Budget pickCar seatsBirth to ~4 years
Britax Safe-n-Sound Safekeeper II
A low-cost convertible with top-tier rear-facing crash protection, if you can live with a fiddly install.
MamaLoop mums pickWe researched this — not used by usNot sponsored
We researched the cheapest seats that still do the main job well, and the Safekeeper II surprised us. In the independent Child Car Seats tests it scored 4.3 stars for rear-facing protection — among the highest ratings since 2021 — for a fraction of the price of premium seats, and it's sold at Kmart, Target and Big W. The big trade-off is ease of use, rated just 2.4 stars: it's a seatbelt-only install with no ISOFIX and fewer conveniences, so a professional fitting is strongly worth it. A good pick for a second car or a tight budget.
Researched, not used by us · Not sponsored
Pros
- Very high rear-facing protection rating for its price (CREP 4.3)
- Light, at about 6 kg
- Widely sold at Kmart, Target and Big W
Cons
- Low ease-of-use rating (2.4), so installation errors are more likely
- Seatbelt install only, no ISOFIX
- Basic fabrics and fewer adjustments
Who it suits
- Tight budgets
- A second car or grandparents' car
- Families who will book a professional fitting
Who should look elsewhere
- Parents who want an easy, confident install
- Frequent switching between cars
Price
< $300
Typically $169–$189 at our last check (8 Nov 2026). Prices change — check the retailer.
Specs
| Standard | AS/NZS 1754 (label on seat) |
|---|---|
| Type | Convertible: rear-facing then forward-facing |
| Rear facing limit | Until shoulders reach the rear-facing marker |
| Installation | Lap-sash or lap seatbelt plus top tether; no ISOFIX |
| Width mm | 440 |
| Weight kg | 6 |
| Crep rating | Rear protection: 4.3; Rear ease of use: 2.4; Forward protection: 3.8; Forward ease of use: 2 |
| Expiry | Do not use after 10 years from manufacture |
| Convertible stages | Rear-facing, then forward-facing harness |
| Second hand note | Never buy second-hand if you don't know the seat's full history. |
What to look for
- AS/NZS 1754 label
- Book a professional fitter
- Check the manufacture date
Where to buy in Australia
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Other car seats picks
Our pick for most familiesBirth to ~4 years
Britax Safe-n-Sound B-First ClickTight
Strong independent crash ratings plus an install that most parents get right; rear-facing from birth.
Premium pickBirth to ~4 years
Maxi-Cosi Halo 360
A rotating seat that turns to the door for easier loading, with solid independent ratings.
Sources
Last checked 8 Nov 2026 · Report a problem with this pick