Children's car seats: features of the choice and operation

When a child enters the family, parents try to protect him from the dangers of life. Walking along the street, the mother forbids the kid to run out onto a busy highway, while being at home - to touch the plate. Another important rule today is the mandatory transportation of a baby from birth to 12 years in a child restraint. Only children's car seats are able to protect against serious injury in case of accidents on the road.

About ten years ago, the Russians did not think about buying any additional funds for cars that could reliably fix the child. Parents drove the babies in their arms, and the older children were planted next to them, sometimes dispensing with regular seat belts. The result of such liberties was a huge number of accidents involving children and causing them serious injuries. Meanwhile, Europe was already a few steps ahead, actively using various types of car seats for cars.

Statistics at the same time spoke better than any arguments. For example, in Germany, out of 10 thousand children involved in accidents involving motor vehicles, only 32 children suffered. The percentage ratio was very small, so the Russian Council of Ministers had to come to the conclusion that it was necessary to change something in the rules of the road.

2007 was a key year for car enthusiasts and their children, since it was from that moment that a change was made about the mandatory installation of children's car seats and other restraints. Amendments to the law have been made and are still being made. So, the latest changes that relate to the holding devices, entered into force on July 12, 2017. The basic rules of traffic police and traffic rules read as follows:

• a child from birth to 12 years old who is in the front seat must necessarily be transported using any of the types of car seats in accordance with the appropriate age and height characteristics;
• a child up to 7 years old inclusive, who is in the back seat, must be fixed with the help of special devices;
• a child from 7 to 12 years old can be fixed in the back seat with the help of standard seat belts;
• when transporting a small passenger under the age of 12 in the front seat, the driver must always turn off the airbag;
• for children under seven years old, children's devices must be grooved for proper fixing with standard seat belts or using the Isofix system.

For non-compliance with any requirements, the driver of motor transport faces a considerable fine, equal to 3,000 rubles. However, experts assure that motorists should not be afraid of fines, but of the consequences that may arise if children are not properly transported. Features of modern car seats help children up to 12 years to avoid such injuries as:

• fractures of the joints of the hip and ribs in a side collision;
• shoulder fractures;
• concussion with side impacts;
• neck injuries.

Needless to say, even more injuries can be avoided in a chair during a head-on collision. A correctly fixed child cannot fall into the windshield of a car or be crushed by one of the parents while being in his arms.In addition, the guys without restraints, but fixed by regular seat belts can in the event of an accident pass on their cervical vertebrae, if their growth has not yet reached 150 cm. The list of restraints allowed by law for 2018 include the following devices:

• avtolyulki for babies from birth to one year;
• car seats for children from birth to 12 years;
• boosters for children from 3 to 12 years;
• adapters for children from 3 to 12 years;
• frameless restraints from 1 to 12 years.

On the features of the design of each device is to stay in more detail.

• Avtolyolyulka It is a strong frame made of plastic or metal, taking into account the anatomical features of the fragile body of a newborn. The soft case, the horizontal position of the baby while riding, the presence of anatomical liners, side protection and internal seat belts - these are the features of the restraints for the youngest passengers. Car carrier can be attached to the car using belts or Isofix system.

• Car seat It is another frame structure consisting of a monolithic seat bowl. In some models, the bowl is supplemented with a leg support or a holding table. Model like avtolyulke has soft covers and internal seat belts, however, its back can vary in several positions, providing comfort to the child not only in the period of wakefulness, but also rest. The chair can be equipped with Isofix mounts or be fixed with regular belts.

• Adapter fest is a triangle made of durable fabric. This design is attached to the standard seat belts, moving the pressure from the cervical region to the chest. Belts with its use are located on a child less than 150 cm tall in accordance with all the requirements of law and safety.

• Boosters - This is another type of device designed for the legal transportation of children from three years. It is a seat with some armrests, through which regular seat belts are held. The material for the manufacture may be foam, foam, plastic or metal. In addition to the booster, you should purchase special adapters.

