Waiting for a baby is always a very important period. Future parents face the need to decide what things the child will need and what they can do without.
If the family has a car, then the question arises whether it is necessary to buy special devices for transporting the baby, or whether it can be transported in the arms of an adult.
The traffic rules give a clear answer: when transporting children under 7 years of age in the rear, front seat, or in the cab of a truck, it is mandatory to use a child restraint system.
Failure to comply with these rules entails a fine of 3,000 rubles. A car seat is best suited for transporting newborns and babies under 1 year of age.
General rules
Baby strollers are an essential attribute when traveling with children, and you should know what standards a children's vehicle must comply with.
Carriage of a baby stroller on an airplane is permitted by all aviation companies in the world, but each of them has its own restrictions and requirements for this item. According to the regulations, it can be carried both in the luggage compartment and in the cabin.
Strollers of some models can be transported in the aircraft cabin when folded.
Many airlines allow the carriage of a baby stroller on the plane (cabin), provided that the child's vehicle does not exceed 55*35*25 centimeters.
Airlines insist that strollers can only be taken on planes if they are intended for a child under two years of age. Most airlines do not allow strollers in the cabin.
According to the rules and regulations of most airline companies, strollers are allowed to be used on airport grounds and even to carry children to the plane in them. But then they must be handed over to the flight attendants by their parents. Upon arrival, the stroller is issued to owners in the oversized baggage department.
If a person travels without a child, but with a stroller, it must be transferred to the luggage compartment. Please note that the weight of the stroller will be added to the weight of the main luggage.
Cane
A stroller is purchased as soon as the baby learns to sit. You can ride it from six months to 3 years. Before purchasing, you need to take into account the weight of the child and choose a model with the maximum load.
On average, a cane stroller can support up to 20 kg. The most convenient models: KariKids (15 kg), Everflo (up to 20 kg), Zlatek (15 kg), Teddy Bear (15 kg). The Jetem Lavida stroller can carry a child weighing 25 kg.
Carrying a car seat
Today, many people travel with newborn babies, who require special attention during transportation. If the child is under 7–8 months, he is unlikely to be able to sit in his parents’ arms for the entire flight. The only option is to take a stroller for a newborn, a special cradle or a car seat onto the plane.
You can read an article about flying with a 2-month-old baby at this link.
Strollers for infants are very large, so most airlines prohibit transporting them directly in the cabin of an airliner, requiring them to be checked in as baggage. Therefore, parents are forced to take a special car seat for infants with them when traveling.
According to transportation standards, it is allowed to install a compact car seat for newborns on a separate seat near the window. Moreover, it should not exceed the size of the seating area (no more than 40*40 centimeters).
A car seat is allowed to be transported if it is marked as being suitable for transportation on an airliner.
If parents intend to transport their newborn in such a seat, they are required to purchase a separate ticket.
How to transport children in a car
What do the rules say?
The rules for transporting children, formulated in the traffic rules, are quite brief: they are formulated in two sentences in part 22.9. Here is a complete excerpt from the rules.
22.9. Transportation of children under 7 years of
in a passenger car and truck cabin, the design of which includes seat belts or seat belts and an ISOFIX child restraint system, must be carried out
using child restraint systems (devices) that are appropriate for the weight and height of the child
.
Transportation of children aged 7 to 11 years (inclusive)
in a passenger car and truck cab, which are designed with seat belts or seat belts and an ISOFIX child restraint system, must be carried out
using child restraint systems (devices) that are appropriate for the weight and height of the child , or using seat belts, and in the front seat of a car - only with the use of child restraint systems (devices) corresponding to the weight and height of the child.
Simply put, children under 7 years of age can only be transported using a proper child seat in the front or rear seat of a car, a child aged 7 to 11 years old can only be transported in the back seat in a child seat or without it, but fastened with a regular seat belt, and in the front seat - only in a car seat, but for a child over 12 years old - in any passenger seat without a child seat, but fastened with a regular seat belt.
A special note applies to children under 12 years of age whose height exceeds 150 cm or whose weight exceeds 36 kg.
The fact is that, according to the classification of child seats, which we will discuss below, they do not fit into any restraint device, and therefore
they can be transported using standard seat belts, but, according to traffic regulations, only in the back seat.
