Popular ISOFIX seats
ISOFIX stands for "International Standards Organisation FIX" and is intended to make the fitting of child seats quick and simple using extremely safe and secure fixings within your car's passenger seat system. Check your vehicle handbook first before you embark on the purchase of an ISOFIX child seat, as it should give detailed information regarding the categories and size classes of ISOFIX child restraint that may be used in your car, as well as providing clear instructions for attaching a child seat to the ISOFIX fitting points. There are three alternative ISOFIX systems available, all of which clamp onto the ISOFIX anchorage points within the vehicle:
Vehicle Specific Approval
This category indicates where certain seats have been tested and approved for use without requiring either a foot prop or top tether. As suggested by the name, this seat is vehicle specific, which means it is only compatible with appropriate vehicles according to the car seat's instructions.
Semi - Universal Approval
This system is available on ISOFIX child seats, which can face forwards, rearwards or laterally. This method features either a top tether or foot prop, which prevents the car seat from tilting forward upon sudden breaking.
Universal Approval
This category is applicable to forward facing, Group 1 (9kg to 18kg) ISOFIX car seats. A top tether is required to restrain the seat to an anchorage point located within the boot.
The most prominent manufacturers of ISOFIX child car seats are:
- Britax
- Maxi Cosi
- Bebeconfort
Each of these manufacturer websites gives full details on how their ISOFIX system car seats work and details on the types of car with which they are compatible.
Britax supplies ISOFIX seats for all ages of child, starting with class 0+ (from birth) to class 23 (up to an approximate age of 11 years old). Their website provides a really useful search system for locating the right car seat that will fit your car make, model and year of manufacture. The Britax Duo Plus ISOFIXprovides the very best of all round protection with excellent side impact protection and a unique pivot link system providing the best possible protection in front and rear impacts. It is compatible with over 250 different vehicles.
Maxi Cosi were rewarded for their excellent car seat designs at the 2007/2008 Practical Parenting Awards; their Maxi Cosi CabrioFix and EasyFix Base came first in the Best Infant Carrier category. The Maxi-Cosi EasyFix is a semi-universal ISOFIX base which boasts excellent test results. The Maxi-Cosi PrioriFix is a semi-universal ISOFIX child car seat for children weighing between 9-18 kg which has a support leg to ensure optimum safety. Their website gives thorough detail on all their ISOFIX products and full instructions and specifications including a list of cars the seat will fit and also an instruction movie to make fitting even easier. All their ISOFIX car seats eliminate incorrect installation with the use of colour indicators that show clearly and immediately when secure installation has been achieved.
This is also the case with the latest Bebeconfort Iseos Isofix car seat, which is equipped with the universal ISOFIX system, and has indicators that turn from red to green when fitted correctly. It was awarded 4 stars in 2006 by the European safety testing organisations.
The Recaro Isofix Child Seat Base is quick & easily fitted and is compatible with their Young Expert Plus & Young Profi Plus car seat ranges. The system offers a visual display to ensure it has been fitted correctly.
The Nania Spider SP ISOFIX Car Seat is forward facing and the ISOFIX fitting system is compatible with cars with ISOFIX points and top tether. It also features a unique audible alarm which is set off when the child has undone the buckle at anytime whilst travelling.
The best way to know if your vehicle will accept an ISOFIX seat is to check your handbook or ask your local dealer. If this is not possible, inspect the car; ISOFIX anchorage points should be clearly labelled if they have been fitted.
If you are looking to buy a child seat to fit in your vehicle, check the manufacturer's website for details of which child seats are suitable for your specific car. In addition to them being vehicle-specific, universal or semi-universal, you will also need to know which sub-class of ISOFIX seat (A to E) is compatible.
REMEMBER to always check your vehicle handbook and the specifications of the ISOFIX child seat you prefer to ensure it is compatible with your car before you buy.
