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Questions relating to child development (weight, age height etc)
Q Will a child’s weight be irrelevant when I buy a child car seat now?
Not for existing seats sold under Regulation ECE R44.04 as these are measured on the weight of a child. But one of the aims of i-Size is to make things simpler, and using length/height of your baby or child is designed make it easier for you to choose the right seat for them.
Q What is ECE R44.04?
This is the existing standard for child car seats. From June 2006 all new child car seats had to meet this standard.
Q Will there be some discretion in age/height?
There won’t be under i-Size. For the first stage seat, a child must remain rearward facing until at least 15 months old - this is mandatory under i-Size. Advice has always been not to rush this first stage, remember rearward facing for longer is safer.
Age may well be considered, along with height, for when a child seat is no longer required (135cm/150cm tall) but this is yet to be agreed. When there is more information about this, we will update this website.
Q Why height when it’s always been about weight?
This is designed to make it easier for parents and carers. A child’s weight is still important, and that was taken into consideration when the panel who develop the standard set the minimum and maximum heights for each child seat.
Q When working out the next stage seat for a child, do we still go with the child’s weight if there is a traditional belted system of securing to the vehicle, or just ISOFix?
During the period of change to i-Size, you will have two options when purchasing a seat. If you’re looking at a belt-routed seat or just ISOFix, the manufacturer’s instructions will still be in Kgs. It’s only i-Size products where you will see the height classification. |