Isofix Car Seats: Features and Specs

Car seats have long been a must-have item on their parents shopping lists. They provide not only the safety of the child, but also its convenience while traveling in the car. Since 2011, in Europe, the Isofix system with metal fasteners has become an indispensable element, which is fixed more reliably and quickly to the body of the car, rather than the seat, fastened by an ordinary seat belt.

In this article we will take a closer look at what the Isofix system is, its advantages and disadvantages, how to install such chairs correctly, what to look for when buying, and also review the popular models.

According to the legislation of the Russian Federation, children under 12 years old should be transported exclusively in car seats, which ensure safety during movement and in the event of an accident. The car seat with Isofix has long been used in Europe, and some time ago, similar devices appeared on the Russian market. A distinctive feature of the seat with a similar mount is a strong fixation to the car itself without the need for conventional seat belts.

The system is designed in two parts: hinges behind the back of the seat, and metal brackets with locks. The first part is built into the car body, the second snaps and fastens on these hinges. Thus, the children's car seat is firmly held and does not move while driving.

Like many items, car seats with Isofix have both their advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage of the design is its reliability, durability and the exclusion of improper installation. The authors have developed a system in such a way that the chair can be installed either correctly or in any way. The installation process is as fast and accurate as possible.

Each seat has built-in five-point seat belts that firmly fasten the child to the seat. Some models have a removable front or rear mount, which increases the stability of the car seat in case of a sudden stop. The metal frame design itself is very strong and durable.

Among the minuses should be highlighted the high price of such car seats, as well as a lot of weight due to the metal frame. The rigidity of the structure gives a stronger transfer of impact on the child, which can adversely affect the body, this disadvantage can be eliminated by adding the front leg. A good spring car seat system and five-point belts also solve this problem.

The system consists of two U-shaped metal handles and suitable for the shape and size of the locks. Thanks to the strong grip of these pairs, a strong fixation of the car seat is created. The design assumes the location of the hinges on the main frame of the car, and the locks to them are installed on the seats themselves.

As a rule, cars are already initially equipped with a design for installing Isofix, and by European standards, the presence of metal loops in the basic configuration is mandatory for the admission of the model for sale.

The third point is of two types.

• First type It is a retractable footboard that fits into the base of the car seat and rests on the floor. It provides durability and prevents rotation. Another advantage of the retractable leg is reducing the load on the hinges.
• Second type The additional support is the Top tether belt, which works on the principle of anchor fastening. The belt is inserted into a special hole at the very top of the car seat and secured with a carabiner to a special hook located either in the boot floor or behind the headrest of the passenger seat. This type easily copes with the inclination of the child seat and does not allow it to rotate, it is considered universal, so most of the cars produced come with a place already reserved for Top tether.

The Isofix design is subjected to a very heavy load during the impact, for this reason, following the European safety certificate ECE R44 / 04, the manufacturer has no right to manufacture chairs weighing more than 15 kilograms, and it can be used only for children weighing up to 18 kg.

There are several types of car seats for different age groups, but without fail it should be noted that the Isofix system is used exclusively in groups 0+ and 1, which corresponds to children weighing 0-18 kilograms. Consider each age group separately.

This group involves the use of chairs for children up to 13 kilograms, however, Isofix here is installed in a special base, complete with which there is a cradle-carrying with the possibility of setting the sleeping position. If necessary, the carrying is easily removed, and the baby can not be disturbed if he is sleeping. With exactly the same ease you can put the cradle back.

The only disadvantage of this design is the high cost of components, as well as the fact that the base is suitable only for this age group.

This group involves the use of children weighing 9-18 kilograms. The brackets in these models are already on the bottom of the car seat. Some brands offer models that are suitable for the base from category 0+.

This category is a combination of the previous two. In such models, the Isofix is ​​built into the seat itself, and the cocoon can be placed both along and against the vehicle. Some designs 0 + / 1 have a swivel mechanism at 180 and 360 degrees to ensure a more comfortable fit and disembarkation of the child. Such models are convenient for their versatility and the possibility of a more prolonged use.

This group is designed for children of 4 and more years weighing from 15 to 36 kg. However, as mentioned above, these chairs are not “real” Isofix, as it is designed only for children weighing up to 18 kilograms. Despite the fact that modern stores offer a wide choice of child seats of group 2-3, they have only a similar installation system, that is, they practically do not carry a protective function. However, these car seats prevent the displacement during side impact and rotation of the seat.

Among the advantages we can highlight the absence of the need to fasten the system with a belt, good stability and ease of boarding and disembarking a child.

This group includes transforming car seats designed for children weighing 9–25 kilograms and 9–36 kg, depending on the model chosen. Recently, such models are increasingly common due to the convenience and versatility of the application. These child seats have small tables that provide safety instead of belts.

However, it is worth considering that in this case, the belt will still have to be passed through the table, and all the main load will fall on it, and not on the Isofix brackets. Accordingly, it can be concluded that the structure itself in this group performs a decorative function and will not be able to ensure complete safety during a collision.

When choosing a particular model with the Isofix system, you should pay attention to some details that will definitely help to decide on the purchase of the most suitable child seat. It is recommended to purchase only car seats of well-known and reliable manufacturers who are responsible for the quality of their goods.

