ISOFIX Baby Seats small human advice
Discussion
Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen,
I'm confused, it happens often, and it's happened now.
We are having a small human delivered in June, and I would very much like to be prepared for his arrival in the form of adequate seating etc for the car. Didn't think it was this complicated though, I mean, I've had a word with my unborn son, and he said he's not fussy providing he's safe.
ISOFIX! I want it. Is it universal? Do I have to buy a car specific frame/base? Is it possible to get one that swivels round so I can pull the small human out a little easier? Or at least so his Grandparents can.
Dad's car (that's me) - BMW e46 Touring 2002
Grandad's car (that's not me) - Jaguar XF 2008 Hatch
Mum's car (that's who is transporting the small human at the moment, which is good of her) - VW Golf 2012 Hatch
All of the above have ISOFIX fixing points, and we will require at least two, one for Grandparents, one for Mum and Dad.
Any help, advice, recommendations would be received with many thanks.
ETA I've heard there are some bases that can remain whilst we upgrade our human? So as our human levels up and gets bigger we can remain on the same base?
Aaron
I'm confused, it happens often, and it's happened now.
We are having a small human delivered in June, and I would very much like to be prepared for his arrival in the form of adequate seating etc for the car. Didn't think it was this complicated though, I mean, I've had a word with my unborn son, and he said he's not fussy providing he's safe.
ISOFIX! I want it. Is it universal? Do I have to buy a car specific frame/base? Is it possible to get one that swivels round so I can pull the small human out a little easier? Or at least so his Grandparents can.
Dad's car (that's me) - BMW e46 Touring 2002
Grandad's car (that's not me) - Jaguar XF 2008 Hatch
Mum's car (that's who is transporting the small human at the moment, which is good of her) - VW Golf 2012 Hatch
All of the above have ISOFIX fixing points, and we will require at least two, one for Grandparents, one for Mum and Dad.
Any help, advice, recommendations would be received with many thanks.
ETA I've heard there are some bases that can remain whilst we upgrade our human? So as our human levels up and gets bigger we can remain on the same base?
Aaron
Edited by AB8219 on Sunday 7th February 13:05
The base are usually suited to certain car. In my wife 2014 Ford Kuga we have the isofix family which works with a rear facing maxicosi cabrio. We have just recently changed to a forward facing maxicosi pearl.
Take a look at the maxicosi website. There is a car checker on there. In fact I believe most of the manufacturers have this on there websites. Or go into mothercare they are usually really helpful.
Take a look at the maxicosi website. There is a car checker on there. In fact I believe most of the manufacturers have this on there websites. Or go into mothercare they are usually really helpful.
adsvx220 said:
The base are usually suited to certain car. In my wife 2014 Ford Kuga we have the isofix family which works with a rear facing maxicosi cabrio. We have just recently changed to a forward facing maxicosi pearl.
Take a look at the maxicosi website. There is a car checker on there. In fact I believe most of the manufacturers have this on there websites. Or go into mothercare they are usually really helpful.
This? http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002YK51YE?keyw...Take a look at the maxicosi website. There is a car checker on there. In fact I believe most of the manufacturers have this on there websites. Or go into mothercare they are usually really helpful.
This appears to be a good base that last up for a good amount of time.
An isofix base will make your life a lot easier as you don't have to faff about with using the seatbelt. We have a Maxi Cosi Family Fix isofix base, stays in place and doesn't move. For the seat, we've got the maxi cosi Pebble, which is rearward facing. Easy peasy, you drop it in place on the base, hear a little jingle, the 3 lights go green and you know it's locked in place. To release it, pull a grey handle and away you go. I believe this family fix base is compatible with the Pearl car seat, which is the next size of seat you need when the child is over 1, and I think this is forward facing.
As for seats that turn through 90 degrees, I think there's a 2nd generation maxi cosi system out there but everyone I knew was happy with the above so we didn't explore it. As said above, if you go to a mothercare you can see it for yourself, but brace yourself for overly friendly motherly shop assistant types!
As for seats that turn through 90 degrees, I think there's a 2nd generation maxi cosi system out there but everyone I knew was happy with the above so we didn't explore it. As said above, if you go to a mothercare you can see it for yourself, but brace yourself for overly friendly motherly shop assistant types!
I feel duty bound to let you into a little secret, you don't need ISOFIX seat bases.
I have twins and fit two maxi cosi car seats using the belt. The seats are designed to be used with a belt as well as the ISOFIX base. As long as you're not a complete moron, the belt is is fine. It really isn't much effort, and I do it twice as much as any other normal family would.
