Car seat for newborns: features of selection and operation

Mounting options pros and cons

Statistics confirm the fact that a high-quality car seat saves a child’s life in 90-95% of cases. But the same stubborn statistics say that in 80% of cases, parents neglect the rules of fastening, due to which the effectiveness of protection rapidly drops to zero. The method of attaching a car seat depends solely on its design and the characteristics of the car. Based on how the child seat is attached to the car, the following options are distinguished:

Fixation with three-point belt

Initially, manufacturers of children's products offered exclusively models that were secured with a standard car seat belt. Chairs of all age groups were fixed in this way, and even now, when more modern designs exist, these models still continue to be improved and produced. Car seats of this type are chosen for the following reasons:

• The vehicle is not equipped with fastenings for other systems. You can secure a child seat in almost any car, provided that it is equipped with standard seat belts for rear passengers. Before purchasing, be sure to check whether the belt is long enough - problems usually arise when installing carriers of group 0 or 0+.
• The family often uses taxi services. Not all taxi services offer cars with child seats, and when you call, you don't know whether the car will have a different type of seat.

The disadvantages of fixing with a three-point belt are the complexity of installation, due to which mistakes are often made. The results of crash tests confirm the lower reliability of such a system, but still, if you secure the child seat in the car correctly, the child will be safer than without it.

IsoFix fastenings

Such a system was developed back in the 80s by Romer and Volkswagen. The presence of IsoFix fasteners became mandatory for European-made cars only in 2011, but even cars from earlier years of production most often have this option. The advantages of the IsoFix fastening system are the following:

• Reliability. The automotive part of the locking mechanism is rigidly coupled to the power frame of the car, which provides protection against displacement in any collision.
• Easy to install. Even a woman can install it, since the car seat is attached to the car with a simple snap, which does not require physical effort. In this case, incorrect installation is completely excluded, and only a violation when fastening the child can reduce the effectiveness of protection.

Undoubtedly, if your car has an IsoFix system, you should choose such a car seat, since this is the safest option.

Latch and SuperLatch System

An analogue of IsoFix, used on the American market, the only difference is that on the side of the chair, the fasteners are not a metal strip, but thick straps with a carabiner lock. Some elasticity in the strap reduces the intensity of the shock during a collision.

Universal car seats

Manufacturers offer models in which Latch or IsoFix are supplemented with fastenings for three-point seat belts. The best option for families with several cars or those who plan to attach a child car seat both in their own car and in a taxi.

Error four. The baby bassinet is not installed at an angle of 45 degrees

Check: Most baby car seats have a built-in level that helps you position the seat at the desired angle. However, parents often place the chair too upright. If your chair doesn't have a built-in level, take a square piece of paper and fold it in half to create a right triangle. Place the long side of the triangle - the hypotenuse - against the back of the chair. When installing the chair correctly, the top edge of the triangle should be parallel to the ground. Adjust the chair until the correct installation is achieved.

Danger: the child's airways are still very small, their diameter is no larger than a cocktail straw. If the backrest is too upright, the baby's heavy head may fall forward and block the airway so that he cannot breathe.

Remedy: Typically, car seats are tilted slightly back to provide comfort for adult passengers. If it is possible to adjust them, place them in a horizontal position. If this is not possible, place under the back edge of the chair (where the child’s legs are) a “noodles” stick made of foamed polyurethane for swimming in the pool (you can buy it in sports stores) or simply tightly rolled towels.

How to properly secure a child seat in a car

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Child car seats differ from each other in many ways, including fastening methods. This point should be taken into account when choosing such a device.

Attaching universal child car seats in the car

A universal child car seat in a car of almost any model is secured using standard seat belts. Most seat models are equipped with their own set of belts, but they are intended for small children.

In models that are designed for older users, as well as in boosters, such elements are absent. When choosing a universal seat, it is necessary to check the length of the seat belts so that it is convenient to install it and fasten the child.

How to properly fasten a child car seat using seat belts:

we increase the length of the belt to about a meter by pulling it out to facilitate further steps; install the seat in the appropriate place in the car; tighten the belt to the maximum possible limit; we check the stability of the structure, which should not move freely; periodically you will need to tighten the standard tape, which often slides out when the car is moving; the restraint device can be additionally equipped with a special clip, which is intended for a seat belt; Pay attention to the side of the chair, if you have a certified product in your hands, you will see color guides and schematic tips that make all processes easier.

IsoFix anchors for child car seats

The IsoFix design includes two steel hinges that are shaped like the letter P.
The IsoFix design includes two steel hinges that are shaped like the letter P. They are located at a distance of 28 cm from each other. These elements are attached to the load-bearing frame of the vehicle under the back of the rear seat. Hinges and fixing elements have a set of parameters and characteristics that are strictly regulated by European legislation.

How to install a child seat using this type of fastening:

• we determine the location of the brackets that are located on the fasteners;
• we move the two lower brackets towards them along the guides (they are located in the rear of the car seat);
• Using special “tongues” we grab the staples.

If everything was done correctly, you will hear a click, which will indicate that the staple has been captured. To unfasten the seat, you will need to unlock the locks, after which you can move the seat away.

If the child belongs to group 2 or 3, IsoFix fasteners are used as additional ones to hold the chair in place and fix it well. In this case, the child must be fastened with a standard car seat belt. Some car seat models combine IsoFix technology with universal fasteners.

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The first mistake. The car seat is not secured tightly enough

Check: grab the seat with both hands where the car's standard seat belt goes and try to move it. If you can move the car seat more than 2.5 centimeters in any direction, this means that it is not secured tightly enough.

