Compatibility
Not every child seat fits every car, so it is very important to check the seat is compatible before you buy it. You need to check compatibility for every single car the seat will be fitted into - it would be very frustrating if you check your own car, but find the seat is not compatible with the grandparents car after buying it!
Common incompatibility/fitting issues:
Not every child seat fits every car, so it is very important to check the seat is compatible before you buy it. You need to check compatibility for every single car the seat will be fitted into - it would be very frustrating if you check your own car, but find the seat is not compatible with the grandparents car after buying it!
Common incompatibility/fitting issues:
Buckle crunch: This is where you have a seat belt buckle that sticks right out of the vehicle seat on a long stalk. If the plastic buckle sits on or over the frame of the child seat it is an incompatible fit
Short seat belts: Sometimes the seat belt will not be long enough to fit around the infant carrier. In this situation you need a compatible base or a different seat. This can also be an issue with some impact shield seats and some Group 123 seats.
Floor Storage boxes: You cannot rest a support leg on top of a floor storage box.
NOTE: there a SOME car and child seat combinations that have been authorised as safe - check the fitting list for the child seat and car.
NOTE: there a SOME car and child seat combinations that have been authorised as safe - check the fitting list for the child seat and car.
Top Tether points: Not every car with ISOfix has this, but some seats require you to use one. These are commonly misused, fitted to the wrong point or not used at all. Check the car compatibility list and your vehicle manual to find out if you need to use the top tether and where to fit it.
Places to get compatibility checked
Britax: www.britax.co.uk/fitfinder
Maxi Cosi: http://www.maxi-cosi.co.uk/gb-en/products/car-seats/car-fitting.aspx
Ask Me! on the contacts page
Good Egg Guide: http://www.goodeggcarsafety.com/ukincar/incar/expert
Britax: www.britax.co.uk/fitfinder
Maxi Cosi: http://www.maxi-cosi.co.uk/gb-en/products/car-seats/car-fitting.aspx
Ask Me! on the contacts page
Good Egg Guide: http://www.goodeggcarsafety.com/ukincar/incar/expert
Child compatibility
Child seats don't just have to be compatible to the car, they also have to be compatible to the child - see the Seat Stages section to learn about what seat is suitable for what weight child.