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?
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.