So, we choose car seats. What they are, which ones to give preference to, what you should pay attention to when buying, how to install the model in the car – all this is further in the article.

Types of child car seats

The car seat is selected depending on the weight of the child. It is on this parameter that the classification of devices is based. So, children's models are divided into five types:

  • "0" - "recumbent" car seats for babies up to 12 months and weighing up to 10 kg. Suitable for newborns. A wide padded strap (Y-shaped or five-point) holds them in the cradle. Additional protection is provided for the head;
  • "0+1" - car seats-carriers for children under the age of 1.5 years, which weigh up to 13 kg. These are universal devices that are used as a carrier, rocking chair and a regular high chair. Usually, they are installed facing against the course of movement, so that in the event of a collision, the impact is minimal;
  • "1" - chairs for children from one to four years old and weighing 9-18 kg. For such devices, the ability to set multiple tilt positions is important. For example, for sleeping and waking. Traditionally, they are placed in the rear passenger seat in the direction of travel;
  • "2" - chairs for children 3-7 years old and weighing 15-25 kg. Installation – exclusively in the direction of movement in the back seat. As the child grows up, internal belts can be replaced with external car belts.;
  • "3" - seat pads for children from 6 to 10 years old, weighing 22-36 kg. The child is fixed with ordinary car belts.

In addition, in the assortment you can see the so-called transformer chairs. They are versatile, practical and convenient, suitable for different ages. But in terms of safety, multi-age and multi-weight products are inferior to "highly specialized" ones. Experts recommend changing the chair to the model of the next category even before the child reaches the maximum weight threshold. As practice shows, caring parents have time to change three car seats before their son or daughter becomes teenagers.

Convenience and security

Classification simplifies the choice of a car seat. But, in addition to the weight and age of the child, it is necessary to take into account how comfortable he will feel in a particular model. And this is not indulging his whims. If the car seat is not very comfortable, the child will probably try to get out of it, distracting the driver from the road, and thereby endangering the lives of all passengers. Therefore, before buying, let the little fidget "test" the product himself. The future "throne" should not restrict movement, but hold it securely. Also keep in mind that a child car seat should be purchased only in a store: used models may have defects that are invisible at first glance, but nullify safety.

And most importantly: the safety of the chair is confirmed by the marking of the European quality mark ECE R44/03 and ECE 44/04. This marking indicates that the product has passed a full test cycle. You will not lose anything if you confirm the information received with the conclusion of one of the crash tests. Such information is easy to find on the Internet. But be aware: seats with control numbers ECE 44/01 and ECE 44/02 are prohibited for use.

What you should pay attention to

 

Decide on the brand of the product. Especially popular are car seats of such foreign companies as Bebe Confort (France), Britax (England), Concord (Germany), Cybex (Germany), Chicco (Italy), Graco (America), Heyner (Germany), Maxi-Cosi (Netherlands), Inglesina (Italy), Romer (Germany). Remember that a well-known brand, usually, is the key to product quality. And let the savings be reasonable.

Other key points to pay attention to when choosing a model:

  • the level and method of adjusting the car seat (height, width, tilt). Several positions and the noiselessness of the transition from one to another is an undoubted plus;
  • the method of attachment to the car seat: against the movement – for babies up to 9 months, in the direction of movement – for children older than 9 months;
  • anatomical insert smoothly repeating the silhouette of the child. It allows him to sit comfortably in the chair. The insert must necessarily be in the category "0" model. For a child who is already sitting on his own, it does not matter, unlike the ergonomic shape of the seat. It is good if the product has soft inserts under the elbows, back;
  • the height of the sidewalls, the depth of the child's seat in the chair, the presence of support for the head;
  • rigidity of fasteners, both five-point and Y-shaped. It should not be excessive. The child will be comfortable if the buckles inside have a soft coating;
  • seat belt adjustment should be simple. In addition, protection against accidental unbuckling of belts by a baby is mandatory;
  • upholstery material and the possibility of its washing;
  • innovations introduced into the product. This can be, for example, a Safe Side protection from side impacts from Bebe Confort, primarily protecting the most vulnerable part of the child's body – the head. Or the Isofix system, which firmly fixes the child car seat in the car.

How to install a car seat in a car

Undoubtedly, the choice of a child seat is extremely important for the safety of the child. But the design also needs to be installed correctly. First, keep in mind that for crumbs under the age of 9 months (in view of the peculiarities of the development of the vestibular apparatus and spine), the car seat is installed against the course of movement. However, 9 months is a conditional figure. This is an individual parameter. As soon as the baby starts to sit, you can set the purchase in the direction of movement. Secondly, if the front passenger seat is equipped with an airbag, a child car seat located against the course cannot be installed on it. The safest area in the car is the middle of the back seat.