ISOFIX - what is it and why is it needed?

People looking for a child car seat for their car often come across the term ISOFIX. What is this decision and who should decide this function? We explain the importance of ISOFIX in your car!

What is ISOFIX?

ISOFIX is the abbreviation of the International Organization for Standardization - ISO Fixture, which refers to the child restraint system in a car. This is a solution that allows you to quickly and safely install the seat in the back seat of a car without the use of seat belts. Its essence is metal handles. The ISOFIX system was first installed in 1991. Eight years later it became the international standard and is still in use today.

Anyone who has ever installed a child seat in a car seat knows how important a correct and secure installation is. It's about the safety of the child. Many people wonder how a few metal brackets ensure proper attachment to a car seat without the need for seat belts? Read about ISOFIX mounting in the car.

ISOFIX mounting in the car - how to attach a child seat to it?

ISOFIX in a car consists of two metal anchors (called hooks) built into the seat and corresponding holders permanently installed in the car. The place where they are located is the gap between the seat and the back of the car seat. Therefore, the installation of a child seat is limited to snapping locks - hard fasteners on the handles. In addition, mounting is facilitated by guide inserts made of plastic.

ISOFIX in the car: what is top tether?

The third anchorage in the ISOFIX system is the top cable. Its history goes further than the ISOFIX system. In the United States in the 70s and 80s, laws governing the design of child restraint systems required the use of these types of belts on forward-facing seats.

Thanks to this solution, the movement of the child's head was limited to a safe limit in the event of possible severe frontal collisions. Due to the loosening of regulations, the use of the top tether has been abandoned in the United States. However, they were still in use in Canada, so they returned to the US with the need for more LATCH support.

ISOFIX - what is a stabilizer leg?

An alternative to the top cable is the stabilizer foot, which is located on the floor of the vehicle between the rear and front seats. It immobilizes child seats inserted into the ISOFIX bracket and at the same time absorbs the force of a possible frontal collision, provides greater stability while driving and again reduces the risk of incorrect seat installation. It is important that the stabilizing leg rests on a solid and stable surface - it should not be used in place of a skirting board.

Both the top cable and the stabilizer foot prevent the seat from moving forward in the event of a potential collision.

ISOFIX fastening in Europe - is it used everywhere?

The ISOFIX fastening system has long been an inexpensive commodity in Europe. We also had to wait a long time for the relevant legal regulations. This type of system was not standard on passenger cars, but was only an optional extra. Only in 2004, the rules for installing ISOFIX on cars in European countries were approved. At the time, regulations placed an obligation on car manufacturers to fit every ISOFIX model that would be produced.

Today, both this system and ISOFIX car seats are standard on cars around the world.

Benefits of ISOFIX - why should you use ISOFIX in your car?

ISOFIX in the car: correctly installed child seat

The main advantage of using the ISOFIX system in a car is the elimination of the problem of improper installation of a child seat. This improves the results in frontal and side impact tests.

ISOFIX in the car: fixed handles

Fasteners permanently installed in the car make the installation of the seat extremely easy and fast. The ISOFIX anchorage is permanent, just attach and remove the child seat if needed. This is a great solution when the child seat is often transported from one car to another.

Benefits of the ISOFIX bracket: Standard on most vehicles.

The good news is that the ISOFIX system is included in the basic equipment of cars manufactured after 2006. If your car was released from the factory later, you can be sure that it has the ISOFIX system and that you are right in purchasing a child seat with these special anchorages.

Large selection of ISOFIX child seats

There is a wide range of child seats equipped with the ISOFIX system on the market. This gives you the opportunity to choose from hundreds of products that differ in size, color, material, pattern - but they all have one thing in common: the safest ISOFIX anchorage system that you can be 100% sure of.

The safety of using ISOFIX seats is affected not only by their equipment with this type of fastening system. There are car seats on the market with an adjustable headrest, so you can easily adjust it to your little traveler's height and build. It is worth choosing an ISOFIX seat, which is made of soft and durable upholstery that can be easily removed and washed. Considering the maximum safety of your child, it is also better to look for a car seat that provides extra protection for your child's head.

Installing an ISOFIX car seat in a car - how is it done?

Fixing the seat to the ISOFIX system in the car is extremely simple - you only need 3 steps:

• Pull out the ISOFIX anchors on the seat base.
• Place the base in the back seat.
• Press the base firmly against the seat until the ISOFIX anchors are engaged and you will hear a distinctive click.

What to choose: ISOFIX or seat belts?

One of the biggest dilemmas faced by those who are faced with choosing a child seat is deciding how to install it. There is a higher chance that the child seat is not properly fastened with seat belts than with ISOFIX. Parents who choose ISOFIX are investing in the safest and most comfortable solution for their child while traveling by car.

It is worth analyzing the situation in terms of the type and size of the child seat.

Car seats for newborns (0-13 years) - ISOFIX attachment or belts?

In the case of child car seats, it is more convenient to choose a model with the ISOFIX system. In order to guarantee maximum safety for the child, it is worth paying attention to the design of the base, the materials used and the workmanship, as in some cases belts are a safer solution.

Front seats up to 18 kg and 25 kg - ISOFIX or not?

At the same time, ISOFIX improves safety in frontal collisions, prevents the seat from slipping off and reduces the risk of the little traveler hitting the front seat. Crash tests have confirmed that installation with a car belt is less effective in this case.

Rear car seats up to 18 kg and 25 kg - with or without ISOFIX?

With rear car seats up to 18 and 25 kg, every solution - both seat belts and ISOFIX anchorages - works well. In this regard, you can focus more on what functionality is expected from the seat itself, and not on how it is assembled.

Car seats 9-36 and 15-36 kg - when will the ISOFIX bracket work?

In the case of this type of seat, the ISOFIX attachment slightly improves safety in frontal and side impacts.

Should I buy an ISOFIX car seat?

There is no need to convince anyone of the thesis that using ISOFIX in a car is a good solution. Most parents and guardians choose this system because it is standard on the car. Buying an ISOFIX car seat is a great investment where your child's safety is paramount.

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