Hello,

Yes, I know there's load of threads on this subject, but I can't find the answer I'm looking for. Some of the threads say 'you should visit your local baby store to see what fits', but there are no such stores in my area. So, can someone please just give me a straight answer?

My wife and I bought a used Cooper S today and pick it up tomorrow. It's a late 2004 54 plate model, the one with the 'face-lifted' back and front lights and 170 bhp model. I don't know if those Isofix attachment things are included on this model (but its got two plastic opening things on the back seat). Baby is due in October and we bought a Quinny Zapp pushchair today. Now I'm looking to buy a Maxi Cosi chair - which fits both Mini and Zapp. So here's the questions:

1. Is there just one Maxi Cosi seat or are there several for new-borns? If so, which one fits both Mini and Zapp?
2. Does my Mini have the Isofix fixing points? If so, what attachments do I have to buy to fix the car seat in place? If it has no fixing points, what attachments are required?
3. Look, I'm new to all of this, a first time father and all of that so please excuse me if I'm coming over all dim! All the Maxi Cosi seats I've seen all seem to be rear-facing (so baby's view is through the back window). Is this because it's safer that way? If it doesn't make any difference, can the Maxi Cosi be fitted so it's front-facing?

All answers would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Have worked out that the Maxi Cosi Cabrio Fix is the way to go, but the choice of base remains the problem. Should it be an 'Easy Base' or an 'Easy Fix'? The Easy Fix is the one with Isofix system, but does anyone know if this one will fit a 54 plate Mini Cooper S?

your mini has the isofix the locating brackets are about 2 inches down from the plastic covers ;)

Easy fix base is what you need to hook onto your Isofix connectors. ;)

The other thing to consider is that you've brought a Zapp, and product which is only suitable for a child of 6 months + with no recline positions, and then you're expecting your new baby to sit in the car seat when in the car and then on the pushchair? You do realise that its not recommended to leave a baby in a car seat for more than 2hrs? So what you have is not a permanent all day all time solution for a newborn baby.

You need a pushchair which is also suitable from birth as well as a car seat if you want your child to be comfortable and develop correctly as the curvature of a car seat is not suitable for a developing spin or for a babies breathing, they have to be lying flat.

If you don't believe me have a read up on the subject;)

Is it safe to let my baby sleep in his car seat? (http://www.babycentre.co.uk/baby/safety/carseatsleepexpert/)

BBC News | HEALTH | Car seat danger to new babies (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1526517.stm)

BBC NEWS | Health | Baby car seat 'cot death' concern (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6216892.stm)

Hi. A new born baby will need a rear facing seat because they wont be able to hold themselves up to take the force of when you stop.. i.e. they will flop forward and no doubt hurt their neck. All new born seats should be rear facing ( dont even try front facing because it is dangerous for a new born!! ) I used a Recaro Profi which was excellent. when they get a bit older and stronger you can use a front facing, this also depends on height and weight (which the shop will guide you on) which I am using now and I have a Maxi Cosi in my MK2 and that is great, the car has iso fix but this seat uses the normal belt. MINI sell seats designed for the MINI and they are iso fix. If you can't get to a 'baby store' then Halfords do a good range of seats and they will try them in the car for you. I found them to be very helpful. Hope that helps. Peter