Design
The Compaq Deluxe is a standard car seat design but on the smaller side; it's the smallest car seat in the Safe-n-Sound range.
It's well padded and comes in one print, Kindergarten which is a darker blue frost with a check/square pattern.
It's a convertible car seat which is suitable rear facing for an infant from birth to 12kgs and front facing for a child from 8kgs to 18kgs.
Features
This car seat features an infant insert and a fully adjustable multi-position harness. It also reclines.
Included is a sun visor which is great for our climate and a seat mat to keep your car clean from inevitable spills. The Compaq comes with a structural warranty of 5 years (seat fabric up to 2 years).
Performance
The Compaq Deluxe is rated as above average for ease of use and protection by the NSW Centre for Road Safety. The unit is sturdy, has side wings for extra protection and a stabilising bar when facing rearward to prevent rebound in an accident.
One of the reasons the Compaq rates highly for safety in the rear facing category, is that it accommodates an infant to 12kgs; you should keep your baby rear facing for as long as possible to get the full safety benefit of this seat. The adjustable crotch strap makes it a good choice for preemie or other small babies.
This car seat is easy to install. It took two parents who had never installed a car seat before 15 minutes to adjust the harness and install the seat forward facing in accordance with the instructions. Installing the seat rear facing is a little more complex, however, the instructions are comprehensive and easy to follow.
The Compaq is well padded and the fabric quite nice and cozy. The seat cover is durable, easy to remove and is machine washable. The recline mechanism is easy to use and the recline angle is just enough for a comfy snooze.
The advantage of the small size of this car seat is that if you have a medium sized car you can fit a Compaq and two adults in the back seat or up to three Compaqs if you have a large family. Also the width is smaller than usual so you can have your front car seats further back if you need or want to.
The Compaq is designed and made in Australia and covered by Safe-n-Sound's Crash Exchange Program so if your seat is damaged in an accident it will be replaced free of charge.
Finally, and I know this is only a small thing; I like how this seat has a little pouch at the back to keep the instructions in. That's just useful and sensible.
Drawbacks
As you would expect, this car seat is smaller than most. Some parents have found their children have outgrown it earlier than expected. Having tested it out with a taller than average toddler I can see that this might be an issue at about 3 years or so.
Some parents have found that the Compaq slides around a little in their car. Sometimes using a towel underneath or behind the seat will give it more grip. We didn’t have this problem, however, you should be aware of it before you buy.
Conclusion
Car safety is not the place you want to be penny pinching. Your baby will get years of use from their car seat so it is worth investing in one of the best safety options on the market for small cars.
It is also worth paying extra to have a professional install your seat for you. Ring your local transit authority for their recommendation in your local area.
You can never know enough about car safety for your baby. Find more information on the NSW RTA website or from your local state roads and traffic authority.
About Safe-n-Sound
Safe-n-Sound are part of the British Britax company that make a range of car seats suitable for infants, babies and toddlers at different stages of their development and size.
