subject: Isofix Car Seats – Important Things to Know [print this page] Isofix Car Seats Important Things to Know
Did you know that various surveys carried out suggest that around 70% of baby car seats fitted in the UK are actually fitted incorrectly? This is a shocking statistic and one that Isofix Car Seats aims to resolve.
Isofix car seats are a relatively new phenomenon and may well eventually replace traditional baby car seats that are installed using an adult car seat belt. They are becoming more and more popular with parents mainly because they can be installed in most cars with much more accuracy and ease than the standard type.
How does an Isofix Car Seat work?
In order for an Isofix car seat to fit into your car, your car will need fixed anchorages. Two of these anchorages are usually located at the intersection between the back and bottom cushions. If your car has a third anchorage point this is usually located either on the parcel shelf, boot floor or the back of the seat.
Once you've located these anchorage points then the aim is to plug the baby car seat into these anchorage points in your car. This will save a great deal of time and effort because the seat will simply plug into the fixed points.
What are the main advantages?
Superior Safety Performance in crash tests
Removes the need for the use of adult seat belts
Much quicker and easer to install
Removes the risk of incorrect installation
Will an Isofix Car Seat fit in my car?
The Isofix Car Seat is designed to be universal but it's not quite there yet so it's still important to do a bit of research before you buy. Some older car models will only have two anchorage points and others will have three so check your vehicle handbook to see where the fixed points are.
The downside to having two anchorage points is that the baby car seat is relying on the seat cushion for support and if the cushion is too soft the car seat won't have maximum support in the event of a crash. The way to resolve this is to buy a rigid support leg which is attached to the Isofix Base where the car seat fits on top.
Its important to check that the Isofix car seat you are buying is compatible with your car. For example, some isofix car seats are designed for use only in cars with a two point system. Usually the actual baby car seat box will list the cars its compatible with.
Isofix Car Seats come in two categories and these are Universal and Semi-Universal. More recent car models include three anchorage points as standard and these are most compatible to the Universal Isofix Car Seats. There are also different size categories and these are:
A ISO/F3 = Full Height Forward Facing Seat
B ISO/F2 = Reduced Height Forward Facing Seat
B1 ISO/F2X = Reduced Height Forward Facing Sear
C ISO/R3 = Full Size Rearward Facing Seat
D ISO/R2 = Reduced Size Rearward Seat
E ISO/R1 =Rearward Facing seat
Again your vehicle handbook should state which type of Isofix Car Seat is compatible but if your still unsure contact the car manufacturer or contact a trained car seat fitter.
Where can I buy an Isofix Car Seat at the Best Price?
Most mainstream baby car seat manufacturers make specific Isofix Car Seats and these can be bought from major high street names and also via the net. It's always worth shopping around because prices can vary considerably. It can take quite a bit of time checking each retailer but it really is worth doing your homework as retailers can varygreatly.
