Child car seats: how to buy the best seat

To find out how retailers and child seat manufacturers are adapting to the post-Covid-19 world, we asked them what services they have introduced to help customers buy seats that are best for their child and their car. 

Argos

Some standalone stores and those in Sainsburys supermarkets are open for click-and-collect orders. The return period for child seats has been extended to 30 days. 

Boots

Child seats can be ordered online and Boots has introduced free delivery on all orders of more than £30 and free returns via stores or any post office. 

Britax Romer

There is a fit-finder tool on this child seat maker's website and you can chat to an expert online too. 

Cosatto

Free next-day delivery is being offered along with a buy-now, pay-later option and 20% off for NHS workers. 

Cybex

This seat maker has launched a customer service line via Whatsapp so parents can easily get in touch with its safety experts to talk about seats and fitting. 

Halfords

Halfords’ shops remained open during the coronavirus lockdown, operating a click-and-collect service.  Now that stores are open Halfords is offering seat fitting demonstrations in selected shops, using a child seat rig while observing the two-metre social distancing guidelines. Although staff can’t fit child seats into cars for customers, they can stand a safe distance away in the car park and provide instructions and guidance. 

John Lewis

This retailer has adapted many of its in-store services, including its child seat advice, taking them online for the first time. Parents-to-be or those needing to replace a child seat can book a free ‘virtual nursery appointment’ with an expert for advice. 

During the one-to-one video appointments, advisers ask questions to identify customers’ exact needs, advise them on the most suitable car seats and provide information on fitting and safety. Demand for appointments is so high that the company has begun training additional staff to do them. 

Joie

Child seat maker Joie has enhanced its online service, offering a free virtual car seat check with a fitting expert for anyone who has bought one of its seats. 

Prior to the one-to-one video chat, parents are asked to complete a brief online questionnaire to provide details about the seat and the child’s height and weight so the advice can be tailored to them. Advisers can demonstrate how seats should be fitted and try to resolve any issues customers might have. 

Mamas & Papas

This seat company is offering free delivery for all orders of more than £50 and a 15% discount to NHS workers. 

Maxi Cosi

This child seat maker introduced a 100-day free trial of all its products bought before 1 June 2020, to give customers ample time to try them and return them if they aren't suitable.  

Silver Cross

British company Silver Cross has launched virtual demos with its car safety manager. Customers can book appointments via the brand’s Facebook page and then have a video call with the expert, who will demonstrate relevant products. The company has also introduced the Silver Cross Car Safety Made Simple app to help parents choose, fit and adjust its car seats. The app contains a simple five-step installation guide for each seat, a vehicle compatibility checker for more than 600 models and seat instruction manuals.

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