Became a parent recently? Eager to know how to secure your baby while traveling? Have you ever tried to install a car seat but were unsure whether it was done correctly? Here comes into the picture ISOFIX. Read more to clear your air of doubts with regards to baby car safety. You have perfectly landed at the right place. Our article will guide you through the concept of ISOFIX and its vast uses.

What is ISOFIX?

For starters, ISOFIX is the abbreviation of“International Organization for StandardizationStandard ISO 13216”. In technical terms, ISOFIX is an internationally standardized car seat fitting system that automatically locks your car seat as well as its base. It gets attached to two metal alligator-like clips, known as anchor points between the vehicle seat of your car. In laymen's language, ISOFIX is a safe & better alternative to the usual seat belts. Itcovers both Group 0/0+ and Group 1 child safety seats. So, say goodbye to the traditional seat belts. 

As per the European standard,ISOFIXalsohasvarious installation categories which are as follows. 

•   Universal – Can be used universally on top oftether strapwith theISOFIXanchorage
•   Vehicle-specific - Can be used on the of a toptether strapwith theISOFIXanchorage on specific vehicles only
•   Semi-universal - Usage of theISOFIXanchorage together with a ‘foot-prop’ 

Designed to secure a maximum combined weight of 33 kg of both the seat and child, ISOFIX is safe for your baby. As a matter of fact, the center-to-center distance between the anchors of ISOFIX systems must be 280 mm.

How can parents use it?

Parents can use ISOFIX based on the age of their baby. The differentiated usage is as listed below.

•   For baby car seats, install a separate car seat base to use ISOFIX
•   For toddler car seats, either choose for a car seat that is installed with your car’s seat belt or with ISOFIX
•   For child car seats, choose an ISOFIX car seat in addition to the seat belt, for a more stable seat

Know the Uses of ISOFIX

ISO 13216-1 recommends a universal system for anchoring child restraint systems to vehicles.Listed below are some of the uses of ISOFIX.

The purpose is to, particularly by improve the convenience of installation & reduce the risk of misuse.

•   Minimal risk of incorrect installation, as the marked or coded indicators makes for a correct installation
•   Decrease the risk of accidents - Improve the overall safety performance of child restraints
•   Protects from Neck Injury - Apermanent connection between our car seat & the car, in case of a sudden brake, less force will impact your baby
•   Quick installation -  Easy removal, which is particularly convenient for baby car seats, thanks to the ISOFIX base.

Does my car have ISOFIX?

Now, the question comes how to know whether your car has ISOFIX or not. Refer to the following points to get your answer.

•   ISOFIX has been a standard in most new cars as of 2006
•   At least 60% of all European cars have ISOFIX, so there is a big chance that yours will have it too
•   The easiest way to find out, is to check the user manual of your car
•   In case your car does have ISOFIX, you will find an ISOFIX logo or label at the base of the seat

How to fit an ISOFIX base or car seat? 

For your little one’s safety, it is crucial to install our ISOFIX base or ISOFIX car seat properly. Follow the below 3 steps, to make sure your little ones travel safely.

•   Pull out the ISOFIX fixing points from the base or car seat
•   Place the base or car seat on the back seat of your car
•   You’ll hear a “click” sound when this has been done properly 
•   Push the car seat firmly against the backrest to lock the 2 fixing points onto the metal clips of the vehicle seat
•   For the peace of mind of parents, some ISOFIX bases & car seats have a color indicator to confirm a correct fit. This assures you that your little one is safely installed in the car at all times

How to fit an ISOFIX base or car seat - Legs and tethers

•   Did you know that ISOFIX bases & ISOFIX toddler seats have a third fixing point? They either have a support leg or top tether that needs to be installed as well.  
•  Support legs and top tethers are designed to prevent the base or car seat from moving forward in case of a crash. Only ISOFIX child seats are safely secured with the 2 fixing points only.  
•  Installation of support leg:  

1. Pull it down, adjust it to the right height and position it on the floor of the car.  
2. Make sure the leg is stable against the floor when you lock it firmly in position. 

•  Installation of top tether:  

1. Clip the yellow hook onto the ISOFIX fixing point on the boot floor of your car.  
2. Make sure to firmly tighten the tether. 

•  Just like the two ISOFIX fixings on the vehicle seat, our bases and car seats have colors indicators to confirm when the support leg or top tether is correctly installed. 
•  If you use a support leg, for your little one’s safety it is important to check whether the floor of the car has a floor storage compartment. If so, double-check the user manual of our car seat to find out how to install the support leg in combination with the compartment.