Eoghan Keane O’Regan, testing out the new car seat
When it comes to child car seats choosing the right car seat for your child can be a tricky business. Suzanne Keane reviews the Axkid Bigkid 2
What is it? Axkid specialises in rear-facing child seats but the Bigkid 2 is their second foray into high back boosters, ideal for loyal fans of Axkid seats whose children have outgrown their Minikids. The new high back booster has improved side impact protection and is even more adjustable to ensure a good fit for children of all sizes once they have maxed out their rear facing seats.
What’s in the box? The Axkid Bigkid 2 and a detachable ASIP (side impact protection) which can be fitted on the side of the seat closest to the door. There are a few colours available and there are two trim levels – a standard and premium. We tested the Premium in Granite Melange.
Fitting? The Axkid Bigkid 2 has optional ISOFIX arms to keep the seat in place when it’s not in use. These just clip into your ISOFIX points or if you’re not using them they retract back into the Bigkid 2 so that they aren’t in the way. Once the seat is in place pop on the ASIP on the door side and you’re ready to use the seat.
Once your child is sitting comfortably you can adjust the headrest to the correct height – 1cm above shoulders. The headrest/backrest has 9 different positions so it’s suitable for a wide range of heights and this is one of the longest lasting high back boosters. There are also 4 adjustable recline positions to maximise comfort – the Premium version has additional padding for comfort.
The shoulder belt is fed through a slot near the headrest and lap belt goes through the horns at either side of the seat (not over). The Premium Bigkid 2 also comes with a 4th attachment point (lap belt positioner – similar to a crotch strap on a harnessed seat) for the seat belt to give extra protection to smaller children at risk of sliding out under the seatbelt in a collision.
Watch the installation video
Daily use The Bigkid 2 was our first experience of a high back booster. Thankfully my eldest is the responsible one of the bunch and was well able to sit correctly in the seat. The headrest adjusts really easily and gives great head support. The belt guides then ensure a good and safe fit, even for a child who has just outgrown their rear facing seat. Moving to forward facing is daunting but the Bigkid 2 does feel like a secure and safe seat for the next stage, especially as he is at the limits of his rear-facing seats.
This booster seat also comes with a carry handle which makes it really easy to move between cars and in and out of the house – the Bigkid 2 weighs 7.7kg and the seat cover can be removed and machine washed for easy maintenance.
Safety The Bigkid 2 is a ‘Universal’ child restraint; it conforms to regulation ECE-R44/04 for general use in vehicles. It will fit most, but not all vehicle seats and must be used with a 3 point seatbelt. It is suitable for children from 15 to 36kg but Axkid stress that a high back booster should only be used once a child has outgrown their rear-facing seat.
When not in use the Bigkid 2 should be secured in the car, either with the seatbelt or ISOFIX.
In my opinion the additional 4th attachment point that comes with the Premium model is an essential safety feature for younger children as they are at a higher risk of sliding out under the seatbelt in a collision. It also ensures the belt is correctly routed across their hips and just makes the seat feel more secure.
Why you’ll want one
The Axkid Bigkid 2 is the ideal transition for fans of Axkid’s rear facing seats who expect a quality seat with innovative safety features. Those who are new to Axkid will be pleasantly surprised with the premium look and feel of the seat.
Why you won’t
If you’re trying to get 3 across in a smaller car there are narrower high back boosters available.
Seat: Axkid Bigkid 2
Height limit: up to 150cm
Weight limit: 15-36kg
Fixing: ISOFIX plus seatbelt or just seatbelt.
RRP: The Axkid Bigkid 2 premium retails at €219
Stockists: Rearfacing.ie, In Car Safety Centre
Star Rating: 4.8* (high quality seat and very adjustable for all ages)
Disclaimer – Wheelsforwomen was sent this car seat from Axkid to review, however, all reviews are unbiased and honest. This is not a sponsored post.
Suzanne Keane
17th December 2021
