Britax KING II ATS Car Seat review

from Britax
RRP  £180.00

by motherandbaby |
Updated on

Tested by dad Charli Fuller for the M&B Awards 2016:

Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow dad?

This car seat was easy to strap into the car, it was also very easy to adjust to fit my child in and recline allowing her to comfortably have a snooze. There seemed to be lots of padding on the inside of the seat and my daughter looked very safe and secure.

How does this product make your life easier as a dad?

I personally loved the safety mechanism on the car seat’s buckle. The seat uses different audio tones and either a red or green light to ensure the child is strapped in securely. It eases the process of putting a wriggly toddler into the car seat, giving me peace of mind that she is safe.

If you could change one thing about this product what would it be?

The first few times using the seat I found it a little fiddly to release the silver button that loosens the straps, as you need to use quite a lot of force, however, once I got used to it, it was fine. The seat was also quite heavy but once I had fitted it into the car I didn't need to move it again.

Tested by mum Melanie Barnes for the M&B Awards 2016:

Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow mum?

Very easy to install, good solid design, and easy to wash fabric, it also has a harness tensioner that adjusts itself and beeps if any problems like little one gets arms out.

How does this product make your life easier as a mum?

Very easy to move between cars if needed, washable covers for those little accidents, reclines for more comfort.

If you could change one thing about this product what would it be?

Would be good if it was available in different colour seats.

Tested by mum Michelle Henderson for the M&B Awards 2016:

Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow mum?

Good solid design, very easy and quick to install, has washable covers.

How does this product make your life easier as a mum?

Easy and simple to get little one in and out & remove washable covers.

If you could change one thing about this product what would it be?

Different colour seat covers.

Tested by Toni Barnes for the M&B Awards 2016:

Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow parent?

Very easy to fix, excellent sensory system means you know exactly how safe your baby is. Great for those would be escapologists.

How does this product make your life easier as a parent?

Comfortable protective pads retain baby in place. Comfort induces sleep for a trauma free journey.

If you could change one thing about this product what would it be?

Possibly a bit lighter overall especially for those who need to change cars frequently etc.

Tested by mum Emily Bennett for the M&B Awards 2016:

Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow mum?

This is a really good product with some innovative design features that I would recommend to anyone. The installation of the seat is simple and when using the car seat belt to fix in the seat, it does not get in the way of the seat at all allowing easy access and egress for my child. Although the seat is a little heavy, it does provide the confidence that it is robust and safe to use. The lights and tones also add another level of ease assuring you that you have fitted the seat correctly - or not as the case may be.

How does this product make your life easier as a mum?

Because the seat belt does not get in the way of the seat, time is saved when putting my child into and out of the car. The padding is full and offers comfortable surroundings for my child to sit in and fall asleep on during journeys.

If you could change one thing about this product what would it be?

I would add an ISOFIX system to the seat as this is my personal favourite when it comes to car seat fixing but the innovative design of using the car seat belt is fine and does the job nicely. This product is good and worth the money.

>> WHAT IS AN ISOFIX CAR SEAT?

Tested by mum Klare Ward for the M&B Awards 2016:

Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow mum?

The installation was simple and the use of the car seat belt did not hinder with the integrated harness allowing the two to be separate. It fitted neatly into the seat and did not encroach onto the middle seat, leaving it free for use. The design and colour have been well thought out and it presents a very smart but effective seat. The padding in and around the seat was plentiful and my child was very snug without being overwhelmed.

How does this product make your life easier as a mum?

The installation of the car seat was one of the simplest I have tested and the added security of the red and green lights and audible tones ensure that I get it right but also offer peace of mind, after installation, that it is fitted correctly.

If you could change one thing about this product what would it be?

The only thing I would consider changing would be the weight of the seat. It is quite heavy to lift into and out of the car. If I was to be fitting and refitting this product into many cars, it would get tiring. This is compromised by the fact that it is very easy to fit, once lifted into position.

Tested by dad Richard Barnes for the M&B Awards 2016:

Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow dad?

A well-built car seat, easy to install and use. Great design and really holds your little one in place, easy to keep clean and wash. Compact compared to some, but still really comfortable for the child.

How does this product make your life easier as a dad?

Keeps your child safe and secure while traveling.

If you could change one thing about this product what would it be?

Maybe use bright colours.

Tested by dad Andrew Tricketts for the M&B Awards 2016:

Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow dad?

I would recommend this car seat as it is easy to use when it comes to adjusting the seat, reclining it and buckling it into the car.  The material on the inside of the seat is very soft making it more comfortable for my toddler.

How does this product make your life easier as a dad?

The safety mechanism on this car seat is excellent.  It allows me to quickly work out whether my child is correctly harnessed or not, both usually with a red or green light and different audio tones. It was quick and easy to buckle the seat into the car as the seat folded forward allowing me to see exactly what I was doing and thread the seat belt through quickly.

If you could change one thing about this product what would it be?

Even though the belt system was good, I have only ever used ISOFIX seats previously and personally think it is a quicker and more efficient way of fixing a car seat.

Tested by Chris Pain for the M&B Awards 2016:

Why would you recommend this product to a friend/fellow parent?

I really like this car seat and think that it has some unique design features that others in the category do not offer. I would recommend this product because it offers value for money whilst not sacrificing any safety, comfort or style in the product. The installation of the seat is simple and does not take long. The seat is heavy but that gives me the confidence that it has been made robustly. I particularly like that the seat belt does not get in the way of putting my child into the seat which is a handy feature.

How does this product make your life easier as a parent?

Once fitted, the car seat does all that is expected and allows me easy access to my child saving time on journeys and whilst travelling.

If you could change one thing about this product what would it be?

I would not change anything about this product but I would add ISOFIX as a securing option for the seat as personally, I think it is safer and it is certainly fast to install.

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Mother & Baby is dedicated to ensuring our information is always valuable and trustworthy, which is why we only use reputable resources such as the NHS, reviewed medical papers, or the advice of a credible doctor, GP, midwife, psychotherapist, gynaecologist or other medical professionals. Where possible, our articles are medically reviewed or contain expert advice. Our writers are all kept up to date on the latest safety advice for all the products we recommend and follow strict reporting guidelines to ensure our content comes from credible sources. Remember to always consult a medical professional if you have any worries. Our articles are not intended to replace professional advice from your GP or midwife.