BeSafe
Stretch²
8.1/10 overall£479.00
A premium extended rear-facing seat built around an external crash-force-dispersing frame, designed to keep a child safely rear-facing from around 6 months to age 7.
The verdict
The BeSafe Stretch2 is a premium extended rear-facing seat with an external Exo frame, keeping children rear-facing from around 6 months to 125cm (roughly age 7) and backed by top independent test scores including ADAC. At close to £480 it's one of the most expensive seats in this category, so it's best for families committed to extended rear-facing and prioritising the most tested option over price.
The Stretch² is BeSafe's flagship extended rear-facing (ERF) seat, taking children from around 6 months up to 125cm - roughly age 7 - always facing backwards. Its distinguishing feature is the external Exo frame, which is designed to absorb and disperse crash energy away from the child in a way that's earned it consistently strong results in independent European testing, including a top ADAC safety score for its age category.
Compared with the Axkid Movekid, which covers the same rear-facing range for meaningfully less money, the Stretch² is the more comfort-focused option: five recline positions rather than two, and an Ergo Cushion designed to give proper lumbar support to an older toddler who's using the seat for years rather than months. Both install via seatbelt rather than Isofix, so neither has an edge there - but the Stretch² is the seat we'd point families toward if budget isn't the deciding factor and they want the most tested, most adjustable rear-facing seat on the UK market.
It's best for families who want to commit to extended rear-facing for the long haul and are prepared to pay a premium for it - BeSafe positions this as roughly 15 years of usable life across siblings. The real limitation is the price: at close to £480 it's one of the most expensive seats in this category, and like all ERF-only seats it still needs replacing with a booster once your child exceeds 125cm, so it's not the single seat that will see you all the way to the booster stage.
Is the Stretch² worth it?
- Exo frame and Plus Test results among the strongest in independent testing
- Five recline positions and lumbar support for long-term comfort
- Seatbelt-only fit means no Isofix compatibility to check
What are the downsides of the Stretch²?
- One of the most expensive seats in this category
- Single-purpose: still needs a booster after 125cm
- Bulkier frame takes up more rear-seat width than slimmer rivals
Specs
- Installation
- Vehicle seatbelt only (no Isofix required)
- Suitable from
- Approx. 6 months to 7 years (61-125cm, up to 36kg)
- Safety standard
- Swedish Plus Test certified; ADAC score 1.2 (top-rated to age 7)
- Facing direction
- Extended rear-facing only
- Recline positions
- 5-position recline after installation
How we scored it
Safety & Fit
Crash protection design (side-impact systems, impact shields, or extended rear-facing capability), how securely and correctly the seat installs, and how well it accommodates a growing child without needing to be replaced too soon.
Top-tier independent test results for the extended rear-facing category
Ease of Installation & Everyday Use
How straightforward the seat is to install correctly (Isofix vs seatbelt-only, clear indicators), and how easy it is to adjust, clean, and move between cars day to day.
Value for Money
What the seat delivers - years of use, safety features, and build quality - relative to its UK retail price.
Highest price in this line-up
Weighted by importance for this category — see our editorial policy for how we test.
How it compares
|  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £479.00 | £180.00 | £295.00 | £229.95 |
| Overall score | 8.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.3/10 |
| Installation | Vehicle seatbelt only (no Isofix required) | Isofix with support leg (harness stages); Isofix or seatbelt (booster stage) | Vehicle seatbelt + top tether (no Isofix) | Isofix + top tether (76-105cm); vehicle seatbelt + Isofix + top tether, or seatbelt only (100-150cm) |
| Suitable from | Approx. 6 months to 7 years (61-125cm, up to 36kg) | Birth to approx. 12 years (40-145cm, up to 36kg) | Approx. 7 months to 7 years (61-125cm, up to 36kg) | Approx. 15 months to 12 years (76-150cm, 9-50kg) |
| Safety standard | Swedish Plus Test certified; ADAC score 1.2 (top-rated to age 7) | UN R129/03 (i-Size) | UN R129 (i-Size), Swedish Plus tested to 125cm | UN R129/04 (i-Size) |
Frequently asked questions
How safe is the BeSafe Stretch2 in independent testing?+
It carries some of the strongest independent test results in this category, including a top ADAC score of 1.2 for its age group, thanks largely to its external Exo frame, which is designed to absorb and disperse crash energy away from the child.
How does it install?+
It installs via the vehicle's seatbelt only — no Isofix is required.
How long can my child stay rear-facing in it?+
From around 6 months up to 125cm, roughly age 7, always facing backwards, with five recline positions including an Ergo Cushion for lumbar support over years of use.
How does it compare with the cheaper Axkid Movekid?+
Both cover the same rear-facing range, but the Stretch2 is the more comfort-focused option with five recline positions versus the Movekid's two, at a meaningfully higher price.
Is it a long-term investment?+
BeSafe positions it as roughly 15 years of usable life across siblings, though like all ERF-only seats it still needs replacing with a booster once a child exceeds 125cm.