Please note: until the summer of 2021, the regulations included a phrase that allowed children to be transported in the back seat “using other means that allow the child to be secured using seat belts provided by the design of the vehicle”: these were so-called seat belt adapters. However, in the new edition this phrase was removed, and now the use of these same “other means” is prohibited.
How to choose a car seat according to age?
Child restraint devices sold in Russia, according to the current technical regulations of the Customs Union, must comply with Resolution No. 44 of the Economic Commission for Europe (in the technical regulations it is indicated as “UNECE regulations No. 44-04”), which is also designated in English as ECE R44 /04. It was this that formulated the division of child seats into weight groups. However, in Europe there is a newer standard, ECE R129 (or i-Size). Let's look at them in order and see what the key differences are.
What is the essence of the ECE R44/04 standard?
The ECE R44/04 standard suggests dividing child restraint systems into 5 groups. Regardless of group installation
Group 0
– these are infant carriers for children from birth to approximately 6-9 months. The child lies in them lying down and is fastened with separate belts, and the seat is secured in the car using the ISOFIX system or standard seat belts. The seat can be installed in both the front and rear seats, but when installed in the front, the front airbag (if equipped) must be disabled.
Group 0+
– these are seats similar to infant carriers, in which the child sits lying down or reclining. Unlike group 0, there may not be a removable insert for newborns, and the seats are suitable for children up to approximately 1-1.5 years of age. The child is fastened in them with separate belts, and the seat is secured in the car using the ISOFIX system or standard seat belts. The seat can be installed in both the front and rear seats, but when installed in the front, the front airbag (if equipped) must be disabled.
Group 1
- these are chairs for children who are able to sit independently - that is, from about 9 months to 3-4 years. Such chairs are usually already installed facing the direction of travel, although there are also models with the opposite direction of installation. The child is seated in them and is fastened with separate belts, and the seat is secured in the car using the ISOFIX system or standard seat belts. The seat can be installed in both the front and rear seats, but when installed in the front, the front airbag (if equipped) must be disabled.
Group 2
– these are restraint devices for children aged approximately 3-4 to 7-8 years. Options are already possible here: it can be either a full-fledged chair or a booster - that is, a seat without a backrest. ISOFIX fastening is no longer necessary for them, and the child can sit both in front and behind, and is fastened with standard seat belts.
Group 3
- This is a category of devices similar to group 2 for children aged approximately 6-7 to 12 years, when the obligation to use a child restraint system is canceled. The child can also sit in any row of seats and is fastened with standard seat belts.
Please note: according to traffic regulations, the driver has the right to transport a child in the back seat without a child restraint system from the age of 7, regardless of height and weight, but in practice it is still worth taking these parameters into account, since a standard seat belt cannot always provide the required level of safety. If the child is placed in an appropriate seat, protection will be greater with it than without it.
What is the essence of the ECE R129, or i-Size standard?
The second, more modern standard is ECE R129, or i-Size, which appeared in 2013. It implies linking the type of chair not to the weight, but to the height of the child. According to this standard, children under 15 months of age and up to 85 centimeters tall must be transported with their backs in the direction of travel, and only from 15 months and a height of 70 cm or more is it possible to install a forward-facing seat. In addition, Resolution No. 129 implies mandatory testing of the seat for side impact protection, which the old standard did not force.
Is it necessary to choose a chair labeled according to the new standard?
When choosing a chair, you can still focus not on the standard, but on the suitability of the chair for the height and weight of the child. All other things being equal, a seat marked according to a newer standard will necessarily have an ISOFIX mount and an additional anchor strap (top tether), however, older seats provide quite comparable protection, provided that they are selected correctly.
When stopping, can an inspector check the certificate for a child seat?
No, it cannot - the driver is not required to carry documents confirming the certification of the child seat. Thus, all responsibility for the correct choice of child restraint rests with him.
What is the fine for violating the rules for transporting children?
Violation of the rules for transporting children is punishable in accordance with Part 3 of Article 12.23 of the Code of Administrative Offenses: “ violation of the requirements for the transportation of children
established by the Traffic Rules, entails the imposition of an administrative
fine on the driver in the amount of 3,000 rubles
.”
Let's summarize the above
For children under 7 years of age, the following transportation rules apply:
- The use of a child seat is mandatory;
- can be transported in both the front and rear seats;
- in the absence of a chair - a fine of 3 thousand rubles.