• Frameless models are the fabric budget overlay on the seat of a car, complemented by its protective belts and a groove in the center, allowing you to pass through it a regular seat belt. The device belongs to the category of combined and is considered legal for use by children from 1 year to 12 years.

Despite the fact that adapters, frameless models and boosters are currently allowed for use in the car, it is worth remembering that their design is not suitable for kids under 1 year old. Some experts do not recommend them for use by children under the age of five. And this has its own reasoned explanations. The disadvantages of other restraints are as follows:

• none of the models presented have lateral protection, which is very important in case of an accident;
• the child is in an uncomfortable position, and in most cases in an anatomically incorrect position, sliding while the vehicle is moving under a regular belt;
• the complexity and number of fastenings, sometimes up to five pieces, contradict the norms of transportation of small passengers, which state the ease of releasing a child from a car seat when an accident occurs;
• unscrupulous sellers in the selection of basic materials for boosters; The foam and foam collapse under the child during accidents, making the load on the body by autoflames incorrect and life-threatening.

Anyway, other restraints are quite popular today, because they are many times cheaper than high-quality car seats. In addition, the ease of moving them from car to car, versatility for any kind of car contribute to the benefit of boosters and frameless models.Experts advise not to save on the life and health of the child, choosing between price and quality.

Car seats from well-known manufacturers are pleased with a large number of advantages, the most important of which is the frame. The seat bowl can be made of impact-resistant plastic or metal, however, this does not change its useful properties, such as:

• protection from side impacts due to bumpers;
• the possibility of changing positions - from strictly vertical to almost horizontal;
• the ability to change the position of the inner belts, depending on age and height;
• fixing the seat with powerful fastening systems that meet domestic and European requirements.

Each of the above paragraph is important for the health of the child, so you should consider them in more detail.

• Lateral impacts during accidents are common, and protection from them is almost paramount., given that the child car seat today is increasingly located in the front seat. The driver’s reflex to steer the car when struck to the left is physiologically built, so it is worth remembering that all the power from it will fall on the child. Plastic or aluminum sides in this case will protect against serious consequences. In addition, they will provide safety and innovative materials that cover the sides of chairs from reputable manufacturers. Shock absorbing fabrics and fillers can significantly soften the blow.

• The second advantage of the frame device is the possibility of changing positions. Its essence lies not only in the comfortable stay of the baby on the road, even when he sleeps, but also in ensuring security. So, fragile vertebrae and bones of a child from birth to 1 year are not able to withstand small shocks during a small accident, which is fraught with serious injuries of the cervical vertebrae. Avoid this helps horizontal position avtolyulek and combined seats that can be positioned against the movement of the car. A blow or push will not change the position of the child, and may not even become noticeable to him.

• Another advantage is the ability to control the location of internal seat belts.. Durable frame has, as a rule, three or more holes for internal fasteners. It is worth remembering that only that chair can be protected from injuries, the internal car rails of which are at shoulder height of the baby or slightly higher. When the bases of the belts pass over the shoulder blades, they should be raised by one dimensional mark, and if this is not possible, a new car seat can be purchased, since it is not safe to carry a child in this state of affairs.

• The advantage of frame models for the car is provided by their constant improvements. So, no other holding device can boast of the Isofix system. It allows you to fasten the design directly to the car body, not relying on regular seat belts. Special brackets without effort enter into anchor brackets of a car, in addition being fixed by telescopic "foot" or anchor fastening. The protection of a small passenger in such devices is at the highest level. Summarizing all the above advantages, it is safe to say that the frame car seat is by far the best way to protect a child in a car.

However, there are also disadvantages of such devices, it is important to carefully analyze them before purchasing. Car seats have the following disadvantages:

• high cost;
• short life of car seats, divided into age groups;
• big weight;
• a significant part of the free space occupied by a high-quality car seat;
• difficulty rearranging;
• some deficiencies in the anatomical structure of age-combined models.

