Britax Safe-n-Sound Compaq Review
Specifications
RRP
$449
Type
Type A4/B convertible car seat
Weight
7.6kg
Age
Rearward facing: 0 – 2-3yrs (approx)
Forward facing: 12mo – 4yrs (approx)
Dimensions
H 68.5 x W 44 x L 42.5 cm
(52cm depth in rearward facing mode)
Height markers
Lower marker
(must rearward face under marker): n/a
Middle marker (turn to forward facing): n/a
Upper marker (stop use): n/a
Anchoring
Seat belt
Adjustability
2-position recline
Harness
5-point harness
Other features
EPS Lined side wings for Side Impact Protection
Thermo5 High Performance fabric insert
Fully machine washable cover.
Warranty
5 years on Safe-n-Sound car seat moulding, harness and fittings
2 years on softgoods supplied with Safe-n-Sound car seat at the time of purchase (including accessories)
With extended warranty:
10 years on Safe-n-Sound car seat moulding, harness and fittings
5 years on Thermo5 soft goods.
CREP rating
Protection rating
Ease of use rating
Pros and cons
Pros
+ Updated version gets fabric insert upgrade
+ Narrow, can do 3-wide in most cars
+ Extended seat wings for side impact protection
+ Extended rearward facing to 2-3 years
Cons
– No head support for younger babies
– Can be difficult to tighten the straps
– No ISOFIX
Bottom line:
As its name suggests, the Britax Compaq is marketed as a ‘compact’ convertible car seat. And at only 44cm wide and 42.5cm long, it very much suitable for the smallest cars. The Compaq has been around for a number of years and this version has had the fabric insert upgraded to its Thermo5 to match its more expensive siblings.
However, in cutting the price, Britax has also cut costs and the lack of head support for younger babies can cause heads to loll around. There are also no ISOFIX connectors meaning you need to thread the seatbelt and tighten appropriately to get a good connection. Also, many have reported difficulty when tightening the straps – not what you want when bubs is already late for childcare.
Who this is for:
Parents who need a narrow convertible car seat to fit 3 in the rear and like the Britax comfort.
