The BeSafe Beyond car seat review every parent needs to read before buying

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When it comes to choosing a car seat, nothing matters more than safety. Of course, none of us ever wants to put those safety features to the ultimate test, but knowing your child is cocooned in one of the most rigorously tested seats on the market brings huge peace of mind. As a mum of three (and someone who often fails at parallel parking), I know first-hand how important it is to get this decision right. That’s why writing this BeSafe Beyond review felt like a natural fit.

For the past six months, I’ve tested it daily with my youngest son Harry, who has just turned four and is tall for his age, and also with my middle son Frank, who’s five, in our Ford S-Max. Both boys sit within the size and weight range, although I can already see both boys edging close to the upper height limit of the seats, 125cm restriction. By the time they're six, I suspect he’ll have outgrown it, but that’s the reality of having a tall child, rather than a shortcoming of the seat itself.

Most parents know that babies should travel rear-facing in their first car seat, but the importance of keeping children rear-facing for as long as possible is often less understood. Research shows that travelling rear-facing is up to five times safer for young children than forward-facing. That’s because in a collision, a rear-facing seat supports the child’s head, neck, and spine more effectively, spreading the forces of impact across the seat shell rather than onto the child’s body. Since a child’s head is disproportionately heavy compared to the rest of their body until around age four to six, their neck muscles simply aren’t strong enough to withstand the same crash forces as an adult.

This is where extended rear-facing (ERF) car seats like the BeSafe Beyond become worth their weight in gold. Unlike infant carriers that children typically outgrow before their second birthday, ERF seats like this one are specifically designed to keep little ones rear-facing well into toddlerhood and beyond.

Testing the BeSafe Beyond car seat

Build of the BeSafe Beyond car seat

The BeSafe Beyond is built around a clever modular system with a lightweight yet robust rotating base. This base uses ISOFIX connectors with clear visual indicators, making installation secure and reassuringly simple. Thanks to its Universal Level Technology, the seat always sits at the correct angle no matter which car it’s fitted in, which is a huge help for families who drive more than one vehicle. The rotation feature allows the seat to turn smoothly towards the door, making it easier to lift children in and out. The base also offers up to 16cm of extra legroom, adjusted with a simple handle at the front.

In terms of flexibility and growth, the Beyond has been approved for children from six months up to approximately six years old (125cm/22kg). It is one of our top picks for four-year-olds' car seatsbecause of the 11-step adjustable headrest that moves up as your child grows, along with multiple recline positions for comfort during naps or longer journeys. The interior is spacious, so even taller children sit comfortably without feeling cramped.

The seat shell itself is designed for maximum safety, combining a shock-absorbing structure with premium materials to protect against impact forces. The headrest incorporates BeSafe’s innovative Dynamic Force Absorber, which bends in controlled zones to cushion a child’s head in a collision. An additional SIP+ side-impact protection piece can be attached to the side nearest the door, offering around 20% more protection in the event of a side crash. Importantly, the Beyond has passed the demanding Swedish Plus Test, which no forward-facing seat can meet, giving parents confidence in its ability to withstand severe crash forces.

Finally, BeSafe has prioritised sustainability and longevity. The Beyond base is designed to last up to 15 years, with replaceable parts to extend its lifespan. The modular concept means the same base can be used with both the infant carrier (Go Beyond) and the toddler seat (Beyond), reducing material waste and offering a cost-effective solution for growing families.

Installation

Having installed more than ten car seats over the years, I consider myself fairly seasoned in this department. Even so, the BeSafe Beyond impressed me with how straightforward it was to fit. The ISOFIX connectors click securely into place, and the seat feels reassuringly solid once locked in. For parents new to car seats, I can imagine this being one of the less stressful installation processes out there.

The clever design also makes it relatively easy to switch between cars thanks to the separate seat and base. That’s a small detail that matters if you co-parent, share drop-offs, or swap cars regularly. Whilst it isn't as lightweight as my favourite car seat for co-parenting, the CYBEX Solution G2, it is surprisingly easy to manoeuvre and carry.

Usability of BeSafe Beyond car seat

For daily use, BeSafe has added several practical touches that make parenting much easier. The seat can be rotated and reclined using one hand, making adjustments straightforward even when juggling school and nursery bags or bickering siblings.

My standout feature is the magnetic harness holders, which keep straps out of the way when placing your child into the seat, making strapping in wriggly toddlers far less stressful. Getting Harry strapped in when he’s wriggly or distracted is infinitely easier when the straps aren’t tangled or slipping behind him. With Frank, who’s a bit more patient, it was quicker and less fiddly than our previous seat. Although he did complain that the design felt like a traditional "baby car seat", to quote a very strong-willed five-year-old, he much preferred the design of the Avionaut MaxSpace Airflow.

However, the seat cover and design look great in my opinion. It is very easy to clean, but more importantly, they support improved airflow, keeping children cooler and more comfortable on long drives.

Comfort

The seat’s Universal Level Technology means it sits at the correct angle regardless of your car model, which I’ve found helps Harry doze off on longer journeys. The extendable legroom and adjustable headrest (with 11 positions) also mean this seat grows well with your child.

Because this is an extended rear-facing car seat, the leg space is not very generous once your child hits around four. Initially, this was a genuine concern when setting up the seat, but both boys have been genuinely comfortable on longer drives.

Sustainability

I also love that BeSafe has considered sustainability. The seat and base are designed to last up to 15 years, with replaceable parts that reduce waste. For families planning multiple children or those, like us, who use a car-sharing setup from time to time, it’s a clever, future-proof investment.

Verdict

The BeSafe Beyond is one of the safest, most thoughtfully designed car seats I’ve tested. It combines top-tier crash protection with practical, family-friendly features that make everyday use less of a battle. While taller children may outgrow it slightly earlier than expected, it’s hard to find fault with the quality, comfort, and peace of mind it delivers.

If you’re looking for a seat that blends innovation, safety, and practicality, the BeSafe Beyond is an excellent choice.

Hannah Carroll is our Senior Digital Writer. In her capacity, she curates top-notch listicles, crafts insightful how-to guides, and delivers expert product reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah draws upon her comprehensive understanding of all facets of family life to bring true insight into all the products that make running a home easier.