JULIE MONSON
Occupational Therapist
Car Seat Technician
Mom of 3
BESAFE BEYOND 360 PRO
The BeSafe Beyond 360 is a revolutionary rotating car seat designed to offer top of the range safety, flexibility, longevity and convenience for parents. Built with BeSafe’s renowned Scandinavian safety standards, this seat provides extended rear-facing use, convenient isofix installation, and a convenient 360-degree rotation for effortless access. It is one of only two car seats approved to harness to 125cm (approx 6 years), making it ideal for taller than average children.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at its standout features, ease of use, and why it’s worth its hefty price tag.
PROS AND CONS OF BESAFE BEYOND 360
PROS
- High safety ratings
- Extended use compared to other toddler seats
- Ideal for bigger than average toddlers
- Easy to install and move between cars due to isofix installation and lightweight frame
- Convenient 360 degree rotation
- Adjustable legroom for child
- Can be installed compactly to fit smaller cars
- Spirit level ensures correct recline even on sloped or bucket seats
CONS
- Expensive
- Cannot be installed with seatbelt
- Rattles a bit when unoccupied on gravel roads
WHAT ARE THE WEIGHT AND HEIGHT LIMITS OF THE BESAFE BEYOND 360?
The BeSafe Beyond 360 is part of the Besafe Beyond Modular System, where both the BeSafe Go Beyond infant seat and the BeSafe Beyond 360 toddler seat are compatible with the BeSafe Beyond isofix base.
The BeSafe Beyond 360 is iSize approved for use from approximately 6 months to 6 years. It can be used in rear facing from 61cm until 125cm/22kgs or forward facing from 88cm until 125cm/22kgs. Even though it can be used forward facing, we strongly recommend rear facing until the maximum limits of 125cm/22kgs as it is five times safer!
The BeSafe Beyond 360 is THE longest lasting rotating isofix toddler seat. All other isofix toddler seats, including multistage seats, have a maximum harness limit of 105cm. This makes it ideal for taller than average children.
WHAT ARE THE SAFETY FEATURES OF BESAFE BEYOND 360?
The BeSafe Beyond (non-forward facing model) was tested by ADAC in Germany. It scored an overall safety score of 1.3 (very good) with a very low risk of injury in a side and frontal collision. This makes it the highest scoring rotating toddler seat!
The BeSafe Beyond 360 is the exact same seat as the Beyond except that the Beyond 360 has the option to forward face, whereas the Beyond is rear facing only. Therefore, the high safety score would only apply when used rear facing. The BeSafe Beyond (non forward-facing option) has also passed the most stringent crash test; the Swedish Plus Test. All safety ratings from ADAC and Swedish plus are only applicable when using this seat rear facing.
The BeSafe Beyond 360 comes with a removable SIP+ (Side impact protection) which is placed on the side closest to the door of the vehicle. This adds an extra 20% protection in the event of a side collision. The headrest is innovative and protective, made of special materials, which optimally absorbs the forces of any impact. The BeSafe Beyond 360 has an extra protective headrest with Dynamic Force Absorber™ for head and neck protection. The shell has been built with shock-absorbing materials as well as a built-in Smart Blocking mechanism that prevents the user from forward facing the seat too soon. It can also be used rear facing right up until 125cm or 22kgs (approx 6-7 years old) which is 500% safer than forward facing. The BeSafe Beyond 360 isofix base contains visual indicators providing feedback about correct installation.
WHAT ARE THE COMFORT FEATURES OF BESAFE BEYOND 360?
The BeSafe Beyond 360 has a handle that allows you to both rotate and recline the seat with one hand only. Rotate to the door for easy access and recline the seat to make it comfortable for your child while sleeping.
The Beyond 360 isofix base anti-rebound bar can be adjusted to create 16cm of extra legroom for your child. This needs to be done before installing the seat and base. This gives you the option to give your growing child more legroom if your vehicle has sufficient space. However, if your car is not big enough to use this feature, you do not have to use it.
The Beyond 360 isofix base has been built with Universal Level Technology™ which ensures that the seat is the correct angle in any car due to the innovative "spirit level". This ensures the correct recline, even in cars with sloped or buckets seats.
The headrest has 11 adjustable height settings for your growing child and the seat has multiple adjustable recline positions for extra comfort. The seat has good airflow with an open structure underneath the textile cover as well as Harness magnets for holding the harness out of the way when getting your child in and out of the car.
HOW IS THE BESAFE BEYOND 360 INSTALLED?
The BeSafe Beyond 360 can only be installed with the BeSafe Beyond isofix base. It therefore requires the car to have isofix brackets. It cannot be installed with seatbelt. Like all car seats that have a load leg, it cannot be installed over an underfloor storage compartment.
Because the seat can be removed from the base, it is lighter and easier to move between cars. A second base can be purchased for a second vehicle, to make transfers even easier if your lifestyle requires this.
HOW TO WASH THE COVERS OF THE BESAFE BEYOND 360
Check the care instructions on the labels of the covers. Most BeSafe car seat covers can be machine washed on a gentle cycle, but it's essential to follow the specific instructions for your model. To keep the fabric in good condition, use a gentle detergent without bleach or fabric softener. Air dry the covers instead of putting them in the dryer to prevent any shrinkage or damage.
HOW LONG CAN THE BESAFE BEYOND 360 BE USED FOR?
BeSafe Beyond car seat has one of the longest lifespans! Besfae recommends that it can be used for approximately 15 years from the date of first use. This means that you can hand it down to your next child. It is recommended to replace the seat after this period, even if it hasn't been involved in an accident, to ensure optimal safety. Car seats have a limited lifespan due to factors like material degradation from exposure to sunlight, temperature changes, and wear over time. Regularly inspecting the seat for damage, wear, and ensuring all parts are functioning correctly is crucial for maintaining the safety of your child.
WHAT IS THE WARRANTY ON THE BESAFE BEYOND 360?
The warranty is 2 years on all BeSafe products. This covers any manufacturing faults. BeSafe South Africa bring in any spare parts needed for repairs and can carry out repairs for you at their main office in Pretoria.
IS THE BESAFE BEYOND 360 COMPATIBLE WITH MY CAR?
The Besafe Beyond 360 can be installed in any car with isofix and no underfloor storage compartments. It should never be installed on the front seat in rear facing, with an active airbag.
