Can I use the car seat even when the side airbag is activated?
Yes, the side airbag can remain activated when using the car seat.
Do I have to register my car seat with the airline before taking it on a flight?
Whether you can use a car seat on an aircraft depends upon the airline. Before going on your trip, please check with your airline to ensure you are able to use the car seat on your flight. In general, children under the age of two do not require their own seat in the aircraft, as they are allowed to be seated on their parent´s lap while secured with a loop belt. If you choose to or must book a seat for your child, they should be secured with an accredited restraint system. Please note that if you choose to take a car seat on board you will be asked to book a separate seat on the aircraft, even if your child is under the age of two. Please be aware that the above instructions refer to travel within the European Union. For worldwide travel outside the EU, you will need to contact your airline for specific information about flying with your child.
What should I consider before flying with an infant?
Before taking any flight with your child, please read the terms and conditions of the airline you are planning to travel with. This information can usually be found on the airline website, or you can call the airline to inquire.
Am I required to take my own car seat on the flight?
No, you do not have to take your own seat onto the aircraft. In the EU you are allowed to fly with your child on a parent´s lap, if the child is under the age of two. Your child must be also secured with a loop belt during take-off, landing and when the “fasten your seat belt” sign lights up. Please note, that this method of securing your child is potentially life threatening for your child. In the event of a crash the loop belt will only keep the infant attached to the parent and is not designed to mitigate the force of the impact.
Where can I find additional information on flying with an infant?
TÜV Rheinland and the ADAC provide information on their websites for parents flying with infants. Please contact your airline before your flight for further information regarding the approval of different car seats for the flight.
The car seat is approved in compliance with the i-Size standard (UN R129). What does this mean?
i-Size is a European standard for car seats. Among other regulations i-Size states that infants must travel in a rear-facing position before the child's age exceeds 15 months and that, for the first time, side-impact protection is tested. To find out more about i-Size, check our Safety page on the CYBEX Website.
What's the difference between UN R44 and UN R129?
To simplify the process of choosing the right car seat, regulations and norms have been implemented to guarantee general safety standards worldwide. In most parts of the world including Europe, the UN R44/04 and UN R129 testing standards are in effect. R44 classifies child restraints (car seats) according to the weight of the child. However, children grow in different ways. For example, a child might be within the weight range of an R44 seat but their head may already be reaching above the top of the seat. On the other hand, R129 child restraints are classified according to the height of the child, and also specify a weight limit. This is intended to give parents more confidence that a child restraint will fit a child during a specific growth period. The aim of R129 is to make child restraints easier to install, to incorporate side impact testing to provide better protection from side crashes and to keep children in a rear-facing position up until they are at least 15 months old. It also aims to make child restraints more compatible with vehicle seats.
When does a car seat expire?
As soon as a car seat is installed in a vehicle, it may be exposed to high temperatures and high levels of light intensity. As a result, even high-quality and extremely age-resistant plastics such as those used by CYBEX can display certain age-related alterations. To ensure the safety of your child, we strongly recommend that the seats are not used for longer than the prescribed usage periods. A car seat will be designed to keep your child safe for a specific period in their development, for example from birth to approximately 4 years old for a Sirona Series seat. Sometimes they can be used for longer, for example our products for babies and toddlers can also be used for a sibling. To find out the approximate lifespan of your CYBEX car seat, refer to the User Guide or contact our Customer Service.