When it comes to car seats for my kids there is one company that I always use because I trust there products and think they are superb in the safety area and that is Britax. I had a Britax for my eldest son who is nearly 9 and it was fantastic I had no complaints what so ever so I knew it was a brand that I would be going back to for my second son.
I am very lucky that I have a fantastic baby shop in my area that stocks every brand of baby equipment and also has a huge display range so you can have a look before you purchase. I had a car seat that was from birth but by the time he was 6 months he had grown out of it so I knew I had to go and get a new one as I could not keep wedging him in his.
Of I trotted to the baby shop and I was astounded at what a huge range of car seats there was now compared to 8 years ago. Literally I was spoilt for choice although I knew I was going to buy a Britax.
One of the main reasons for me choosing Britax is there safety record. There car seats are put under vigorous tests to the highest European standards which tests the impact on the car seat from the angled of a car crashing into the side of your car and full on. Euro Ncap is the European body that tests car seats and Britax has just been awarded 4 *?s for there safety record.
The car seat I was purchasing was a stage 2 car seat which is 9kg to 18 kg which in theory should fit a 9 month old to a 4 year old.

The Britax Eclipse
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Well this is the car seat I chose to purchase as there was so many but this one had the colour fabric I wanted. The Britax Eclipse comes with a 5 point harness as you would expect. You need a diagonal seat belt to fit these car seat although the Eclipse can also be fitted with a lap belt.
The Britax Eclipse come wi
th shoulder pads for added comfort, I used these while he was little but as soon as he got to about a year I took them of as they were constantly covered in chocolate and goo. Britax also state that there car seats have a slimmer base to fit unto more modern slim line cars also, but to be honest they are still quite bulky. The Britax Eclipse has 5 reclining positions which is great for if you are on a long journey as it gives your child maximum comfort. It is extremely easy to adjust the reclining positions as it has a little leaver on the under neath and is easy to adjust the car seat whilst the baby is sleeping. The Britax Eclipse has a deep seat and side wings so your baby is supported all ways round (if only they made chairs for us like this).
In recent safety tests the Britax Eclipse also has added safety compared to other brands in a side impact collision.
The Britax Eclipse comes in 7 different fabrics so I am sure there will be one that should tickle our fancy, to be honest they are all nice. The car seat cover is fully washable and I also tumble dried mine and it looked as good as new when it was put back on. When taking the cover on and off it can be a bit fiddly but once you have done it a few times it gets much easier.

How much is it?
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I paid £89.99 for my car seat and it is also the same price in Toys R us. Although when I looked in Mothercare I am sure it was £10 more expensive.

Is it easy to fit?
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As with most things once you know how it is easy. It has a diagram on the side of the car seat showing you how to do it which is pretty much self explanatory, although can be a bit fiddly threading it through the underneath of the seat. I have very rarely moved the position of my car seat as it is quite bulky and heavy but I guess this is the price for such
safety.

My opinion
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I would thoroughly recommend this product to anyone as it has all the safety features I require and also is very comfortable for kids. It has washable covers which can also be tumble dried. I think for £89.99 you cant go wrong as it does last a long time also.

Contact Britax
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If you would like to contact Britax they have a fantastic website at www.britax.co.uk and there customer help line number is 01264 386034. The customer care help line is open 8.30 till 5 Monday to Thursday and 8.30 till 4.00pm on a Friday.
Or alternatively you can write to them at:
Britax Excelsior Limited
1 Churchill Way West
Andover
Hampshire
SP10 3UW
United Kingdom

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Julia