Car seat for babies from birth: how to choose and properly install?

A car seat for babies is an indispensable element with which you can carry children in a car. It provides a safe and comfortable ride. Most parents are interested in how to choose and properly install a car seat for the little ones.

A car seat for babies of categories “0” and “0+“ is produced by many trade brands. However, not all parents purchase such products. In their opinion, the purchase of a specialized device for transportation is too expensive a purchase. Many parents believe that it is better to keep your child in your arms than in a special device.

However, it should be borne in mind that in case of an accident at a speed of more than 50 km / h, a force of about 120-150 kg will affect the hands of a parent who holds the child in his arms. Not every person will be able to physically hold their child. Due to an unexpected blow, the child will escape from the hands. Also often there are cases when the mother or father piled on the baby with all the weight of his body. The chances of survival in a similar situation in a child are reduced to zero.

When installing the car seat, you should explore some of the features:

• You can fix the product along the back seat vehicle, using regular belts. The baby will go sideways, and his body will be fixed with a wide belt located across the chest. According to the crash tests, it is best to install the car seat behind the driver. This location was determined on the basis of the anatomical features of the child, as well as cases with sloppy driving.
• In the center of the rear seat. This location was chosen on the basis of psychological testing and evaluation of parents' actions. Despite strong feelings for his baby, during a frontal collision, the driver begins to turn the steering wheel at a subconscious level, trying to escape. With this behavior, the rear end of the vehicle, which is located on the passenger side, takes a hit.
• In the front seat. A car seat is allowed to be placed in this position if the baby’s mother is driving. This way calms the parent and allows him to focus on the road. When choosing this method of installation, you need to remember that you need to disable the airbag on the passenger side. Otherwise, the passive safety system may be activated due to a collision or sudden braking and the baby risks severe injuries. Experts do not allow the operation of cradles in the configuration with strollers instead of the car seat, because they are characterized by the lowest degree of security.

Each group of children's car seats has its own positive and negative qualities. Products of the “0” group have the same positive weight quality - the child is horizontal, so the chair is ideal for transporting premature babies and children who have problems with the spine.

Among the shortcomings are several qualities:

• These chairs are designed only for babies weighing no more than 10 kg (up to 8 months).
• The product will need two places in the car. An adult who is close, there is not enough space.
• In this group there are few safe seats, as the product is located across the movement.
• High price.
• A lot of weight.

There are several qualities to pluses:

• The relative ease of the product.
• Relative compactness. The chair takes one place in the car.
• Manufacturers offer a large number of models that are provided with an adequate level of security.
• Isofix Special Mount. This type of fixation contributes to greater safety. Fixation is convenient because it does not require crawling around the cabin with belts, just install the car seat in the base and press the device.
• Affordable price category.
• For many models from the group “0+”, strollers of a walking type are made, on which car seats are installed.

Car seats that belong to the group “0+“ are in demand. They are carrying chairs that are compact in size and are located in the car against the movement. Disadvantages of car seats:

• The chair has not quite horizontal position. The design feature is related to the fact that the product is placed against the direction of movement and in the event of an accident the entire load should be measured on the back of the baby. To the baby rested against the back of the car seat, a certain level of sitting position will be present in such products.
• Models that have an Isofix base have an increased cost. The base can be purchased separately, but its price will not be cheaper than a car seat.
• Small capacity. On products it is indicated that they are designed for a weight category from 0 to 13 kg. These figures are designed for slender babies, which are transported in the summer without clothes. According to practice, the average period of use of car seats is up to 9 months. Therefore, the majority of seats in this group are not able to serve the stated time and will need to purchase a combined version.
• Installation of car seats of the group “0+“ is allowed only in vehicles with the front airbag disabled.

Car seats designed for children from birth are classified into two types:

• «0» - These are products made for babies whose weight does not exceed 13 kg. As a rule, such models are operated for up to six months. The back of the chair is horizontal, so this option is suitable for transporting a premature baby who needs a car seat equipped with a sleeping mode.