For children from 7 to 12 years old, the following transportation rules apply:
- The use of a child seat is mandatory only when transported in the front seat;
- can be transported in both the front and rear seats, while in the back you do not have to use child seats and fasten the child with standard seat belts;
- in the absence of a seat in the case of transportation in the front seat - a fine of 3 thousand rubles.
There are no special transportation rules for children over 12 years of age - they can be transported in any row of seats without using a child restraint system, wearing standard seat belts.
The nuances of transporting strollers with major air carriers
Aeroflot
The rules for transporting strollers on Aeroflot aircraft allow them to be transported for children under two years of age, but free of charge - no more than 20 kilograms.
One of the main requirements for free transportation is the presence of a child on board. If it does not fly, the weight of the stroller is included in the total weight of the luggage. One person, in addition to the stroller, can carry up to 10 kg of luggage.
What documents are needed for children to travel abroad can be read by following this link.
Victory
Aviation categorically prohibits the carriage of wheelchairs in the cabin.
Only baby cots are allowed to be transported. Products intended for children under two years of age are carried free of charge in the luggage compartment of the aircraft. This also applies to vehicles weighing up to 10 kg and dimensions in three dimensions up to 158 centimeters.
S7
The aviation company S7 Airlines allows children under 11 years of age to carry children's vehicles free of charge. Otherwise, you will have to pay for transportation separately, that is, purchase additional luggage space.
Only cradles and special car seats, the dimensions of which do not exceed 55*40*20 centimeters, are allowed in the cabin.
UTair
Russian aviation allows you to carry for free a stroller intended for a child under two years old. But it must be in the aircraft cabin at the time of its transportation. In addition, you are allowed to carry an additional 10 kg of luggage.
Nordwind
Nordwind allows children to be transported in the luggage compartment. But the stroller should only be a walking type (cane). If other types of carriage are carried out, then the parents purchase an additional piece of luggage.
Alitalia
The airline company Alitalia allows the carriage of children's vehicles, provided that they are intended for children under 11 years of age. Upon boarding, strollers are issued only if the plane arrives in Italy or has a transfer in this country.
You can read about how to apply for a visa to Italy for children at this link.
Thai airways
The Thai aviation company does not impose any restrictions on the carriage of children's vehicles. According to the regulations and rules of this company, transportation of the stroller is free of charge even if the child is not flying on this flight.
Rules for entering Thailand with a child can be found at this link.
Ryanair
The airline company allows the use of strollers up to the plane's steps. Upon arrival, it is also issued at the gangway.
Lufthansa
Requirements for the stroller: if it is intended for children under two years of age, then it is allowed to be carried in the cabin of the airliner. At the same time, it should be foldable: a cane or a cradle for newborn children.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish aviation companies allow only baby bassinets measuring up to 70*30 centimeters to be carried in the cabin. Cane strollers can be used until the plane steps, after which they are handed over to the flight attendants. Upon arrival they are given to the owners.
The rules for taking a child to Turkey are described in this article.
British airways
The cabin can carry children's vehicles up to 117*38*38 centimeters. If the stroller is larger, then it is handed over to the flight attendants at the airliner's ramp.
Air France
According to the regulations, only lightweight strollers with dimensions up to 15*30*100 centimeters can be carried in the aircraft cabin. They must be intended for a child no older than two years old. A mandatory condition for transportation in the cabin is the presence of packaging (cover or wrapped in plastic film).
The airline company allows the carriage of strollers in the luggage compartment, provided that their dimensions do not exceed 55*35*25 centimeters.
Ural Airlines
allow free transportation in the luggage compartment regardless of the child’s age.
Germanwings
The German airline allows carriage in the aircraft cabin, provided that a separate ticket is purchased for the child. If it is not there, then the stroller is returned to the luggage compartment.
How to apply for a visa to Germany for a child can be found by following this link.
Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines allows a child to carry a stroller on the plane free of charge, provided that its weight together with its accessories does not exceed 10 kg.
Vim-Avia
The Russian one allows transportation provided that the vehicle is intended for a child no older than 12 years old. Transportation is only possible in the luggage compartment.
Easy Jet
A low-cost airline allows you to transport without paying:
- Strollers (folding books).
- Bassinets for babies.
- Car seats.
Transportation is carried out in the luggage compartment, not in the cabin. Transportation of strollers for newborns must be paid separately, according to the current airline tariffs.
