Tried and Tested: Joie sprint™ car seat

Joie sprint tried and tested

by Anna Sky Magliola |
Updated on

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Looking for a versatile car seat that has ISOFIX connectors built-in, but can also work with a spin base? The Joie sprint™ could be just what you’re looking for, as it is a brilliant allrounder, suitable for children from birth to 75cm, and up to a weight of 4.7kg.

The car seat comes with UPF 50+ sun and water repellent canopy, perfect for when you’re out and about using it as a pushchair, and it meets the highest ECE R129/03 safety standard, including side impact testing i-Size, when paired with a base.

Our team of testers put the Joie sprint™ car seat through its paces and were really pleased with how easy it was to move it from one car to another. It also put their minds at rest with its easy to install built-in ISOFIX connectors. The sprint™ also offers the Tri-Protect™ adjustable headrest, leaving parents safe in the knowledge that their child has three layers of protection inside the wings. Take a look below what our testers thought of the sprint™.

On a scale from 1-10, how easy did you find changing between vehicles using sprint™ and give reasons for your answer?

Sophie: "10 - After baby number four, we certainly know the importance of car seat safety. All of our babies have used ISOFIX compatible seats and each one has been different to install. The sprint™ integrated ISOFIX installation was an absolute dream. Why on earth have car seat manufacturers not considered this before?!

"The advertising materials states that the sprint™ can be installed and uninstalled in a second and they are absolutely correct. We moved the sprint™ from car to car effortlessly. My 78-year-old father was able to install and uninstall the sprint™ correctly and safely with ease. It was so great to know that our little bundle was as safe as can be, the seat was installed correctly and with such ease. The grey thumb levers that move the integrated ISOFIX connectors to the correct position are easy to reach and operate. The design of the sprint™ is so intuitive, it just makes sense!"

Linzi: "10 - Absolutely fabulous, so quick and easy to use and switch between cars, very handy having the ISOFIX attached to the car seat. It makes life so much easier if popping out in someone else's car. Very quick and easy to use."

Joie sprint
©Kirsty Nicholson

Did you feel as though your baby was comfortable when travelling in sprint™ and why?

Charlene: "I felt as though my child was comfortable and not looking squashed within the car seat, as the removable padded cushion felt firm, but soft to touch. My child was fast asleep through the whole car journey, I think that speaks for itself."

Hayley: "Yes. It’s higher than my previous car seat so felt my baby was sat more upright and was able to look around more. The head rest was more padded than I’m used to, so felt this was more comfortable for baby, especially going over road bumps which there are a lot of in my area. It’s easily adjusted too."

Kirsty: "Yes, she has always looked comfortable. We used the newborn insert for a week and it made her look very comfy and snug, and when we removed it she still looked comfortable and has often napped in the car and when the seat is attached to the pram.

"She is also so much more comfortable in the sprint™ when we use the spin base, as now I’m not having to contort her into the seat but rather spin to lift her out. The extra long sun cover also keeps her comfortable in the sun as only her toes would be out, so I know she is safer in the sun when I forget the pram shade!"

Joie sprint
©Sophie Rawding

How did you find going between using the i-Base Encore™ to no base?

Zoe: "The i-Base was easy to install and uninstall. The ISOFIX on the sprint™ car seat was even easier to install."

Linzi: "Absolutely fine, once you understand which buttons work for spinning or removing the seat it's so handy and makes life easier getting little one in and out of the car."

Shauna: "Both were easy to use and simple to fit. It was as easy to click into the base as it was to click in the ISOFIX. I personally prefer the ISOFIX to having a base as it removes the issue of damage/dents to the leather seats in my car when something is permanently fixed there."

What features of sprint™ made you feel as though your baby was safe and secure and why?

Charlene: "The click system and rear facing has to be the top two features that made me feel safe and secure, because it gave me peace of mind that whilst travelling or in a moving vehicle the upmost safety was provided."

Linzi: "Straps seem great, very secure and simple to use. The whole fit for the baby seems very supportive and looks comfortable."

Kimberley: "The ISOFIX pull outs are brilliant and really gave me peace of mind rather than belting it into the car."

Joie sprint
©Sophie Rawding

How has the sprint™ made a significant impact on your everyday life?

Sophie: "Every parent craves convenience. Parenting is busy enough as it is and life can be stressful. The sprint™ gave us one less thing to think about in terms of safe travel for baby. The convenience of not having to lug heavy bases from car-to-car when grandparents were babysitting, and the peace of mind knowing that baby is travelling safely and securely in a taxi really did take the stress out of travelling, with little one allowing us to relax and make some wonderful family memories together.

"The built in ISOFIX technology on the sprint™ makes so much sense, and moving forwards we would always urge fellow parents to consider the sprint™ to make parenting that touch easier!"

Linzi: "It's been a huge lifesaver! With it being so lightweight it's made it easier carrying little one up the stairs and into the property, and has helped with easing back pain due to being so lightweight. The car seat has come in so handy transferring between different cars. I wish I had it sooner."

Would you recommend the sprint™ to another parent and why?

Charlene: "Yes, I would most definitely recommend the sprint™ to other parents. It’s a fantastic quality product due to its appearance and safety features."

Linzi: "Absolutely! Fantastic product to use either by itself or with the base, such a lightweight easy to use car seat. So handy to have the ISOFIX connectors on the seat."

Kimberley: "Definitely - a great investment and highly recommend to any new parents, also this is a brilliant one to keep in grandparents' cars as it's easy for my mum to pop in and out without it always being in her car."

Is there anything you would change about the sprint™ and why?

Zoe: "No, I think it's honestly perfect."

Kirsty: "I honestly can’t think of anything I would change. I know that it’s been tricky to get the seat clicked in on the first time, but I’m not sure what would make that easier, other than the practise it needed."

Sophie: "The concept of the sprint™ is fantastic. Every infant car seat should come with integrated ISOFIX! We love the style, ease of use and safety features.

The Joie sprint™ is available to buy now from Joie's website for £230.

To find out more about the Joie range of products, visit: or on social media at: www.joiebaby.com/uk

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