Choosing car seats for my children is something I take very seriously. Right from the very first infant carrier through to the high back boosters my older 2 children use now, every car seat we use is thoroughly researched and thought about in depth before we buy. These things could save my kids lives.
The most recent addition to our car is the Diono Monterey2 – a high backed booster seat suitable from 15 – 36kg. But what makes it different from the other car seats on the market?
1. The adjustablility: The Diono Monterey2 car seat is adjustable in both height and width to fit a growing child up to 160cm and 36kg. There is an 11 position headrest which is activated by a simple one hand push button at the rear of the headrest, and can pull right up to 16.5cm. The width of the car seat can be adjusted using the red wheel on the back of the seat – simply turn it clockwise to make the seat wider, or anticlockwise for a narrower seat. As both Gemma and Jacob have been using the seat the fact that it is so easy to adjust is a real bonus.
2. The fitting: The Diono Monterey2 is an ISOFAST car seat. This uses the cars Isofix points, but is quicker and easier to fit than a lot of other car seats. You simply pull the ISOFAST straps out from the base of the seat and hook them onto the Isofix bar in your car. You then pull the adjuster strap at the front to slide the Monterey2 back against the seat of the car. This means it is a fixed position booster seat with a safe, secure and quick installation, and will not move about in the car, even when there is no child sat in it.
3. The safety features. All car seats obviously come with safety features as standard, but I really like the extras on the Monterey2. There are aluminum reinforced sides lined with energy absorbing EPS foam for side impact protection and the reinforced seat bottom provides extra lap belt safety. This significantly strengthens the Monterey2 and provides superior defence against crash forces. The fact that the car seat is so adjustable also improves the safety aspect, as you can ensure your child is in an optimum seating position and held securely.
4. The comfort. After the safety, comfort is an important selling point – if we are on a journey I need to know that the children are comfortable. Again, the adjustability comes into play here, ensuring we get the correct headrest height and seat width for whichever child is using the seat. The seat bottom has extra length for leg support and features thick AirTek™ foam and tapered sides for total comfort. The tapered seat shape properly fits a growing child at every stage, and there are 2 recline positions for optimum fitting and comfort. There are even retractable, dual cup holders which are extra-deep and angled to keep drinks upright – important on a long journey so that the children can access their own refreshments as and when needed.
If the car seat is comfortable the kids are happy, and if it is safe then I am happy too. The Diono Monterey2 ticks all the boxes I look for in a high back booster seat and more besides. As well as getting my approval it also gets the thumbs up from the children too. There’s just one problem – they always argue about whose turn it is to sit in it!
Looks to be a great sturdy and safe high backed booster! Gets a thumbs up from me!
I really like the look of that – it looks super comfy! #TriedTested
Mummy Fever recently posted…Don’t wake the baby
this high rise booster seat looks great, not too restrictive #TriedTested
Natasha Mairs recently posted…Wentworth Wooden Puzzles #BringBackJigsaws
How awesome does this look! Like a racing car seat! I really like the sound of this, and it’s good to know it is safe, comfy and it looks fab too!
Jenni – Odd Socks and Lollipops recently posted…Muddle Puddles Scampsuit Review
Wow that really looks comfy! And safe of course. I love the amount of adjustability it has and the cup holders would get the thumbs up from me! #TriedTested
Gemma @ Two Little Misters recently posted…DIY – CHALKBOARD ADVENT CALENDAR
Stylish looking and sturdy too, sounds like a good buy
Looks a very, good sturdy car seat. Great review #TriedTested
Emily recently posted…WOW Toys Advent Calendar Review
Looks good. I bought a 123 car seat to save money but this looks very sturdy. I have my doubt in some car seats so a good detailed review is always nice to see. #triedtested
Janine recently posted…Chloe is 9 months
Looks great. We are looking into changing Lexie’s car seat in the next few months. Not to one quite this big though as she’s only 9 months, but still a useful post! Thanks #triedandtested
That car seat looks very comfortable. I love the idea that the height and the width of it can be adapted as your child grows. We’ve just bought our little boy a new car seat and it does a similar thing. The car seat market can be a minefield.
Laura x #TriedTested
Laura recently posted…The Wishlist Linky #1
This looks like something from a racing car! BB would love thisx #TriedTested
Crummy Mummy recently posted…Top tips for birthday parties on a budget
I like the look of that. There is so many to choose from isn’t there.
Mum to a Monster recently posted…Winter is coming: Bee prepared
It looks lovely and comfortable x
Louise (perry) fairweather recently posted…Orchard Toys: Pirate Snakes and Ladders and Ludo
It looks like a really comfortable seat which is a big consideration for me. My kids have got claustrophobic in some as the have wrapped round them too much and they end out hanging out of them which is obviously more dangerous.
Ness @ JibberJabberUK recently posted…New menu launch at The Forum Sheffield
This seat looks great, love that it has an adjustable height, as well as width! Never seen that feature on a car seat before so gets a big thumbs up from me xxx
Vikki Holness recently posted…Review // Lalaloopsy Tinies Jewellery Maker Playset
This looks lovely and padded and very comfy – I’m not surprised your children are fighting over who gets to sit in it! #TriedTested
like you say comfort is a big one if they have to sit in it all of the time, fab review #triedtested
chantelle Hazelden recently posted…Cold Weather and Loss Of Motivation
I’m on the hunt for the next stage car seat for E (5) at the moment, trying to find something ‘grown up’ for her but that still ticks all the relevant safety boxes. This looks great, I’ll be taking a closer look at it. #TriedTested
Mama OWL Blog | Jooleroo recently posted…A Twist to the Morning Routine with Beanies Coffee
oooh that looks totally mega!! I love how it can adapt. It would be perfect for us as the girls grow up as an additional seat even, for play date pick ups
#triedtested
Sugar&Rhubarb recently posted…The Glitter Headband
This looks fantastic! Great value for money with how long it lasts! #TriedTested
Jenna Parrington recently posted…aden + anais toddler towel – review & competition