This child car seat has passed the regulatory tests required by ECE R44/04 to be sold as suitable for children from 9-36kg. But in our own tests, which are conducted at higher speeds and forces than the standard requires, this seat still scores poorly for frontal-impact results when used in Group 1 mode, whether the seat is belted in or the Isofix connectors are used. Any car seat scoring 45% or less will become a Which? Don't Buy.

JoieEvery Stage FX

Group 0 plus/1/2/3
Isofix and belt installation possible
Extended rear-facing seat

£200Typical price

Test score

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The Joie Every Stage FX combination seat is identical to the Every Stage car seat we tested last year, but now has Isofix connectors added. It's still approved for use from birth up to 36kg - that's around 12 years old, or when your child may no longer need a car seat. Multi-group car seats don't always work as well as separate seats, and this seat is no different. We've named it a Don't Buy in our review because of poor crash test results in one mode. Read our safety alert for more information.

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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?
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

Apr 2024Last checked by Which?
Apr 2018First reviewed by Which?
May 2017Released

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 group 0/1 (belted)
Forward-facing group 1 (belted)
Forward-facing group 1 (Isofix)
Forward-facing group 2/3 (belted)
Forward-facing group 2/3 (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
Weight of child	0-36
Seat size	Group 0 plus/1/2/3
Age group	Multigroup
Direction of travel	Rearward-facing/forward-facing
Extended rear-facing seat	Yes
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.joie.co.uk

Features
Adult seat belt	Yes
Isofix integrated into seat	Yes
Isofix base	No
Belted base	No
Type of Isofix	Isofix connectors and top tether
Swivel seat	No
Weight of seat (kg)	13.8kg
Weight of base (kg)	0kg
Part of a travel system?	No
Harness height adjustment	Moves with headrest
Recline	Yes
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
Best baby or child car seats 2024
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

JoieEvery Stage FX