I have twins and fit two maxi cosi car seats using the belt. The seats are designed to be used with a belt as well as the ISOFIX base. As long as you're not a complete moron, the belt is is fine. It really isn't much effort, and I do it twice as much as any other normal family would.
moustache said:
I feel duty bound to let you into a little secret, you don't need ISOFIX seat bases.
I have twins and fit two maxi cosi car seats using the belt. The seats are designed to be used with a belt as well as the ISOFIX base. As long as you're not a complete moron, the belt is is fine. It really isn't much effort, and I do it twice as much as any other normal family would.
Yeah, I'd say the same.I have twins and fit two maxi cosi car seats using the belt. The seats are designed to be used with a belt as well as the ISOFIX base. As long as you're not a complete moron, the belt is is fine. It really isn't much effort, and I do it twice as much as any other normal family would.
For me and my Mrs we tried it out and thought it was pretty pointless. Takes a couple of seconds belting in after you've done it for a week or so.
I'd probably get one for the grandparents if they have difficulty bending though.
OP, congrats! Ours arrives in May and have been through the same decision pathway. There is loads of stuff on here about car seats.
I highly recommend john Lewis for their nursery orientation as we spent nearly 2 hours discussing car seats. Below is simply what I took away from that - I haven't had a kid before so don't know much!
We decided to go for isofix, but all the seats can also be installed using a seat belt as well. Isofix makes it all easier. There are two types of legislation running now, the latest which suggests kids should be rear facing for an 'extended' period, up to and even beyond 4 years (what they do in Sweden), but this isn't manditory in the UK yet. From my research, only two brands do isofix that is compatible with an extended rear facing seat, after you get rid of the baby car seat. Those two are beSafe and MaxiCosi. As a result, if you buy the isofix base from them, you don't need to upgrade it as well when the kid gets bigger and you buy a bigger seat. Some other brands have seats that rear face later, but need a different base purchasing at that stage.
All the manufactures have a fitting list on their websites that will tell you if the seat you choose is compatible with all the vehicles in your family fleet.
John Lewis and Morhercare also do test fittings of any seats you like that is done before you buy them to make sure. I was really set on a recaro seat (love the brand), but having done all the above research will probably go with beSafe or MaxiCosi as they seem good and popular.
I highly recommend john Lewis for their nursery orientation as we spent nearly 2 hours discussing car seats. Below is simply what I took away from that - I haven't had a kid before so don't know much!
We decided to go for isofix, but all the seats can also be installed using a seat belt as well. Isofix makes it all easier. There are two types of legislation running now, the latest which suggests kids should be rear facing for an 'extended' period, up to and even beyond 4 years (what they do in Sweden), but this isn't manditory in the UK yet. From my research, only two brands do isofix that is compatible with an extended rear facing seat, after you get rid of the baby car seat. Those two are beSafe and MaxiCosi. As a result, if you buy the isofix base from them, you don't need to upgrade it as well when the kid gets bigger and you buy a bigger seat. Some other brands have seats that rear face later, but need a different base purchasing at that stage.
All the manufactures have a fitting list on their websites that will tell you if the seat you choose is compatible with all the vehicles in your family fleet.
John Lewis and Morhercare also do test fittings of any seats you like that is done before you buy them to make sure. I was really set on a recaro seat (love the brand), but having done all the above research will probably go with beSafe or MaxiCosi as they seem good and popular.
Conversely I've found isofix really useful.
When they're small it's much easier to get them installed and comfy in the seat indoors, then take out to the car and just drop it on the base. Thus a swivelling base isn't really any benefit - it's only once the combined weight of the baby and seat gets too much to manage that you want that, and you'll probably be looking to move up a size by then anyway.
When they're small it's much easier to get them installed and comfy in the seat indoors, then take out to the car and just drop it on the base. Thus a swivelling base isn't really any benefit - it's only once the combined weight of the baby and seat gets too much to manage that you want that, and you'll probably be looking to move up a size by then anyway.
moustache said:
I feel duty bound to let you into a little secret, you don't need ISOFIX seat bases.
I have twins and fit two maxi cosi car seats using the belt. The seats are designed to be used with a belt as well as the ISOFIX base. As long as you're not a complete moron, the belt is is fine. It really isn't much effort, and I do it twice as much as any other normal family would.
Same here (apart from the twins bit). My car doesn't have ISOFIX, although it can be fitted, but I just belt the baby in when we use our car. I also have to climb into the back with the baby as it's a 3 door.I have twins and fit two maxi cosi car seats using the belt. The seats are designed to be used with a belt as well as the ISOFIX base. As long as you're not a complete moron, the belt is is fine. It really isn't much effort, and I do it twice as much as any other normal family would.
