One of the Air’s main selling point is that it weighs in at a super light 2.9kg, and it’s possibly the most lightweight car seat of its kind that’s currently on the market.
The Air boasts more than a low weight however. The headrest height can be adjusted, it has a carry handle and includes a sun canopy and infant insert. The padded covers can be removed and machine-washed, too. It’s also travel system compatible with Concord’s Neo and Fusion buggies.
Safety features include having the inner surface of the car seat reinforced with a honeycomb structure (much like cycling helmets). The Air is fitted with your car’s seatbelt, or there’s an optional ISOFIX in-car base – called the ISOFIX-Base Airfix, it costs £135 and is designed to offer simple and secure installation of the car seat each time you need to pop the car seat back in the car.
What we love
The design and safety features are all highly reassuring, though it’s the weight of the Air that’s a big talking point. I confess, I’m a bit of a weed in the bicep department and when our firstborn arrived, I left the vast majority of baby-in-baby-car-seat carrying to my husband. At 2.9kg, I can actually feel how much lighter the Air is when compared to some other baby car seats (many tend to be between 3.2kg and 4.5kg). The difference is considerable and very welcome if you’re lacking a little in the muscle department.
Other plus points include option of ISOFIX, compatibility with both the Concord Neo and Concord Fusion (which I wasn’t able to test but the instructions assure takes one single movement to attach to), the fact you can recline the seat by adjusting the main strap underneath (which is away from your baby’s feet and makes for undisturbed snoozing) and removable, washable covers. So if you happen to have a sickly baby, you can take them off and clean them up.
The colours the seat is available in also gets the thumbs up from me, with Sahara and Candy being particularly easy on the eye.
What to watch out for
My main bugbear about the Concord Air is the fabric the seat covers are made from. While it’s definitely a plus point that they’re removable and washable, the material itself didn’t feel that snugly to me and if anything, I wonder if it might be a little on the sweaty side. This is quite a tough one to test, as babies do tend to get nice and warm when sat in their car seats. However, the fabric isn’t as soft as I’d like it to be.
Who is the Concord Air car seat best for?
Parents after a lightweight seat from a well regarded name.
The Concord Air is noticeably lighter than many on the market, which does make for easier carrying. With its safety and user-friendly features, plus the option of an ISOFIX base, it has plenty to offer, however the feel of the fabric may not be as snugly as some parents may want.