A good holding device is a costly acquisition. Thus, the average cost of models sometimes exceeds 10,000 rubles. It is important for each parent to know how justified such expenses are. The car seat of a famous manufacturer should be, such as:

• meet all European safety requirements;
• have all the necessary certificates;
• pass independent crash tests, which revealed its safety.

Needless to say, high-quality seat bowl materials, advanced breathable fabrics for carrying the cover, shock-absorbing coatings and other innovations are included in the safety requirements. Of course, all these characteristics cost manufacturers expensive, so to set low prices on them would be contrary to the rules of trade.

The next disadvantage is the short lifespan, especially if the chair is selected to suit each individual age group. For example, a carry-on carry-on carrier can last from 6 months to 1 year, while its prices are high.

Manufacturers find a way out of this situation, combining age groups, however, it is worth remembering that there is no good car seat that could last from birth to 12 years. Anatomical features for a newborn can be considered only in autistic cradles, so saving on the first models is not worth it.

Types of modern children's car seats today are more than diverse. They are produced by foreign and domestic manufacturers, adding certain features to each of the models. Knowing them will help you choose the best model for the child.

Specially designed categories of children's car seats allow parents to select models based on a single scale suitable for manufacturers around the world. The system created in Europe is actively supported and is a standard for Russian GOSTs.

All child restraints are divided into groups such as:

• 0 - for newborn babies up to 6 months;
• 0+ - from birth to 1 year;
• 1 - for children from 9 months to 4 years;
• 2 - from 3 to 7 years;
• 3 - from 6 to 12 years.

As you can see, the groups are simple and straightforward, and the weighting table makes them even more accurate. So, from 5 groups the smallest range in weight differs category 0. In such a car carrier, you can transport a baby from 0 to 10 kg. A child from 0 to 13 kg can be transported in a carrier group of 0+. Sometimes children of the first year of life differ significantly from each other in weight due to individual characteristics, for example, a baby up to 13 kg at the age of 1.5 years can still be transported in a car seat, provided it is comfortably positioned in it.

To achieve a weight of 9 kg, a child can be transported in a car seat of 1 category. It can serve for 4 years, and is designed for a weight category up to 18 kg. A pleasant bonus of the majority of such models can be considered several positions of the backrest, which is very important for a passenger up to 3 years during long trips. The second category of car seats combined in a range of weights from 15 to 25 kg. As a rule, these guys have weight from three to seven years old.

Category 3 is a model for children from 22 to 36 kg, in most cases capable of transforming into boosters. The child can be fixed in them as with the help of internal safety belts, as well as with regular regular belts, which are inserted through certain grooves in accordance with the instructions.

As mentioned earlier, the purchase of chairs for each category is quite an expensive procedure, so manufacturers combine among themselves adjacent groups. Marking for combination devices is as follows:

• 0/0 + / 1 - for children from birth to four years;
• 0 + / 1 - for children from birth to four years;
• 0 + / 1/2 - for children from birth to seven years;
• 1/2 - for children from one to seven years;
• 1/2/3 - for children from one to 12 years.

Many high-quality models from the list of such seats are provided not only with removable backs, head restraint height changes and several slots for internal seat belts, but also the ability to adjust the seat in width, varying in the range of 10 cm. its multifunctionality.

The materials used in the manufacture of restraints are classified according to the type of their application. So, for the frame can be used two types of materials.

• Plastic. Most often, manufacturers use plastic, because its high impact-resistant characteristics are perfectly combined with democratic prices. However, parents when buying should remember that the quality model should be sufficiently thick and have a substantial weight - about 10 kg.
• Metal less commonly used by manufacturers when creating new models. Aluminum structures are more expensive, with the same level of protection as the advanced high-impact plastic.

After the manufacture of the frame, manufacturers impose a cover on the design, which can be removable or non-removable. Materials for its execution may be as follows:

• synthetics;
• fabrics that include natural fibers;
• artificial leather;
• leather;
• natural materials.