Child growth stages
Of course, at first the baby loves and should sit in your arms. And, of course, he doesn’t care much about the fact that his mother’s shoulders and arms are “falling off.” Buying a stroller comes to the rescue, in which children sleep and go for a walk in a supine position for the first time. As a rule, this stroller is needed for up to six months. After the child’s back muscles become stronger and he learns to sit, parents switch to another type of stroller – a stroller.
In this case, it is very convenient for the child to explore the world, but there is absolutely no need to strain and walk independently.
Closer to one year old, sedentary walks no longer satisfy the increased activity of the child, who needs to touch, feel and bite everything. Children with whims try to leave the stroller and take, even if not very confident, their first steps. But after running for literally 15-20 minutes, the child gets tired and begins to ask to be held. At the same time, the demand is accompanied by whims.
It is precisely at this wonderful moment for everyone that mothers think for the first time: ignore and insist on moving independently or continue pushing in a stroller? The second option, of course, is more suitable for both parties, since the child does not strain, and the mother can transport quite a lot of related things in the stroller. In addition, the stroller speeds up the same trip to the store, since if you walk with the child, then such an event can last half a day.
Traveling with two or more children
According to the rules, every traveler who uses civil aviation services has the right to carry with him free things and a stroller with a height of no more than 158 centimeters.
The weight of allowed baggage depends on the class. Thus, Aeroflot economy class passengers can carry up to 23 kg free of charge, and business class passengers - up to 32 kg.
These rules apply to one boarding ticket. That is, by purchasing a ticket, a person automatically receives the right to carry hand luggage and baggage in the prescribed manner.
If a passenger is flying with two children, then the amount of baggage allowed directly depends on how many tickets have been purchased. Tickets cannot be purchased for children under two years of age who are flying in the arms of their mother or father (trusted person).
If, for example, a woman goes on a trip with children aged one and five years, then she is required to purchase two tickets. And automatically acquires the right to carry two strollers, the weight of which will be included in the total weight of baggage (if the airline does not allow free carriage). If both children are over two years old, the passenger must purchase three tickets.
You can read the article about plane tickets for children by following this link.
If a family with two small children under two years of age goes on a trip, then the parents also purchase two tickets. And they retain the right to transport both strollers, the weight of which will be included in the total weight of each passenger’s luggage. If the airline company allows free transportation of strollers, then parents can additionally take no more than 10 kg of luggage for each stroller.
The best manufacturers
Fairy
The domestic brand “Fairy” produces inexpensive but high-quality products for children: cribs, swings, playpens, cradles, chests of drawers, changing boards, bathtubs and much more. Products of this brand are in great demand in Russia and the CIS countries, as they are made from hypoallergenic materials and meet safety requirements. The affordable price and simple, laconic, no-frills design only increase the number of fans of this product.
- A flexible but rather rigid frame retains the shape of the product throughout the entire period of active use.
- The top of the cradle is covered with practical waterproof material in dark colors. The hoods are removable, but not foldable.
- The lid is secured with zippers on both sides.
- The handles are connected with a Velcro fastening.
- The set includes a long strap with carabiners for carrying the cradle on the shoulder.
“Fairy” baby carriers cost in the range from 800 to 1,500 rubles. They are intended for children weighing up to 7.5 kg. They fit into any strollers for babies and perform their functions 100%, protecting babies from wind and precipitation.
Karapuz
The carriers of this brand have a universal design and differ only in color. The price of the product is about 1000 rubles.
According to the manufacturer, the bassinets are designed to carry children weighing up to 7.7 kg. Its dimensions are larger than most similar products. The hood is removable and fastened with buttons. The handles are long and soft. The weight of the empty cradle is only 1.3 kg. The lid closes with a zipper sewn around the entire perimeter.
LEO
founded in Russia in 2002. Its main specialization is children's clothing, but for several years now under the same brand they have been producing baby carriers.
A special feature of the products of this brand is the stylization of the models. While most competitors opt for a sleek, practical design with a sporty style, this is different. The LEO collection has several luxurious and delicate options with lace, stylish carriers for little gentlemen, stylized as tailcoats, carrier bags in the form of sneakers, models with oriental patterns, bright polka dot options and many others.
The price range is from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles, depending on the design and materials used.
Sdobina
The Russian company is engaged in sewing baby sleep accessories, baptismal sets and bed linen.