To be fair, my wife's car has rear doors and ISOFIX, and that's the car our baby goes in the majority of the time, but I don't consider it that important to change mine.
The (maxicosi) seat that swivels sideways is the axisfix, this doesn't have a separate base - uses the isofix points & top teather on the car seat.
We've got 2 in my wife's car & they're brilliant. Makes putting the kids in the car so easy. They are only suitable from 15 months+, and are front or rear(up to 85cm) facing.
We've also got 2 maxicosi pearls + family fix bases. These are also 15 months+ and are fwd facing only. The bases were previously used with cabriofix seats, these are rear facing & are from birth.
There is a 2 way pearl, that needs 2 way fix bases that will also work with the cabriofix, but the bases are twice the price of the family fix.
I'm firmly in the isofix camp, as to my mind it's almost idiot proof. Getting the kids in/out of the car can be stressful if they're screaming, you're half pulled out of a parking space for access - blocking traffic, waiting for a gap in traffic so you can open the door & get them in......etc etc. Anything that speeds it up & stops you making a mistake is worth the increased cost IMHO.
Make sure the cars have enough room to fit the seats in the back with the front seats in useable positions. You'd be surprised how much room anything rear facing takes up.
We've got 2 in my wife's car & they're brilliant. Makes putting the kids in the car so easy. They are only suitable from 15 months+, and are front or rear(up to 85cm) facing.
We've also got 2 maxicosi pearls + family fix bases. These are also 15 months+ and are fwd facing only. The bases were previously used with cabriofix seats, these are rear facing & are from birth.
There is a 2 way pearl, that needs 2 way fix bases that will also work with the cabriofix, but the bases are twice the price of the family fix.
I'm firmly in the isofix camp, as to my mind it's almost idiot proof. Getting the kids in/out of the car can be stressful if they're screaming, you're half pulled out of a parking space for access - blocking traffic, waiting for a gap in traffic so you can open the door & get them in......etc etc. Anything that speeds it up & stops you making a mistake is worth the increased cost IMHO.
Make sure the cars have enough room to fit the seats in the back with the front seats in useable positions. You'd be surprised how much room anything rear facing takes up.
Thanks very much for all the advice. It's great to get lots of new parents opinions on this sort of thing.
I think I will take the advice of heading into a Mothercare outlet and getting the whole thing shown/explained before making a decision.
I'm finding that I have to learn very quickly with all this stuff! So I'll probably back to pick your brains some more.
Thanks
I think I will take the advice of heading into a Mothercare outlet and getting the whole thing shown/explained before making a decision.
I'm finding that I have to learn very quickly with all this stuff! So I'll probably back to pick your brains some more.
Thanks
just going through this and decided to go isofix as its easier for the missus to just clip the seat in and out.
Make sure your car has the isofix points or they can be fitted first before buying.
Also make sure the seat is compatible with the base, we went for a maxi cosi pebble car seat and found out afterwards it will only fit in the most expensive family fix base.
Make sure your car has the isofix points or they can be fitted first before buying.
Also make sure the seat is compatible with the base, we went for a maxi cosi pebble car seat and found out afterwards it will only fit in the most expensive family fix base.
We went with isofix when we had our little one as it just slotted in and you knew it was solid and secure every time. As the whole seat was coming out each time to then be attached to the buggy this was the most straightforward solution.
Now that he is bigger we have moved to a seat that straps in with the seatbelt because I can make sure it is sturdy and then just leave it in there for the OH/grandparents to use.
Everyone seems to go for the Maxicosi butI would recommend taking a look at the Recaro seats. For around the same price they are good quality kit which takes a good beating...... and they are Recaro
Now that he is bigger we have moved to a seat that straps in with the seatbelt because I can make sure it is sturdy and then just leave it in there for the OH/grandparents to use.
Everyone seems to go for the Maxicosi butI would recommend taking a look at the Recaro seats. For around the same price they are good quality kit which takes a good beating...... and they are Recaro
IMO clip-in isofix bases for group-0 seats are a god-send; not because they're safer (they aren't) but because it trivialises the part of putting the child into the car where your back is bent at a bloody awkward angle. Once you get past group-0, you'll switch to leaving the seat in the car and taking the child out of the seat, which makes it rather less useful.
The other advantage is that it's much harder to get fitting an Isofix seat into the car wrong.
We had a Maxi-Cosi Cabriofix group-0 seat with the Familyfix base and were very happy with it. The base stayed in the wife's car and on the rare occasion I needed to take the baby in mine, I just strapped the seat in with the seatbelt. I'd certainly recommend getting a seat which can be used without Isofix if necessary, even if you don't intend to use it that way; there's always the chance you'll get a courtesy car or hire car without it.
