Is the seat I purchased compatible with my car?

Some car seats are equipped with the latest fastening systems, for example, isofix fastening systems, top tether or strut. These fastening systems are known to ensure very high safety for your child. On the other hand, not all cars have the necessary equipment to use this type of fastener. In addition, since July 2013 a new ECE standard, i-Size, has been introduced which is gradually replacing the R44 standard, used for old car models and car seats.
We tell you everything you need to know to make sure your car seat is compatible with your car and that your child is properly protected.

Why can my car be incompatible with my car seat? The different possibilities

• The car seat is equipped with an isofix system (2 or 3 points) and the car is not equipped,
• The car seat is equipped with a 3-point isofix system (with top attachment) and the car only has 2-point isofix,
• The car seat has a post, like this Sweety Fox model, but your car has the box on the ground at the foot of the rear side seats (the posts must absolutely be installed on a solid floor)
• The seat has a strut and the car has a drive bridge (in front of the rear center square) on which a strut may not be stable.
• The front passenger seat airbag cannot be deactivated
• The seat is too big for the car and will not fit
• The vehicle belts are too short ...
  
  And this list is not exhaustive! Your car may not be compatible with your car seat, except in the cases listed above.

See also

Isofix system or others: what is the best fixing for the car seat?

The safest car seats according to crash tests

I want to verify that my car seat is compatible with my vehicle:

There are two options:

First, go to the site of a car seat manufacturer, some offer a list of car seats that matches your child based on their age and / or weight, and based on your car. Be careful, however, as the list of vehicles is limited to cars that have been tested for car seats. If your car does not appear, it does not necessarily mean that the car seat is not compatible with it, but perhaps it has not been tested. .
Also pay attention to these sites because the list does not always take into account the length of the seat belts and the height under the ceiling.

So, remember to consult your car's manual. In fact, on this you will find all the necessary information regarding the use of a car seat. For example, if your car has a floor box and your car seat has a pillar, some machines allow you to position the pillar inside the of the floor box.

© yaoinlove / getty

What are my options if my machine has a floor box?

The first, rather obvious solution is to choose a car seat that is not equipped with a post. You will find many on the market, while still guaranteeing excellent safety for your child.

Secondly, some car seats are equipped with a strut, but this does not necessarily occur on the floor box, but later on. You can then ask to test the seat directly in the shop. Some machines even offer to put the riser in the box.
Thirdly, some car manufacturers offer floor plasterers. Inquire directly with the dealer for more information about it.

It is also possible to use the center seat in the back, which is never equipped with a floor box and is known to ensure good safety for your child.

Finally, some car seats are equipped with a top attachment system that replaces the post. The top is a strap on the back of the car seat that will be secured in the trunk of your vehicle. There are several possible positions depending on the vehicle: on the back, behind the seat, the trunk floor ... Check that your car is equipped and check your instructions to know where it is.

Isofix car seat: what if my vehicle does not have this fastening system?

Although most cars produced in the last 10 years are equipped with an isofix system, it is possible that the vehicle is not equipped. In this case, you have another option: attach the car seat with the seat belt. This system proves to be as secure as the isofix fastener. .
To do this, if your car is not equipped with the isofix system, we strongly recommend that you choose a car seat that clearly indicates how to install the seat belt. Also, refer to the explanations in the manual supplied with the car seat.
Alternative case: If your car is not equipped with an isofix system, make sure the seat belts on your vehicle are long enough to secure the seat. Otherwise, it will not be possible to connect the seat to the car seat.

Regardless of whether your car has an isofix attachment system, get this CYBEX car seat for 265 € on Amazon, suitable for all types of cars.