i-Size demystified

There has been much written recently about the new i-Size legislation, if you are still confused read this!

Many people on our Facebook page remain confused whenever a discussion about car seat regulations appears and there seems to be a particular problem when the focus shifts to  i-Size. We decided to have a chat with Maxi-Cosi to get under the skin of what these regulations actually mean to you. Here is what you need to know.

What is i-Size?

The i-Size legislation (R129) was introduced in July 2013. This legislation currently runs alongside the familiar EN44/04 legislation that all seats produced since 2005 adhere to.

i-Size legislation is designed to deliver seats with an higher standard of safety and provides a definitive time for to you move your child from rear to forward facing.

We have a current regulation, why introduce another one?

Good point, however this is a question of safety. Many parents move their baby to a forward-facing car seat too early, typically at around 9 months . This is because the R44/04 legislation uses a confusing weight-group categorisation that can be mistakenly understood to allow parents to move their baby to a forward-facing car seat at 9 months. Many parents mistakenly believe that the child outgrows the seat when their child’s feet stick out of the car seat. The new regulation helps avoid this premature switch by stipulating that i-Size rearward facing child car seats are necessary for children up to the age of 15 months.

 

Are the car seats still categorised in groups?

Yes but i-Size car seats will be classified according to the length/height of the child rather than weight to make it easier for parents to choose the right car seat for their child.

The i-Size legislation states a child should remain in their rear-facing i-Size seat until 15 months old why?

Simple. This is designed to remove any doubt about when you should move your child from the i-Size seat to a forward facing seat. Research has shown that travelling rearward facing to at least 15 months is safer because baby’s head is relatively heavy during the first year and the neck is not strong enough to withstand the impact of a frontal collision.

My current seat is a non-i-size seat can I still use it?

Yes. All seats sold in the UK conform to EN44 or i-Size. You can continue to use seats covered by both sets of regulations. 

Is it only the age / weight regulation that is different?

No, i-Size seats must currently be ISOFIX which has less chance of being incorrectly fitted and i-Size seats have to pass more intensive side impact tests.

The current regulation does not cover side impact, but it should be said that many car seat manufacturers including Maxi-Cosi rigorously test for side impact during the design and development process of all of their car seats.

ISOFIX almost eliminates incorrect seat fixing. In a recent survey it was discovered that 52% of the belted seats checked, were incorrectly fitted. Incredibly 27% of these had major faults!

 

Should I go and buy and an i-Size seat to replace my current infant carrier?

This is personal choice, we would always recommend that you should place your child in the safest seat that best fits your child and car. Whether you replace your current seat is a decision only you can make. 

In summary, the i-Size legislation is developing safer seats that eliminate the dilemma of when your child should parent face and that can only be a good thing. It can be summarised with 5 points.

1. i-Size seats must currently be ISOFIX .

2. There are a range of increase tests for side impact.

3. i-Size dictates you cannot move your child to a forward facing seat until they are 15 months old.

4. i-Size car seats will fit most cars with ISOFIX (subject to checking a car fitting list).

5. All i-Size car seats will be classified by the length/height of the child rather than weight to make it easier for parents to choose the car seat which is best for their child.

If you want to know more, pop over to the Maxi-Cosi website where you will find a host of information about the i-Size regulations.

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