subject: Should I Buy An Isofix Car Seat? [print this page] Buying a new child car seat can sometimes be confusing, particularly for new parents who haven't been through the process before. The sheer amount of seats available, all offering a bewildering array of features and benefits, can make it all seem like a bit of a headache.
However it's extremely important to buy the right seat for your child's safety and comfort. Not only must the seat be the correct type for your child's weight and size, but it must also fit into your car correctly in order to protect them.
In the UK around two thirds of car seats are actually fitted incorrectly, a worrying statistic when you consider that a poorly fitted seat can put a child's life at risk. In an attempt to tackle this issue, the child seat industry created a system called the 'International Standards Organisation Fix', more commonly known as ISOFIX.
ISOFIX child seats feature two rigid arms on the rear of the product, which you can click into special anchorage points in your car. This greatly reduces the risk of the seat being fitted wrongly, and also saves parents a lot of time fiddling about trying to get seatbelts into the right places.
The ISOFIX system also offers a higher level of protection in an impact, as it provides a solid connection between the car and the child seat itself.
Many parents are understandably keen to buy an ISOFIX child seat because of the added safety and convenience. However, it's really important to check first that your car is ISOFIX compatible, as not all vehicles are.
Your vehicle handbook should tell you whether your car is compatible with ISOFIX, or you can sometimes refer to the car seat manufacturer's website for a list of approved vehicles. If you're still unsure, a reputable retailer should be able to offer you advice on whether a particular seat will fit into your car.
The best retailers will also be able to talk you through the fitting process and demonstrate the connection points to you, advice that can turn out to be really helpful the next time when you find yourself fitting the car seat on your own.
If your car doesn't have ISOFIX, there's no need to worry. Conventional child seats are still extremely safe as long as they are fitted correctly, and you can buy some non-ISOFIX bases that can make installation much quicker and easier. Always seek advice if youre unsure about whether a product is right for your child or your vehicle.
by: Alan Trotter
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
