Learn about the ISOFIX safety standard – Chilux

Car manufacturers rarely incorporate baby seats into their car designs. To protect children from collisions, baby car seats are becoming more and more popular. Currently, seat belts and ISOFIX are two ways to install baby car seats.

So what is ISOFIX? ISOFIX is the name of the international standard, about the connection point, when using a child seat in a car. It is researched and regulated by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

In addition, ISOFIX has other names in some countries. Specifically, in the United States people call by LATCH; in Canada, LUAS or Canfix. UCSSS (Universal Child Safety Seat System) is also another name for this system.

The purpose of researching and forming ISOFIX standards is to install baby car seats easily and accurately to best protect the baby in his car.

How is ISOFIX designed and how many types are there?

In Europe, baby car seats according to ISOFIX standards are classified into 3 types: Universal, Vehicle-Specific and Semi-Universal.

Firstly, the “Universal” baby car seat has 1 seat belt on top and 2 ISOFIX bars parallelly arranged to the bottom of the seat.

The “Vehicle-Specific” type is designed with 2 ISOFIX parallel bars at the bottom of the seat but not equipped with a seat belt above. And this type only applies to certain vehicle models.

For the “Semi-universal” type, there are 2 ISOFIX bars located on the bottom of the seat and a sturdy stand to secure the baby car seat with the car’s floor.

This means that, in order to be installed using the ISOFIX system, both the existing car seat and the baby car seat must be designed in accordance with ISOFIX standards.

How are car seats according to ISOFIX standards designed?

The design of 3 types of baby car seats in Europe all have 2 ISOFIX bars, corresponding car seats must also have at least 2 ISOFIX locking points.

These two points are usually identified by a label with the word ISOFIX or a small round symbol with a sitting baby icon. It is arranged in the passenger seat of the car, in the junction between the back and the seat cushion.

If only looking at the appearance, many people will think, with such a small connection point, how to bear the weight of the baby and the baby seat itself? In fact, it looks small, but it is a whole system of connections and is firmly welded by the car manufacturer to the car chassis, complying with the ISOFIX standard specified by ISO.

How to install an ISOFIX baby car seat?

Installing 2 ISOFIX bars on all 3 types of baby seats ISOFIX standard is the same. Installers only need to open the 2 ISOFIX mounting bars, then place the ISOFIX fastener in the correct position on the car seat, then push in until they are firmly connected. But for “Universal” and “Semi-Universal”, users must connect 1 more safety point.

In addition to the 2 ISOFIX mounting points as mentioned, with the “Universal” type seat, users need to find 1 more ISOFIX point on the car seat (usually on the back of the seat) to anchor the seat belt.

With the “Semi-Universal” type, users must release the sturdy stand to mount it on the car floor to avoid baby tilting or rotating in collisions.

How to install a ISOFIX baby car seat for a car that is not ISOFIX certified?

Since September 2002, the US has required that car manufacturers in this country must design 3 anchor points on each car seat according to ISOFIX standards. The Australian Government legalized the use of baby car seats under ISOFIX standards since 19 September 2014.

According to regulation 14 of the European Economic Commission (ECE), all vehicles manufactured and used in Europe since February 2013, are required to be equipped with 3 fixed points (including 2 lower anchors and 1 upper tether) according to ISOFIX standards.

This means that most car seats available today are designed according to ISOFIX standards. However, for some reasons, there are still some cars that are not designed to this standard. And if your car doesn’t have an ISOFIX system, use a seat belt instead.

Hopefully the above information will help parents have an overview of the ISOFIX standard so that they can secure their babies with quality and safe baby car seats.

Chilux is now providing European standard baby car seats of ISOFIX standard type: “Universal” and “Semi – Universal”, to learn more details about the product, please visit the website Chilux.sg or contact Hotline: 0388 922 442 for immediate support.

In addition, while using the Chilux baby car seat, if you have any questions about the product, please call the Customer Service Center Hotline / Whatsapp: +65 8902 9672 for support