Babystyle Oyster Carapace i-Size + Duo-Fix base review
Product alert
This child car seat has passed the regulatory tests required by ECE R129/i-Size to be sold as suitable for children from 40cm–83 cm, which is from birth to 15 months of age. However, our frontal and side-impact crash tests are designed to be tougher than the legal minimum requirements, and revealed weaknesses in frontal-impact safety. The car seat completely detached from the DuoFix i-Size Isofix base and was sent flying forwards.
For this reason the test score is automatically downgraded to 0% and it's been made a Don't Buy. A good result in any of our other tests can't compensate for this poor result.
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UPDATE (05/06/2019)
Babystyle has informed us that it has recalled the Duo-Fix base which is used in combination with the Oyster Carapace infant carrier. It says shoppers should return it to the shop they bought it from for a full refund or exchange.
It says the base, which retails for £100, was sold at Mothercare and other independent retailers between December 2018 and April 2019.
If you bought the Oyster Carapace seat without the Duo-Fix base, you’re not eligible for a refund; however in our tests when the baby car seat is installed correctly in this mode, using the car's adult seatbelt, its overall safety score is good, with four stars.
For more information, you can contact Babystyle on 01509 816444.
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Further reading
How we test child car seatsBooster seats - are you breaking the law?
Test scoreShow Context
- I-Size baby
- Baby
The BabyStyle Oyster Carapace is a baby car seat, which is approved for use with babies from 40cm-83cm, that's birth up to 15 months reward-facing, and is approved to the latest i-Size/R129 regulations. We crash test each car seat we review and this one, when installed using the DuoFix base, has been made a Don't Buy. Read our safety alert to find out why.
- Pros and cons
- What is it?
- How safe is it?
- Is it easy to fit?
- Is the seat comfortable?
- Is there anything else I should know?
- Is there anything I should watch out for?
- Should I buy it?
- Where can I buy it?
Last checked by Which?
April 2021
First reviewed by Which?
April 2019
Released
September 2018
Technical specifications
General
- StageBaby
- Direction of travelRearward-facing
- Manufacturer URLWww.babystyle.co.uk
Test results
The overall Which? test score is made up of the following star ratings, all determined by our rigorous lab tests.
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Make smarter choices
- 0%Lowest score
- 66%Average score
- 82%Highest score
Put us to the test
Our Test Labs compare features and prices on a range of products. Try Which? to unlock our reviews. You'll instantly be able to compare our test scores, so you can make sure you don't get stuck with a Don't Buy.
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