Besafe izi combi - isofix or not?

[thomasina1]

Pretty much decided on this seat for my (small) 1 yo, with the aim of using it RF until she is about 2.5 then switching to FF. But I am confused about the choice between the isofix and non-isofix version. Does anyone have any experience?

It looks to me like both can be used FF and RF but maybe the non-isofix is trickier to install? Are there any other differences does anyone know?

We have an Audi A3 which I understand will take both types.

Thanks!

[reallywoundup]

no idea i'm afraid but just incase you are still undecided have a look at the recent which report on rf- i hear it is not a rosy as once believed. Other than that- essex safety centre would know more perhaps.

[Tangle]

reallywoundup - Which? scored the izicombi pretty well for crash safety, but marked it as a "don't buy" because they considered it hard to fit correctly. To me that should be a factor that individual parents need to consider against their individual circumstances (if its going to stay in one car, not too much of an issue - if it needs to be fitted in multiple cars by GPs and child minders then more concerning), but in no way shape or form does it make the seat unsafe if used correctly.

I'd 2nd talking to the ladies in Essex.

For what its worth, we have the IziSeat (non-turnable, also in an A3 ) non-Isofix and DH considers that whilst its not entirely straightforward to get in its actually pretty obvious if you have fitted it incorrectly.

[Tangle]

(btw - that comment re Which? seems to apply to all of their RF seat reviews - they don't like them because they take up more room and they can be harder to fit.)

[thomasina1]

Thanks tangle, that is useful. I suppose the isofix version is easier to fit to begin with but then you have to use the seat belt anyway when you turn it FF so I'm wondering if it is worth it. And presumably it makes the seat more bulky and heavy? Think I may well give those ladies in Essex a call as advised!

[nicm]

hi, i was looking at the besafe seats last week at www.incarsafetycentre.co.uk. they have loads you can look at if you're close enough?

the only thing they said about the seat was that the non isofix sits at a higher position that the isofix version as when you tighten the belts it pulls it down into the seat iykwim. i have a britax two way elite already and am really happy with it as it lasts to 25kgs instead of 18kgs. it is really easy to install and has fitted in every car we've tried it in.

[Adventuredad]

There is both an Isofix and non-Isofix version of this seat. I think BeSafe has caused lots of confusion in how they name their seats.....

Non-Isofix version is safe but it's a real beast. It's very heavy, needs lots of room and is not so easy to install. This seat is in very low demand since there are far better alternatives.

Izikid Isofix Combi is a good seat which is of course easy to install with Isofix. It can also be installed forward facing with seat belt 9-18 kg.

In Sweden , only the non-combi version of these seats are sold since the forward facing modes usually are too much temptation for parents. Kids this young should sit rear facing and not forward facing;-)

[thomasina1]

Adventuredad, you say
"Izikid Isofix Combi is a good seat which is of course easy to install with Isofix. It can also be installed forward facing with seat belt 9-18 kg."
So it is lighter than the non-isofix version?

Anyway, maybe I could just ask your advice as I'm happy to consider other seats (such as the Britax). The only problem is that my daughter is only 8kg currently. I have the option of keeping her in her maxi-cosi infant carrier for a while longer, but I think she would prefer the next stage seat so that she could see out a bit more.

Bearing that in mind, is the besafe combi (isofix) the best bet for us?

Thanks!

[Tangle]

I would recommend looking at the seats in your car before deciding - IIRC we tried the Brio Zento and the Britax 2-way elite & multi tech in addition to the BeSafe. Which A3 have you got? Ours is a Sportback and to us it seemed as though the rear seats have quite a steep rake on them such that a lot of RF seats have less recline than they would in a different car - we weren't happy with the way any of those 3 sat. We also felt that the BeSafe looked as though it would provide more side impact protection.

We switched DD to a Concord Ultimax (RF) at 7 months as she outgrew her infant carrier, but she was desperately unhappy in it by about 15 months. We're now over 2.5 RF in the BeSafe and she's still happy as anything

[Lucky13]

We have an A3 and the isofix BeSafe Izi combi - it does fit, but not well in the reclined position - i'm 5ft 4" and manage but it has to be upright for DH at 6ft.

It fits fine behind the passenger seat, but i find it restricts my vision, being so short - so prefer it behind the driving seat.

The isofix version is v easy to fit and is a great seat in a rear facing position. I wouldn't turn it round as i don't want to compromise safety.

It is high up so DD (2) has a clear view of all around her and she must have as she constantly tells me what she can see!

However i would leave your little one in the maxi cosi probably till she's a year old - if she still fits unless she is really unhappy.

[Lucky13]

oops - just seen she is already one - in which case then she probably would like it!

[wifeofdoom]

I have the besafe izi isofix. I've never had to move it out the car since I had it professionally fitted (and am a bit nervous of doing so since the Which report). I have a peugeot 307 and the passenger seat has to be pulled right forward which is ok for me but not great for my husband. One thing to note is that when its forward facing its no safer than a standard ff car seat and less safe than a standard isofix one (the isofix only works in rear facing mode). I think isofix is better than not isofix for all car seats front or rear facing (but I'm not an expert). I like the anchorage system in rear facing mode very much - it is very stable.

The only downside I have is that my lo has started being really really sick in the car - so may have to go front facing - if so will probably get an isofix front facer as I wasn;t all that keen on the besafe in ff mode (as non isofix).

Other than that the seat is lovely and high, lots of space for her legs, easy to get her in and out of.

it is a lot of money though - if I have to change it round I'll be pretty mad! I would say keep your dc in infant carrier as long as possible to see if they get carsick. My dd is now 14 months and still easily fits in her group 0 - head below the top - and this is what I have been using in other peoples cars.

Good luck!

[Lucky13]

Wifeofdoom - my DD went through a phase of being car sick a lot at that age especially early in the mornings. She seems fine now though - i'm not sure if it was just a phase or now as soon as we get in the car she always has a dry cracker to nibble on and a cup of juice. Touch wood she hasn't been sick in months even on really long journeys.
Hopefully its just a phase for your DD and you won't have to turn her round.

[Adventuredad]

Thomas, getting out of the baby carrier might be a good idea since kids like to see more as they grow older. If you want photos of different seats to check space in front seat, among them Izi, installed in Audi A3 then please send me an email at [email protected]

Isofix version of Izi is slightly lighter than the non isofix version although both are very heavy. I don't understand the comment about being afraid to move and re-install Izikid Isofix??? It takes 30 seconds to install this seat and it's almost impossible to make a mistake