Danger: In the event of a collision, a child sitting in this seat could suffer a face or head injury by hitting the back of the front seat.

Remedy: rest your knee or hand on the car seat, pressing it as much as possible against the back of the rear seat of the car, with your free hand, tighten the standard seat belt as tightly as possible and secure it. If your car does not have a seat belt locking function (in older cars), secure the belt with a clip on the car seat; Most child car seats are equipped with these clips. Don't forget to fasten your belt! The locking mechanism of shoulder belts (four-point) is different from the locking mechanism of conventional belts. Check your vehicle's manual to make sure you do everything correctly.

Classification by age

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A device such as a car seat is a special restraint device that allows children to be transported in the cabin of a car from the moment they are born until they are one or one and a half years old. Everything will depend on the baby’s weight.

A device marked “0” is allowed to transport newborns whose weight does not exceed 13 kilograms. In turn, the “0+” marking indicates the possibility of using it for children whose weight exceeds 13 kilograms.

You need to remember these markings in order to know which infant carrier to buy for your baby. It should also be noted that in this device the child is reclining, which allows him to breathe freely and minimizes the load on the spine.

In addition to the classification of the specified devices regarding the weight of the child, there is also a division into certain categories based on the method of mounting in the car, namely:

• in the direction of travel of the vehicle;
• against the direction of the car;
• along the back sofa;
• universal devices.

Error three. The child is placed facing the direction of travel of the car too early

Check: The child must remain in the vehicle with its rear facing direction until he is one year old or until his height and weight exceed the maximum values ​​​​allowed by the manufacturer of the child car seat. Many parents make the mistake of considering only age or only height and weight, when it is necessary that both conditions be met. In other words, if your baby weighs 20 pounds on their first birthday, they should continue to ride rearward until their height and weight reach the maximum allowed for the car seat.

How to attach a car seat

ISOFIX system and its design

It is advisable to secure the car seat with three-point belts, even if the instructions allow for lap belts (two-point belts). The more stable the chair is fixed, the more safety it will provide for the child.

The child's car seat must be secured very tightly. The movement of the fastened device when rocking from side to side is usually limited to a few centimeters.

After installing the car seat, you need to carefully check the reliability of its fastening. Devices installed against the direction of travel should be taken by the top and tried to be lowered down. In this case, the backrest should not change its angle of inclination. It's okay if the chair comes into contact with the back of the car seat.

When installing a category 0+ car seat, be careful not to place the lap belt in the place of the diagonal belt and vice versa - this is fraught with dire consequences in the event of an accident.

When installing a car seat, pay attention to the mating part of the seat belt - its buckle should not come into contact with parts of the device. Otherwise, due to overloads during an accident, the car seat belt may come unbuckled.

The inner seat belts should be tightly tightened (the gap between it and the child's body is usually less than two fingers)

The seat's interior straps should be tightly tightened (the gap between it and the child's body is usually less than two fingers). If the design provides for the use of a “chest clip,” then it should be located no lower than the level of the child’s armpits.

In the rear-facing position, the seat's inner belts (category 0+/1) should start slightly below the child's shoulder level. His head should not be higher than the edge of the chair.

The child in the carrier should be at an angle of 45 degrees to the horizontal, that is, reclining. In car seats of categories 1, 1/2, 1/2/3, the internal belts (if any) should start above the level of the child’s shoulder. His head can protrude above the edge of the device, but no more than a third.

In category 2/3 seats and in category 1/2, 1/2/3 combination seats, the car belt must cross the middle of the child’s shoulder, and the height of the guide must be adjusted so that the belt is not too low (it may slip off the shoulder) and not too high (in case of a jerk it may end up on the neck).

The seat in which your child is only fastened with a car seat belt must not be placed in an almost horizontal position: the child can easily slide under it, which is very dangerous in the event of a traffic accident.

Car seats

In car seats, a newborn is transported reclining, at an inclination of 30-45 degrees, with his back in the direction of travel. The seat itself is secured either with the car's standard seat belts or with special ISOFix brackets. The child in the car seat is held in place by internal straps.

Newborns are transported reclining in car seats

• The first picture shows a universal chair that can be used for both infants and older children.
• The second picture shows a car seat that is used for children up to one and a half years old. In these seats, the child can be carried outside the car, thanks to a special handle.

The main advantage of car seats is that they provide better safety for the child than bassinets. The seats hold the baby's head well during a frontal impact, eliminating traumatic stress on the neck. And this, according to statistics, is about 70% of accidents.

It is very important that the tilt of the seat back is correct, and is within 30-45 degrees. A flatter angle (more than 45 degrees) greatly reduces the safety of the car seat in frontal impacts. If the position is too high (angle less than 30 degrees), the child’s head will fall forward, which can lead to difficulty breathing, and, as a result, to insufficient oxygen saturation of the blood, and in very rare cases, to respiratory arrest.

It is very important that the seat back angle is correct

The angle of the seat back should be within 30-35 degrees. The optimal angle is 45 degrees.

The angle of the seat back should be within 30-35 degrees

• a) Seat angle is too low (
• b) Backrest tilt from 30° to 45°. The newborn is in maximum safety with sufficient comfort.
• c) The photograph was taken during crash testing during a collision. The angle of the backrest is too flat (>45°), which does not provide adequate safety for the child in the event of an accident.

The optimal back angle is 45°. This tilt ensures an optimal balance between safety and comfort during road trips.

How to choose the right one

How to choose a suitable car seat for a newborn? First of all, you need to pay attention to the indicated age. If the model is intended for recently born babies (marked “0”), then the baby can be placed in it in a completely horizontal position

Externally, this option looks like a stroller cradle and is optimal for newborns born with low weight.

