The problems with the Infa Secure Emerge are many, and not just confined to the recline angle. The Emerge is a Type G child restraint, meaning your child will be harnessed in a forward-facing restraint until they’re at least 8 years of age.
🛋️ Recline angle / head flop
The first problem is the recline mechanism, adjusted by turning a knob on the front of the restraint. Its purpose is to help children sleep while restrained, and prevent head flop.
In practice, the actual recline angle is controlled more by the depth of your vehicle’s seat and the angle of its backrest than by the knob itself — since the seat belt path runs through the base, tightening the belt pulls the restraint into the seat and conforms it to your car’s own shape, not the knob’s setting.
🪢 Short tensioning strap
The second problem: you may notice the tensioning strap is rather short. If so, call Infa Secure customer service on 1300 92 4632. This only affected the first batch of restraints — the second batch has a longer tensioning strap.
🎽 Difficulty tightening the harness
A third problem: the tensioning strap can be difficult to tighten. This is a common issue with many child restraints, generally related to the harness path being under tension. To minimise it, try:
Pull the tensioning strap in short pulls, rather than one long pull
Pull the strap horizontally
Grab the harness straps and push upwards to reduce tension in the harness first
⚠️ Loose harness
A final problem is the harness increment. The Emerge’s increment step is 40mm, meaning your child’s shoulder can end up up to 20mm away from the optimal harness position. The result: your child won’t be held as securely compared to a Britax car seat, which has a 15mm increment.
There’s also an increased chance your child may be able to slip their arms out more easily.
🔧 Installation
Provided your Infa Secure Emerge includes the red Safe Grip clamp, installation is very straightforward. If it doesn’t, it’s recommended to get a professional fitter to install the toddler car seat — call 0420 516 587.
Not recommended
Not every car seat has the perfect set of features and benefits. That said, if you’re turning your child forward-facing early, or your child is on the lower percentile for height, we’d avoid the Emerge and go for the Britax Maxi Guard instead.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Is the Infa Secure Emerge recommended? ＋
Does the recline knob actually control the recline angle? ＋
My tensioning strap seems short — what should I do? ＋
How do I tighten a difficult harness? ＋
What’s the harness increment, and why does it matter? ＋
What’s a better alternative to the Emerge? ＋
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