Evenflo SecureKid Review

Evenflo SecureKid institutional version

The first seats we received were a two pack of SecureKids from their institutional line. This type of car seat is sold at a bulk discount to hospitals, fire departments, police stations, Safe Kids coalitions, and other public-serving organizations.  Those organizations distribute the seats to families in need who may not otherwise be able to properly restrain their children.

SecureKid Platinum DLX E3 foam and plush padding (left) versus SecureKid Institutional padding and foam (right).

While this type of seat typically lacks the premium features retail seats have, the institutional versions are just as safe.  They are very bare bones — they don’t have premium padding or cup holders and they sport standard clip-style lower anchor connectors, but these seats still have the same height and weight limits as the others. This makes these seats a fantastic option for CPSTs as they can provide families in need with a seat that will harness most kindergarteners and last them well into booster age.

5.5 years old, 43″ and 41 pounds in the Evenflo Securekid 300 / LX

Formerly known as the SecureKid 300, the LX model has the QuickConnector lower anchor connectors, dual cup holders, and E3 Side Impact Protection, which means there is energy absorbing foam in the headrest. This kiddo is 5.5 years old, 43″ and 41 pounds. He is on the second to the top harness position, which means he will easily be able to use this seat for another 1-2 years in harness mode. A great plus, since we know a lot of kids aren’t ready for a booster until past 6 years old.

The width of the harness straps is narrow and Evenflo does not include strap covers with this model, nor can they be added. This model complained about the straps irritating his neck, which could be a comfort concern for this seat long-term.

The high back booster did an excellent job of positioning the seat belt, placing the shoulder belt even across his torso and lap belt low on his hips and touching his thighs.

4 years old, 40″ & 40 pounds in the Evenflo SecureKid 400 / DLX

The SecureKid DLX (formerly known as the SecureKid 400) has all the features of the SecureKid LX, but adds on the SureLATCH lower anchor connectors. These handy contraptions make a LATCH install a breeze — just click them in and push the SecureKid back into the car’s seat until it’s tight.

Check out these platinum features Evenflo offers!

The SecureKid Platinum DLX is a new, top-of-the-line seat featuring some serious padding designed to keep kids comfortable in the most extreme conditions.  It also includes clever little pockets in the cover for the buckles so they don’t heat up when the seat isn’t occupied, as well as SureLATCH and the E3 Side Impact Protection in the head and torso.

I have owned a few different models of Evenflo seats and I have always admired how comfortable they try to make them for children.  This definitely holds true for the Platinum version of the SecureKid.  According to the manufacturer, the fabric “balances your child’s body temperature for a safer, more peaceful ride. OUTLAST® Performance Fabric absorbs hot and cold temperature, releasing as needed.”  For kiddos who struggle to stay cool in the car seat, this material could make car rides a lot easier on the family.

Evenflo SecureKid DLX- 3.75 years old: 40.5″ & 36 pounds

We used the SecureKid Platinum DLX in harness mode as well as high back booster mode. This 3-year-old tested out the harness mode: the seat was easy to install, and she was very fond of the fabric. The main complaint was the same as with the SecureKid LX: the lack of harness strap covers was very irritating to her neck.

From our Southern California home, both kids appreciated that the Outlast fabric helped them stay cool!

FAA approval for Evenflo SecureKid

FAA Approval  The SecureKid is FAA approved in harness mode only. The sticker is on the outside of the shell near the child’s left thigh. It states that the seat is both approved for use in harness mode and not approved in booster mode.

Evenflo SecureKid has a 6 year expiration

Expiration  The SecureKid has a 6 year expiration. The sticker with manufacture date, model name and number, and expiration is found on the back of the seat next to the grey support pieces on the back.