If the marking is “0+”, then the baby can be placed reclining. This infant carrier is designed for a full-weight child from birth up to 13 kg. It is believed that both models can accommodate children up to approximately 10-12 months. But, as practice shows, a car seat in size “0” becomes uncomfortable by the end of the first half of the year, and “0+” will last no more than a year.

When studying which infant carriers are best for newborns, it is important to consider the design features of the model, the presence of seat belts, the method of fastening, the shape of the product, the strength of the body, weight and ease of use.

Types of car cradles

You should approach the choice of a car seat responsibly, choosing a device that is suitable for the age category and weight of the baby. Depending on these indicators, the following groups of cradles are distinguished:

1. Category 0. This infant carrier is intended for children from birth to six months who are not yet sitting. The design is characterized by a horizontal backrest position.
2. Category 0+. Such carriers are installed against the movement of the car (in the back or front seat), and are secured by five-point seat belts. They ensure the safety of a newborn in a frontal collision, are used for children under 1.5 years old, the maximum weight of the child is 13 kg. An alternative to group 0+ chairs can be 3-in-1 stroller cradles.
3. Category 1. Car seats in this group are designed for children weighing 9-18 kg, aged from 1 to 4 years. They have five-point seat belts and an adjustable backrest.
4. Category 2. Chairs are suitable for children from 3 to 7 years old, weighing 15-25 kg.
5. Category 3. These chairs are suitable for children 6-12 years old, weighing 22-36 kg.

Stroller models

Before you decide which infant carrier you should choose, you need to know that most stroller manufacturers produce infant carriers that are mounted on a special chassis. This option is quite convenient. It allows parents to get their baby out of the vehicle without disturbing it and, having installed the device on a wheeled chassis, continue walking or going about their business.

But you need to know that no matter how convenient such devices are, even they have a number of disadvantages. In particular, it is necessary to note their unreliability, not to mention their tightness and adverse effect on the spine, which can have a detrimental effect on the overall development of the baby in the future.

Pediatricians recommend purchasing a 3-in-1 car seat only if your travel by vehicle is limited to trips outside the city limits and is not long-term.

Otherwise, you will have to choose a completely different model among universal or other devices, as shown in the photo. It is also worth noting that universal car seats for infants are mounted permanently in the car. That's why they don't have a carrier.

How to secure a newborn in a car seat in winter

Children are very fragile creatures, and newborn babies are doubly tender. It is dangerous to shake such a baby even vigorously: due to the heaviness of his head, he can easily experience all sorts of breathing problems. That is why you need to carefully consider the safety of your movement in a car and choose a car seat or car seat for a newborn.

The Emmaljunga car seat is attached to the armrests of the car with special straps. This provides reliable protection for the baby during the trip. These car seats are designed for babies from birth until the child gains thirteen kilograms of weight. This is approximately three to four years of age.

Methods for securing child seats in a car

Once you have determined whether a particular chair is appropriate to use, you can begin installation. One important point cannot be ignored: infant carriers of group “0+” are installed only facing the direction of the vehicle. This rule is dictated by safety precautions and instructions from all manufacturers without exception. The baby in the car seat should be in a lying position. A child car seat of the first group assumes that the child will be in a sitting position. Starting from group “1”, all seats are freely installed facing the traffic.

Fastening with standard car seat belts

Standard three-point seat belts are suitable for any type of child seat. However, there are some nuances here. Car seats for the smallest passengers are secured with a standard belt in the car, and the child himself is fastened using an internal five-point belt. Car seats of the first and universal groups are attached to the seat using their own weight, and the child is fastened with a standard belt.

Correct and reliable installation of a child restraint with seat belts is possible after carefully studying the manufacturer's instructions. Many modern models of car seats have special red marks that are located in the area where the belt should pass (chairs that are installed rearward have blue marks). The available instruction pictures will make the task much easier.

Over time, irresponsible parents stop paying attention to the labels, ignore the rules for installing the infant carrier, and fix the device hastily. Such negligence is unacceptable when it comes to the safety of a child.

Procedure for installing a child seat:

Move the front seat so that it does not create obstacles when installing the infant carrier. Having freed up space for fixation, place the car seat in the intended installation area. Pull the seat belts through the designated area. When tightening the straps, maximum effort must be applied. After installing the fixing elements, check the shoulder area

It is important that it be fastened, since the reliability of the seat’s fixation depends on this element. Adjust the height of the guide

If the belt is placed too high at the moment of jerking, it will begin to slide towards the neck. After completing all the manipulations, check the reliability of the chair: apply force and move it in different directions. A small amount of play is allowed. Have the child sit down and check how the straps hold. The permissible gap between the child and the straps is 3–4 cm.

What else is important to pay attention to when securing a child seat with standard belts?

• Seat belts cannot provide rigid fixation of the seat, but it should not shake. You should move the chair in different directions. If it moves more than 2 cm, it must be reinstalled.
• As soon as the child is seated in the seat and fastened, you need to check if the belts are twisted. It is unacceptable for the belts to dangle or pinch.
• As the vehicle moves, seat belts tend to loosen and slip. Using a special clamp will eliminate this problem. The fixing bracket is either provided by the design of the chair or purchased separately.
• The standard belt must be pulled through all the guides provided by the design of the child seat. You need to check that the tape goes over the baby’s shoulder and hips. It is unacceptable to move the belt towards the neck.
• Current safety regulations state that the child seat must be checked before each trip.

Advantages of the traditional method of installing a car seat for transporting children:

• The method is universal, since seat belts are an attribute of any modern car.
• Acceptable price.
• The car seat can be fixed on any car seat.

