Not Recommended – The Infa Secure Emerge is currently the widest G seat on the Australian market, the issue of head flop still remains with many parents struggling to tighten the harness. In comparison to Britax Maxi Guard and Maxi Cosi Luna it is not recommended however it is better than a convertible booster seat.
Infa Secure Emerge was the first of it’s type; G (fully harnessed until 7+) seat released into the market; when the 2013 standards came into effect. These standards changed over 5 years ago. Since then there has been very little change in this model. Many parents and fitters are wondering if there are any solutions to the very apparent issues with the Infa secure Emerge .
Britax Maxi Guard
In this same time frame as the Infasecure Emerge; Britax have introduced two upgrades to their first release model and introduced a basic version of the Maxi Guard. The first maxi guard was the Maxi Guard pro which was imporoved by making the seat narrower. The maxi guard comfi and the maxi guard txt have been introduced; providing memory foam cushioning and fabric protection.
Recline contributing to head flop
The recline on the Infasecure Emerge (other known names include Pulsar/Orbit/Accomplish/Opus); still remains unresolved, contributing to head flop; even with the addition of the rolled up towel. We have found in any duel cab this seat is not suitable. The Britax Maxi Guard; either model (Basic or Pro ); would be better solution in vehicles where the cars’seat is upright.
Harness adjustment…
Harness adjustment on the Infa secure Emerge can be difficult. This is currently a ratchet system lock off; that requires many small tugs to adjust. Achieved somewhat easier for those with upper body strength. Our experience has found to be more efficient; if you pull the slack out of the harness upwards towards the shoulders; this many help with the tightening of the harness.
The harness adjustments on the Infa Secure Emerge are approximately 40 mm apart; in comparison, Britax harness adjustments are only 15mm . The smaller harness adjustment of the Britax Maxi Guard ensures a closer (and safer) fit for your child. The better harness options are available with an easy of use harness adjustment ; making the Britax Maxi guard is a better choice.
Infa Emerge Harness fit and tightness
The fit of the harness around your child; is not as firm in comparision to that of a britax maxi guard. whose intial position sits lower making the maxi guard a better choice for children whose growth is slower. The Smaller increments means the harness is tighter around your child a better fit; therefore keeping your child safer.
Integrated Headrest issues
All Infa Secure forward facing baby car seat have thei top tether strap in the centre and the buckle position is not adjustable. The centre position of the top tether strap (inc infa secure emerge) means that when you have an integrated headrest; whether it is a toyota camry, volvo xc60 or a jeep discovery; it is difficult to connect the top tether to the anchor point; as a result, the top tether cannot be easily connected to the anchor point and must be split around the head rest or over the top of the headrest. In comparision the Britax Maxi Guard has the top tether attached on either sider of the child restraint; allowing for a more secure connection to the anchor point. The buckle position is not adjustable and being in the centre means that when the anchor point is is directly in line with the centre and near the top of the seat; it is not possible to tighten the tether strap on infa secure seats.
Infa emerge recommendation
In summary Not Recommended – the Infa Secure Emerge is currently the widest G seat on the Australian market. The very apparent issues of the past five years are yet to be addressed. The Emerge is not a seat we could recommend due to these unaddressed issues.