
What is i-Size car seat?
What are i-Size car seats?
You’re excited to bring your new travel buddy for his/her first road trip, but of course, safety is priority. You’ve got your cup of coffee, cracked your knuckles and scoured the world of Google for the best safety standard car seat.
After 2 grueling hours, you’re on the floor with a headache while chanting your new mantra – i-Size, ECE R129, ECE R44/04.
There’s no need to be shy, we’ve all been there (well, most of us).
We’re not the new age Marvel heroes, but we can save you from that headache by breaking it down for you in simple terms.
First thing to note when getting a car seat, it has to meet the ECE R129 or ECE R44/04 safety standards. Else you’re breaking the law and worse, putting your child at risk while on the road.

What is i-Size?
i-Size (a.k.a. ECE R129) is a new European car seat safety regulation that was introduced in 2013. It aims to provide better protection, allow children to rearward face for a longer period and a more secured fit for car seats.
Benefits of i-Size
i-Size car seats are fitted using ISOFIX thus reducing the risk of fitting your child car seat incorrectly. Generally, ISOFIX installation are simpler to fit compared to using the vehicle’s seat belt. ISOFIX has also been found to significantly reduce the potential of injury when installed correctly.
This new regulation also introduces a side-impact crash test as part of the testing process. Child car seats approved under the older ECE R44 regulation do not require a side-impact crash test approval in order to be sold.
Not only it is the most updated safety standard, it also allows your child to rearward face to at least 15 months. Rear facing protects developing little necks and spines up to 5 times more than forward facing in an event of a crash.
So what’s the difference between iSize and ECE R44/04?
The selection of car seats under the older ECE R44 standard is based on the weight of your child. For i-Size, it is height-based.
This is because usually parents are more aware of their children’s height than their weight. i-Size makes it easier for you to get the right car seat for your child.
Here’s a nifty comparison table to help you to digest the information better:
ECE R44/04 | i-Size | Older regulation (1980s) | Most updated safety standard (2013) |
---|---|
Based on child’s weight | Based on child’s height |
Child can be forward facing from 9kg | Child must rear face for a minimum of 15 months |
Installation via vehicle’s seat belt or ISOFIX | Installation only via ISOFIX |
Rear and Front impact testing | Rear, Front and Side impact testing |
P dummy used in crash tests (4 sensors) | Q dummy used in crash tests (32 sensors) |
As you can see, i-Size is a safer option for your little travel buddy while on the road.
Check out Beblum Nado O6 i-Size car seat which is packed with well thought features such as full mesh seats, extra built in air vents, and a great spinal support infant cushion.