How to secure a newborn in a car seat with a blanket

So, the mother is fastened, the child is in her arms. It is impossible to hold a child in such a collision with your hands! Let's look at the following option: the mother is not wearing a seat belt, the child is in her arms. As a result, the mother kills the child with her weight. And the last option: the mother fastens herself and the child. The result will be similar to the option when the mother is not fastened and holds the child in her arms.

Their tests are carried out according to a method that is much more stringent than required by the mandatory European regulation ECE R and is as close as possible to the conditions of real road accidents. For testing, ADAC selects models from the most well-known manufacturers of child car seats.

ISOFIX system

The car seat for such a system is made exclusively from steel, which completely eliminates the possibility of its deformation. Durable plastic is extremely rarely used. This system has special hooks with which the device is secured in the car.

Directly in the vehicle itself there must be certain brackets, which are popularly called “anchors”. Thus, the Isofix system turns the infant carrier into a special capsule, similar to the one in which a racing driver sits.

Looking for Isofix

Before you go to the store to purchase such a device with the Isofix system, you need to think about how you will mount it in the car. To do this, you need to find special loops. Their location can be in different places near the passenger seats or directly in them.

In most cases, they can be between the back and seat cushion or covered with decorative plugs on which the corresponding inscriptions are applied. In our case, “Isofix”.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like every invention, the Isofix system is not without its positive and negative aspects. The advantages include:

• simplicity and convenience of fastening;
• eliminating the possibility of incorrect installation;
• preventing strong displacement of the seat in the event of a frontal impact;
• excellent fixation in case of a side collision;
• maintaining the integrity of the chair during strong shocks.

Among the disadvantages are noted:

• low versatility;
• large dimensions;
• high price;
• transmission of shocks and vibrations to the child through a rigid mount.

Installing a car seat

1. Correct installation takes a few minutes. This will require.
2. Remove the Isofix fasteners.
3. Remove the protective caps and insert the fasteners into the guides.
4. Fasten the seat belt based on the model and make of the vehicle.

When choosing a car seat, you can consult with friends, relatives, and consultants at a car store, but always have your own opinion, which should be reasonable and based on your personal knowledge. Before purchasing, be sure to check your vehicle for the required mounting hardware.

Now you know what function the car seat has, why it is needed and how it is installed. Bon Voyage.

Is a baby carrier suitable for traveling in a car seat?

ON HANDS. It’s better to just let it wander around the cabin - it’s safer. And you don’t really know the traffic rules. Traffic rules clause 22.9. Transportation of children is permitted provided that their safety is ensured, taking into account the design features of the vehicle.

I bought a wonderful envelope for discharge and for further walks. I wanted to take my baby out of the maternity hospital in it. I don’t have my own car yet, and I don’t have a license either, so I didn’t buy a car seat/car seat. And then I found out that a car seat is required. Okay, it’s necessary - it’s necessary, I called and found these taxis with infant seats. Is it possible to carry a child in an envelope in a car seat? The envelope hides everything, only the face is visible. The rectangular envelope is a modern alternative to wrapping in a blanket. There will be no legs or arms outside. It may be very cold outside. Will they be delivered in an envelope like this?

Correct use of the car seat

When a car seat model is chosen, the question arises about the correct mounting and location in the car. On the Internet, among parents and car seat owners, there are various disputes and discussions about how to properly install car seats for children of different ages. More often, parents of children under 12 months are concerned. There are two types of car seats for small children: forward-facing and rear-facing.

Many scientists are opponents of the first arrangement, since the installed seat exposes the child to injury from the front of the head along the way, because the passenger seats that are in front of the baby are equipped with airbags not intended for children; from hitting the baby’s face on the pillow, the unformed bones of the baby may not withstand the load. So, experts recommend installing the chair in a rear-facing position. The backrest of the car seat protects the back of the head from impact and minimizes injuries from a side impact.

Another issue that concerns parents is the safe and reliable mounting of car seats. Often, a parent is faced with the problem of installing a car seat, so you should strictly follow the instructions or ask the staff who sell car seats to help with the correct installation. A special instruction is to keep the belts as tight as possible. You should also check that the car seat is securely fastened before each trip.

If the car was involved in a traffic accident, it is advisable to replace the car seat with a new one, even if it looks good. A minor defect can have a detrimental effect on the child’s safety on subsequent trips. The safety of the child is the destiny and concern of the parents; no one will ever guarantee complete safety while traveling. Therefore, it is worth being a careful driver and an attentive parent.

How to transport a baby correctly and safely

Another important characteristic when choosing a chair is the quality of the material from which it is made. Parts made of plastic and plastic should not have a strong unpleasant odor and should be strong and durable. Fasteners and fasteners must be made of metal. It is better to choose models that have a removable cover, so you can easily wash it when necessary.

The cradle is ideal for newborn babies, because only in it the baby feels quite comfortable, because... it provides the position that is most considered correct. In the cradle, the newborn is in a supine position.

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Types of child car seats

Before installing this car device, you need to make sure that it matches the child’s age and anthropometric parameters. Depending on the age category, car seats are conventionally divided into subgroups. They differ in the type of fastening (main and auxiliary), as well as the design features of the car seat body. In addition, each type of restraint device has a specific fixation location. The following types of chairs can be found on sale:

• Group 0+. Such infant carriers are used for infants whose weight does not exceed 12 kg. Chairs in this group, as a rule, have several fastening systems and auxiliary support supports.
• Group 1. Seats of this type are intended for young passengers from one to five years old, whose body weight does not exceed 20 kg.
• Universal group. This format of chairs is suitable for several age categories at once, so this device is often used for several years. Due to the fact that such a device has an advanced regulation system, it can be adjusted to the baby’s height. It is also possible to separately adjust the angle of inclination.
• Group 2–3 These car seats are only suitable for transporting older children weighing up to 40 kg.