The collection of carrier bags from this brand is made in pastel colors and contains several models for boys and girls. The average weight of an empty cradle is 1.7 kg. Most models are made of satin, which is an undoubted advantage among analogues, which are most often sewn from synthetic materials. However, such cradles quickly lose their presentation during precipitation, so it is recommended to use them only in clear weather.
The hard plywood bottom is wrapped with spunbond, and the entire body is insulated with Hollocon. The visor is removable. Inside there is a thin pillow and mattress. The models are decorated with embroidery and frills.
Selby
Another domestic manufacturer specializing in children's products. Selby carrying bags cost about 1,800 rubles and are available in different colors, ranging from bright blue to practical gray.
Owners of Selby bassinets appreciated the stylish, laconic design with embroidery on the lid. The hard bottom can be easily removed, so the water-repellent textile body can be washed. The kit includes a mount that connects the handles to make it more convenient to carry the cradle on your shoulder.
ForKiddy
The ForKiddy brand comes from St. Petersburg. This brand produces high-quality strollers and car seats that meet European safety standards. Carrying cradles from this manufacturer also have quality certificates.
The bassinets have a plastic bottom, so the weight is only 1.3 kg. Universal dimensions allow it to be used with any strollers. The top closes with a durable zipper and can be completely removed.
Slaro
The products of the Polish brand of baby strollers Slaro are in high demand in Russia despite the price being above average. Products of this brand are made of excellent quality materials, beautifully sewn, so they last for many years without losing their appearance. The same can be said about baby carriers.
The cost of models is from 2000 to 2500 rubles. The body is made of waterproof dense fabric. The handles are sewn to the sides at an angle, which reduces the load on the hands. The visor is quite low, so the child's face is hidden from prying eyes. The lid closes with two zippers.
Lonex
This is another Polish brand that specializes in strollers and car seats. The distinctive features of this company's products are practicality, laconic design and high quality materials (Italian textiles).
The sides are denser than most analogues, so the products hold their shape well. The bottom is made of plywood: the plate is inserted from the back (held on with Velcro) and can be easily removed before washing. The hood has buttons and has a white flexible wire that prevents it from bending. The inside of the cradle is lined with soft fabric; at the bottom there is a mattress filled with foam rubber. The cost varies from 2000 to 3000 rubles.
Globex
The manufacturer offers budget models of cradles starting at 1,200 rubles. Moreover, the low price does not mean a loss of functionality: the models are equipped with a strap for carrying on the shoulder. Light weight of 1.3 kg is also a definite advantage.
The bottom is removed. The top cover is fastened with two zippers.
Rental at the airport
Today, aviation companies are very loyal to people who travel with children. Therefore, many of them provide a special cradle for the child during the flight. One of these offers to rent a cradle for a more comfortable trip for your baby.
Aeroflot offers to rent a cradle for a more comfortable trip for your baby
However, ordering a cradle is possible only in cases where the child’s age does not exceed one year and weighs no more than 11 kg. The cradle must be ordered at least 1.5 days before the intended flight. This is due to the limited number of similar products for babies.
If parents need a stroller only at the airport, then they can use the service of renting a children's vehicle for a while. Today, stroller rental is available in Russia at Sheremetyevo Airport in terminals F, C, E.
Checking in the luggage compartment
If the airline company prohibits transportation in the cabin, then the stroller is checked in as baggage. Before this, it must be properly packaged. It’s better to put it in a special cover for the stroller, but if you don’t have one, you need to wrap it properly with plastic film.
Packaging is also necessary to ensure that all removable parts do not fall out during loading and transportation.
If the stroller is required immediately after landing, you should notify the air port flight attendants in advance so that a special “delivery at aircraft” tag will be placed on it.
What does a Finnair delivery at aircraft tag look like?
Convenient folding strollers are transferred to luggage at the ramp. In such a situation, they should be folded as compactly as possible and packed in a special case. Large children's vehicles are not included in oversized luggage, especially strollers with removable blocks.
Large strollers are checked in as baggage during general check-in.
Transporting a wheelchair
Wheelchairs can only be transported in the luggage compartment as checked baggage. There is no charge for transporting a wheelchair. To transport a wheelchair for people with reduced mobility, a prior request must be made.
Transporting a passenger in a wheelchair
Time before departure during which you need to make a request to transport a wheelchair:
- Aeroflot - within 36 hours.
- UIA - over 48.
- airBaltic - for 48.
- Nordica - over 48.
- Adria Airways - for 48.
