When should I switch from an infant carrier to a reboarder or Group 1 forward facing child seat?

Transport your child in the infant carrier for as long as possible. A switch to a reboarder or Group 1 forward-facing child seat is necessary as soon as the child's head protrudes over the edge of the infant carrier. However, it is a requirement that your child must be able to sit up unassisted and is older than 15 months or greater than 75 cm for all ECE R129 products or reached a minimum weight of 9 kg for all ECE R44 products.

General Questions about Child Seats

What does "i-Size" mean and what is ECE R129?

i-Size is a part of the UN directive ECE R129, a certification norm for child seats that applies in addition to the older ECE R44/04.
Please find more information here:
https://www.recaro-kids.uk/service//i-size.html

Can I still use my ECE R44/03 or ECE R44/04 child seat?

There is no usage ban for child seats that are approved according to the valid ECE R44/03 or ECE R44/04 standard. Parents can therefore continue to use existing child seats as before.

Is there an expiration date on the child seats? How long can I use my child seat?

Our products fulfill their purpose for the designated lifetime.
Please have a look in the manual of the product, here you can find the product life span by ordinary use.

 

Nevertheless, we recommend:

  • to always use a child restraint system to attach your child when travelling in the car and that you regularly check the condition of the child seat to make sure it is not damaged or worn;
  • to follow cleaning, handling and storage information and recommendations;
  • if the child seat is damaged, deformed or worn out, it must be replaced, as its original safety features may have been compromised;
  • after an accident, even a minor one, the child seat incurs damage even if it is not visible to the naked eye: it must therefore be replaced;
  • don’t use second-hand child seats: they may have suffered structural damage not visible to the naked eye but liable of compromising the safety of the product.

 

When should I switch from an infant carrier to a reboarder or Group 1 forward facing child seat?

Transport your child in the infant carrier for as long as possible. A switch to a reboarder or Group 1 forward-facing child seat is necessary as soon as the child's head protrudes over the edge of the infant carrier. However, it is a requirement that your child must be able to sit up unassisted and is older than 15 months or greater than 75 cm for all ECE R129 products or reached a minimum weight of 9 kg for all ECE R44 products.

Which child seats by RECARO have an aeroplane approval?

Our infant carriers Guardia, Priva Evo and Priva have an aeroplane approval, you can also find them here: https://www.tuv.com/landingpage/de/manufacturer-of-child-seats/

Please find the manual here: Guardia_Privia_Privia-Evo_Aeroplane-approval.pdf

 

Please note:

The resprective airline should always be contacted before the flight for further information even if the product is aeroplane approved. If the product is not aeroplane approved, the airline can sometimes grant you permission to take your child seat with you on the flight.

The vehicle's belt is too short - is a belt extension possible?

We recommend to ask your garage workshop or car manufacturer.

When I strap in my child, the vehicle seat belt can no longer automatically retract. What can I do?

In the first instance, check if the the lap and diagonal belt is completely removed from the child seat and its belt guides. If you still have the problem, we recommend to ask your garage workshop or car manufacturer.

Are the included ISOFIX guides for installation of the infant carriers with the ISOFIX bases as well as the child seats equipped with ISOFIX absolutely necessary?

The included ISOFIX guides are an additional accessory, which are helpful with particulary deep ISOFIX which are normally difficult to reach.

Is my child seat still safe after a car accident?

After an accident, even a minor one, the child seat incurs damage even if it is not visible to the naked eye and thus has to be replaced.
Please contact our CRM team by filling out the contact form at https://www.recaro-kids.uk/service/contact.html or send an email to crm@recaro-kids.com for more information.

Will the child car seat fit into my car?

Visit the site https://www.recaro-kids.uk/service/car-compatibility.html to check if the desired infant carrier or child seat will fit in your car.


As there are so many different cars on the market, we are always updating the list.
If your car is not in the list, your nearest retailer maybe can help you with finding suitable alternatives.