Under each cloth most often there is a layer of soft filler, be it foam rubber or specially designed cushioning compositions. The easy chair in their performance is comfortable and safe for the child. Regarding the choice of fabrics, experts advise to give preference to breathable synthetics, for example, soft and comfortable microfiber. Today, it has overtaken almost all natural fabrics in terms of fade resistance, multiple washes and breathability. It is worth noting that natural fabrics are still used in some models, however, only in the part of the head restraint on which the child’s head lies while sleeping.

Ecoskin enters the category of elite materials for production and first of all pleases motorists for a highly aesthetic appearance. In addition, it is convenient to cleanse the skin from dirt by wiping it daily with a damp cloth.

The design and structure of the car seat can be different, which directly affects the functionality of the model. Thus, the first and most important point is the universality or limited use of the model, according to which manufacturers' products are classified into several types.

• The universal device can be used in any car with Isofix mounts or standard seat belts. Such a design is especially convenient with frequent rearrangement of the holding chair.
• Semi-universal models have additional protective details in their arsenal, therefore they are not suitable for every car. A list of suitable cars can be found in the instructions for the device.
• Special models also pass crash tests only on limited modes of transport.

Today, modern manufacturers are engaged in the development of new designs, not only with regard to the degree of safety, but also taking into account the comfort of the child. So, the know-how of famous brands has become a swivel chair. This model is a solid structure on the frame, the bowl of which can be rotated 180 and 360 degrees.This feature allows you to turn the fastened child facing the mother, against the movement or towards the open door of the car by pressing a button or applying a lever.

At the same time, the process of releasing from the chair is considerably simplified, so the novelty has already found its consumer. Experts and parents consider the only disadvantage is the high cost of convenience.

More familiar types of designs have a car seat by age group. So, in addition to pure division by age, you can find such models as:

• 2 in 1 (0/0 +);
• 3 in 1 (1/2/3, 0/1/2).

According to experts, this division takes place. However, this should take into account the anatomical features of each age group. For example, at present there is no ideal model that could suit both a newborn and a 4 year old child. Of course, sleep position designs are offered everywhere. However, no anatomical liner for the crumbs is able to compete with a cozy little place in a car seat.

Another design that interests parents is a holding device for twins. Despite the myths on the Internet, the answer is unequivocal - today they do not exist. In this case, the parents of twins can easily buy the same avtolyulki, securely securing each of them in the back seat. Combined devices, even with their potential existence, could not provide a high degree of protection due to the heavy load on one fastener, be it anchor brackets or avreremni.

Classification of designs is made by the number of parts of the car seat.

• Single-part models are the simplest. They include a seat bowl with or without base.

• Two-part models contain, in addition to a bowl, a leg support made of plastic or soft material. This detail provides comfort even for an older child while resting.
• Three-piece chairs They have not only a bowl, a support for the legs, but also a holding table. However, as Japanese developers have proved, it is more than dangerous to use it instead of the classic inner seat belts, because the entire burden during an accident falls on the abdominal cavity of the baby.

The color performance of the car seats in the new collections of well-known manufacturers pleasantly surprises with its diversity. So, Italian brands delight the richness of juicy shades, while German companies prefer the basic colors. The choice here depends on the parents, who must soberly take into account the effect of color on the baby. Infants and toddlers up to one year very sensitively and sharply react to color diversity. For example, they are frightened and worried about the brightness, so it is better to leave the red car seat for the future.

A closer look at this period is to the basic shades of beige, muted blue and pale pink, and the gray chair can also have a calming effect on the child.

Children of the first and second age groups, on the contrary, love brightness and everything that arouses interest in them. A yellow, purple, green or blue device is perfect for this age. A good solution for parents will be the joint purchase of a chair with the direct participation of the child and his influence on the final decision. Children of the third age group, as a rule, wish to imitate adults. A stylish black or gray car seat is quite appropriate for a similar desire.

