Child car seats: how to buy the best seat
Despite the coronavirus crisis, there are still safe, easy ways to shop for a child car seat. Here’s how to ensure you get the correct one...
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.
