Priced at £89.99, it’s comparable to the slightly cheaper CBX Shima Group 0+ Car Seat, similarly-priced Cybex Aton Group 0 Baby Carrier and more expensive Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix Group 0+ Baby Car Seat.
Tested by:
Karen tested the seat with her 4-month-old son, Milo.
First impressions of the Joie i-Gemm?
This car seat looks smart and sturdy, and appears to be good quality. It is quite light to carry – a feature that got the thumbs-up from Mamas & Papas customers and in our survey*. We also really like that it has various padding options to suit different-sized babies.
The i-Gemm is different from its competitors as it features a Tri-Protect headrest with patented Intelli-Fit memory foam, which provides side impact protection. We initially worried that our baby, Milo, would find this restricting, but it proved to be a great support – especially when he was little.
What age is the i-Gemm designed for?
The car seat is rated Group 0+, which is suitable for babies from birth up to 15 months old. Because the i-Gemm has the alternate seating options, it feels very secure for newborns and is a great investment to support your child as they grow.
Is it easy to install the Joie i-Gemm car seat in the car?
Yes, it was really easy to install the Joie i-Gemm – an opinion shared by 91% of parents we surveyed. The seat belt clips do feel slightly flimsy, but it attaches well and feels safe and secure.
There is an option to fit with the belts or with Isofix. Milo was quite content sitting in the seat and didn’t get upset if brought in the house and left in it, whereas he would get frustrated in other car seats.
Does the Joie i-Gemm feel secure?
Yes, it’s sturdy enough and my baby feels safe and secure in it. The i-Gemm’s curved, rocking base is great as it allows for less disruption when moving baby from car to home, as he can easily be rocked back to sleep.
Is it easy to strap your child into the seat?
In our survey, 91% of parents were very happy with the process of strapping their child into this seat, scoring this aspect 8/10 or higher. However, I found the i-Gemm’s straps quite tight and not that easy to loosen, but perhaps this is because it’s new. My baby seemed comfortable in it even though I thought the straps may be a little coarse.
Does the Joie I-Gemm car seat have different seat positions?
There are various ways of customising the seat, and it has a removable infant insert for newborn babies. This is a fantastic feature, as when we first brought Milo home from hospital in another baby car seat, I remember thinking how unsupported he looked.
The insert was also a hit with parents we surveyed, with some saying it was their favourite feature of the seat. The car seat back is movable and grows with your baby and, due to the i-Gemm’s base, the seat can be rear-facing or front-facing.
Another great feature is the adjustable recline option, which is brilliant for naps.
How comfortable is the Joie i-Gemm car seat for your baby?
Milo is really settled in this car seat and is content and happy. John Lewis and Argos customers felt that the seat was comfy for their babies, as did 83% of parents we surveyed, who gave it a comfort rating of 8/10 or more.
A great addition is the sunshade, which helped keep him settled when driving – this was another favourite feature with parents we surveyed. The i-Gemm’s fabric feels a bit rougher than other car seats we’ve tried, but my baby didn’t seem to mind.
Is it easy to clean?
Yes, I found the Joie i-Gemm very easy to clean. Most things can be washed, and the Velcro on the straps can be removed and washed, too – which is a great feature.
Is the i-Gemm a stylish car seat?
Parents we surveyed liked the look of this seat – as did I. It looks smart but it’s not quite as stylish as some others on the market.
Is the Joie i-Gemm car seat good value for money?
Definitely – especially due to the i-Gemm’s various seating options and how it grows with your baby. Parents we surveyed agreed, with 83% of them saying they would buy the seat again.
It is priced at the cheaper end of the market, but its features put it more in line with some much more expensive car seats.
Where can I buy the Joie i-Gemm?
It is available from Amazon and John Lewis.
I would happily recommend the Joie i-Gemm car seat as I feel you get a lot for your money. If you’re looking for a safe, comfortable and versatile infant carrier – this is a great option.
*MFM survey December 2019 of 564 users
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