ECE R129 or i-Size... what’s the difference?
It’s common to think ECE R129 and i-Size mean the same thing because many brands and publishers have used the terms interchangeably. Including us! While ECE R129 and i-Size car seats undergo the same side-impact testing with advanced crash-test dummies, require mandatory rear-facing until 15 months, and use height instead of weight for proper usage; the terms differ in two key areas:
European safety regulation
ECE R129 refers to the most recent and safest European safety regulation that controls the manufacturing of car seats. The ECE R129 safety regulation provides better side-impact protection, requires rear-facing for longer, and makes it easier to find the best-fitting car seat for your child.
Enhancement of ECE R129
i-Size, on the other hand, is an enhancement of ECE R129 that makes it easier to confirm your 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 the ECE R129 testing standards, not every ECE R129 car seat is an i-Size compatible seat.
For extra peace of mind when shopping for a car seat, ask for a car seat that meets the ECE R129 safety regulation and look for the yellow i-Size icon to verify that it’s suitable for your i-Size approved vehicle. Still have questions? Check out our FAQ section below!