The other advantage is that it's much harder to get fitting an Isofix seat into the car wrong.
We had a Maxi-Cosi Cabriofix group-0 seat with the Familyfix base and were very happy with it. The base stayed in the wife's car and on the rare occasion I needed to take the baby in mine, I just strapped the seat in with the seatbelt. I'd certainly recommend getting a seat which can be used without Isofix if necessary, even if you don't intend to use it that way; there's always the chance you'll get a courtesy car or hire car without it.
Edited by kambites on Friday 12th February 09:37
pembo said:
Everyone seems to go for the Maxicosi butI would recommend taking a look at the Recaro seats. For around the same price they are good quality kit which takes a good beating...... and they are Recaro
Have been very happy with our Recaro Privia, and it won various German safety tests. If you're needing to buy multiple bases then the Recaro bases are £100 vs £150 for Maxi Cosi.
"Which" do pretty good safety tests of most of the seats on the UK market. You can subscribe for the first month for free to browse their site; just don't forget to cancel the subscription before the end of the month. 
ETA: Oh and another thumbs up for John Lewis. They were very helpful and remarkably knowledgeable, plus they let me take a seat out of the store and try it in my car to see if it would fit.
ETA: Oh and another thumbs up for John Lewis. They were very helpful and remarkably knowledgeable, plus they let me take a seat out of the store and try it in my car to see if it would fit.
ISOFIX worth every penny.
Watched a program where they were checking child's seat installation in an Asda car park.
40% of seats fitted with seat belts were fitted wrongly.
100% of isofix seats were fitted correctly.
You get attachments for your pram as well so you can take the seat out of the isofix in the car and it clips straight into
the pram.
Isofix seats have 3 indicators that are green or red. If the isofix is fitted correctly all bull eyes are green and you know it's good to go. fitting with a seatbelt is a PITA it worth spending £££ for just the convenience alone never mind the safety of it actually being physically connected to the body of your car.
They advise not buying a second hand isofix incase it is damaged.
I did anyway as there solid bits of kit and I gave it a good going over when it arrived and was like new tbh.
Watched a program where they were checking child's seat installation in an Asda car park.
40% of seats fitted with seat belts were fitted wrongly.
100% of isofix seats were fitted correctly.
You get attachments for your pram as well so you can take the seat out of the isofix in the car and it clips straight into
the pram.
Isofix seats have 3 indicators that are green or red. If the isofix is fitted correctly all bull eyes are green and you know it's good to go. fitting with a seatbelt is a PITA it worth spending £££ for just the convenience alone never mind the safety of it actually being physically connected to the body of your car.
They advise not buying a second hand isofix incase it is damaged.
I did anyway as there solid bits of kit and I gave it a good going over when it arrived and was like new tbh.
Ciaranrb5 said:
You get attachments for your pram as well so you can take the seat out of the isofix in the car and it clips straight into
the pram.
Worth noting that the usefulness of this feature is limited slightly by the fact it's advised not to leave a baby in a car seat for more than a couple of hours at a time because it can damage their spine. the pram.
My old Audi A4 S-Line had Isofix fittings, but the seats didn't allow enough of the underside of the base unit to be in constant contact with the seat so they couldn't be used...
Has to resort to the seatbelt technique and never caused us any issues.
Would suggest to get the fittings checked over in each car. Mothercare seemed to know what they were doing.
Has to resort to the seatbelt technique and never caused us any issues.
Would suggest to get the fittings checked over in each car. Mothercare seemed to know what they were doing.
Just before you buy your 'travel system' we found some very competitive prices at online4baby. Dead helpful on the phone too.
Isofix can be confusing, but useful (we found it immeasurably better for our cossatto seat. Really is zero hassle and when it's pissing down, dicking round with a seatbelt whilst leaning in gets old quickly). As long as you have the two stirrups between the seats, you can fit isofix bases - and even then you can get those bolted in easily. Don't pay too much attention to the types of Isofix that you can see - I wasted a lot of mental energy on it before just going for one that fitted our seat and it clicked into the car no problem.
Here's a thread I started in July at your exact same position Loads of help there.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=152...
Oh, and congratulations!
Isofix can be confusing, but useful (we found it immeasurably better for our cossatto seat. Really is zero hassle and when it's pissing down, dicking round with a seatbelt whilst leaning in gets old quickly). As long as you have the two stirrups between the seats, you can fit isofix bases - and even then you can get those bolted in easily. Don't pay too much attention to the types of Isofix that you can see - I wasted a lot of mental energy on it before just going for one that fitted our seat and it clicked into the car no problem.
Here's a thread I started in July at your exact same position
Loads of help there.http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=152...
Oh, and congratulations!
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff