It’s also great when you’re using the Primo Viaggio IP as part of the Mamas and Papas Pliko pramette travel system, as you’re regularly taking your baby in and out of the car in the car seat. The downside, like other car seat bases, is that you have to buy the base separately and it’s not a cheap purchase. However, you’re buying the reassurance that every time you’re fitting the car seat safely and securely, which has got to be worth the cost.
You can, of course, use the car seat without the base and it’s still safe if you follow the instructions carefully, but it’s a lot harder work getting the seat in and out of the car.
What we love
It’s a very easy seat to use as the handle easily moves backwards and forwards, which you manage by pressing buttons on either side, for getting in and out of the car. The handle also ges right round to the back of the seat and rests on the floor when out of the car, to support the seat so it doesn’t rock with your baby in it, so your baby can carry on sleeping.
However when the seat is placed on the floor without the handle moved to the back, it’s easy to rock backwards and forwards for a soothing motion for your baby. The straps are very easy to tighten, but loosening them is a little more difficult – you need both hands to hold down a button as you pull the straps at the same time.
The detachable hood is also a bonus on sunny days as it successfully protects your baby from the glare of the sun.
What to watch out for
While the seat feels very sturdy and safe, this comes at a price as the seat is very heavy to carry around. Once out of the car I found I couldn’t carry it very far, especially with my little one still in it as he got older and heavier.
Also when it’s attached to the pram (as part of the Mamas & Papas Pliko Pramette travel system) it did make the pram very heavy and cumbersome to push around. That said, it’s very easy to attach the seat to the pram. We needed the included newborn headrest in the first few weeks, as the seat is actually quite upright.
We did wish it reclined more in those early weeks, but once my son had grown a little, it was a perfect position. However, there didn’t feel to be too much room once he was around 8 months old, and sometime he appeared a little squashed in it, particularly if he was wearing a winter coat.
Who is the Mamas & Papas Primo Viaggio IP best for?
The Primo Viaggio fits on a number of Mamas & Papas buggies to create a travel system, so it’s a great buy if you have a M&P pram.
Very safe and comfy car seat, but which was heavy and awkward to carry around once your baby gets bigger. Great one-click system to fit on the M&P SureFix base, but you’ll need to buy this separately.