Please note:

  • Universal child seats (without ISOFIX or Seatfix) or infant carriers which are installed using the vehicle's belt system can be fastened on all forward-facing seats within the car equipped with a 3-point belt approved accordingly to ECE R16. Nevertheless, we always recommend a test installation before to ensure that space limitations, correct fitting and the length of the 3-point belt allow the product to be installed correctly in the vehicle.
  • If the child seat approved according to R129 (i-Size), it can be installed on all seats within the car with an i-Size seating position. There is no need to check the vehicle type list.

Where is the safest place to install the child seat in my car?

The safest place for an infant carrier or child seat is on the rear seat behind the front passenger seat. Please have a look at our vehicle type list to check if the child car seat is suitable for your car.

Can I install the child seat on the passenger seat?

Please check out our vehicle type list which vehicle seat is allowed within your car:
https://www.recaro-kids.uk/service/car-compatibility.html and check out if the desired infant carrier/child seat is fitting in your car.

Can the RECARO child seats be attached with a 2-point belt system?

No, all our child seats which have to be belted, can only be attached with the vehicle's own 3-point belt system.

Can the forward facing child seats be installed on a rear-facing vehicle seat?

No, we only recommend the usage of all our child seats at forward facing vehicle seats.

Can the child seats also be used with belt airbags present?

Please note the respective instructions of your vehicle manufacturer.

Can I transport my child in the child seat even with an activated side airbag?

The side airbag does not have to be deactivated. Unlike the front airbag, this only inflates minimally and does not represent a safety risk to your child.

Are the covers of the RECARO child seats removable and washable?

The covers are removable and washable. Please note the care label sown in the respective part and adhere to the care instructions given.

Is it intended for the backrest of the seat not to be completely flush against the car seat and for there to be leeway between the seat and backrest?

The adjustability of the backrest is designed to allow the child seat to suitable fit in the vehicle, and the positioning of the child car seat against the back of the vehicle's car seat will differ between manufacturers. Some child seats can be moved to an easy sleeping position.

Infant carriers

Can the RECARO infant carriers be used without an ISOFIX base? If yes, to which vehicle seats can I strap the RECARO infant carriers?

Yes, you can use all our RECARO infant carriers without using the appropriate ISOFIX base but instead by using the vehicle's seat belt.
You can find all of the necessary information about the use of child restraint systems in your vehicle owner’s manual. When using a RECARO infant carrier without using the appropriate ISOFIX base, it can be fitted to any vehicle seat that has a 3-point belt system accordingly to ECE R16. In the manual of each infant carrier is explained how to secure it correctly. Please note: if the infant carrier is transported on the front passenger seat, the airbag must be switched off.

When and for how long is the newborn inlay to be used with the Guardia and the Privia Evo?

The infant carriers are fitted with an additional insert which makes the seat smaller. This needs to be removed before the headrest is height-adjusted for the first time.

When and for how long is the newborn inlay to be used with the Avan?

The newborn inlay may be removed after the baby is 61 cm (approx. 3 months) to provide more space for the child.

Which base can I use for which infant carrier?

The infant carrier Avan is only compatible with the Avan/Kio Base.
The infant carriers Guardia and Privia Eva are only compatible with the SmartClick Base.
ISOFIX bases from other manufacturers are not compatible.

Does the front airbag have to be switched off if the infant carrier is being transported in the front passenger seat?

Yes, child restraint systems that are rearward-facing must not be used in a seat with an active front airbag under any circumstances.

I want to use the infant carrier as a Travel System, but can't find my stoller in the compatibility list, what can I do?

At present, our RECARO infant carriers have only been testing in combination with our RECARO strollers/buggies, please find the compatibilites as well as the matching adapter at the desired stroller/buggy product page.
If you want to use the RECARO infant carriers with strollers/buggies from another manufacturer, please contact them. They can also provide you the matching adapter.

What are the differences between the Guardia and the Privia Evo?