In addition, parents should look at the leather models that will not only please the teenage group, but also decorate the car interior.

Parents who want to find the best model that is suitable not only for urban, but also long-distance travel, with attention to the annual results of crash tests. Selected models pass serious tests that reveal the behavior of the car seat when an accident occurs. It is worth noting that the manufacturers themselves test the product in laboratories before launching the product to the market; however, the assessment of independent companies is highly valued. To date, the following organizations are engaged in testing child restraints:

• ADAC - German Automobile Club;
• ANWB - the association of motorists from the Netherlands;
• TCS is a Swiss club that evaluates chairs in terms of reliability and convenience, as well as other world-renowned companies.

ADAC crash tests have earned a special reputation, as they are considered the most stringent and aimed at a wide range of criteria, such as:

• reliability;
• child comfort;
• ease of installation and use;
• quality of materials used.

It should be noted that each test is carried out on special mannequins with load cells, so their results are more than accurate. ADAC for 2017 marked some of the safest models and the best manufacturers.

• German models Baier Adebar and Adefix with a weight load of 15–36 kg, they deservedly received a “good” rating. There are few reviews of Russian parents about the models of the German company, because they can only be purchased through the Internet.

• CYBEX Aton 5, Pallas M, Solution. This company from Germany, its products for several years is very popular among Russians. Among the advantages distinguish comfort, reliability and low price with excellent characteristics, among the disadvantages of the model for newborns - the cradle quickly becomes small.

• Kiddy Evo-Luna i-Size It is a car carrier, capable of changing positions from a semi-sitting to fully horizontal. Reviews of the model are more than positive. Parents note the convenience and ease of installation, excellent materials, useful things, a complete set with the base. The model is expensive, however, users claim that it is “worth it”.

• Joie - This is a company from the UK, which is increasingly found in crash test results. So, recent tests have identified a model i-Gemm for newborns. Reviews also have a positive direction, because despite the more than decent characteristics of the company's model, they are inexpensive and available to a wide class of buyers.

• Concord Reverso PLUS - it is a car seat of the combined type from the famous German company. The model, like the company, is quite popular in Russia. Users note the reasonableness of the details in each model, for example, a powerful and soft liner for a newborn.

• Maxi Cosi from Holland is also a frequent crash test subjects. The last test highlighted the model Rodifix Airprotect for its excellent functionality, and parents noted its lightness and convenience.

• Poland in crash tests is represented by Coletto and Caretero. Independent companies have noted the reliability of new models, and users - the convenience and quality of assembly of materials. Among the shortcomings, the bulkiness with respect to the Scope Deluxe and Vento models stands out.

It should be noted that the list of foreign car seats, tested in accordance with all requirements, is quite large. However, annually the safety rating, regardless of the models, is made up of such companies, in addition to the above, such as Nania, Maxi-Cosi, Romer, 4baby. Detecting these brands on the label, you can be sure of a good choice. No matter how good children's car seats of foreign manufacturers, sometimes the family budget does not allow them to purchase. The proven brands of the Russian Federation come to the rescue in this case.

Their prominent representative is the company Zlatek, which is included in the TOP of the best manufacturers from Russia.Zlatek is a manufacturer with its own production base in the Ryazan region and a design and technology department. Each model in this enterprise passes the strictest control and is subjected to regular tests. Proof of high quality is compliance with the European Standard of Safety ECE-R44 / 04. In addition, the brand with a certain frequency passes international crash tests, announcing itself to the whole world.

Among the popular models of the company stands out avtolyulka Zlatek Colibri, designed for children from birth to 1.5 years. According to parents who use this device, it is easy to use it due to its low weight and convenient handle. The method of fastening with the help of belts and the absence of overpayment for a well-known brand affects the democratic value, equal to an average of 2,500 rubles. Zlatek Atlantic is another device that Russians love to be able to use as a child from 1 to 12 years old.

