i-Size car seats: What you need to know
i-Size car seats are a popular and common choice for parents, here's what you need to know
All car seats are approved to a regulation, meaning they must pass certain tests before they can go on sale. The new European standard for child car seats, known as i-Size, forms part of regulation ECE R129. Therefore, i-Size seats are becoming more popular with parents but there are some things you need to look out for.
What to look for
If you’re looking to buy an i-Size car seat, you’ll need to check the list of approved vehicles that fit the seat and check the fitting in your car. You will need to check your child’s height rather than weight to ensure the seat is the correct size.
Need to know
If your baby's car seat is approved to the R44.04 rule (ie not i-Size), then you don’t need to buy another one. If you buy an i-Size seat, advise says to keep your baby rearward facing for as long as you can, and to keep your baby in the lowest group seat for as long as possible. It's not advised to upgrade to the next stage seat too soon.
Checklist
- Check your car is compatible with an i-Size car seat.
- Be sure to know your child’s height when choosing an i-Size seat.
- Check for the i-size/ECE R129 label.