The Guardia is the successor of the Priva Evo, here the differences at a glance:

 

Guardia:

  • Bigger sun canopy with extendable visor, fixed at the shell
  • Weight: 4.1 kg

 

Privia Evo:

  • Smaller sun canopy which is fixed at the carrying handle
  • Weight: 3.9 kg

 

General differences:

  • Different design of the central belt adjuster
  • Different fabric design
  • Different belt guide routing for the lap belt

What are the differences between the Avan and the Guardia?

The Avan is the successor of the Guardia, here the differences at a glance:


Avan:

  • Tested & approved according to ECE R129/03
  • Conforms with the body size (max. 83 cm) and not the maximum weight
  • Approved with Avan/Kio Base or as universal belted
  • Removal of the base via a central release button on the base
  • Ergonomically shaped handle
  • Air ventilation system (openings in the outer shell as well as mesh inserts in the seat cover)
  • Smart harness buckle (buckle tilts forward and stays in this position when baby is removed)
  • New shape of Newborn Inlay
  • New fabric design, new colors

 

Guardia:

  • Tested & approved according to ECE R44/04
  • Approved with SmartClick Base or universal belted
  • Removal of the base via a release button at the back of the infant carrier
  • Aeroplane approved

Reboarders

What are the differences between the Zero.1 and the Zero.1 Elite?

Both are tested & approved accordingly to ECE R129 and can be used from birth up to max. 105 cm in the rearward-facing position. We recommend they are used in the rearward-facing position for as long as possible, and there is the option to use them as reboarders from 16 months and 76 cm in the forward-facing position. The difference between both child seats is the usage in the first months.

 

Zero.1 Elite:

  • Equipped with a removable infant carrier with newborn inlay that can be used from birth up to the approx. age of 12 months, a body height of approx. 76 cm and up to a maximum weight of 10 kg
  • This infant carrier can also be used as part of a Travel System (with the matching adapters)

 

Zero.1:

  • Equipped with a removable newborn inlay from which has to be used from birth up to the approx. height of 80 cm and up to a weight of approx. 11 kg
  • For a more customised fit for your child, you can remove the side panels of the newborn inlay

What are the differences between the Salia and the Salia Elite?

Both are tested & approved accordingly to ECE R129 and can be used from birth up to max. 105 cm in the rearward-facing position. We recommend they are used in the rearward-facing position for as long as possible, and there is the option to use them as reboarders from 16 months and 76 cm in the forward-facing position. The difference between both child seats is the usage in the first months.

 

Salia Elite:

  • Equipped with a removable infant carrier with newborn inlay that can be used from birth up to the approx. age of 12 months, a body height of approx. 76 cm and up to a maximum weight of 10 kg
  • This infant carrier can also be used as part of a Travel System (with the matching adapters)

 

Salia:

  • Equipped with a removable newborn inlay from which has to be used from birth up to the approx. height of 80 cm and up to a weight of approx. 11 kg
  • For a more customised fit for your child, you can remove the side panels of the newborn inlay

What are the differences between Zero.1 and Salia?

The Salia is the successor of the Zero.1, here are the differences at a glance:

 

Salia:

  • New shape of newborn inlay (without headrest) for a better ergonomic positioning of the child's head
  • New shape of headrest
  • New shape of the inner construction for a better reclining position of the child
  • Different design of the central belt adjuster
  • Different fabric design

What are the differences between Zero.1 Elite and Salia Elite?

The Salia Elite is the successor of the Zero.1 Elite, here are the differences at a glance:

 

Salia Elite:

  • New shape of headrest
  • New shape of the inner construction for a better reclining position of the child
  • Different design of the central belt adjuster
  • Different fabric design

Child seats

What are the differences between Tian and Tian Elite?

The Tian Elite is the upgraded version of the Tian, here are the differences at a glance:

 

Tian Elite:

  • Sound System incl. pocket
  • Detachable ASP (Advanced Side Protection)
  • Smart Protection Wings
  • Extendable legrest
  • Air ventilation system (openings in the outer shell and the mesh inserts in the seat covers)

 

Tian:

  • Integrated ASP (Advanced Side Protection)

What are the differences between Monza Nova 2/SF and Monza Nova Evo/SF?