• «0+» - in this category are car seats, used to travel in a car with newborns and children up to 1.5 years. The chair is able to withstand weight up to 13 kg and more. These are universal chairs that provide a safe ride, because they can be fixed in the opposite position from the direction of movement until the child reaches 13 kg. In the future, a convenient transformer allows the change of clamps and is fixed in the same position with the direction of movement.

The newborn baby is the most unprotected passenger. This is due to the fact that infants are too soft and plastic bones, and the skeleton consists of numerous cartilage. The head of an infant accounts for 25% of the total body mass (in adults, this figure is only 6%).At the same time, a month-old baby has a very thin neck, whose muscles are practically undeveloped.

Grudnichkov is not allowed to even shake on his hands, because due to a strong push, the heavy head tilts back and the neck is subjected to heavy loads. Currently, special models of car seats are made for traveling of newborns in the car, which will help to ensure the necessary conditions for a small family member.

When choosing avtolyulek from the zero category, the transportation of the baby will be made only in a horizontal position. The product is placed in the back seat of the car sideways in the direction of travel. Products are fixed with regular salon belts. The cradle itself is equipped with special built-in straps, thanks to which the child is securely held in the device.

In car seats allowed transportation of the baby from the moment of birth. Carry children in reclining position at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees. The back of the product should be in the direction of the vehicle. The car seat itself is fixed salon belts or using special brackets. The baby in the chair is also held by the built-in straps that are present in the product. Be sure to comply with the condition that the angle of the back of the chair should be located within 30-45 degrees.

Most modern car seat models can guarantee the safety of young children, but the angle of inclination may vary. This figure depends on the type of seat of the car.

It is allowed to use special rollers, which correct the inclination of products. Some parents use a tightly wound towel for these purposes. It should be placed under the front part of the car seat.

Many parents believe that transporting a month-old baby in a car seat is unacceptable and may cause spinal injury. According to experts, these concerns are unfounded, since the baby does not sit in the car seat, but reclines. The spine is not affected by harmful loads, as the weight is distributed evenly over the back.

An overview of popular models of car seats for children will help you choose the model you want and explore the opinions of customers.

According to consumers, the top car seats from the “0” group open the car seat “BeSafe iZi Go Modular”. The model earned high marks according to the tests. The test was to check the quality of products in emergency situations. The manufacturer manufactured the chair, which is provided with special shoulder straps, built-in seat belts.

Thanks to its streamlined, ovoid shape, the product looks attractive and is provided with additional comfort. The manufacturer has endowed carrying an additional insert, which increases the level of security. Production owned by HTS.

Advantages of the model:

• anatomical pillow allows you to operate the chair since the birth of the baby;
• the product is fixed against the direction of traffic;
• safety is ensured by five-point belts;
• Included is an adapter that allows the installation of the product in the stroller;
• the chair is equipped with a transport handle, an awning that protects from the rays of the sun and wind flows, as well as a removable cover.

According to buyers, this is the best chair for transporting a baby in a vehicle. It has all the necessary qualities due to which a trip to a car will be equipped with comfort and safety. Also, users note that this is the easiest chair in its category.

The product deserved good marks according to the crash tests conducted in 2015.The manufacturer recommends operating the model in a pair with the 2 Way Fix base.

Advantages:

• in the model there are auxiliary elements of protection against side effects;
• Installation is backward;
• the product is intended for use from the moment of birth;
• in the configuration there is a removable cover and an awning that protects from the sun's rays.

According to customer reviews, there were no shortcomings in this product, so it is in great demand.

This model has received the highest scores in crash tests for three years. Production belongs to the German brand.

Advantages of the model:

• seven height positions for the head restraint;
• equipping the product with five-point seat belts;
• on the back of the baby affects the minimum degree of load due to the anatomical pad-pillow;
• quick fix in the cabin;
• the seat is located in the direction of the vehicle;
• the presence of the removable visor, convenient transport handle.

Negative qualities:

• car seat narrow;
• protective upholstery provokes the formation of a "greenhouse effect".

