When we had a chance to review the Jané Monte Carlo R1 booster, we were also lucky enough to take a look at the UK version of the seat. The seats are basically the same but have a few key differences that we’ll share in this review.
Jané Monte Carlo
CSFTL Quick Stats
- Highest belt guide: 20 inches
- Lowest belt guide: 13 inches
- Minimum age: The manual states “from approximately 3 years old (weighing 15kg)”. Despite this UK-specific standard, CSFTL recommends that boosters be used for children who are at least 5 years old
- Weight Range: 15-36 kg in high back mode only
- Does not convert to a backless booster
- 6 adjustable height positions to accommodate a growing child
Features
- Red guides to indicate the forward facing belt path
- Adjustable armrests
- 1 recline position
- Adjustable backrest and headrest width
- Ventilation system in the headwings
- The option to use with or without ISOFIX
- Rated “Universal” if using without ISOFIX (compatible with most vehicle seats)
- Rated “Semi-Universal” if using ISOFIX (Jané recommendeds checking to see if your vehicle is compatible using a vehicle check list on their website – www.jane.es)
Seat Assembly
Jané Monte Carlo assembly
The Monte Carlo arrives in the box in two parts. The high backed portion of the seat needs to be attached to the lower back before the seat can be installed in a vehicle. Can’t find the manual in the box? The manual actually ships in a neat little storage spot at the front of the booster, and has a sticker to show you exactly where it can be found. This is a great way to ensure the caregiver can find it easily.
The assembly of the seat is very well detailed in the manual. It comes with 4 screws and an Allen key that includes a storage attachment so you can keep it with the seat. Very handy!
ISOFIX
Jané Monte Carlo ISOFIX Guides
The seat also comes with ISOFIX guides. What are these, I hear you say? Have you ever struggled to find the ISOFIX points in your vehicle due to how buried they are in the vehicle bight? And now you’re wondering what a vehicle bight is? Have no fear, see the photos below!
ISOFIX guide
Jané Monte Carlo ISOFIX guide
These nifty guys hook onto them to help you align the ISOFIX arms onto the points with ease. The instructions are very straightforward and easy to follow. The vehicle I was installing this in, a 2012 Vauxhall Zafira, has very buried anchors, so these guys were very helpful to me!
Is your Vehicle ISOFIX Equipped?
Jané Monte Carlo Headrest
This symbol represents the presence of ISOFIX in your vehicle. The symbol may also contain the word “ISOFIX” so of course it is always best to consult your vehicle manual if you are unsure whether or not your vehicle is ISOFIX equipped. This symbol is in a 2012 Vauxhall Zafira.
The seat itself has diagrams on the side on how to adjust the ISOFIX guides. Plus a handy QR code to scan with your smartphone should you lose the manual! This feature is extremely helpful and well thought out by Jané. The headrest of the seat demonstrates a correctly adjusted headrest and belt fit too, should you need to check when buckling in your child.
Jané Monte Carlo labels
Now, are you reading this, liking the sound of this seat so far, but your vehicle doesn’t have ISOFIX? Don’t worry, as Jané thought of that too, and have provided caps to place on the end of the ISOFIX arms to protect your vehicle seat. Neat, right?
There is an audible CLICK that can be found when you have successfully aligned the ISOFIX arms to the points. And for extra reassurance, the arms will turn green too. Don’t worry if you can’t align them first time, it took me a few attempts to do this! With practise, this would become second nature when using it.
When you have connected the anchors to the ISOFIX connectors, you don’t need to remind your child to buckle the seat in when not in use. If you choose to use this booster without the ISOFIX, you must remember to buckle it in again after your child has got out. It would be a heavy projectile otherwise.
Fit to Child: 6 Years Old
Jané Monte Carlo: 6 Years Old, 40 lbs, 45 inches tall
Jané
The model in our pictures is 6 years old, weighs 40 lbs and is 45 inches tall. She has plenty of room to grow, and fit her until she reaches the UK required age of 12 years old to ride without any type of child restraint.
Important Information: Where to Find
Jané Monte Carlo manual storage
Manual Storage: the manual stores under the front of the seat in a handy pocket.
Airline Approval label: because the Monte Carlo is a booster seat, it is not approved for use on aircraft. Although it does not have any verbiage in the manual or on the seat pertaining to this, it does not carry the European TÜV flight approval sticker on the seat. It requires a 3 point seatbelt for installation.
Date of Manufacture: the seat carries a dial clock manufacturing date.
After an Accident:The manual states, “JANÉ recommends you replace your booster with a new one if it has been subjected to a lot of strain in an accident”
Overall Thoughts
This comfortably padded seat will keep your Big Kid riding safely in style. The added bonus of ISOFIX points is a big thumbs up when you are likely to forget to strap it in when your Big Kid isn’t riding in it. From the QR code on the seat, to the clear labelling on the sides, Jané have provided the EU market with a fantastic choice that you can’t go wrong with!
