Car Seat & Booster Seat

WHAT DOES I-SIZE & ECE R44 MEAN?

ECE R44-03 or ECE R44-04 approval indicates that the car seat or booster seat is approved for use in the car. Back in 2013, the "new" safety standard came into effect, namely I-Size. I-Size imposes, among other things, requirements on how long children should sit rear-facing. The I-Size regulation is called UN R129 and comes in several phases:

UN R129 (2013): New requirements for baby and toddler car seats

UN R129-02 (2017): Significant changes and new requirements for car seats/booster seats, we have highlighted the most important changes below:

• The classification of car seats has changed from weight to height. This means that the division is based on the child's height, rather than weight alone.
• New criteria for side impact testing before car seat approval. This means that all car seats must provide good head and body protection to be approved. (ECE R44 approved car seats are also side impact tested)
• Only car seats with a backrest will be approved, as a properly designed backrest is crucial for protecting the child correctly.
• Car seats can only be approved under the new regulation if children up to 15 months can be transported rear-facing.

CAN I STILL BUY/USE SEATS OR BOOSTER SEATS WITH ECE R44-04 APPROVAL?

YES, you can safely do so! You can still use your old car seat with R44-04 or R44-03 approval. You can also still buy these without any reason for concern. As seats with these approvals are still tested and approved under this regulation. Therefore, it does not mean that the seat is more dangerous or less safe than new car seats with I-Size approval.

HOW DO I INSTALL AN I-SIZE APPROVED CAR SEAT?

An I-Size approved car seat is installed in the car's isofix mounts, in the same way as a regular isofix car seat.

I HAVE ISOFIX MOUNTS IN MY CAR, CAN I USE AN I-SIZE CAR SEAT?

Maybe. It depends on the space in the car, as I-Size car seats are typically larger than regular isofix car seats. Many newer cars have I-Size approved seats, this will be indicated in the car if that is the case. If you are buying a new car, you can always ask your dealer if this is the case. It is still possible to use Isofix car seats on I-Size approved seats.

CAN I USE AN I-SIZE APPROVED CAR SEAT IN A CAR WITHOUT ISOFIX MOUNTS?

No, you cannot. I-Size approved car seats can only be used in isofix mounts.

WHAT SIZES ARE AVAILABLE WITHIN I-SIZE?

An I-Size car seat can be approved within the height limit set by the manufacturer and for which approval is sought. However, you must also be aware of the maximum allowed weight.