This article will answer all your questions from what i-Size is, how it differs from the older R44 regulation, to why it’s an important step forward for both car seat safety and compatibility with vehicles. So whether you’re upgrading your child’s car seat or simply want to understand the differences, we’ll break it all down for you.
i-Size FAQ
This article will answer all your questions from what i-Size is, how it differs from the older R44 regulation, to why it’s an important step forward for both car seat safety and compatibility with vehicles. So whether you’re upgrading your child’s car seat or simply want to understand the differences, we’ll break it all down for you.
What is i-Size?
Many retailers use i-Size and ECE R129 interchangeably, however there are some differences. i-Size is an enhancement of the new safety standard ECE R129, that makes it easier to confirm your i-Size car seat's compatibility with any i-Size approved vehicle - reducing the risk of installing your car seat incorrectly. The idea behind i-Size is that all car seats will eventually fit in all cars. While all i-Size car seats meet ECE R129 testing standards, not every ECE R129 car seat fits i-Size vehicles compatible seating positions.
What is ECE R129?
R129 is a new safety regulation that has 4 main developments from the old ECE R44 regulations, they are:
Side Impact Certified
Ensures the best head, neck, and all over protection with standardised side impact testing. Older standards, like
ECE R44, did not include side impact testing.
Rearward Facing Longer
Mandates rearward-facing to a minimum of 75cm and
> 15 months. This allows the baby’s neck to develop
and strengthen before switching to forward-facing travel.
Smartest Test Dummies
ECE R129 testing uses all new, advanced technology crash test dummies with more sensors than older R44
dummies - to better simulate a child’s fragile body more accurately.
Better Fit Formula
Regulation ECE R129 determines cars seat usage based on a child’s height and weight, rather than just weight alone.
This ensures a more accurate fit for growing children.
What are the benefits of i-Size?
One of the main goals of i-Size is to make car seat installation easier and more reliable. It reduces the risk of incorrect installation, a common issue with older systems. By standardising the ISOFIX installation system, i-Size ensures better compatibility between car seats and vehicles. Parents don’t have to worry as much about whether a car seat will fit in their car.
What age does i-Size cover?
i-Size covers a range of child sizes and ages, from birth up to approximately 12 years old or when the child reaches 150cm. This corresponds to the old Group 0 all the way through to Group 3 under the previous ECE R44 safety standards.
When was i-Size introduced?
i-Size was introduced in July 2013 to make child car seats easier to fit, provide better protection from side impacts and keep children rearward-facing for longer.
What are i-Size cars?
i-Size cars aren't a specific type of car. It refers to cars that are designed to be compatible with i-Size car seats. This means they have the necessary ISOFIX anchor points and features to allow for the proper installation of i-Size car seats.
Key Features of i-Size cars:
Focus on Compatibility: i-Size aims to improve compatibility between car seats and vehicles.
ISOFIX Anchor Points: Cars with i-Size compatibility will have the required ISOFIX anchor points in their seats.
There’s no need for a fitting list, as i-Size approved vehicles ensure the seat will fit properly.
Can I keep using my R44 car seat?
Yes, R44 car seats are still safe to use. However they will be phased out eventually, so it’s best to upgrade to the new safety standards when you are looking for your next car seat.
Do all i-Size seats use ISOFIX for installation?
Mostly yes, but not all. Some i-Size certified car seats can also fit in vehicles with the vehicle seat belt and some Infant carriers have the option to be fitted with a seat belt or by installing with a compatible ISOFIX base.
How do I know if my car seat is i-Size?
For simplicity, look for the yellow i-Size icon to verify that it's suitable for your i-Size approved vehicle without the need to check the fitting list.
i-Size Car Seats
Looking for an i-Size car seat? Check out Graco's great range for all ages.
