LATCH and ISOFIX - compatible?

[hopster67]

I have a US car seat with LATCH connectors and a European car with ISOFIX. Are the compatible? Can I install the car seat using the ISOFIX bars? Of course I can do a standard belt installation, but it is so much easier to connect using the LATCH connectors that I'd like to do that (and I know DH will try it), but not if it's going to risk DD's safety.

Anyone have any info on this?

Thanks!

[southpawboston]

I have a US car seat with LATCH connectors and a European car with ISOFIX. Are the compatible? Can I install the car seat using the ISOFIX bars? Of course I can do a standard belt installation, but it is so much easier to connect using the LATCH connectors that I'd like to do that (and I know DH will try it), but not if it's going to risk DD's safety.

Anyone have any info on this?

Thanks!

is your car a european *market* car? i.e., was your car purchased in europe? the lower anchors (part of the LATCH acronym: lower anchors and tethers for children) are the same anchors that are called ISOFIX in markets outside of the US and canada. so yes, in theory you can use them. however, many european cars with ISOFIX do not have the top tether anchor, which US market cars have. if you have a US seat with LATCH, it requires the use of a top tether as well. check to see if your car has the top tether. i know that some cars sold in the US still label their lower anchors "ISOFIX" even though they are technically um... LATCH and have the top tether anchor.

[QuassEE]

In fact, LATCH/ISOFIX is called "LUAS" in Canada. No matter what you call it, it's the same thing. We just do not generally refer to it as LUAS because the word "LATCH" has been so popularized with the carseat manufacturers and from online in American-dominated forums :)

-Nicole.

[bbartlettnfld]

The only difference I have seen between LATCH bars and ISOFIX bars are that the ISOFIX bars tend to be recessed into the seat bight a bit more than US LATCH bars are.
This makes no difference if you are using a seat that has the "Britax" style (I don't know the right word "Alligator" style?) Clips, but if you are using the open hook LATCH hooks it is a very difficult clip them, you have to turn the hook to the side and the twist it and hope it clips.
Man I hope this makes sense.. Its way past my bedtime and too late to be posting technical responses!


Oh and in Canada isn't it just UAS "Universal Anchor system" When did they add the L?

[hopster67]

Car is a European car purchased and operating in Europe. I don't know about the tethers, will have to check. Never used tethers with DD's infant seat so wasn't aware of the need for them. Luckily the car seat is a Britax car seat with those alligator clips (good description!). I'll check the owner's manual on the car and see what I find out about the tethers. The bars are more recessed than LATCH.

Thanks!!

[southpawboston]

if you are going to continue RFing, then you don't need the top tether anchor. that is only for FFing seats.

the top tether anchors are only now becoming popular in europe, and they're still not even required by law. in the US, they have been standard for at least 8 years.