The Monza Nova 2/SF is th upgraded version of the Monza Nova Evo/SF, here are the differences at a glance:

 

Monza Nova 2/SF:

  • Sound System incl. pocket
  • Inflatable head cushion for a better resting position

 

General differences:

  • Different ASP (Advanced Side Protection)
  • Different seat cover design

What are the differences between Monza Nova IS and Monza Nova 2/SF?

The child seats Monza Nova IS and Monza Nova 2/SF are nearly identically in group 2/3, but there is a big difference regarding their approvals:

 

Monza Nova IS:

  • Tested & approved according to ECE-R44/04 for group 1/2/3 (group 1 with impact shield, group 2/3 without impact shield)

 

Monza Nova 2/SF:

  • Tested & approved according to ECE-R44/04 for group 2/3

What are the differences between Mako and Mako Elite?

The Mako Elite is the upgraded version of the Mako, here are the differences at a glance:

 

Mako Elite:

  • Sound System incl. pocket
  • Detachable ASP (Advanced Side Protection)
  • Smart Protection Wings
  • Extendable legrest
  • Air ventilation system (openings in the outer shell and the mesh inserts in the seat covers)

 

Mako:

  • Integrated ASP (Advanced Side Protection)

What are the differences between Mako Elite and Mako Elite 2?

The Mako Elite 2 is the successor of the Mako Elite, here are the differences at a glance:

 

Mako Elite 2:

  • Wider headrest
  • Optimized ISOFIX system with rigid connectors
  • Recline position possible

What are the differences between Mako and Mako 2?

The Mako 2 is the successor of the Mako, here are the differences at a glance:

 

Mako 2:

  • Wider headrest
  • Optimized ISOFIX system with rigid connectors
  • Recline position possible

Can the Monza Nova IS impact shield also be used for the Monza Nova 2/SF or Monza Nova Evo/SF?

No, in general an impact shield is only valid for the child seats with the appropriate homologation. In our case, the impact shield of Monza Nova IS is only valid for Monza Nova IS when used as a Group 1 car seat. The Monza Nova 2/SF and Monza Nova Evo/SF have a different homologation and are only assigned to Group 2/3, where the child is directly strapped in with the vehicle's own 3-point belt system.

Is an easy sleeping position possible with the Monza Nova 2/SF or Monza Nova Evo/SF?

No, an easy sleeping position is not permitted while using these products. The backrest of the child seat has to be firmly pressed against the seat of the vehicle in an upright position.

Which vehicle seats can I attach the Young Sport Hero, Monza Nova 2, Monza Nova Evo and Milano to?

All of the listed child seats have the "universal" approvals: They can be used in all vehicle types and in any seat with a 3-point belt system in accordance with ECE R16 (or comparable standards).

Which vehicle seats can I attach the Tian, Tian Elite, Monza Nova IS, Monza Nova 2 SF, Monza Nova Evo SF and Milano SF to?

All of the listed child seats have the "universal" and "semi-universal" approvals.

 

The differences in terms of use:

 

"Universal": If the child seats are attached without Isofix, then the seats can be used in all vehicle types and in any seat with a 3-point belt system in accordance with ECE-R16 (or comparable standards).

 

"Semi-universal": If the child seats are attached with Isofix, then these can be fitted to the vehicles listed accordingly to the vehicle type list. The vehicle type list can be found on the respective product page or here:
https://www.recaro-kids.uk/service/car-compatibility.html

Can I modify the Young Sport Hero to use it with ISOFIX?

Please be aware that there is no ISOFIX accessory for the Young Sport Hero available, and it is not possible to modify a child seat after it has been approved by the relevant standards.
Please understand that our Young Sport Hero can only be used according to the instruction manual, with the vehicle's seat belt.