The child car seat market is changing rapidly, with new technology, fabrics and product features enhancing the performance and ease of use of child car seats, however it is vital that parents and carers do not become blasé about child car seat safety warns one of the UK's leading retailers of child car seats.

Halfords has trained more than 2,000 child car seat specialists in stores nationwide in the demonstration and free fitting of child car and booster seats, a service which the retailer feels is as important as ever in the campaign to ensure child safety in cars. 

As one of the most widely known developments in child car seat safety in recent years, ISOFIX provides a fantastic solution to many common child car seat fitting problems, however it is important to remember that it is not a ‘cure all' solution.   Whether using ISOFIX fitting anchors or fitting a child car seat in the standard way, if a seat is not the right size for the child, the right seat for the car, or is not used or fitted correctly, then it will not provide maximum protection in the event of a crash, even at low speeds.

Gold Trained Child Seat Fitter, Anne Council explains, ‘The introduction of ISOFIX as well as other technological developments is a great step forward for child seat safety, and we certainly welcome such improvements.  However, as with standard fit child car seats, not all ISOFIX seats are compatible with all cars featuring ISOFIX points.  There is simply no substitute for the care and attention that a child seat fitting specialist, parent or carer can provide.'

‘The recent introduction of improved child seat legislation in 2006 and the ever increasing range of child car seats and booster seats available can make choosing the right seat a daunting task, but it need not be a minefield.'

Top Tips for Successful ISOfix Fitting

When fitting any ISOFIX child car seat or booster seat, always check the manufacturers handbook for compatibility of the seat and/or base with the vehicle you are fitting the seat into. 

Only those listed in the handbook have been crash tested for safe use in the specific make/model of the vehicle.  It is also advisable to cross check this information on the manufacturer's website.

GROUP 0 ISOFIX Infant Carriers (birth to nine months or up to approx 13kg) 

ISOFIX fitments are featured on a fixed base (available separately) which anchors to the vehicle to provide a stable and easy fit for the infant carrier. 

To secure the ISOFIX base it is important to make sure that the supporting leg of the base is extended adequately and is resting on a solid flat surface. 

The green indicator should be visible once the seat is attached to the ISOFIX anchor points.  Once the base is secure, the infant carrier will simply slot into place on the base. 

To ensure the infant carrier is positioned correctly, check that the green indicator is clearly visible.  Pull on the handle of the infant carrier to ensure it is firmly in place, and if there is any movement, remove and reposition.

GROUP 1+ ISOFIX child seats and booster seats (nine months to 12 years or approx 9-36kg)

Push the seat's ISOFIX fitments firmly into the vehicle's ISOFIX anchor points until you hear a click and the green indicator becomes visible. 

Pull firmly on the seat in a forward action to check the fit.  If you have checked and confirmed that you have the correct ISOFIX child car seat or booster for the vehicle and are still unable to achieve a secure fit, you may need to invest in a ‘top tether' to secure your seat. This extra strap attaches to the back of the child car seat and anchors to the car and should be used in addition to the ISOFIX points.

If after following these steps carefully, the correct fit cannot be achieved, choose an alternative seat. 

Once the ISOFIX base and/or seat is fitted it is important to carry out the same checks as you would with a standard fit seat, such as checking for ‘buckle crunch', adjusting the harness, and checking that the adult seat is properly routed or positioned according to the manufacturers instructions. 

What's new in ISOFIX? 

The Britax Explora ISOFIX Ultra child car seat is priced from £219.98 and is suitable for children aged nine months to four years (approx 9-18kg).

Suitable for children aged four to12 years (approx 15-36kg), the Britax Evolva, 2,3 ISOFIT Ultra high back booster seat anchors the booster seat directly to the car. 

The Maxi Cosi Cabrio Easy Fix Base priced £99.99 provides secure ISOFIX fitting for the Maxi Cosi Cabriofix Infant Carrier, priced from £104.99.