Isofix

[1987Laura]

Hey all. So i ordered my pram and isofix on friday. I didn't realise that isofix aren't always compatible with all cars. Ive looked it up and the one im getting in the bundle isn't compatible with my car nor my partners. What i'm wondering is if these are essential? Is it ok to just use the seatbelt?

You can just use a seat belt but it is more of a faff and it's not as safe. However, if the isofix isn't compatible, the seat may not be either.

I thought any car seat would go into any car if it's getting strapped in with a seatbelt?

I wouldn't buy a bundle with an isofix base if I couldn't fit it, they're expensive! I think either your car has isofix or it doesn't, it's not that some isofix seats will be compatible and some won't.

If the seat is one that can be belted in then it'll work in any car. I'd talk to the shop about changing your order as it sounds like you'll be wasting money.

Some car seats are isofix only so can't be fitted with a seatbelt.

For some you can get a isofix like base which is fixed with a seatbelt but then the car seat and be clipped in and out of if. Like this one

www.halfords.com/kids-zone/car-seats/car-seat-bases/cosatto-hold-base?cm_mmc=Google+PLA_--Car+Seats--Car+Seat+Bases--976126&istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istItemId=wiiipawmp&istBid=tztx&_$ja=tsid:94971|cid:865695748|agid:43902125495|tid:pla-327745032230|crid:202397318334|nw:g|rnd:7559660203208447373|dvc:m|adp:1o1|mt:|loc:9046681&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7LDituXv3gIVrrvtCh2TogfsEAQYASABEgLPefD_BwE

The shape of car seats means that not all car seats fit into all cars. I am very particular about car seats as not all car seats are equal and would rather have the safest option.

Sorry link doesn't seem to work, this is the photo

When i ordered it i genuinely believed all isofix basea were compatible with all cars with isofix. I was in mamas and papas today for an event and they said they aren't. I tried to email kiddies kingdom to cancel the isofix but the message sending thing on the websote didn't work

We were able to get isofix anchor points fitted in our car, it was a small job and meant we could use isofix car seats. Worth looking into.

I'm sure it's the cosatto port car seat and isofix i've ordered

@1987laura cosatto have a bit on their website where you can check if your car seat can be fitted into your car.

www.cosatto.com/car-seat-fit-checker

Yeah i had a look on there and the isofix doesnt fit so will have to send it back when i get it x

Not all car seats fit with all cars, even if just belted in.

We used to have a ford focus and hardly any car seats fit in them. I also had to buy the isofix points and fit them to the seats myself, it was actually pretty easy.

I have a MK 7 golf and my man has an Audi S3. The isofix that goes with the car seat isnt compatible with either isofix bits in the cars

Please ignore Chardeemacdennis1. A belted car seat is absolutely just as safe as an isofix carseat, as long as it's done correctly. You can indeed install the cossato port with just the seatbelt. Video for installation here.

Isofix install is generally quicker and easier, but certainly not safer than a correctly belt installed seat.

Thank you so much xx

All isofix points are the same distance apart. What makes an isofix base incompatible is the angle the base sits on the car seat and that can make the baby car seat sit at the wrong angle and therefore unsafe.

A belted seat is just as safe as iso fix. Cosatto seats aren't great though (minimal testing and some seats have had bad independent reviews due to the chemicals used in the fabric). Personally I'd send it all back and buy a different one.

Please ignore Chardeemacdennis1. A belted car seat is absolutely just as safe as an isofix

If they're not safer why are they trying to introduce them as standard. All modern cars have to have isofix points now.

If they're not safer why are they trying to introduce them as standard

They are not inherently safer, their use is encouraged as it reduces (not negates) the potential for user error and incorrect fitting.

Not all belted seats fit all cars either, the very best thing to do is to get a trained person to try seats in your car before buying. Local independent shops are the best for this.

@Chardeemacdennis1 they are only safer in the sense that they are less likely to be fitted incorrectly. A correctly fitted seatbelt car seat is just as safe as a correctly fitted isofix one.

Former car seat fitter here! Isofix is not safer than belted if the car seat has been belted correctly. What isofix does do is remove the room for error. Although most car seats which are belted should fit most cars as a previous poster said it does depend on the angle of your seats the car seat base etc wether it truly fits. I would always recommend a trained fitter checking the fit of the seat in your car.