Introduction
Transporting a baby in a car requires careful preparation. In advance, you should inform yourself sufficiently about the possible transport systems and test them before making a final decision. It is particularly important to ensure that the transport system is sufficiently protected and safe. In most cases, babies are transported in child car seats (Maxi Cosi). A good fit and installation in a suitable place in the car are important requirements for safety and comfort.
What’s an Isofix?
An Isofix is a safe and handy custom-made fastening system for child seats in cars. It is a rigid attachment system that supports the stability and secure anchoring of the child seat or Maxi Cosi. The Isofix is available both vehicle-specific and universal for all vehicles.
In the case of a vehicle-specific approval, the manufacturer’s lists must be used to check whether the seat in question is approved for the vehicle and where it can be installed in the vehicle. Two rigid support brackets 6 mm thick with a distance of 280 mm between backrest and seat are fixed in the vehicle. The child seat is then clamped into these brackets.
In order to prevent undesired rotation of the child seat, an additional second fixation must be provided by an additional belt strap in the case of universal approval. For rearward facing systems there are special straps which tension the child seat towards the floor. With Isofix, the child seats can be anchored particularly firmly in the car and reduce misuse by parents when buckling in.
Do I need an Isofix station or can I strap the child in as well?
An Isofix station is not absolutely necessary to transport a child safely in a car. Normal transport is also possible and safe without Isofix, provided certain conditions are met. However, the Isofix station can make life much easier for parents.
Incorrect belt routing is one of the most common causes of injuries to children in car accidents in normal child seats. With the Isofix Station, the seat can be anchored easily, quickly and firmly. This significantly minimises errors when parents fasten and fasten the seatbelt.
The rigid connection to the car body means that the yielding of the belt and the impact is significantly reduced in the event of an accident. In state-certified crash tests, child seats with Isofix mountings perform better and are recommended by accident insurance experts. In addition, the Isofix mount also provides better protection for the child seat when it is transported empty, i.e. without a child.
Nevertheless, there are a few disadvantages of the Isofix. Firstly, many cars do not have eyelets or brackets for attaching the station. Deep-seated retaining brackets on the car seat and sharp edges on the child seat can damage the seat covers. Secondly, Isofix stations are usually relatively expensive and not all parents can afford such a station. In addition, in most cases the Isofix can only be attached to the outer seats, although the middle place is actually preferable for safety reasons.
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