Newborn baby in a car seat in winter

The locks on the restraint device in this version of the system are located on the belts, and the metal frame had to be abandoned. The end result was improvements in ergonomics, weight and comfort. In this system, body vibrations are not transmitted to the child's seat thanks to elastic belts.

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3. A more expensive method is to install an “autostart” engine on the car, powered by an alarm. This will allow you to get into a warmed-up car, undress your child, put him in a car seat or any other one, and undress yourself.

Features of operation

They are used to transport children under one and a half years of age, since this category of children has its own physiological characteristics:

1. Young children have not yet formed skeletal and muscular systems, so transporting them using a car seat is quite difficult;
2. Car seats have a certain size and most children in infancy simply cannot sit there safely due to their small stature. Car seats have the shape of a classic cradle, in which you can put a baby who is unable to hold his head up and control his movements;
3. The chairs have a certain frame that provides protection due to a certain age of children (in most cases from 3 years).

Newborn children are not able to adequately perceive reality at this age and need constant attention and help, while not being able to control their actions.

On the video how to attach the infant carrier in the car:

That is why it is so important to correctly and correctly install a baby car seat in the car interior.

Carrycot for transporting infants in a car - rating

Based on all of the above factors that provide a newborn baby and older children with convenience, comfort and maximum safety during a long trip in a car, we can make a rating of the seven best infant carriers. Products corresponding to them:

• Liko Baby LB-321;
• Bambola Nautilus;
• Happy Baby Skyler;
• Cybex Aton Q Plus;
• Britax Romer Primo;
• Cybex Aton Q;
• Baby Design Leo.

How to attach a child seat in a car step by step instructions

How often you will have to do the installation depends on the operating and storage conditions of the machine. If you do not plan to take the chair home, you can not bother yourself and ask the sales assistant in the store to fix it immediately after purchase. But if the car spends the night in an unguarded parking lot, it is better to take the car seat overnight so as not to provoke thieves.

Fastening with standard belt

The most difficult method, since the algorithm of your actions will depend on the specific model of the chair, since the location of the fastening elements can differ significantly. You can read the instructions first, but most often there is a diagram of what you have to do right on the chair. General recommendations can be summarized as follows:

• Move the front seat as far forward as possible to give yourself more room to operate. If you place the chair in the front passenger seat, install it in the position in which it will be when driving.
• If the model allows for forward-facing and rear-facing installation, the belt mounts are marked in different colors, which serves as a convenient guide.
• Before installation, fully extend the belt so that it is easy for you to manipulate.
• When the entire procedure for placing the belt recommended by the manufacturer is completed, tighten it and check how stable the fixation is. A play of a couple of centimeters is acceptable, but with more serious displacements you will have to start all over again.
• If we are talking about group 2-3, then the seat in it is fastened after the child is seated. Don't forget to adjust the height of the headrest. Even if you are traveling without a child, the group 2-3 seat must remain fastened so that it does not move while driving.

Installation on IsoFix or Latch

The scheme of actions is extremely simple, and installation will not take much of your time:

• At the junction between the seat and the back of the rear row, find the U-shaped metal brackets.
• If your model comes with bracket guides, attach them to the vehicle's brackets.
• Move the brackets to the brackets and push them in until you hear a characteristic click, confirming they are secured. To attach the Latch, snap the carabiners onto the brackets.
• Some models have an additional bar for resting on the floor, which must be adjusted in height.
• If the manufacturer has provided the Top Tether anchorage, then its belt is fastened in the mounts located in the trunks or on the rear side of the seat back.

Adjusting the straps

For car seats of groups 0+ and 1, it is important to adjust the belt correctly so that the baby is securely fastened, but without discomfort. The shoulder part should start above the baby’s shoulder so that the strap does not rub the skin while riding

The length of the straps should be adjusted so that one adult finger fits under the strap at chest level. With a weaker tension, there is a risk that the baby will release his hands, and too much pressure will be applied at the slightest shake.

A video will show in detail how a child seat is attached to a car, in which a consultant demonstrates the installation of car seats of various groups. Due to the fact that the installation is carried out on a demonstration stand, all aspects are very clearly visible.

Installing a child car seat may seem difficult only the first few times, but after practicing it, you will be able to deftly use the harness and be able to intuitively install models from different manufacturers. Don’t take your baby’s safety lightly, and be sure to buckle him up even on short trips, because it’s completely impossible to predict when this device will save a life.

How to properly secure a car seat in a car

Error six. Placing seat belts in the wrong slots

Check: Most car seats have three belt slot locations. The lower and middle ones are designed for a position with your back facing the direction of travel, and the upper ones for a “facing forward” position. On most forward-facing car seats, only the top slots are reinforced to help keep the harness in the correct position in the event of a collision. However, parents often turn the seat around without rearranging the belts.

Danger: If the child is facing forward, the belts inserted into the lower and middle slots may break out of their anchorages in the event of a collision.

Remedy: Check your chair's manual to see which slots are for which situations.

How to install a car seat and a child car seat in a car; installation diagram using seat belts and Isofix

Children are born, grow up and become teenagers. And only after that, in accordance with traffic rules, they have equal rights with other adult passengers. During this decade, a family may get a car, it may change several times, it may exist all this time, and a rapidly growing child constantly needs a device that ensures its safe transportation.

All of the above leads to the need to choose a car seat for a child, but purchasing an excellent product does not completely solve the issue of transportation safety. Effective protection of a car seat largely depends on the choice of its location, installation direction and method of fastening. You can do this by contacting specialists or by understanding this issue yourself, using, among other things, our article.

