What is ISOFIX car seat? All you need to know

Car safety includes many technical topics, among which ISOFIX. By choosing a car seat or base with ISOFIX installation point/anchors, you choose one of the safest ways for your child to travel in the car. But what is it exactly and why is it so safe? Learn everything you need to know about ISOFIX in this article. 

 

What is ISOFIX installation? 

ISOFIX is an internationally standardised car seat fitting system. It automatically locks your car seat – or car seat base – onto two metal clips (ISOFIX fixing points) between the vehicle seat of your car.  

For baby car seats, you will need an additional ISOFIX car seat base. Most first-time parents install our baby car seats correctly thanks to the easy-to-use ISOFIX base. For toddler car seats, you can either choose for a car seat that is installed with your car’s seat belt or with ISOFIX. For child car seats, you can choose for an ISOFIX car seat in addition to the seat belt, for a more stable seat.   

 

What are the benefits of ISOFIX? 

With ISOFIX, the risk of installing a car seat incorrectly is smaller, compared to using your car’s seat belt. At Maxi-Cosi we offer an ISOFIX solution in each age category: baby, toddler and child.  

Some of its benefits are:   

  • minimal risk of incorrect installation, as indicators indicate a correct installation.    
  • a permanent connection between our car seat and the car, so even if your child is not in the seat, it will always stay fixed in the car, preventing it from moving around in the back seat. More importantly, in case of a sudden brake, less force will impact on your little one.    
  • quick installation and easy removal, which is particularly convenient for baby car seats, thanks to the ISOFIX base. Click & Go installation enables you to fit our baby car seat onto the base with a simple “click” and you are ready to “go”.   

Is ISOFIX better than non-ISOFIX? 

ISOFIX car seats are produced according to the latest car seat regulation, R129, also known as i-Size. An old standard, R44, was phased out in September 2024, meaning it is not available in stores anymore. Parents who bought a car seat under this regulation before that are still allowed to use it for at least 8 years. 

Regardless of that, at Maxi-Cosi we highly recommend you choose a car seat or base with ISOFIX, since it’s the most up-to-date safety standard for car seats. 

How do I know if my car has ISOFIX? 

ISOFIX has been standard in most new cars as of 2006 and became a legal requirement in the UK since 2014, so there is a big chance that your car does have it ISOFIX. If that is the case, you will find an ISOFIX logo or label at the base of the seat. Still doubting? The easiest way to find out is through your car instruction manual.  

Have you already chosen your favourite Maxi-Cosi ISOFIX car seat, but not sure if it fits your car? Find out which of our car seats fit your car in our Car Fitting List.