This child car seat has passed the regulatory tests required by ECE R129/i-Size to be sold as suitable for children from 40cm–83 cm, which is from birth to 15 months of age.

However, our frontal and side-impact crash tests are designed to be tougher than the legal minimum requirements, and revealed weaknesses in frontal-impact safety.The car seat completely detached from the DuoFix i-Size Isofix base and was sent flying forwards.

For this reason the test score is automatically downgraded to 0% and it's been made a Don't Buy. A good result in any of our other tests can't compensate for this poor result.

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UPDATE (05/06/2019)

Babystyle has informed us that it has recalled the Duo-Fix base which is used in combination with the Oyster Carapace infant carrier. It says shoppers should return it to the shop they bought it from for a full refund or exchange.

It says the base, which retails for £100, was sold at Mothercare and other independent retailers between December 2018 and April 2019.

If you bought the Oyster Carapace seat without the Duo-Fix base, you’re not eligible for a refund; however in our tests when the baby car seat is installed correctly in this mode, using the car's adult seatbelt, its overall safety score is good, with four stars.

For more information, you can contact Babystyle on 01509 816444.

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BabystyleOyster Carapace i-Size + Duo-Fix base

i-Size baby
Isofix and belt installation possible

£199Typical price

Test score

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The BabyStyle Oyster Carapace is a baby car seat, which is approved for use with babies from 40cm-83cm, that's birth up to 15 months reward-facing, and is approved to the latest i-Size/R129 regulations. We crash test each car seat we review and this one, when installed using the DuoFix base, has been made a Don't Buy. Read our safety alert to find out why.

pros

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cons

What's included?

What is it?
How safe is it?
Is it easy to fit?
Is the seat comfortable?
Is there anything else I should know?
Is there anything I should watch out for?
Should I buy it?
Where can I buy it?

Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time

KEY TEST RESULTS
Safety rating
Fitting in car
Comfort of your child

Aug 2023Last checked by Which?
Apr 2019First reviewed by Which?
Sept 2018Released

The overall Which? test score is made up of the following star ratings, all determined by our rigorous lab tests.

How we test baby and child car seats

3 Jan 2024

Safety rating

Overall
Rear-facing i-Size (belted)
Rear-facing i-Size (Isofix)

How we test safety rating

The overall safety score is made up of the results of crash testing (front crash; side crash) seat design, stability in the car and belt routing. Our crash tests go beyond the legal minimum requirements for UK car seat regulations and are conducted at higher speeds and forces than the regulations require. We feel our tests more accurately reflect what could happen in a real life crash.

Fitting in car

Overall
Buckling up
Avoiding misuse and instructions
Cleaning
Space required in car

How we test fitting in car

Fitting and using includes: How easy it is to install the seat correctly in the car. How easy it is to strap a child securely into the seat. How well the seat is designed in order to prevent incorrect use. How easy the seat cover is to remove and wash. How little space the seat takes up in the car and how comfortable your child is in the seat.

Ergonomics

Overall
Comfort of your child

How we test ergonomics

Our experts conduct an ergonomic assessment of each seat to make sure your child will be in the best position when travelling, along with the level of padding and support. Our tests also reveal how much space this car seat takes up in the back seat of a car and how easy it is to get your child in and out of the seat. Plus, our eagle-eyed car seat experts will check whether this seat affects how much space any front passengers have. This assessment was introduced to our site in May 2015. If a seat does not have this score, it was tested before May 2015.

General
Height of child	40-83
Seat size	i-Size baby
Age group	Baby
Direction of travel	Rearward-facing
Installation type	Isofix and belt installation possible
Harness or shield seat	Harness
How is the child held in the seat?	5 point harness
Manufacturer URL	www.babystyle.co.uk

Features
Adult seat belt	Yes
Isofix integrated into seat	No
Isofix base	Yes
Belted base	No
Type of Isofix	Base with Isofix connectors and support leg
Swivel seat	No
Weight of seat (kg)	4.4kg
Weight of base (kg)	7.7kg
Part of a travel system?	Yes
Harness height adjustment	Moves with headrest
Recline	No
Adjustable headrest	Yes

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How we test baby and child car seats
We crash-test every baby, toddler and child car seat we review to reveal which ones give the best protection in a crash, and which you should avoid
Car seat weight groups and height groups explained
We explain how to choose a car seat that fits your child, whether it's a newer i-Size car seat or an older group 0, 1, 2 or 3 car seat
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Stop car seat confusion with our guide to how much you should spend, whether to go for a group seat or i-size and find out why car seat jargon, such as Isofix, should matter to you

All child car seat advice

Further reading

BabystyleOyster Carapace i-Size + Duo-Fix base

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pros

cons

What's included?

How we test baby and child car seats

Safety rating

Fitting in car

Ergonomics

How this product's score compares with other child car seats we've tested

Suggested Alternatives

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Joie

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BabystyleOyster Carapace i-Size + Duo-Fix base

pros

cons

What's included?

Test results

Specifications

Best Buys & Don't Buys

Suggested Alternatives

Cybex

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