[Grenadiers]

In our 2004 Cooper there is no ISOFIX. How big a problem is that for the transport of small children?

Is ISOFIX just practial (allowing the fixation of child-seat withoug using the rear seat-belt) or is it also a safety-factor?

If the first is the case, I'm not worried. But if ISOFIX is safer than fixing the seat with the seat-belt, It's not so good...

[OJM]

From this website, it seems to be mostly practicality, but also mentions extra solidity between the child seat and car seat;

Child Car Seats : Safety Standards : ISOFIX

[Paul]

Both is the short answer.

First of all it is easier to fit the car seat 100% correctly, it is VERY hard to be 100% confident you've done this using a belt system.

Also, as it is physically attached to the car, it is (so I've read/been advised) more solidly and securely attached.

Personally, I find it a very reassuring thing to have.

[Grenadiers]

Thanks for input!

I read a post in the forum saying that it is impossible to fit a rear-facing seat in the back (which I guess is the thing for newly-born) and still have room for a passenger (wife or me...) in the front. Is this right? If so, what to do the first couple of months, when there's need for baby + two adults onboard?

[Paul]

Not so. We used a BMW (MINI) ISOFIX rear facing seat from birth and Abi (my wife) could sit in the front. There are other choices too, I believe there's a thread on here somewhere about the options.

[RooniusMaximus]

I can't give you a definitive answer, but I can relate to you what we were told when we bought ours.

ISOFIX makes it, like you said, idiot proof to to install. So, assuming everything else was the same (seat design), an ISOFIX seat is likely to be 'better'. The problem is that because ISOFIX has this additional feature, it can artificially inflate the rating of a particular seat.

So, if you had two seats, with a similar rating (but of different design), it's possible that the ISOFIX version had been given a higher rating due to the fixing rather than the safety of the seat. And that in the event of an impact, it may be worse for a baby than a correctly fitted non-ISOFIX seat. ie it 'might' not be as padded for the head.

Of course these were all theoretical arguments or points and at the end of the day you have to make a choice that you're comfortable with.

In the end, we looked at both, but took the advice given and ended up with a very well designed, non-ISOFIX seat. When correctly installed, there was really no movement.

Does all that make sense?

[mini-millie-n-dan]

Quote: Originally Posted by RooniusMaximus (original)

I can't give you a definitive answer, but I can relate to you what we were told when we bought ours.

ISOFIX makes it, like you said, idiot proof to to install. So, assuming everything else was the same (seat design), an ISOFIX seat is likely to be 'better'. The problem is that because ISOFIX has this additional feature, it can artificially inflate the rating of a particular seat.

So, if you had two seats, with a similar rating (but of different design), it's possible that the ISOFIX version had been given a higher rating due to the fixing rather than the safety of the seat. And that in the event of an impact, it may be worse for a baby than a correctly fitted non-ISOFIX seat. ie it 'might' not be as padded for the head.

Of course these were all theoretical arguments or points and at the end of the day you have to make a choice that you're comfortable with.

In the end, we looked at both, but took the advice given and ended up with a very well designed, non-ISOFIX seat. When correctly installed, there was really no movement.

Does all that make sense?

Thats kind of what I thought too RM. I;m sure I've read on mini2 a non Isofix is just as safe as an Isofix provided it is fitted correctly. Isofix was introduced to illiminate incorrectly fitted seats.
What I didn't really appreciate before getting involved in the postings on mini2 is that different seats have different ratings for safety. They all obviously have to meet the safety standards but others better than others. Rakey is a good souce of info/advice.
Just bought the Maxi Cosi Tobi and very pleased with it!

[Roofas]

Buying a child seat is just mind-boggling!! Been trapsing around John Lewis, Halfords, online, etc and I'm finding it really hard to find the right seat for our first due in August. Is there any chance we could have a sticky recommending the best seats (from Mini2 users) for 0-1yr, 1-2yrs, etc, etc?

[RooniusMaximus]

Quote: Originally Posted by Roofas (original)

Buying a child seat is just mind-boggling!! Been trapsing around John Lewis, Halfords, online, etc and I'm finding it really hard to find the right seat for our first due in August. Is there any chance we could have a sticky recommending the best seats (from Mini2 users) for 0-1yr, 1-2yrs, etc, etc?

There is a sticky, but it's far from comprehensive.

And so much depends on the size of your little 'un. For instance, my daughter has long legs, so when sitting behind me, there isn't always room.

[Lucky Dave]

I have retro fitted isofix to many minis, most have the nut certs already in and the brackets just bolt in with 8 bolts. The lower seat base can either be modified or exchanged for an iso ready one.

[Roofas]

Quote: Originally Posted by RooniusMaximus (original)

There is a sticky, but it's far from comprehensive.

And so much depends on the size of your little 'un. For instance, my daughter has long legs, so when sitting behind me, there isn't always room.

Damn, must be going blind! I didn't even see that sticky

[Grenadiers]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lucky Dave (original)

I have retro fitted isofix to many minis, most have the nut certs already in and the brackets just bolt in with 8 bolts. The lower seat base can either be modified or exchanged for an iso ready one.

My cooper is a february 2004-model, non ISOFIX. What do I look for to see if I can easily retrofit ISOFIX, and are the parts available through BMW?

...and what is a "nut cert"??

[Electric Blue]

BMW refused to retro fit ISO FIX for me. wish I had known someone would do it, I would probably still have the car now if that had been the case. I have to admit I prefer ISO FIX as the amount of incorrectly fitted seats you see when you drive around is unreal. I KNOW my seats are in right, and its worth the extra for that piece of mind.