Many users purchase this model because it has excellent safety ratings. However, some customers note that children who are located in a chair are very hot.

The baby car seat, “SimpleParenting Doona +,” also received positive marks for the tests conducted. This model belongs to the category of transformers and easily converted into a stroller, which is characterized by maneuverability and attractive design.

Users mark the following advantages of the model:

• Installation is backward;
• the product can be used as a rocking chair;
• there is additional protection against side impacts;
• upholstery can be removed;
• the model is transformed into a stroller.

Buyers speak positively about this chair. Among the disadvantages is the inconvenience in folding the stroller. In some cases, adjustment is required by hand, as the wheels themselves are not removed.

This is the safest model of child car seats from the category "0+". She was able to cope with the most stringent tests that VTI conducted. A high level of safety is achieved thanks to a triangular aluminum frame with a low weight. Equipment is considered the most durable in its category. Fastening is carried out on the IsoFix base.

Advantages:

• compliance with the I-Size;
• comfortable indicator of correct fixation;
• in the configuration there are two ergonomic liner;
• headrest can be adjusted in height;
• the inclination of the back can be changed - from lying to sitting position;
• the presence of auxiliary protection against lateral effects;
• in the upholstery there is a special system of air circulation;
• installation of a chair is made back forward;
• A system for laying in the floor is included.

Among the drawbacks, buyers note only that the fixation of the chair is made only on the base Isofix.

Product testing was carried out in Germany in car clubs ADAC, TCS, Stiftung Warentest. The product deserves only positive ratings. Buyers mark the convenience of the chair. It is wide, but can fit even in the cramped cabin. Anchor mount serves as a counterweight.

Benefits:

• the presence of auxiliary anchor latch Top Tether;
• can be installed in the direction of movement and in the opposite direction;
• the presence of a swivel mechanism;
• adjustable height and angle;
• protective system that protects against side impacts;
• The proper level of safety is ensured by five-point belts equipped with an anti-slip lining.

Disadvantages:

• fixation of the product is carried out only on the base of Isofix;
• the chair cannot be put horizontally;
• the baby in the car seat often gets hot and starts to sweat.

Choosing a car seat for children from birth can be done using some recommendations. Before buying, you should consider the individual indicators of your child (weight, height, age). It is best to take the baby "to try on" with you.

Of great importance are the materials that were used for the manufacture of frame parts, as well as for exterior decoration. The frame should be tested for strength, and the finishing material - for hypoallergenic and environmental friendliness. The fabric used for upholstery must "breathe" and ventilated. Experts recommend to pay attention to products with removable covers.

Much can tell the labeling of the product, which is located on the body. For example, the inscription sign ECE R44 / 03 (other numbers may be present), speaks of European quality. The number in the circle indicates the country in which the chair is made. Each store must have a transcript of the markings.

Attention should be paid to the possibility of adjusting the position of the back and the presence of auxiliary functions. Before purchasing it is recommended to try to install the car seat in the car and compare the length of the belts. If required, you can buy a new kit.

Experts advise to purchase car seats in official stores. This will give the opportunity to change the chair if it does not meet the requirements or breaks.

There are several ways that allow you to install a baby car seat in the car. Manufacturers offer simple, low cost and innovative options.

Most users prefer to mount the seat in the car with seat belts. This method is considered the easiest and safest. The places where the belts are to be passed are indicated on the products. When buying, you should make sure that there is a guide to use in the kit, since each model has its own intricacies.

You can install the car seat on a special base-stand. It is qualitatively fixed in the back seat of the car with the help of a special device or regular belts. With its help, the carrying can be quickly fixed on the base. There are ready-made kits for sale, you can also purchase products separately. When purchasing individual components, you will need to make sure that all items fit together.

Special options with an auxiliary foot are popular and ensure safe installation of the car seat in the car. The device creates an emphasis between the floor and the chair, has a height adjustment and forms an auxiliary reference point for the product. Such a device received the highest scores on the results of various tests. The disadvantage of this method is that not every car is available to install such a device.

For information on how to choose a baby car seat for a child, see the following video.