It is important not only to properly secure the child in the car seat, but also to secure the seat itself according to the manufacturer’s instructions

Do you need a car seat for newborns?

A baby car seat-cradle is not a waste of money and not a whim of parents, but a means of first necessity when traveling with a baby in a car. The product ensures safety for the baby. The bones of small children are very fragile, the cartilage tissue has not yet strengthened, the head is large and heavy, so any minor accident can harm his health. The mandatory use of car cradles is even stipulated in the traffic rules, and violation of this clause leads to administrative liability and a fine.

Rating of the best models

For newborns, it is better to use infant carriers: they are the most physiological. When purchasing a baby device for transporting babies, be guided by your own taste, customer reviews, and ratings on the Internet. Let's look at the best models that are now at the peak of popularity.

• Car seat ROMERBaby-SafeSLEEPER. Can be used from birth up to 13 kg. It is very roomy inside, but quite heavy (7 kg). Using an adapter, you can install this model on the chassis of strollers of the same brand. The device is secured using regular car seat belts. Inside the cradle, the child is secured with three-point belts. Made from high strength and soft materials. There is a special arc on the side, which in case of a side impact will serve as a shock absorber and soften it. The backrest can be raised and used for an older child. It comes with liners that cushion the ride and are also easy to wash.

• Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix baby carrier. Suitable for children up to one year old and weighing no more than 13 kilograms. Fits in a rear-facing car in both the front and rear seats. Can be attached with both regular seat belts and EasyFix with EasyBase belts. This model is lightweight, the child will feel free in it. Pluses are also large sides and a side impact handle.

• Maxi-Cosi Pebble. A variant of the previous infant carrier. Additionally, this option provides a FamilyFix mount for cars that have the option of Isofix mount. Designed according to European quality standards.

• WOW is a baby bassinet made in the USA. Can be used for a maximum of 9 months. Lightweight and compact, mounted on wheels. Fixes into the car using adapters.

• BEBE Confort Creatis Fix. The convenient design allows the child to be in it in 2 positions: lying down and reclining. The design has a sun visor and a carrying handle. A very durable car seat made of hypoallergenic materials and made in a universal red color. Attached to the platform.

• Cybex Aton. This comfortable and durable car seat is very popular and has passed many crash tests. The thick and soft sides of this device will protect your baby from blows. The visor of this car seat can be fixed in 4 positions. It can also be based on the chassis from strollers of the same company.

• Recaro Young Profi Plus. The very thick frame of such a device makes it as safe as possible for the baby to be inside. The upholstery material is made of natural and non-toxic materials that will not harm the baby in any way.

• Mima Izi Go Car Seat. An amazing feature of this cradle is the material of the body: it is leather. This is so convenient for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene with a small child. The fastening in this device is double: suitable for regular standard belts and for Isofix. The advantages are the presence of a carrying handle and a comfortable soft adjustable headrest.

• Aprica CURURILA Isofix. The name of this cradle speaks for itself. Isofix fastenings are one of the most reliable in modern devices for transporting children. This infant carrier can be rotated around its axis without being removed from the base, which is undoubtedly very convenient. The tilt of this cradle has 7 different levels. You can put your baby to sleep in it, feed him or simply give him an additional viewing angle. The plastic from which the car seat body is made does not form debris upon impact. The set includes an anatomically shaped mattress.

When choosing a car seat manufacturer, the price criterion should be in last place. Remember that the life and health of your child is at stake! Check out the models from the following manufacturers, which are considered the best in their category.

Car seat for newborn

What types of car seats are there for newborns? Read the article about what to look for when purchasing, how to properly place your baby in a car seat, and what ensures the baby’s safety in the car.

Carrying a newborn in your arms means putting him at risk, even at low speeds! A car seat (car seat) is required for a newborn. Parents need to remember that you cannot use one car seat for a child of all ages.

Safe car seat: where is the guarantee?

The safety of the baby in the car is ensured by the following child car seat parameters:

• protects against side impact. According to numerous studies, it is the side impact that is most dangerous for a small passenger.
• securely attaches to the car. The child must remain secure, including during sudden braking.
• easy operation. According to sad statistics, a significant portion of injuries occur due to improper installation of a child car seat in a car.

Manufacturers of child car seats came to these now obvious things about 30 years ago. Previously, the functions of car seats for newborns and older children were limited to keeping the child in one place while the car was in motion.

But the development of the global automotive industry as a whole, an increase in speeds, the number of cars and increased attention to passenger safety have led to the adoption of uniform European standards for the safety of child car seats. Since 2009, this has been the ECE R44/04 standard, which corresponds to the Russian GOST. Please note that the previous version ECE R44/03 is less stringent than the current one.

The first child car seat appeared in 1935 in America. But then the device did not serve to ensure the safety of the baby in the car, but to prevent the child from crawling around the cabin and interfering with driving.

Innovations for child car seats: ECE and i-size

In the summer of 2013, a new system of standards for child car seats appeared - i-size. The introduction of new markings does not mean that previously manufactured chairs are unsafe. It's all about developing road safety techniques.

i-Size takes into account the latest research, the gradation of car seats has changed relative to the weight and height of the child, and lateral protection has been strengthened. But, at least until 2021, the ECE 44/04 and i-Size standards operate in parallel, which means that car seats marked ECE 44/04, which have already become familiar, will not disappear from Russian stores.

The I-size standard requires that a child car seat be secured in a car exclusively using the isofix system. If your car does not require such special fasteners (this can be clarified in the car modification), then a seat marked i-size will not suit you, only ECE.

