to absorb additional force should an accident occur.
Unlike the younger chairs, this booster is reliant on the vehicle’s three-point seat belt so as growing children get to grips with being more self sufficient, the chair features handy belt guiders. These guiders align to your child’s body to steer the straps in the right direction and affix the lap belt securely for optimal positioning to assist with correctly buckling up independently.
Comfort
When children are that bit older, they can vocalise their feedback much clearer and while comfort is always an important feature, arguing with a tantrum-prone toddler that doesn’t like the way they feel in their car seat is a battle parents just don’t need on a daily basis. Thankfully, the iZi Flex Fix is really comfortable and considerate to the needs and support required for children. It carefully balances a more mature design, important feature for older children, yet still has safety at the forefront.
Well padded with a soft and breathable material throughout, the chair also includes a unique cushioned pad that sits across your child’s check to provide additional protection and comfort to the chin and chest area. The pad also helps to transition from a five-point harness to a standard seat belt format.
The V-shaped height-adjustable headrest has been carefully crafted so that it doesn’t constrain the side viewing angle for your child, and is cleverly shaped to provide a reasonable level of head support should they fall asleep.
The chair can also be set for a slight recline for added comfort, however we found this to be minimal.
Summary
For parents looking for a solid car seat as part of a move away from the rearward facing baby chairs, this seat provides enhanced safety features, and importantly, real peace of mind for parents that are looking to ease the transition to a Group 2/3 seat.
The transition from Group 0+/1 car seat up to a ‘grown up’ chair can be a big step up and while the car seat will see children through up to eight years, children still need adequate support for longer or late night journeys, and to feel a sense of security and relaxation within the chair.
Flexible and lightweight with some nifty safety features, it’s a considered purchase at just under the £250 mark, but for a good quality chair to span eight years plus, it’s a great investment.
The BeSafe iZi Flex Fix i-Size is priced £249. For more information and to find a local stockist, visit https://www.besafe.com/en
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