Be sure to pay attention to the presence of a European safety certificate with code ECE R44 / 04. It should be noted that the previous certificate is already outdated and has no effect at the moment, its code is: ECE R44 / 03. In addition to the security code, there are on the label: model name, type of fastening system, belt type (five- or three-point). And also indicates the allowable weight of the child and the country code where this model has been certified.

The car seat should have protruding side bumpers at the level of the children's head to protect it during a side impact. A five-point belt is much more preferable than a three-point belt, since it ensures maximum safety for the child and has better reliability. Try to get a car seat, so that it fit the child, ideally suited both in weight and in age. To avoid mistakes, first check the comfort of the chair by placing the baby in it.

Pay attention to the color of the fabric, which has a child seat: it must be pastel or dark colors, so as not to irritate the eyes. The absence of toxic odor indicates a high quality of materials and additional safety of the child. It is advisable to purchase a car seat with a removable cover so that it can be washed in case of pollution. There should be special soft pads on the belts so as not to rub the body and not bring discomfort.

Before installing the chair in the car, you should carefully read the instructions for use, as some models provide additional mounting with a belt. Metal hinge system installed inside the rear seat of the car. If you stick your hand between the pillow and the back, you can easily find them. In more modern cars installed decorative plugs, indicating the presence of fasteners. As a rule, they are round and have a picture in the form of a child in the car seat.

The Isofix design is quick and easy to install, however, depending on the age type of seating, there are some differences. In order to secure the car seat for the newborn, you should direct the locks to the metal hinges and press it until it clicks. After the base is installed, the lower support is fixed in the form of an extendable leg. Next, put on the base of the carrier, which is also installed until it clicks.

On both designs there are special indicators indicating the correct installation. Such a system is very convenient, since it is possible not to wake the baby, in order to transfer it from the car to the room, it is enough to remove the carrier from the base.

To install other types of car seats, use the following sequence: brackets are extended on the body and are directed to the hinges, after which you should press on the body until it clicks. After fixing, the indicator of the correct installation should be green. Next, you should fasten the Top tether belt and adjust its length.

Modern manufacturers of children's products offer a wide selection of children's car seats with the Isofix system. Recall that when choosing a particular model should be guided by the brand of the car in which the seat will be installed. Make sure that this model passed the crash test on your car. Consider the most popular models of designs c Isofix, included in most ratings. All of the following car seats have the European safety certificate ECE R44 / 04.

The car seat of the Chinese manufacturer is intended for children weighing 9-36 kilograms:

• the child is fixed with built-in five-point straps, adjustable in length;
• the position of the backrest is adjustable so that the baby can sleep comfortably;
• fabric upholstery is easy to remove and can be machine washed;
• the headrest is height adjustable, has five positions;
• comfortable, soft and ergonomic seat provides comfort to the body, and an anatomical pillow will keep the head smooth;
• the manufacturer offers several colors: gray, black, beige, cream;
• mounted in the direction of the car;
• Requires additional fixation with a seat belt.

Reviews of this model are entirely positive. Parents are satisfied with a soft and ergonomic seat in which the child feels comfortable. Simple and convenient installation of the model, high quality performance, wide range of colors and ease of care delight buyers, as well as a nice price.

The model is intended for children of weight category 1-2, that is, 9-25 kilograms:

• durable seat belt buckle provides additional security;
• the back of the model is adjustable in height, has six positions;
• removable fabric upholstery is easy to clean in a washing machine;
• additional side impact protection;
• installation takes place in the direction of the car;
• It is recommended to additionally fasten the model with a car belt;
• A large number of colors and interesting patterns on the pillows.

Feedback on this model is mostly positive. Parents are pleased with the affordable price of the car seat, the variety of colors and funny patterns on the fabric. There is a soft chair, a large number of provisions of the back and additional plastic protection on the sides. A big plus is the ease of adjusting the backrest, which can be done with just one hand. However, there are users who highlight and disadvantages. So, the strength of the lock turned out to be too big for some parents, and they hardly open it.

This model belongs to the group 1-2-3:

• five-point seat belts are height adjustable and have soft liners so as not to rub or discomfort the baby;
• anatomical headrest is height adjustable depending on the height of the child;
• the strong and shockproof framework is not exposed to deformation;
• additional inserts with a shock-absorbing function at the level of the legs and shoulders provide lateral protection;
• for babies, there is a special anatomical liner with side wings that eliminates the angle of the seat and gives support to the children's spine;
• hypoallergenic fabric upholstery has the function of ventilation;
• several color schemes;
• the cover is easily removable and suitable for washing in a typewriter.

Feedback on this model is mostly positive. Buyers are satisfied with a soft and anatomical seat in which the child feels comfortable. However, the inability to adjust the position of the back still makes it difficult for some to put five points.

The car seat group 0 + / 1 allows you to quickly carry out the landing and disembarking of the child. The seat has a 360-degree swivel mechanism.Five-point straps, adjustable in length, comfortable anatomical sitting with four positions of the back and additional protection of the head and neck of the child provide maximum comfort and safety of the child.

For information on how to properly install the car seat, see the following video.