i-Size - Making car travel safer for babies and toddlers

In the summer of 2013, a new EU safety legislation came into effect with the purpose of increasing safety levels of car travel for children up to 15 months. i-Size, as the legislation is known, regulates that babies must now travel in rear-facing car seats for at least the first 15 months, instead of the previously recommended 9 - 12 months.

Why is rear-facing travel safer?

Research confirms the fact that babies and young children are safer when travelling in a rear-facing car seat. A baby under 15 months does not have strong enough neck muscles to withstand an average head-on collision and rear-facing travel ensures the impact from a collision is spread across the body rather than just placing pressure on the head and neck.

What else does i-Size affect?

A recent UK survey found that 52% of all child seats secured with the car seat-belt were incorrectly installed. In order to minimize wrongly-installed car seats, i-Size approved seats will use the ISOFIX system, where car seats are installed with a simple 'click and go' process.  (Since 2012, all car manufacturers have had to include ISOFIX anchor points in any new vehicles).

i-Size car seats also require a specific level of side-impact protection - this was not included in the previous legislation. 

Do I have to change my child's car seat to an i-Sized approved one?

i-Size regulation will run side by side with the previous legislation for now. This means that you can continue to buy ECE R44/04 regulation car seats or use your current rear-facing car seat, but remember to keep it rear-facing until your child is at least 15 months old.  The i-Size seats give an extra-safe option when you are choosing a new car seat for your child.

Where can I buy an i-Size infant car seat?

Maxi Cosi have just introduced their 2WayPearl i-Size car seat, which is now available at Born stores. The 2WayPearl is a second stage car seat which can be used to provide rearward travel up to the age of 4 years. It attaches quickly and easily to the 2WayFix i-Size base which uses the ISOFIX system of click and go.  You can use the 2WayFix base with the Maxi Cosi Pebble infant carrier or the new Pebble Plus too, giving you complete rear-facing travel from birth to 4!

The Maxi Cosi 2WayFamily products are only available to buy in our stores - please contact us for more information.

The Maxi Cosi Pebble car seat is a popular choice with Born customers due to it's compatibilty with many of our pushchairs.