Which base to use for the Joie Baby i-Gemm2?

[NewAndConfused]

Ok, I promise I have tried but I just don't understand the differences between the bases for car seats and whether they are compatible.

We want to buy the Joie Baby i-Gemm2 Group 0+ Baby Car Seat and it says "isofix compatible" so does that mean it will fit any isofix base? Or do I have to get a specially branded one?

And how do I know if it is compatible with my car? I have a 2014 Nissan Qashqai which I know isn't great with car seats but can't figure it out.

Help!

It can be fitted in any car with isofix points. Best thing to do is go to the car seat dealers and get them to try and fit it in your car before you buy. Some of the seats in cars have deep angles so you may not realize it. Try different car seats before you buy. Hope this helps.x

I should have asked does your car have isofix points? It should as a 2014 model. Those red and black things that come out of the back seats where there are two full seats. There could be a strap covering them if you've never used them before. Have a look in your car.

No, car seats don't fit with every single base. Generally there is one base for each car seat, it will be from the same manufacturer. Actually for the Gemm 2 seat, Joie have three (!) possible bases. You can either use the Joie i-base, Joie i-base LX, or Joie i-base Advance.

The previous response is assuming you've already got a base - in theory, isofix bases can be fitted into any car that has isofix fittings. In reality it's best to consider a couple of things - if you have underfloor storage boxes in your car, this can rule out isofix bases/seats which use support legs (which is all of them in relation to infant seats). Sometimes you can get around this, but not always. The other thing to consider is whether the seats in your car are overly sloped. If they're quite sloped then some isofix bases will tilt the baby seat back so that it's really upright in relation to the rear facing position, which isn't great for newborn babies.

So the difference between the three possible bases:

Joie i-base

• Can be fitted with seatbelt or isofix
• Just for the infant seats

Joie i-base LX

• isofix only
• Can also take a toddler seat (Joie i-Quest) for later

Joie i-base Advance

• isofix only
• Has angle adjust feature for infant seats, which can help counteract sloping seats in your car.
• Can also take a toddler seat (Joie i-Venture) for later.
• Has an anti-rebound bar for use with the i-Venture, giving more leg room and better safety, but taking up more space in the car.

You can check the Joie website fit list to see whether the car seat and/or base you want to look at (and toddler seat if you want that later) has been checked as to whether it fits your car. If at all possible, take your i-Gemm to a baby store and simply ask whether you can try out one/all of the bases they have available and see how much space you end up with in the front, and what angle the baby seat ends up at.