What is ISOFIX
ISOFIX (International Standards Organisation FIX) is a new standard for car seat installation that’s being adopted by car seat and vehicle manufacturers worldwide. The system operates through ISOFIX points on the back of the child car seat that plug into ISOFIX fittings in the car, creating a solid link between your child’s car seat and your car.
In 1997, BRITAX launched ISOFIX together with VW in the Golf V. This safety system has become an international installation interface for standardised anchorage points between a child seat and a vehicle. The ISO-FIX system minimises installation errors and optimises protection through a rigid connection to the car chassis.
In addition to superior performance in crash testing, ISO-FIX fittings remove the need to use the adult seat belt to restrain the car seat. The use of isofix; can decreases chance of the seat being badly fitted by a parent or carer.
In the UK’;’ almost 70 per cent of baby seats are fitted incorrectly by parents and carers. Using Isofix can be a safer option; however it needs to pointed out that when the baby car seat is installed by an acri trained baby car seat fitter ISO-FIX is NOT any safer than the seat belt installation.
Isofix Installation – Does it work ?
We have all hear the propaganda that “Isofix is safer”; however what does this truly mean. All accredited fitters understand that the biggest probelm facing parents is not so much the installation; but being able to use the baby car seat easily and being able to make adjustments without difficulty.
Maxi Cosi isofix
With a number of years since isofix was first introduced, experience has shown that each manufacturer has a different implementation of isofix. Maxi Cosi first attempt at isofix (called isogo) with a very large buckles and a long strap between the connector and the buckle; making it difficult to get good tension on the isofix installation.
Maxi Cosi have addressed the problem with their isofix connections with the release of the maxi cosi Mico Plus capsule wiith isofix. The tension indicators have been made smaller and the buckle with the tensioning strap is significantly smaller making the isofix installation; significantly easier. Check out the Isofix Capsule comparision guude.
Infa Secure Isofix
Infa Secure introduced their only Isofix car seat the kompressor with isofix; which has a number of differences to the maxi cosi; namely the ability to tighten to isofix connections easily. Unfortiunately; like maxi cosi the connecting strap between the isofix connectors and the buckle is too long . The long connection means it is difficult to get good tension on the isofix connection. The new quick isofix release mechanism does not work as easily as one would hope.
Britax Isofix
Lastly Britax; the creators of isofix with VW; developed over 20 years(since 1997); the isofix system. The base of Britax car seats is narrow; so that you can easily connect the isofix connectors. The isofix buckles with the tensioning strap; are small; making it easier to tension the isofix straps. Lastly; the narrow base and footprint of the britax car seats; makes it is easy to tension the straps and release the isofix connections.
Isofix Problems
30% of child seats are installed correctly; when using an adult seat belt, 96% when using the ISO-FIX system!*
* Source: The German Insurance Institute GDV, Group 1
Open Questions
Yet in Australia we are told that the current tether strap system is the safest system for our children….IS it truly the safest system…. WHY
Sweden who lead the world in Child Welfare endorse ISO-FIX … why
Australian Manufacturing standards not updated (given that all new cars from Europe must have ISO-FIX(since 2006))
Safe Isofix installation Conclusion
Purchasing a baby car seat with isofix; is no guarantee, that the installation will be easier. Parents are advised to look at baby car seats; which can use and adjust easily(includes loosening, tightening and adjusting the harness straps). It is recommended; to purchase a Britax car seat (as the isofix connections works easily); when isofix is required; .
References
- http://www.unece.org/trans/doc/2004/wp29grsp/TRANS-WP29-GRSP-35-inf19e.pdf
- http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t701375.html
- http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t726599.html
- http://www.carsguide.com.au/site/news-and-reviews/car-news/isofix_call_for_safe_child_seats
- http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/showthread.php?t=93945
- http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Driver-guide/Child-restraints.aspx
- http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2010/01/22/1263663153961.html
- http://www.caradvice.com.au/58898/child-restraint-safety-how-will-australias-new-laws-affect-your-child/
- http://users.tpg.com.au/users/aoaug/cr_paper/cr_tests.html#crep
- http://www.casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/airworth/papers/childrestraint-phase2.pdf