Do not confuse ECE R44/04 and Isofix

ECE R44/04 is a child car seat safety standard that includes several parameters regarding side protection, fastening systems, and the dependence of the seat model on height and weight. This marking must be on the car seat.

Isofix is ​​just a fastening system, nothing more. There are two ways to secure a child car seat: using a standard car seat belt and using Isofix anchors.

Make sure that the car seat you choose to purchase has the European marking ECE R44/04. This marking fully complies with Russian GOST standards.

In some countries, for example, in the UK, Israel, Canada, the mother simply cannot be released from the maternity hospital until she guarantees that the newborn will go home in a car seat.

Myths about transporting newborns in a car

The most common belief is that it is supposedly possible to transport a newborn in the arms of an adult or in a regular cradle, especially if the journey is short. Those who claim this point to the fact that they have never heard of car seats for children before, and the driver will be extremely careful. But this is absolutely forbidden! Yes, before there were no car seats for newborns with such a strong and complex protection system as now, but think about how the traffic situation has become more complicated, how much the speed of movement has increased in recent years, and then it will become clear why a child car seat is now vitally important. In addition, a disaster can happen at a relatively low speed of 30-40-50 km/h. Therefore, remember: a newborn can only be transported in a special car seat, regardless of the distance, speed and duration of the trip!

Another myth associated with transporting children in a car is that a car seat for newborns harms the baby’s fragile spine. If you use a car seat for older children to transport a baby, then yes, it is harmful. But special car seats are produced for newborns! They differ from others in that the child is not in a sitting position, but lying down, that is, without any harm to the newborn.

If you do not plan to regularly travel with a newborn in the car, then to move from the maternity hospital home, order a taxi, the fleet of which has not just a car seat for children, but specifically for infants.

Choosing a car seat for a newborn

As mentioned above, a car seat for a newborn differs from others at least in its design, which assumes a semi-lying position for the baby in it. Currently, manufacturers of child car seats use five age categories:

What you need to know when choosing and using a car seat

The car seat is category 0. Externally, the car seat resembles an ordinary cradle. The child is positioned strictly horizontally in it, which corresponds to his physiological characteristics. There is no danger to the spine or other parts of the body. This position is familiar for the baby; he also sleeps in a crib.

The car seat is installed only in the back seat, perpendicular to the movement. The headboard should be turned away from the car door: this is safer in the event of a side impact. The car seat is secured with a standard seat belt. The baby in the car seat must also be secured with internal wide straps.

What to look for when choosing a car seat for a newborn:

• Depth. When assessing this parameter, remember that the child will be in the infant carrier wearing clothes, including voluminous winter overalls.
• The car seat should fit snugly to the car seat, practically without moving on it.
• Before purchasing, check whether the standard seat belts in your car are sufficient to secure the infant carrier.
• Check the car seat body for flimsiness. It is the body that mainly ensures the safety of the baby.

The disadvantages of an infant carrier are that usually by 6-9 months the child “outgrows” it. Therefore, it is better to consider the option of auto-carrying.

Car seat price: from 5,000 rubles.

Do not confuse the infant carrier with a car carrier, which is installed against the direction of travel.

What you need to know when choosing and using a car carrier

The car carrier (marked as 0+) is also intended for children from birth, but has a number of significant differences from the car seat. Externally, the car carrier looks more like a car seat for older children rather than a cradle. It is also convenient because it has a handle for transporting the car with the baby outside the car. Used for children up to one and a half years old or until the weight reaches 13 kg.

In a car carrier, the child is in a reclining position, because the back of the carrier is set at an angle of 30-45 degrees. For those who have not yet encountered a car carrier, it seems that the child is sitting in it. But in fact, the position of the baby with the backrest of the car carrier correctly adjusted is the same as if he is lying in your arms.

The car carrier is installed in the back seat, preferably behind the driver. Do not keep any objects in the back seat when the infant carrier is in place. You can also place the infant carrier on the front passenger seat, but then the airbag must be turned off! Unlike a car seat, a car carrier is placed like a car seat for older children, that is, not perpendicular to the movement. Please note that it is better to install a car carrier (or a car seat for newborns) against the direction of the car.

There are two options for attaching the carrier to your car. The first is using standard seat belts. The second is through special isofix fasteners. In the second case, such a system should be in your car. But basically all cars produced after 2003 have isofix mounts.

If you are buying a car seat, it does not matter whether your car is equipped with an isofix mounting system. If you are using a car carrier, check the compatibility of the machine and the car carrier in terms of fastenings.

What to look for when buying a car carrier:

• Possibility to adjust the backrest tilt.
• Reliability of fastenings.
• Compatibility of car carrier mounts and your car.

If you bought a car carrier, it is better to supplement it with a special insert for a newborn, which will ensure a better position for the baby in the car carrier.

Car carrier price: from 5,000 rubles, car carrier insert for newborns – from 1,000 rubles.

There are strollers that, judging by the manufacturer’s description, have a removable infant carrier. Outwardly, it may look quite suitable for transporting a baby. But, unfortunately, crash tests show that a stroller car seat is unsafe.

Car seat: from birth to 3-4 years

This is an intermediate category designed to save the family budget. Such car seats are marked as 0-1 and are suitable for children weighing no more than 18 kg. The requirements for a car seat are the same as for a car carrier. However, it is highly recommended to use a newborn insert.

Price: from 8,000 rubles.

Even a minor accident can lead to deformation of the car seat that is invisible to the eye, which can subsequently affect the safety of the baby. Therefore, if you decide to buy a used child car seat, it is better to purchase it from friends.

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More on the topic

Car seat or car seat for newborns: which is better?