According to users, soft covers make the trip enjoyable, and the inner five-point belts are protected in all situations. Pleases users in the model and sufficient width of the seat, as well as the anatomical back. The disadvantages of the chair include the inability to change the position during the ride.

Siger is one of the Russian companies that has the certificate of the Common Customs Union and complies with the UNECE Regulations No. 44-04. The company's products do not enter the international market and do not declare themselves as a member of the world crash tests, however, with enviable regularity passes all the necessary checks in Russia. Siger is a car seat in all age categories, developing products with a larger bowl.

According to the manufacturer, only in such models a child can feel comfortable and free even in the conditions of warm and bulky clothing designed for Russian winters. In addition, the design group of the brand is engaged in the manufacture of stylish printed covers, for example, with Khokhloma motifs.

The best models of Siger parents are considered the device "Aegis Lux" for the age category 0+ and "Cocoon", combining in itself 1 and 2 groups. Parents who have bought models, in a review note the space and convenience for kids, low price and decent presentable appearance.

Another Russian brand is “Food-Food”, which is ready to compete with global brands, complying with GOST R 41.44.2005 and European UNECE N 44-04. Not participating in international crash tests, “Food-Food” is regularly tested in the laboratory of FSUE NAMI. The best product reviews are devoted to models that combine 1/2/3 age groups. Of course, today it is difficult to compare in quality and refinement foreign and Russian restraints.

Unfortunately, practically no chair of the Russian Federation can be installed on the Isofix base or used as a cradle, securing it to the chassis of the stroller. Nevertheless, according to experts, good and bad models exist both abroad and in Russia, so only a careful study of the models will allow you to choose high-quality products.

To choose a good car seat, the following important criteria should be considered:

• weight;
• type of attachment;
• security;
• presence of marking;
• materials used.

So, the best models are heavy models with a strong frame, the average weight of which is 12-13 kg. Lightweight models weighing 5 kg, as a rule, have a thinner layer of plastic and other materials. The types of fastening in the form of Isofix system or seat belts, according to experts, are equally effective provided they are installed correctly. Consequently, the absence of brackets to install the chair with Isofix should not be a cause of frustration, because among the classic mounts you can find reliable options.

And also the guarantor of a successful purchase is the marking of the product, from which you can find out the following:

• compliance code;
• car seat type;
• possible weight of the child;
• the country in which the chair is manufactured;
• certificate;
• batch number;
• brand

And if you remember all the symbols of such characteristics is quite difficult, the value of ECE R 44/04, which occurs very often, should bring peace of mind to the hearts of the parents concerned about the choice. A good solution before buying a car seat will be its visual and tactile inspection. Many shops have models of famous brands in stock, so it’s easy to put a child in a chair or try to fix it in the car.

Buying a quality car seat is an important, but by no means a key element in protecting your beloved offspring. Proper use of the design will allow to carry a child in the car in accordance with all the requirements and safety standards. One of the first violations of the requirements for proper installation is poor fixation of the device. It is easy to detect it by noticing the free movement of the car seat in the back seat.

The allowable movement in either side does not exceed 2.5 cm. In this case, the anchor belts are able to secure the child seat with the best possible stability.

So, babies up to one year old should be placed in the car only upstream. This possibility is provided not only in avtolyulki, but also in the chairs combined by age categories. Under this condition, the load on the fragile spine of the baby will be even, even in the event of an accident. The guys from the year are protected by a restraint when located in the direction of travel.

The key to successful use is the correct installation location. The front and rear right seat of a car are the most dangerous places for transporting children. It is they who at the time of the accident are in the risk zone, therefore, in the event of an accident, the strongest blow will in most cases fall on the baby.

If the use of the chair is not according to age, the child will be in the greatest danger. The device, designed for less weight and age, is not able to withstand and keep a child of the older age category. The value of the chair in this case and its protective properties are equal to zero. The same happens with the booster, which is trying to seat a three-year-old baby with a weak spine.

How to choose a baby car seat and how to fix it, see the following video.