ISOFIX Carseats in NZ

[Caz_88]

hi everyone,

I just wanted to do some research and get some info on ISOFIX in NZ, from anyone who knows what the go is with car seats over there......I'm lost..... I'm looking for a top end seat, similar to the AHR meridian tilt and adjust in Aus. Something in the 0-4yr range but have no idea which brand are the good quality ones. I was just looking for a couple of suggestions or some knowledge to start my search TIA!

[ladybirdflies]

Diono Radian RXT- Check out cheeky cherubs or ebay. I got mine for just under $400 including freight. It is newborn(rf for up to 4yrs) to 10yrs. It has tether strap or isofix or both if you want. Its an awesome slim line seat and it feels rock solid in the car. Steel frame and memory foam which makes it super comfy for your child. Highly recommend this seat!

[Freya]

Ditto Ladybirdflies! I just imported a Radian, cost me $412 AUD from Cheeky Cherubs. Best seat ever, makes our carseats look like crud. I really wish I could afford to upgrade my other 3 to the radians too.

[willow5]

The Radians are great seats! The do use ISOFIX points for installation, but they are equipped with LATCH fittings that attach to the ISOFIX points in the car. LATCH is not a rigid installation like ISOFIX is.

[Caz_88]

thanks so much ladies! will do some reading but it looks like it will be a radian! so importing is easy enough? I was just going to get my parents to bring one back but if importing and postage is ok I'll just get it sent. Thanks for the tips on the website too

[Ginger]

I have 2 radians. Absolutely love them

[Caz_88]

another question... in just reading info on the seats now..... it appears that they only have the Swedish system of top tethering not the Australian? do you ladies have the top tether joined to points behind the seat or to the floor like the Swedish system?

ETA: I mean in the rf position... I want to erf but I'm pretty sure that you need the tether back over the seat in aus, not to the floor?

[ladybirdflies]

My daughter is forward facing so I have her attached the Aus way. In anchor points at back. Check ebay.nz too, they had some for under $400 including post a few weeks ago. Much easier to order online then getting your parents to bring it back. The box is pretty big.

[willow5]

I have two imported seats, both use the Swedish tether system which I much prefer

[Caz_88]

is it legal though willow? I know I should read the standards and find out.... but I though using the Swedish tether would be an obvious outward sign that the Carseat isn't Australian standard?

[willow5]

Any seat that has a Swedish style tether is not legal to use here Only seats from NZ that have our 5 tick standard approval are legal to use here. NZ gets to use a lot of great international standard seats because they are allowed to share their standards. Here we can only use Australian Standard approved seats legally. Yes it would be a give away with a Swedish tether if pulled over and the police officer knew what to look for.

So, the Radians are not legal to use in Australia.

[Caz_88]

bugger. ... is there such a thing as an ISOFIX seat with the Australian tether when RF?

[willow5]

I don't think so caz. But ISOFIX has been approved for use here starting this year. That is, Australian approved seats with ISOFIX. But we will need to wait until the Aussie manufacturers release ISOFIX seats for purchase here. No idea how long that will be from now. They have been aware of the introduction for some time so may surprise us with something soon.

[dusty]

Bumping. How do you top tether the Swedish style top tether on Radians for rear facing in Australia? My car doesn't have anchor points on the floor below the carseat as its designed for Australian tethering.

[Caz_88]

Hi dusty,
we ended up with the Maxi-Cosi milofix which we imported from the UK. The top tether attaches back over the seat like the australian top tether. We are sonso happy with it

[willow5]

Bumping. How do you top tether the Swedish style top tether on Radians for rear facing in Australia? My car doesn't have anchor points on the floor below the car seat as its designed for Australian tethering.

Hi Dusty you can do it a couple of ways depending on your car. The tethers can go around the seat bite, or around the seat rails that attach to the floor of the car IYKWIM. Make sure it is the seat rail though not a little loop at the end that won't hold in an accident. PM me if you'd like some pictures to show you

[buliej]

We used seat rails. Move the front seat (the one in front of the spot you will be installing) all the way up as close to dashboard as you can. You should then see "exposed" seat rail. It may be tight, but slip the little part (I'm so not tech-y on this) under the rail and loop it through (no twisting). You can now move the front seat back (or really, after you do the whole install as it's easier with the front forward until you finish). This becomes your bottom anchor for the tether. If I recall, googling lead me to some photos or a video on youtube - can't remember which.