Before comparing the two devices, we should remember the unique proportions of the body and skeleton of infants:

• insufficient bone stiffness;
• predominance of cartilaginous tissue in the skeleton;
• the weight of the head makes up a fifth of the total mass - this, with a thin neck with poorly developed muscles, creates a danger of injury even with a sharp shake in the arms;
• respiratory processes in infants are imperfect, they depend on the position of the body.

Based on the above, it is easier to assess the risks and benefits of transporting a newborn in two different safety devices.

Body position during the trip

The cradle is designed for the horizontal position of the baby: it is the most physiological until the age of six months. When the child lies down, breathing is not obstructed due to the lowered chin, and there is no pressure on the weak spine. In a car seat, a baby up to 6 months is reclining, at an angle of 30 - 45° to the horizontal. Comfort for a newborn is somewhat reduced, but it is quite sufficient.

Age limits

A car seat is only applicable during the first six months of life if the child’s weight does not exceed 9 kg and height is 70 cm (although there are options for larger children). A baby up to 15 months with a body weight of 13 kg and a height of 75 cm feels comfortable in the “0 + 1” car seat.

Placement in the cabin and fixation

The cradle is positioned perpendicular to the movement of the car and secured to the rear seat with a standard belt. The child is secured in the car seat with its internal straps. A similar fixation is provided by the design of the car seat, but it is positioned against the movement. Disadvantage of a car seat: it takes up more space in the cabin.

Safety

Considering the orientation of the cradle perpendicular to the movement of the car, it should be noted that in the event of a frontal impact this is more dangerous for the head (even though it is not fixed in any way) and neck. These injuries are typical for 70% of accidents.

A newborn sitting in a chair is better protected from emergency braking: if the chair is optimally tilted, the child’s head will not fall down and there will be no neck fracture. To adjust the angle of inclination, special rollers or strands of towels are placed under the car seat. On the sides of the back of the device there are side stops to hold the head.

In conclusion, it is worth saying that a car seat provides a higher level of safety for a newborn, and a short stay in a semi-sitting position is not harmful to the spine. If the mother still doubts the comfort of the chair, or there are medical restrictions, then it is better to buy a car seat.

How to choose a good and safe baby carrier?

Is an electronic swing necessary for newborn babies? How to choose them?

Techniques and options for wide swaddling of newborns - https://klubmama.ru/sovety-roditelyam/uxod-za-novorozhdennymi/shirokoe-pelenanie-detej.html. Read the link.

Features of classic models

Traditional car cradles are installed along the back seat of the car. In them, the baby is in a semi-horizontal position and feels exactly the same as when walking in a stroller. However, such models have a significant drawback - when used in a car, in addition to the driver, only one passenger can fit. The devices are secured using two seat belts that are in the car, and another one, belonging to the car seat, runs across the child’s chest. It is wide enough and does not cause any concern to the baby. Doctors completely agree with such assurances from manufacturers.

Other options for choosing a car seat

Before transporting a newborn and purchasing a “0” or “0+” car seat for this, pay attention to the general rules for choosing such devices:

• Five-point harnesses are considered optimal, since the level of safety depends on the quality of fixation. The quality of this parameter is especially important for newborns and babies in the first months of life. A belt between the legs is mandatory.
• Belts must have pads to protect against chafing.
• There should be sides in the head area that will protect against impact or sudden movement of the head to the side.
• The optimal model is one whose inclination can be adjusted. At the same time, the ability to change the position should be available while the baby is in the chair, so that he can be put down or returned to a semi-sitting position.
• A chair that is lightweight and easy to install and remove will be comfortable.
• The model must match the make of the car. In addition, you should take into account the features of fastening the car seat.

What you need to know about attaching and operating the infant carrier

Don’t forget that your baby should not be in a car seat (even the most comfortable one!) for more than 1–1.5 hours. If a longer trip is planned, then plan regular breaks, during which the baby needs to be taken out of the device and carried in your arms in different positions (upright, on your tummy, sideways).

Modern baby carriers are multifunctional, as they are equipped with a carrying handle, can be installed on the base of a stroller, used as a crib (for short sleep, for example, so as not to wake up a toddler if he falls asleep on the road), a chair or rocking chair at home.

Transporting a newborn in a car - car seats and infant carriers

As a rule, the angle of inclination of modern seats ensures the safe transportation of a child, but its value may vary depending on the shape of the seats of a particular car. It is permissible to use bolsters to correct the tilt of the car seat, for example from tightly wound towels that are placed under the front of the child seat.

There is a common belief among parents that it is harmful for a newborn to sit in a car seat, as it can damage his spine. In fact, these fears are unfounded because the child does not sit upright in the car seat, but reclines. There are no dangerous loads on the spine. The weight is evenly distributed across the back.

How to transport children under one year old in a car: choosing a car seat

The name of the cradle speaks for itself - the baby lies or reclines in it. This is important, because infants do not sit until they are six months old, and sitting on purpose is very harmful for the child - the skeleton is still being formed, he learns to hold his head for several months... In general, it is impossible.

Everyone knows that children need to be transported only in a special restraint device, but infants are transported not in a seat, but in a special car seat. It differs from a car seat for older children in its weight category.

How to secure a newborn in a car seat

This is due to the fact that infant carriers are typically produced by stroller manufacturers who simply provide removable stroller bassinets with additional attachments. But the material is not strong enough for safe road transport. In addition, the cradle takes up a lot of space in the car.

The changes affected the design of the fastenings on the chair. The locks on the restraint device in this version of the system are located on the belts, and the metal frame had to be abandoned. The end result was improvements in ergonomics, weight and comfort.